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Part 42: Small victories
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Part 42 - Small victories by Dworkin (GM)
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One by one, the group retire to their rooms for the night. Silence settles over the inn, like a heavy blanket.
Shortly before dawn, the restless dead, held back from bothering the
living for so many years, return to their proper place to await another
midnight, another opportunity to break the walls which protect the
world of flesh and blood from their incursions.
A few more of the ghosts resolve to follow the road taken by the woman
who had moved on, seeing the sense of abandoning their impatient
vigil. Those they await will be joining them soon enough (in
comparison to the span of eternity that lays ahead). They decide
that at midnight tonight, they too will take the road to tranquility.
Some, perhaps most, will have enough determination to complete their
journey, forever breaking the shackles of guilt/rage/fear which bind
them to their half-existence.
Only time will tell for sure...
Breakfast is served, among much cheerful gossip among the
servants. There is a definite atmosphere of hope and expectation
in the inn this morning. It seems that the priest has been up and
about since dawn, and has visited several of the villagers.
He has, it appears, received a sizeable sum of money, to be used for the aid of the community...
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Cyan
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Preceeded by jaw-cracking yawns, jade eyes dull with weariness, Cyan
wanders down the stairs to the common room, her gear slung over her
shoulder, kirilindë dangling from one hand. Rubbing her face, she slowly surveys the
room before moving to sit at a table, awaiting some form of sustenance.
Berd, by contrast, looks exceptionally fit this morning, flitting down
the stairs, eyes glittering, to perch on the back of her seat like a
vulture, staring down at the tabletop with obvious anticipation.
"Don't you - don't you ever become full?" Cyan asks, interrupted by yet
another yawn.
Fumbling in her pouch, she comes out with several palanquet,
which she fans before herself. "Aaron," the woman notes, running
fingers through her hair, "will be pleased. I trust."
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Serena
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Serena awoke as she always did, unless extremely eshausted, wide eyed
and ready to face the day. After brushing her hair which she chose to
leave loose hanging in a red sheath to her waist, she changed into her
only other traveling dress of midnight blue.
After picking up her bags she headed downstairs. Smelling the breakfast serena thought'Now that smells good.' After entering the main room she saw Cyan sitting down already.
After approaching and taking a seat she turned to Cyan and after
waiting forher stop talking with the inn's mistress smiled brightly and
said,<Purple>Good morning cyan. Did you sleep well?</Purple
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Devlin
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Devlin arrived in the room just after Serena. He had actually followed
her down the stairs and did so quietly enough that no one would have
known he was there. Standing at the bottom of the stairs now he has
just been watching the woman, or two women.
Serena greets Cyan and Devlin continues to stand there watching, head
tilted to one side. He's sure that one of them has noticed him by now
and he says, "Good morning, ladies." and then takes a few steps toward
them, moving closer to Serena; taking the seat next to her's. "Did you
both sleep well?"
Suddenly Devlin's hand jumps and it looks for a moment as though the
gauntlet on his right arm had squeezed his wrist. The man looks at it
and says, "Okay, okay." then turning back to the women he adds,
"Nightbrand also says, 'good morning.'"
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Serena
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Serena turned to Devlin as he sat down and smiled brilliantly at him.
"I slept very well Devlin. Did you?" Serena's eyes twinkled merrily at
the question as she wondered if he had slept well or not.
As he mentioned Nightbrand her expression grea quizzical and she
boldly asked," I wish a good morning to Nightbrand as well then. Who or
what as the case may be is nightbrand?"
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Cyan
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"Fine morning to you, Serena." Standing when Serena enters, Cyan
slumps back down when the other woman sits. "Ah...truth be told,
no, I slept most poorly. For some reason I had it in my head to
finish these-" she taps a forefinger on the cards lying before her,
face-down, their backs decorated by an image of a set of gates in a
hillside of a forest, surrounded by soft lights "-before
sleeping. It took some time. Thanks to Berd, I was able to
achieve some measure of rest, but still-" Another yawn. "My
apologies! Still, it was certainly not easy."
Now Devlin approaches, and she rises to greet the man. Curious. Another with a device of some kind. "Good morning to you and Nightbrand, both...Berd
was curious about that, before, but refrained from prying," Cyan
notes. "I assume that is the means by which you travel the Myriad
Worlds...but such things have a way of being much, much more than they
appear."
Silently, she awaits the answer to Serena's question.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Devlin
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"Ah, now that is a very good question." Devlin replies to Serena's
question. Looking at Cyan he says, "No, I travel through the worlds in
another way; part of my ability to change shape." Then he returns his
gaze to Serena and lifts his right arm, "This is Nightbrand." obviusly
Devlin is talking about the gauntlet on his forearm. "At least that is
what it called itself when it was given to me."
The man looks at his arm and the heavy metal gauntlet on it. "It to is
able to change it's form, and it protects me. Though Cyan is right, I
do not yet know all that it can do, but it is the only posession that
my parents left me."
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Serena
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Serena listened to Devlin's explanation and felt sad once again for his
lack of parents. They had left him with a way of protection but without
the love and caring of parents.
"Well, it is a pleasure to meet you Nightbrand." Serena says adresing
the gauntlet as if it were a person. Then she turned to Devlin and
waggling her right hand ring finger showing her emerald and silver ring
and said," Remind me to tell you about this when there are fewer ears
around." Cyan already knew so Serena was sure that Cyan would know she
meant the other patrons of the inn.
"I am sorry to hear you did not sleep well Cyan. If you ever have need
of a sleeping potion please let me know." Serena offered with a smile.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Cyan
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Cyan studies the gauntlet with interest, topaz eyes clearing. She
frowns, and nods her head. "I, too, greet you, Nightbrand."
Her head comes up. "It...he? She? Is alive,
then? Does it speak to you, Devlin, or you do receive
impressions? Your pardon, Nightbrand, if it is rude to speak to
Devlin about you."
Leaning back, she frowns. Travelling through the worlds through
shifting shape? Cyan has never heard of the like! How
amazing.
Another nod of her head, this time to Serena. "My thanks,
Serena...the problem was not with sleep, but with my thoughts. I
felt a great necessity within me, a need to finish these palanquet...I
have yet to work on cards for you and Devlin, though. I am not
certain if that is your wish - I do not make these without first
gaining permission." She smiles, slightly, at Serena's
ring. "Those appear to be very popular, in your end of the Myriad
Worlds," the bard notes. "At least among those with hair of the
same hue as yours and mine."
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Devlin
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"Most of the time Nightbrand speaks to me in my thoughts. It can speak
in the thoughts of anyone that touches it..." There is a short pause as
Devlin looks around the room and then he speaks low, "It..." and then
there is a pause once again as he seems to be listiening to something,
"Nightbrand says the term 'he' is appropriate, funny, I never asked
that question before. Anyway, he can speak aloud but will usually not do so if there is any chance of
being heard by any that should not hear him. Nightbrand has been a good
companion, but it seems he is learning his own abilities just as I am
learning my own."
Devlin becomes interested in what Cyan is saying about the cards in
front of her. "Is that like the card that brought us to you when we
first met? I had to study cards that looked very similar to it in order
to learn the names of those that are supposed to be related to me, but
I was never told of the power they had. If you would like to create one
of me I would not stop you, maybe some day when we have some free time
you can show me how it is done. I've always considered myself a fair
artist."
Devlin has not forgotten the ring, but it seemed that Serena did not
want to speak of it here and now so it let it go. He was sure that he'd
get a chance to speak with her about it privately. He was looking at
her now with a smile on his face and thinking about being alone with
her. Suddenly he turns away and forces a change in his own thoughts,
"So, does anyone know what we'll be having for breakfast? I hope the
cook includes some type of meat."
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by James
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James appears on the stairs and makes his way into the common room. "Morning everyone."
Curiously, the soldier who went up the stairs has been replaced by a
well-dressed young gentleman. Gone are the fatigues, replaced by
an immaculate white shirt with a wing collar and a gleam of silver at
the cuffs, neatly pressed pants and leather boots. Fangmir hangs
at his side.
On the whole, James seems to be in a good mood. He ambles to the
table. Stopping behind one of the chairs, he scratches absently
at the stubble on his chin and throat. "I wonder if there's a barber anywhere here?"
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Dorian
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Dorian emerges from the stairs trailing a black and brooding silence in
his wake. Instead of going to the table where his friends gather, he
stops a serving lady and speaks with her in silence for a moment. Then,
he approaches the table, speaking no gretting. He offers only a slight
nod to the general gathering, before seating himself.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Serena
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Serena replied to Cyan first saying," Well,I know that problem. I often
have too many thoughts or things to do to sleep well. I would love for
you to do a Tru..palanquet" Serena quickly changed the words and then
went on " For me,in fact Cyan I would be honored."
Then turning to Devlin Serena said," Well it sounds as though
nightbrand is very useful and has been a good friend to you during a
time when you needed one. Perhaps at a later date you would allow me to
speak with Nightbrand directly. " Seerena suggested with a glint in her
eye which was in regards to their spending time alone.
As James arrived Serena was only momentarily taken aback by the change
and it caused her to blink once before saying, And agood morning to you
James. your looking quite dapper. I am sure the town has a barber
somewhere."
As Dorian entered and sat silently Serena still said,"Good morning
Dorian." half figuring he would not return the greeting but that would
be all right if it happened that way.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Cyan
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"Indeed, Devlin. This is precisely what they are. I can
show you how to do it," she states, looking thoughtful, "but it is not
easy. There is quite a bit more to the work than simple painting,
of course...and I would like to see your work. For breakfast...I
would prefer some vegetable stew, though I suspect there is little
enough of that availible. Fresh bread and water, with some
grains, would be sufficient." She grows more serious. "As
for Nightbrand, I will remember. Him. Such things are
invariably old, and hold many stories. And secrets." The
bard eyes the gauntlet speculatively.
She grins, briefly, at Serena. "No offense will be taken, Serena, if you refer to the palanquet as Trumps. I have met masters of my work who refer to them as
such. It does not disturb me. To me, they will always be palanquet - the far-speakers. My thanks for your kind words, and I will begin work on a palanquet post-haste."
"James!" Standing, Cyan nods, before reseating herself.
"You have returned from exile...but to where did the darkly dressed
warrior vanish?" The bard cocks her head to the side to study the
man. "As I said before, this manner of clothing 'suits' you
better." A wave of the hand in apology for the silly little play
on words. "When we first met, James dressed in such a
fashion. More logical his later clothing might have been, yet I
prefer this style."
Again, the bard rises, but only partway as Dorian decides to speak with
the serving-girl, first. She waits until he does, actually, head
in their direction before completing the motion, nodding to the dark
man. "Good morning to you, Dorian. I hope you slept well
last night." A small smile dances on her lips at the greeting,
her amythest eyes pleased. Well. He chooses to join us. A good thing, indeed.
Berd, for his part, sidles along the table before putting his scaled
claw on the table beside James. The dragon winks, then shifts
back, leaving behind a shining, new, three-bladed men's safety razor.
"Gentlemen," Cyan continues, "I have completely my first set of palanquet for you. One for each." Reaching out, Cyan places the cards down on the table, face up.
The first is James, in clothing resembling what he wears now - the same
style in which Cyan first met the man. He sits, resting, in a
clearing in the woods, a backpack behind him, Fangmir propped
prominently within reach. Sunlight illuminates the grass, but the
trees are darkened, shadowed. The man himself does not give the
appearance of rest, or agitation, but expectancy. A calmness
pervades him, a feeling of preparation for something to come, something
long awaited. A slight smile adorns his features, but behind it,
in his eyes, lies a touch of weary sadness. The image of a
soldier, awaiting the next call to duty.
The second is Dorian, dressed in his customary heavy cloak, staff in
hand, other hand outstretched; on it lies a large, ancient
compass. The man stands at a crossroads upon a plateau, jagged,
snowtopped mountains behind him, a green valley stretching deep before
him, twin paths extending out to his sides. It is impossible to
determine from where he came, though. A signpost stands beside
him, ancient and weatherburned. Dorian's sharp features are hard
and set against the wind whipping his cloak, and his eyes carry a
question in their dark depths as he surveys both compass and
roads. A man following a road to its end, now finding himself
with choices where none existed before.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Aaron
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Aaron too finally emerged into the common room, looking rested, though
a there was still a sign of fatigue behind his lone eye. He nodded in
greeting to his assembled group, and noted those who were currently
missing.
Grabbing a seat, Aaron sighed and raised an eyebrow at Cyan's handiwork, nodding in appreciation.
"As always, your representations are amazing, Cyan," he said, smiling slightly.
It was apparent that Aaron simply wasn't ready to depart at the moment,
lacking a great majority of his outfit, including his coat, armor, and
Ilsefranvir most noticibly. He crossed his arms infront of his chest
and raised his head to look in Cyan's direction now, his attention
taken off of the Trumps for the moment.
"If you don't mind, there was something on my mind for most of the
night. Before Metatron took me away, our group was seperated. I'm
curious as to just where the rest of you went while the rest of us were dealing with Metatron."
Aaron ran a hand through his dark, lengthening hair, yawning slightly
as he did so. "It was a thought that dawned on me, and I'm wondering
why I didn't ask you sooner."
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by James
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James smiles "Thank you, Serena. The clothes may not make the man, but they can affect as well as reflect the way you feel."
"The darkly dressed warrior went no further than my pack, Cyan. I may need him, it, again." James smile hardens a little but remains. "I
took the liberty of taking a little walk until I found a cupboard with
some nice clothes that fitted me. Don't fret, I left behind ample
compensation, Jonnee didn't take me to the cleaners at poker last
night."
James takes a seat. As he sees the present Berd has left for him,
James laughs, caught off-guard by the dragon's sense of humour.
It is a warm sound and full. As he laughs, James head tilts back
slightly, an unconscious gesture. "I see. Thank you Berd."
After Cyan announces the new palanquet, James reaches for his card. "May I?".
His hand pauses above it as he awaits Cyan's permission. Assuming
she grants it, James picks the card up and examines it more
closely. James feels a tingle as he handles the card, but he
can't tell whether it's the properties of the card or the feeling of
recognition, never having handled his own Trump before.
"Thank you, Cyan, it's beautiful."
Uh, I bet that sounded vain. Maybe I ought to clarify. Oh, so what? It is beautiful.
James face betrays something of his thoughts and he looks flustered for
a moment before regaining his composure and putting the card down.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Aaron
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Aaron caught a bit of James' embarrassment after his compliment, and he
leaned over to get a better look at the Trump of the man.
"No, you're right, James. It is beautiful work," he said, moving back over and nodding. "Not that it surprises me, since Cyan is just that good."
And he chuckled slightly, eliciting a small sigh from himself.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Serena
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"Cyan you work is exquisite. Not only the art but how you seemd to have captured the inner essence of James and Dorian." Serena comments as she had laned over to look at the palanquets.
"I do not wish to pressure you Cyan but after seeing these I can hardly wait until you have the time to do mine. Serena said with a smile. Just then one of the inns serving girls
approached the table and Serena placed her order of fresh fruit,a
muffin,and strong tea.
The serving girl then turned to the others at the table and waited for them to order as well.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Dworkin (GM)
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With the orders taken, and the smell of cooking wafting through from
the kitchen, the companions return to their discussion of the
Trumps. Only to be interrupted a few minutes later by Falke.
"So you're an artist as well as a musician,
Miss? Is there no end to your talents? I used to draw a
little when I was a lad, but nothing like those."
"Anyhow, I just came to let you know that you've maybe had a bit of
luck. An old friend of mine named Osrik sent a messenger to me
this morning. Seems he'll be here in Buckfast in about two hours,
but he won't be stopping long, and he wants me to have breakfast ready
and waiting for him and his lads to have as soon as they gets here."
He turns away towards the kitchen, then stops short, "Now
isn't that typical of me? All this excitement about the priest
near made me forget why Osrik might be lucky for you. He's a
horse breeder, and he's taking thirty of them to the market at
Bellinford."
He raises his hands then, in a placating gesture, "Don't you worry though, Osrik's horses are all good stock, and you'll get a fair price from him. Very proud of his reputation is Osrik."
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Cyan
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James' appreciation for the cards draws a pleased grin. "It gives
me honor that you think it so, James." The bard sighs. "I
suppose it is too much to hope for that man stays in your pack...but
needs must, and times come when we must set aside our wants for the
needs. I understand the necessity, James, though it saddens me
that we all must change for this quest." There are times, she
knows, that their little group will resemble nothing of what it
appeared last night, with poker around the table, Aaron resting
quietly, Serena and Devlin walking in the woods. Berd and Dorian
discussing arcane knowledge, no doubt.
"And I will be working on them for you and Devlin, Serena, as soon as I
can. It is an honor to me that you, who comes from a land where
these things are far more common, consider my work fine." Very
pleased, now, between the comliments and the talk about the table, Cyan
shifts in her seat, slightly embarassed.
Upon Aaron's entry Cyan, again, rises and gives him a quick bow,
pleased at his own compliments. "My thanks, Aaron...hopefully the
group will use them wisely. As for where we went, Berd took us
someplace...comfortable, to rest." She looks uncertain for a
moment. "A dream, one might describe it," she says, and looks
away, obviously unwilling to say more on the subject. "From
thence, when you were taken away, we awaited you, meeting Gil and the
others whom you, also, met...and falling into a difficulty with
them." She says no more on that subject, not wishing to bring up
the death, again. Dorian saw it as a sore point, as did
she. "You came and found us finishing our work...that, really, is
the extent of it. Was their anything we learned?" she asks the
others.
Falke's arrival cuts off further discussion, and throws another
compliment on the heap; definitely embarassed now, Cyan ducks her head,
shielding her topaz eyes. Fortunately, the man heads off in a
different direction - to that of horses. Now, by 'luck', they
shall have transport - the Bard wonders which of the reality shapers
was responsible for that little bit of coincidence. "Falke, this
is wonderful news. I'm certain we shall get the best value for
our silver from your friend."
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Devlin
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Devlin orders food; whatever he can get that includes meat and then he
sits quitely and listens to the others. He does not really have
anything to add to the converstation, but he is interested in what is
going on and interested in where his travels will take him next. Life
in a group was much more interestin than life alone, at least that much
he was sure about.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Jonnee
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"Horses. Excellent!" Jonnee laughs, then adds, grinning, "So we can ride to the horse market and buy mounts,"
When the food arrives, Jonnee eats with his usual appetite.
Devouring everything set before him, and making others fear for their
own breakfasts.
"More seriously, though, the horses will help us
along, quite a bit. But depending on how strong their nerves are,
we might need to abandon them on the final stage. Do you want
that sausage, Aaron?"
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Dworkin (GM)
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Breakfast continues until all, even Jonnee Kay and Hunter, have eaten their fill. The food is good, and plentiful.
Not long after the last of the dishes have been cleared, there is a
commotion in the yard outside. Horses. Many of them.
It seems that Osrik and his group have arrived. Sure enough,
within a few minutes the door opens to admit eight men and a woman.
All are clad in what looks, at first, like a somewhat drab jester's
motley, in browns, greys and yellows. Only when examined more
critically does it become apparent that the costumes are, in fact,
composed of a patchwork of leather and furs.
They all have the look of being made of leather themselves; skins
tanned by sun and wind to rich brown colour. Every one of them,
including the woman, have heavily tattooed faces. Complicated
patterns of curves, whorls and lines in black ink across their dark
faces. All, except the one that Falke greets as Osrik, have
straight black hair, braided and hanging down their backs to their
belts. Osrik's head is clean shaven, displaying an impressive
scar, which looks as though it may have been made by a horse's hoof.
Most of the men, including Osrik, wear long moustaches, and the woman
has several white disks hanging from each ear, which rattle and clatter
with a pleasantly musical tone.
A heavy, curved knife hangs at the belt of every member of the group, and a long rawhide whip is coiled at the opposite hip.
Falke points Osrik in the direction of his other group of guests, and
the man glances in their direction, before nodding and sitting down to
eat his own breakfast. As he eats, his eyes rove around the room,
but return constantly to the questers. Finally he gives up all
pretense of disinterest. and sits, studying them through narrowed eyes.
He eats in silence, save for a few curt answers to his companions, who
converse and joke in a strange tongue, and laugh loudly, and often.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Cyan
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Never one to stand (or sit) on ceremony, Cyan, when Osrik finishes,
stands and marches up to his table, a smile lighting her
features. "Good morning, sir. We are travellers, sadly
lacking horses, and our good innkeeper Falke has informed us you might
be able to give assistance in this matter." One, copper eyebrow
rises over a sappire eye. "Perhaps a bit of mutual gain might be
in order?"
Berd, at the table, gives up on fighting Jonnee over the other
travellers' leftovers. The man is simply too fast.
Disgruntled drake curls up around Cyan's plate protectively, and hisses
in warning before consuming what little she left behind.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Jonnee
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Jonnee studies the newcomers carefully. They have a familiar -
not "look" exactly - more like a "feel" - to them. They could be
dangerous, if not handled right. But Cyan is a master, or
mistress, of words, and can handle herself if things get rough.
Nonetheless, he shifts his weight, relying on them to discount him as a
threat because of the distance, and the fact that his hands are in
plain view and empty.
Of course, if he does have to move, then they might get a
nasty shock at seeing just how fast that distance can shrink. And
how un-empty his hands really are.
And still he studies them. Their attitude, their way of moving,
the way they act, all seem so familiar. Not exactly the same, but
similar. They feel like Kalika Wolfblade.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Dworkin (GM)
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There are a few comments from some of Osrik's men, followed by
laughter, though the woman merely rolls her eyes and punches the man
sitting nearest her in the ear. Hard.
This results in more laughter from all except the one with the rapidly reddening ear. He instead mutters something which gives the impression of being an
apology. Another man speaks loudly, smiling broadly, then
clenches his right fist before pressing down on the top of his own head
with the thumb, bowing until his nose almost touches the food before
him.
The woman moves like a striking snake, slamming both hands down on the
back of his head, and driving his face into the bowl of porridge.
More gleeful laughter, and by the time he raises his head, she is
seated again, smiling sweetly, with her arm around the one with the
swollen ear.
Osrik scowls, and simply says, "Kaddocht-yan!". The others immediately fall silent, returning to their breakfast. He smiles, "Apologies for them. No offence was meant. I am called Osrik."
In a single, swift, well-practiced motion, the knife is in his right fist. "We begin this, yes?"
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Cyan
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Cyan only raises one eyebrow, grinning at the sudden attempt to drown
one of the men. She recognizes the 'type', now, if not the
exactly language and tribe, and doesn't flinch when Osrik pulls
steel. The thumb gives away the fact that it isn't a combat grip
- or if it is, it's a remarkably poor one, leaving the knife open to
'stripping' through the fingerspace - so it may simply be he wants to
play a quick game of sailor's poker.
The bard isn't certain, though, so she shrugs. "I would, yes, but
I don't know the rules, yet. A fine knife, but what will you do
with it?" Her topaz eyes gleam in the morning light of the
room. "Let an ignorant outsider in on your customs," she urges.
If it is sailor's poker, she doesn't plan on being surprised. I've already lost one finger in the last two month...I don't want to lose another.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Dorian
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Dorian looks the men over appraisingly. There was so much fuss over
mere beasts of burden. Surely one of the pattern users could find some suitable transport along the road. If not, Dorian could produce
remarkable animals in short time. He should have done that last night,
instead of making midnight donations to some foolish church. The
donations had been merely an excuse for his presense, though. Something
to keep the priest from wondering why the stanger had shown up at a
late hour and asked inane questions to stall him.
With a soft, yet weay sigh, Dorian leans back in his chair and looks towards the group.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Aaron
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Aaron too, watched the group intently. He also watched his group, for he knew that Cyan, while she considered herself of little
importance in the scheme of things, was a very special member of his
team. He knew that, should anything happen to her (however unlikely
though it seemed), the reaction from Aaron's side of the room would be
less than positive.
So to say that he was perceptive of both the individuals to whom Cyan
was conversing, and those Aaron was keeping an eye on, was an
understatement.
He watched and listened, leaning his chair back with his arms crossed
before his chest. The newcomers were familiar to him, and it seemed
that a few on his side of the room also recognized their type. Aaron
hadn't seen individuals of this kind since he and Arianne ran into the
Horselords, many a lifetime ago, though those people had been far less
at ease with eachother than these few seemed to be.
For that, Aaron somewhat envied these people. They acted less like a
group of like-minded fellows, and more like a family. Perhaps they
were, in a sense.
Aaron was curious, especially after the leader, Osrik, drew steel. The
fact that Cyan didn't react negatively to that put Aaron quite at ease,
and he immediatly moved his attention to his team, prepared to calm
anyone who might have taken Osrik's action as a point of contention.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Dworkin (GM)
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Osrik gestures towards a chair, "Please, seat yourself. My people have a... proverb? Yes, proverb. 'Honesty and honour can live on the knife.' Well, that is as close as it can be spoken in the Trade Words."
He slams the blade tip down, and moves his hand away, leaving the knife
standing in the centre of the table, turned in such a way that neither
he nor Cyan has an edge towards them. The rest of his group,
already quiet, fall silent and concentrate on eating.
Only when Cyan is seated does Osrik continue. "So, how many of my fine horses is it that you are wanting to buy?" then he reaches out his left hand and taps the flat of the blade, twice, with a fingernail, before sitting back and waiting.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Serena
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Serena had finished eating and had begun to watch the negotiations over
the horses. Something bothered her about these men. Perhaps it was
their aggresiveness. Serena then looks to Devlin to see if he is paying
close atttention as well. Serena hoped things went smoothly.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by James
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James had assumed that Cyan would be the one to handle the negotiations
for horses and was content to leave her to it, no point crowding the
newcomers. He was a bit concerned when Osric pulled a knife,
something that had been happening far to often to Cyan recently.
The others may have had different ways of assessing the situation but
James looked to Falke, when the innkeeper made no reaction at the knife
being drawn, James decides its probably just a symbolic part of
negotiations. Still, like Jonnee, he takes a moment to casually
assess the positioning of the horsemen, just in case.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Devlin
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Devlin was paying close attention to everything that was happening. He
didn't understand the language being spoken by the others but he could
guess it was something vulgar and it wrinkles his nose. Then the man
called Osrik pulled a knife anyone looking at him might have sworn than
his ears laid back against his head. He was not really concerned other
than for how everyone else might react. When he sees that no one reacts
to this he relaxes once again.
He then listens to the negotiations carefully as he tries to remember
how much, if any, coin he has. He could ride, but hadn't found much use
for it.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Cyan
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"A precariously balanced place to stand...but then, the proper balance
of honesty and honour is a very fine edge." With a nod, she seats
herself, observing everything he does. Trade worlds. How interesting! Do these people travel between worlds, or is it a euphamism?
Studying him with amber eyes, Cyan runs a quick tally in her head, and
nods. "Well, I would like to purchase some seven of your
horses. For riding, swift and enduring - we do not require pack
horses." Reaching out, carefully watching him in case she is
doing something wrong, and trying to take her cues from his body
language, Cyan taps the flat of the blade, herself. Twice.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Jonnee
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"This is new." Jonnee mutters to the others, "But it kinda makes sense." He relaxes a little, but only a little.
"Look at them. They've all got a knife and a
whip. The knife is most likely their main weapon and tool, so it
means a lot to them. Enough that they use it to make a deal
official."
He watches then as Osrik taps the knife with his nail. "I'm betting that means he's finished speaking, and that it'd be rude to interrupt before he tapped it."
Jonnee glances at the Aaron, "Hey, don't
look so surprised. I like books, and Amber has a good
library. Caine liked me to use it, said knowing more made me a
more useful tool for him. I think he was joking."
"Berd, can you link us to Cyan again? In case she needs more opinions on what she should do?"
"Ah, that's right, Cyan. Tap the knife to show that you spoke your share. Good."
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Serena
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Serena watched and listened as Cyan negotiated. Serena was impressed at
how quickly Cyan had picked up on the way these men speak and do their
business. Serena made a mental note to tell Cyan later how impressed
she was and to ask her if she has a lot of diplomatic experience.
Serena then glanced at Devlin and wondered if he would choose to use
his other form for travel. Then she thought that that probbably would
not make sense and she wasn't sure how comfortable he would be with
everyone in that form. Or for that matter how comfortable the horses
would be with him in wolf form.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Berd
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Berd, staring at Jonnee with some wariness, relaxes when it becomes
apparant that the man isn't looking for more of Cyan's leftovers.
He raises his head (covering the plate with his wings) and stares at
Cyan for a long moment, his eyes glittering.
Cyan doesn't so much as blink, after years and years of experience with
Berd. Even with their recent (and possibly ongoing)
'difficulties'.
A thread of spiritual power tickles the defenses of everyone around the
table, for their acceptance or no. Those that accept again find
themselves with the bridging of Berd's creation.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Dworkin (GM)
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As Cyan taps the knife, Osrik nods minutely, "Good.
I tell you now, and these are words of truth, at Bellinford there are
those who would pay as much as forty ounces of pure silver for a horse
bred by the Dinchyatti. For seven horses, that would be two hundred and eighty ounces."
He shrugs, and raises his open hands, palms upwards and with his elbows against his sides, "But I like you. For this reason, I ask only... "
His eyes narrow, calculation of the price? Assessment of Cyan? Both?
"Two hundred and fifty."
Tap tap.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Serena
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Serena accepts the bridging as she continues to watcha nd listen to the
dealing. Unfortunately she really has no idea if this is a good deal or
a bad deal and awaits Cyan's reply to their offer.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Aaron
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Aaron accepted the joining with no hesitation, long used to bonding
with Berd. The closeness he shared with Cyan would help Aaron to act
accordingly, should the deal turn for better or worse.
Aaron nodded to Jonnee, but merely raised his one good eyebrow at the
mention of Caine's possible manipulations. He posed a look of firm
concentration as he returned his attentions to Cyan and Osrik.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by James
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James, too, accepts the link without hesitation. At the moment he
is trying to determine how much they are being asked to pay. Blasted imperial measurements! How much is that in kilos?
James speaks quietly across the table. "Jonnee, we may need to take a little side-trip to come up with that much money."
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Jonnee
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You'll have to handle that, James. All I
can do is find the most direct road from where I am, now, to some place
I've been before. I can't get creative about the route, and I
can't travel to some place I've never been.
Jonnee turns his attention back to the negotiations.
I don't know how much an ounce of silver is
worth in Cali guineas, but I do know that even his discount price is
going to be high. The question is, how low should Cyan start? A sudden flash of genius strikes then, Cyan,
listen. If you need to stall him while we get the money, ask to
see the merchandise. The customers at the market would get to see
what they're paying for, so why shouldn't you?
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Devlin
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Devlin must have allowed the link because there is a mental chuckle and then Devlin puts forth his own opinion. "The
quality of the animals we buy from this man matters very little. I can
always make them stronger, faster, larger, smaller, whatever. Or I can
inspect the animals, look inside to see what they're really like. If we
pay this price I would expect to get his best animals."
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Jonnee
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The quality and the price might matter a lot, Devlin. There might be a Pride thing going on.
Now, we can afford any price he asks. Pattern users, real pattern
users, not just the cheap knock-offs like me, could step out of the
door and "just happen to find " that somebody has dropped a trunk with
the exact amount of cash we need, right on the doorstep. Lucky,
that is.
These people, though, they know their animals, and take pride in
them. That's one reason I suggested a check on the horses.
Only an idiot would buy something from some dude in a bar without
looking into it first. So Cyan takes a look, proving that she's
no idiot, and Osrik gets to point out just how superior his stock is,
compared to anything else we'll find. Pride, see?
Plus it stalls him, while somebody goes and "luckily finds" sixteen or seventeen pounds of silver.
Then we buy the horses, after Cyan has poked 'em and prodded 'em, and
Osrik spends the rest of the day feeling macho because he out-haggled a
smart customer like Cyan. Pride again. And for being such a
cunning trader, he gets respect from his buddies.
Later we get the horses fixed up to match what Osrik claims to be selling us.
Jonnee leans back, and winks at Serena, Next, somebody will ask me, "Why bother to make Osrik feel good?"
The answer is easy: Shadow-dwellers are people too, and just as important as any king of Amber.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Dorian
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Dorian’s distance presence flitted through the edges of the mindlink
for a moment, listening. Nothing but idle chatter about horses. It was
hardly a worthwhile topic. How easy was it for any number of them to
magick up transportation? If this was the means they chose, then so be
it. He had other things to think about. Slowly and politely, the man's
mind withdraws from the mindlink.
Dorian sits quietly at the table, giving the strangers no more thought
now that he knew all he needed to know about them. With his breakfast
finished, he merely sits and stares into the distance, quietly, waiting
for their journey to resume.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Cyan
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"A fair enough price," Cyan notes, her own fingers drumming the table
in thought. It doesn't occur to her to question his word.
"Well, a fine deal may be a fine deal, but it is still a great deal of
silver. Regrettably," she continues, with a flash of a wry grin,
knowing full well she is giving up an advantage here and not caring a
whit, "we are in a great deal of a hurry. What say you to...two
hundred ten pieces of silver, and my friends can examine the beasts,
and see their worth?"
Reaching out, she taps the knife. Twice.
Will that be of assistance, Jonnee Kay?
Allow you sufficient time? I am a decent enough judge of
horseflesh, but I suspect there are others, Devlin and James for two,
and perhaps Serena, who are my better in this area.
My haggling will be short, I fear. We are, truly, pressed for time.
===========================================================
Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Serena
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Serena smiled at Jonee's wink and replied mentally," I agree with that
one Jonee." thens he nodded in agreement as Devlin and Jonnee and James
discussed checking the horses.
Afte Cyan commented Serena sent through the link," It would be no major
work to see if the horses are healthy or not on the insides. So, I can
help out with that as well."
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by James
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Don't look at me. I know next to nothing
about horses. But it sounds like Devlin and Serena can handle
that. I will go "collect" our funds.
James stands, excuses himself then makes his way up the stairs.
It would be easier if he could go outside, but he didn't want the horse
traders getting suspicious.
===========================================================
Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Dworkin (GM)
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Osrik laughs, "Of
course you, or your friends can... examine? That means you wish
to see them, yes? Of course you may examine the horses. How
else will you see them and know the quality you have rejected with your
offer. It is almost an insult to the Brothers of the Wind."
His laughter subsides, and he continues, "Two hundred and forty, because I like you. You have spirit, like the fire in your hair."
He puts out his hand, then hesitates. "I am a widower,
these last three years. I am seeking a wife. Many have
spirit, but not all have hair of fire, to keep a man warm in the night." The statement is followed by an exaggerated wink.
Tap tap.
===========================================================
Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian continued to stare into the distance. Horses. Any more of this
banter and he'd see to it the man never had any use for a wife, firey
or not. He was irritable, to be sure. How long had it been since they'd
made any progress against these archons? What had they accomplished?
The success of a small gorilla team like this depended on moving
quickly, staying ahead of the enemy, being out of reach. Instead, they
played at being angels and saviors whereever they went.
No, some of the delays were necessary. Aaron's education, for instance.
Rest. They needed rest, too. But why did they choose this inn to sleep?
Because only Jonnee knew the way. And what was the way? How did they
know Jonnee hadn't grown tired of their company and led them into the
enemies jaws? What was the meaning of this trip, anyway? To learn
something before they made a decision? A thin excuse to get them to
follow, it seemed like. He could only hope it was important enough to
delay their action for so long. Otherwise, it was a clever distraction.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Cyan
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Cyan laughs quietly at Osrik's assurance that they can examine the
horses they purchase...and his assertation of the 'insult'. Her
eyebrow rises at his counter-offer, then the other joins it, surprise
lighting her amethyst eyes for an instant. The tap on the
knife-blade seems to break her from the sudden shock, and she leans
forward.
"You hunt for a wife...and you ask me?" A grin touches her
lips. "The one of whom you would demand two hundred forty for
seven horses? Tread carefully, Osrik - fire burns as well as
warms. I have heard better proposals." Well, not really; Jack never did
propose, and no-one else in her life has been as forthright as Osrik
(if one considers drunken revellers and inn-goers, all fruitlessly
hunting for a night's amusement, to be 'in her life'). Despite
his appearance, Cyan knows she would be well-treated and respected, if
the other woman's actions are any indication. In a way, she's
touched and flattered.
Regrettably for Osrik, she also has no interest and, even if she did,
wouldn't marry someone at the drop of a hat. "It would need be a
quick wedding, Osrik," she continues, that same wicked smile on her
face, "as my friends and I are in haste. I could only keep you
warm for one night. Likely a good thing - any more, and you would
be unable to climb aboard your horse."
Her fingers reach out toward the knife, and she pauses. "But a
woman can only be flattered by such sentiment...two hundred
thirty." She grins. It's a jump, and a good one. Now
her fingertips, calloused from years of the harp, tap the side of the
blade.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Dworkin (GM)
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The big man roars with laughter, then "Well spoken, Fire-Hair!" he answers. He plucks the knife from the table and lays it flat,
aligning it with tip aimed towards him, and not Cyan. "I
accept your offer of two hundred and thirty ounces of silver, in trade
for seven horses. Let all here witness this agreement."
"You're a canny one. I hope you'll bear my own offer in mind for some time when you are in less need of haste."
The horseman rises to his feet, retrieving and sheathing his blade. "Come and choose the horses you want, though you'll not receive them until I have the silver, which is our way."
The horses are tethered in the yard, and even Jonnee, who knows less of
horses than he does of horsepower, can see that they are fine specimens.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Devlin
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Devlin gets up as Cyan and Osric do having listened closely to the
conversation and he hold out his hand to help Serena out of her seat.
"Shall we pick you out a mount M'lady." He says with a wink.
"I think we should look for the most intelligent of the animals." he thinks. "I can anhance an animals body but I cannot as easily effect their minds."
When Serena is up Devlin exits the Inn and has his first look at the animals.
===========================================================
Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Dworkin (GM)
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The horses are all in good condition. Powerful animals, all
standing quietly, tethered to a length of rope strung between two
posts, and eating from a folding canvas trough filled with a mix of
oats and hay.
None of them seem in the least nervous, though they do notice the
arrival of those who have come to view them, pricking up their ears and
watching them carefully, perhaps hoping for some small treat.
Osrik walks along the line, pulling some sort of yellow root from a
pouch at his belt. As he passes each animal, he cuts a thin slice
fom the root with his knife, and feeds it to the horse.
At the end of the line, he eats the remainder himself. "Hechuct root. Sweet and tasty and cool as spring water. The horses like it almost as much as I do." he explains, smiling.
"Pick out your seven. For an extra four ounces of silver each,
I can sell you tack and harness too, made by the hands of our own
crafters."
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Aaron
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Aaron nodded firmly as he viewed such fine animals. He raised a hand to
one in particular, letting it get a good sniff. It would do him no good
if the animal was spooked off the bat, but these animals were more than
used to people it seemed, and he sighed at Devilin's prior statement.
"These animals are all intelligent, Devlin." he said, and nodded in afirmation at the fact of it. "Yes, quite so."
He looked the horse in the eye and smiled slightly, patting the animal
on the side of the neck. Aaron turned then, his attentions settling
upon Cyan, for the deal was her business, and though he led, he would
not interfere in this situation.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Jonnee
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"And they don't look like they'll spook too easy, or at all for that matter."
Jonnee runs his hand over the muzzle of a gray, taking the time to
gently scratch between its nostrils amd let it get his scent, just as
Aaron is doing with one of the others.
"If nobody objects, I like this one."
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Devlin
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Devlin shrugs, now that he's seen them, he has to agree with Arron and
Jonnee. These animals are definately all that Osrik says that they are,
though he doesn't say anything.
Curious about how calm the horses can be he moves closer to a random
animal and slowly raises his own hand to allow it to get a closer sniff
of him, knowing that his own sent is closer to that of a preditory
animal than it is to his human comapaions. He waits to see what the
animals reaction is. Devlin will most definately need a mount that will
not be effected by the presence of a wolf and it would be best if none
of the animals they choose are.
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Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Cyan
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"A canny one?" Cyan laughs quietly, standing with Osrik.
"Hardly. Who came out ahead? No, do not protest - I know
when I have failed. Fortunately, not by too much that my friends
will hold grudges against me." Still grinning, sapphire eyes
pleased at Osrik's amusement, she follows the man out.
"As for the tack, that depends upon our funds," she notes. "My
friend has gone to find our silver, and we shall have to see how much
there is. If there is sufficient, yes, another twenty-eight
silver for the tack would be worthy of your craftsmanship, from what I
have seen of it."
Cyan checks over her own horse - she isn't an expert, but she does have
some experience, after her time in her own lands, and wandering through
the Myriad Worlds. Not to mention time spent in the green forests
of Doriath. "The quality..." she begins slowly, frowning, then
suddenly smiles, like the sun breaking out from behind clouds, "is more
than sufficient!"
===========================================================
Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
Good. The horses were good quality, the gear was good quality.
Meanwhile, the entire fabric of reality was slowly being shredded from
beneath their feet. There had to be some way to expedite their
departure from this place of bells and hauntings. He sighed and leaned
against the wall of the tavern glancing from beast to beast, waiting.
===========================================================
Re: Part 42 - Small victories by James
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As the others are inspecting the horses, James re-appears. He is
carrying an ornate wooden chest over one shoulder. The hinges and
latch of the chest are cast in brass and its corners are protected by
metal bosses. His face is a little paler than when he left.
===========================================================
Re: Part 42 - Small victories by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
With the arrival of James, and the silver, all obstacles to the
purchase of mounts and necessary equipment are finally removed.
Osrik sets his group to splitting out the selected animals, while he
leads the travellers to a wagon which is parked nearby.
Inside there are saddles and harnesses, all of finely crafted leather,
embossed with designs similar to the tattoos worn by the traders, with
fittings of cold-wrought iron and polished bone.
Within a quarter hour, the deal is completed, and the warriors of the Shadow Wars are mounted, and preparing to leave.
Osrik halts them with a wave of his hand. "Be sure to tell those you meet where you bought such fine horses." Then he steps aside and allows them to pass.
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