"I respect that, Rydh."
Ankari won't.
Of course not, Nissa, but that need not be stated. It must not. If we are to function as a team, I must never say such things.
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Dragon's Egg - Act I
- Thread starter Steerpike
- Start date
Ankari won't.
Of course not, Nissa, but that need not be stated. It must not. If we are to function as a team, I must never say such things.
"All you have died deserve their moment of respect. I will accompany you and bare witness."
- Thread starter
- #143
The Captain makes his way over to Aghi's body, and the men gathered around. The ship's crew make room for any of those passengers who wish to join. Bior puffs his pipe a few times, filling the air with a rich scent spiced with exotic flavors. He looks around at those gathered for the fallen crewman.
"Weren't many here who liked Aghi much, and that's the truth of it. The man had a temper to him, and never was much at bein' social, 'cept when was taking pay from the rest o' ye over a game of cards." There are some mutters at this, as well as a few grins. "Still, he did his work, and he didn't complain about it. When it come time to fight, he was right there in the thick of it. I reckon he died as well as any man might hope to."
The gathered ship's hands bow their heads, mimicking the Captain as he looks at the deck. A few seconds pass in silence. Then Bior speaks again: "Aghi was a man of this ship, and he fought and died for her when the time came. We commend his body to the depths, and to the watchful eye of Aegir. May He guide Aghi to the lands beyond this one."
Each of the crewmen mutters "aye" in response to this, and two of the bigger men lean forward and roll Aghi's body off the plank. The wrapped corpse tumbles end over end and then hits the waves, disappearing beneath the frothing surface immediately.
Bior wipes his hands together. "That's that, then. Back to it, me boys. I mean to see Srilkind come noon tomorrow."
* *
By the time you rise the next morning, gulls float on the winds above the ship, looking for scraps of food. No land is yet visible, but surely the birds are a good sign. Bior is secluded once more in his cabin, leaving Rodrico in charge of the ship. The man walks the deck with a purpose, ensuring that each hand is doing his job. Well before noon there is a cry of "land ho!" from high in the rigging of the mainmast. The crew lets out a cheer as one, and looking north and slightly to port you can indeed see land in the distance.
Rodrico relieves the man at the helm, his experienced hands taking over as the ship nears its port. The village of Srilkind is sprawled along the shore, a jumble of single-story dwellings with a few two-story structures clustered near the center of town. There are only a couple of docks, both empty. It appears as though every citizen of Srilkind has gathered near the docks, watching the ship come in. They are an assortment - wide, thin, tall, short, men and women. From this vantage point they all appear human. Children chase each other, singing, in front of the gathering of adults, and a handful of dogs chase after the children.
As the ship slows and starts to align with the dock, the ship's hands break out in a hearty chorus of some old sailor's tune or other, and the refrain is soon picked up by those on shore, singing it back to the approaching sailors. With the sun out and song on the wind, it certainly appears to be a joyous moment.
Bior, having emerged from his quarters with the advent of the sailor's song, decrees that the cargo will keep a few hours and everyone should head ashore for some leave. Once the ship docks, the ship's hands stream onto the dock, many embracing family, others headed for the Hooded Crow, Srilkind's sole inn and most popular tavern. The ship is securely fastened to the dock, and it isn't long before each of you, along with Bior and Rodrico, are the only folk remaining aboard.
Before you can disembark yourself, a woman with two children, girls of around 8 and 11, trailing her approaches the gangplank and starts aboard. Bior intercepts her, and they speak for a moment. You cannot hear their words, but then a wailing cry erupts from the woman and she sinks onto her knees, her hands gripping the front of Bior's trousers. The Captain kneels and put an arm around her, patting her back. The two girls who were trailing her remain at a distance, looking frightened.
"Weren't many here who liked Aghi much, and that's the truth of it. The man had a temper to him, and never was much at bein' social, 'cept when was taking pay from the rest o' ye over a game of cards." There are some mutters at this, as well as a few grins. "Still, he did his work, and he didn't complain about it. When it come time to fight, he was right there in the thick of it. I reckon he died as well as any man might hope to."
The gathered ship's hands bow their heads, mimicking the Captain as he looks at the deck. A few seconds pass in silence. Then Bior speaks again: "Aghi was a man of this ship, and he fought and died for her when the time came. We commend his body to the depths, and to the watchful eye of Aegir. May He guide Aghi to the lands beyond this one."
Each of the crewmen mutters "aye" in response to this, and two of the bigger men lean forward and roll Aghi's body off the plank. The wrapped corpse tumbles end over end and then hits the waves, disappearing beneath the frothing surface immediately.
Bior wipes his hands together. "That's that, then. Back to it, me boys. I mean to see Srilkind come noon tomorrow."
* *
By the time you rise the next morning, gulls float on the winds above the ship, looking for scraps of food. No land is yet visible, but surely the birds are a good sign. Bior is secluded once more in his cabin, leaving Rodrico in charge of the ship. The man walks the deck with a purpose, ensuring that each hand is doing his job. Well before noon there is a cry of "land ho!" from high in the rigging of the mainmast. The crew lets out a cheer as one, and looking north and slightly to port you can indeed see land in the distance.
Rodrico relieves the man at the helm, his experienced hands taking over as the ship nears its port. The village of Srilkind is sprawled along the shore, a jumble of single-story dwellings with a few two-story structures clustered near the center of town. There are only a couple of docks, both empty. It appears as though every citizen of Srilkind has gathered near the docks, watching the ship come in. They are an assortment - wide, thin, tall, short, men and women. From this vantage point they all appear human. Children chase each other, singing, in front of the gathering of adults, and a handful of dogs chase after the children.
As the ship slows and starts to align with the dock, the ship's hands break out in a hearty chorus of some old sailor's tune or other, and the refrain is soon picked up by those on shore, singing it back to the approaching sailors. With the sun out and song on the wind, it certainly appears to be a joyous moment.
Bior, having emerged from his quarters with the advent of the sailor's song, decrees that the cargo will keep a few hours and everyone should head ashore for some leave. Once the ship docks, the ship's hands stream onto the dock, many embracing family, others headed for the Hooded Crow, Srilkind's sole inn and most popular tavern. The ship is securely fastened to the dock, and it isn't long before each of you, along with Bior and Rodrico, are the only folk remaining aboard.
Before you can disembark yourself, a woman with two children, girls of around 8 and 11, trailing her approaches the gangplank and starts aboard. Bior intercepts her, and they speak for a moment. You cannot hear their words, but then a wailing cry erupts from the woman and she sinks onto her knees, her hands gripping the front of Bior's trousers. The Captain kneels and put an arm around her, patting her back. The two girls who were trailing her remain at a distance, looking frightened.
Phietadix
Shadow Lord
As I walk on deck, still walking with a limp because of the wound I took in battle. It will proabaably never heal completely and be and addition to the large colection of scars I've accomlulated over my life.
I notice the woman talking with the captain. I assume it to be Eskel's mother and try to comfort her saying:
"I'm sorry for your loss, Eskel died an honorable death."
I notice the woman talking with the captain. I assume it to be Eskel's mother and try to comfort her saying:
"I'm sorry for your loss, Eskel died an honorable death."
"It's true," I add. "Eskel saved many lives." I do not specify that his death alerted the rest of us to the surprise attack. "I truly regret my failure to save his.
"If there is anything I can do, please, do not hesitate to ask."
Baldy... she just found out about her son.
I know, Nissa, but I cannot shake the feeling of guilt. If I do not offer to help now, there may be no other opportunity.
"If there is anything I can do, please, do not hesitate to ask."
Baldy... she just found out about her son.
I know, Nissa, but I cannot shake the feeling of guilt. If I do not offer to help now, there may be no other opportunity.
- Thread starter
- #146
The woman looks up, nodding through her tears, though she hardly seems to see any of you. The older of the two girls is crying quietly, while the younger looks a bit dumbstruck at what is happening. The youngest takes a step closer to Matthew, watching his limp as he moves.
"You fought too, didn't you? You tried to help Eskel." She pulls an object from a pouch slung at her waist. It's a crude doll, cloth sewn together and stuffed with straw. Two lengths of wood are tied together in the rough shape of a sword. She holds it out to Matthew. "I...I, uh, made this for Eskel. I think you should have it now."
She is still holding it out as Baldhart approaches. The little girl's eyes widen, her next words little more than a breath. "A valkyrie!"
Her older sister rubs at her eyes and looks Baldhart over. "That's no valkyrie. She doesn't have any wings."
The younger child considers this. "Probably got chopped off in the fight. You are a valkyrie, aren't you? I bet you took Eskel straight to valhalla."
"Tyra!" hisses the women, pulling at the young child's arm. "You leave these folks be." The girl takes a forced step back, away from the Barbarian and Knight, then raises her arm again, offering the doll to Matthew. The older sister goes to comfort her mother, who has her head bowed once more.
Looking a bit awkward, Bior rises and walks to where Rodrico stands against the ship's railing. The two of them speak to one another softly.
"You fought too, didn't you? You tried to help Eskel." She pulls an object from a pouch slung at her waist. It's a crude doll, cloth sewn together and stuffed with straw. Two lengths of wood are tied together in the rough shape of a sword. She holds it out to Matthew. "I...I, uh, made this for Eskel. I think you should have it now."
She is still holding it out as Baldhart approaches. The little girl's eyes widen, her next words little more than a breath. "A valkyrie!"
Her older sister rubs at her eyes and looks Baldhart over. "That's no valkyrie. She doesn't have any wings."
The younger child considers this. "Probably got chopped off in the fight. You are a valkyrie, aren't you? I bet you took Eskel straight to valhalla."
"Tyra!" hisses the women, pulling at the young child's arm. "You leave these folks be." The girl takes a forced step back, away from the Barbarian and Knight, then raises her arm again, offering the doll to Matthew. The older sister goes to comfort her mother, who has her head bowed once more.
Looking a bit awkward, Bior rises and walks to where Rodrico stands against the ship's railing. The two of them speak to one another softly.
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Ireth
Mythic Scribe
The others approach the woman and children who must be Eskel's mother and sisters, and I follow, but remain silent. There is little I can say that has not already been said. Pity rushes through me for the three of them, especially the young girls.
"Eskel's death was not in vain," I say after a moment. "As Baldhart said, he saved many lives. We killed the beast who claimed his life, as well as the rest."
"Eskel's death was not in vain," I say after a moment. "As Baldhart said, he saved many lives. We killed the beast who claimed his life, as well as the rest."
I repress my smile, mostly. Such a compliment to be called a valkyrie, but the compliment is born of tragedy.
"Eskel's spirit is safe," I whisper to Tyra.
I will not pretend to be what I am not, but what I spoke is the truth. If it is not—if the spirit of an innocent can be harmed—then life has no meaning, so what I say or do has no consequence.
I can see the mother wants nothing to do with me, so I await Rydh, Ankari and Cadell.
But it's hard to take my eyes off of the mother and the two little girls.
Eskel. Tyra. I must never forget.
"Eskel's spirit is safe," I whisper to Tyra.
I will not pretend to be what I am not, but what I spoke is the truth. If it is not—if the spirit of an innocent can be harmed—then life has no meaning, so what I say or do has no consequence.
I can see the mother wants nothing to do with me, so I await Rydh, Ankari and Cadell.
But it's hard to take my eyes off of the mother and the two little girls.
Eskel. Tyra. I must never forget.
Sparkie
Dark Lord
Once I feel the Bladnir lurch into place by the dock, I begin to gather my things to head up to the main deck. Just a few moments pass before I hear the cry of a woman, and suddenly I'm afraid to go up. It sounded so much like Mother. So much like that day...
It takes some time for me to steel myself and head up despite my irrational fear. I naturally gravitate to Baldhart, who's looking somewhat dour to me this sunny afternoon. She's standing next to the one called Matthew and staring at what appears to be two young sisters. There's an older woman there on deck as well, kneeling on the floor and trying in vain not to weep. I then put two and two together. She's the mother of the ship's boy.
I am reminded of the Fifth Codex, The Second Of Battles I think it is: "Raj looked down at his fallen ally and did not weep, for he died in battle. Human, though valiant, so Betula would not receive him. Memory would have to serve."
Death is part of life, and more-so for a True Soldier. But my Lord looks upon Elves only. My impure blood is accepted only because of my Elven heritage. There is nothing I can say or do that could aid this woman in her time of grief. I shall leave it be.
I turn to Baldhart, trying not to seem insensitive but knowing that's exactly how I'll be coming off when I ask my question.
I say to her "What do you think? Should we all head to this 'Hooded Crow,' or whatever it's called? Or do you know of someplace better?"
It takes some time for me to steel myself and head up despite my irrational fear. I naturally gravitate to Baldhart, who's looking somewhat dour to me this sunny afternoon. She's standing next to the one called Matthew and staring at what appears to be two young sisters. There's an older woman there on deck as well, kneeling on the floor and trying in vain not to weep. I then put two and two together. She's the mother of the ship's boy.
I am reminded of the Fifth Codex, The Second Of Battles I think it is: "Raj looked down at his fallen ally and did not weep, for he died in battle. Human, though valiant, so Betula would not receive him. Memory would have to serve."
Death is part of life, and more-so for a True Soldier. But my Lord looks upon Elves only. My impure blood is accepted only because of my Elven heritage. There is nothing I can say or do that could aid this woman in her time of grief. I shall leave it be.
I turn to Baldhart, trying not to seem insensitive but knowing that's exactly how I'll be coming off when I ask my question.
I say to her "What do you think? Should we all head to this 'Hooded Crow,' or whatever it's called? Or do you know of someplace better?"
Phietadix
Shadow Lord
I accept the doll and Say:
"Thank you, I will treasure it always, in memory of Eskel."
"Thank you, I will treasure it always, in memory of Eskel."
To Rydh I say, "I know nothing of this place. The Hooded Crow it is."
We start walking. I do not wish for Tyra or her mother and sister to hear me. I remain silent until I am far enough.
"Tyra is the little one," I finally tell Rydh. "She thinks I am a valkyrie!"
I am beaming. I can feel a tingling sensation across my face. I don't know why I am so happy because of those innocent words. Maybe it's because—
"It's a beautiful mistake. And Eskel, too. That boy looked at me the way a man looks at a beautiful woman. I was afraid of… well… my father warned me about men on a ship. I'm ashamed that I questioned the boy's intentions.
"I understand now. Eskel was like his little sister, Tyra. Young and innocent. Children don't fear me because I'm different. They treat me like I'm different, but in a good way."
The smile is slipping. I'm just thinking out loud. I don't even know what words will spill out of my mouth next. I only know that—
"I won't be a valkyrie in everyone's eyes. And your ability to save lives will make you far worse in the dim eyes of the fearful and weak-minded than… whatever I'm perceived to be when I'm not a valkyrie."
I wonder if the ship's hands already spoke of Rydh and his evil magic. Ha! Evil magic that saves lives! I keep the thought to myself. It is better that we enter this place now. If we can't trust the people here, it is better to know that while the ship is still at the dock. No, this is no time to express concerns.
Except for one concern: "I have no money."
Oh, now what do I sound like?
"Ha, ha! But I'm not trying to trick you into buying a girl a drink! I am well provisioned, actually. I even have a bottle of wine. The only reason to enter this place is to seek information."
We start walking. I do not wish for Tyra or her mother and sister to hear me. I remain silent until I am far enough.
"Tyra is the little one," I finally tell Rydh. "She thinks I am a valkyrie!"
I am beaming. I can feel a tingling sensation across my face. I don't know why I am so happy because of those innocent words. Maybe it's because—
"It's a beautiful mistake. And Eskel, too. That boy looked at me the way a man looks at a beautiful woman. I was afraid of… well… my father warned me about men on a ship. I'm ashamed that I questioned the boy's intentions.
"I understand now. Eskel was like his little sister, Tyra. Young and innocent. Children don't fear me because I'm different. They treat me like I'm different, but in a good way."
The smile is slipping. I'm just thinking out loud. I don't even know what words will spill out of my mouth next. I only know that—
"I won't be a valkyrie in everyone's eyes. And your ability to save lives will make you far worse in the dim eyes of the fearful and weak-minded than… whatever I'm perceived to be when I'm not a valkyrie."
I wonder if the ship's hands already spoke of Rydh and his evil magic. Ha! Evil magic that saves lives! I keep the thought to myself. It is better that we enter this place now. If we can't trust the people here, it is better to know that while the ship is still at the dock. No, this is no time to express concerns.
Except for one concern: "I have no money."
Oh, now what do I sound like?
"Ha, ha! But I'm not trying to trick you into buying a girl a drink! I am well provisioned, actually. I even have a bottle of wine. The only reason to enter this place is to seek information."
Sparkie
Dark Lord
I smile back at Baldhart as we walk. "Don't worry about money, I have a little if we need it."
I'm not so sure that the villagers will think of Baldhart as a valkyrie, but it looks to me like they hold her in some esteem. Which gives me an idea...
"If I stick with you when we're here in the village, it may give me a little credibility with the locals," I say. "They may not open up to me once the word gets out about my magic, but at least we may be able to avoid trouble. Is that alright?"
I'm not so sure that the villagers will think of Baldhart as a valkyrie, but it looks to me like they hold her in some esteem. Which gives me an idea...
"If I stick with you when we're here in the village, it may give me a little credibility with the locals," I say. "They may not open up to me once the word gets out about my magic, but at least we may be able to avoid trouble. Is that alright?"
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
Seeing no sense in going anywhere alone until I know more about this place, I walk after Rydh, Baldhart and those others who are making for the Hooded Crow. I listen curiously to Baldhart's desire to be a Valkyrie in everyone's eyes, strange though it seems to me at first, I can see the benefit in being seen as a protectress.
I glance at Rydh when he speaks. "If the people here mistrust you because of your... ability," (I hesitate to use the word "magic" among such superstitious folk) "do you imagine they will also mistrust other elves, regardless of their class?"
I glance at Rydh when he speaks. "If the people here mistrust you because of your... ability," (I hesitate to use the word "magic" among such superstitious folk) "do you imagine they will also mistrust other elves, regardless of their class?"
"Yes. Feel free to stick with me. You shouldn't travel alone. I don't want to travel alone either. None of us should."
I look back to see if Matthew and Cadell are following us or not. They were with Rydh and I when we saw Eskel's family mourning, but I was so lost in Rydh's words I failed to acknowledge them. And Ankari! Did we lose him, too? There's only one way to find out.
"When Tyra—that poor, sweet little girl—called me a valkyrie, it made me think about… well, what do you believe? Do you truly think that valkyries offer safe passage to spirits? I suppose as a follower of Brynhild, I should believe that our spirits depend on the valkyries. But in fact, I believe a spirit cannot be harmed. Maybe the valkyries just tell you which way to go. I have a bad sense of direction. I can't imagine it will become better when I am dead!"
Nissa is not in front of me. No matter, I'll pretend I can see her. Whenever she appeared before me in front of Ankari, he looked rather uneasy. I'll imagine myself having a conversation with Nissa.
Hi, Nissa. Guide any dead guys to Valhalla today?
No, Baldy. I was just appearing in the dream of another muscular tower of woman in case you die before you can accomplish something.
Well, I'm still here, Nissa. Don't worry about me!
Shouldn't I worry? You're talking to yourself trying to bait Ankari into making a snide remark just to see if he's nearby.
But… but…
Why not just call his name like a normal person?
((NOTE: If Matthew and Cadell are with Baldy and Rydh, please assume that Baldhart is addressing all party members.
EDIT: I got ninja'd, but if I leave this as is, it works if we pretend that Cadell listened to Baldy ramble and THEN asked his question.))
I look back to see if Matthew and Cadell are following us or not. They were with Rydh and I when we saw Eskel's family mourning, but I was so lost in Rydh's words I failed to acknowledge them. And Ankari! Did we lose him, too? There's only one way to find out.
"When Tyra—that poor, sweet little girl—called me a valkyrie, it made me think about… well, what do you believe? Do you truly think that valkyries offer safe passage to spirits? I suppose as a follower of Brynhild, I should believe that our spirits depend on the valkyries. But in fact, I believe a spirit cannot be harmed. Maybe the valkyries just tell you which way to go. I have a bad sense of direction. I can't imagine it will become better when I am dead!"
Nissa is not in front of me. No matter, I'll pretend I can see her. Whenever she appeared before me in front of Ankari, he looked rather uneasy. I'll imagine myself having a conversation with Nissa.
Hi, Nissa. Guide any dead guys to Valhalla today?
No, Baldy. I was just appearing in the dream of another muscular tower of woman in case you die before you can accomplish something.
Well, I'm still here, Nissa. Don't worry about me!
Shouldn't I worry? You're talking to yourself trying to bait Ankari into making a snide remark just to see if he's nearby.
But… but…
Why not just call his name like a normal person?
((NOTE: If Matthew and Cadell are with Baldy and Rydh, please assume that Baldhart is addressing all party members.
EDIT: I got ninja'd, but if I leave this as is, it works if we pretend that Cadell listened to Baldy ramble and THEN asked his question.))
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Sparkie
Dark Lord
I look back to Capell or Cadell or... I wish I could just come out and ask him what his name is. It's a little awkward at this point.
"I think you're onto something," I say. "These people believe they are cursed. They'll be suspicious of anyone or anything they think could potentially have magic, though I'm not sure what we can do about it. Cutting the tips off of our ears isn't really an option."
Cadell seems smart to me, but a little lonely. He seems displaced a bit. I must remember to ask him about it. I may have the chance soon at the tavern.
"I think you're onto something," I say. "These people believe they are cursed. They'll be suspicious of anyone or anything they think could potentially have magic, though I'm not sure what we can do about it. Cutting the tips off of our ears isn't really an option."
Cadell seems smart to me, but a little lonely. He seems displaced a bit. I must remember to ask him about it. I may have the chance soon at the tavern.
"I suppose I am fortunate to be mistaken for a valkyrie by a child. I may be spared from the prejudices of locals, despite my ability to stand out in a crowd.
"As I was saying, it's best we stick together. If the people of the north wish for our assistance, they would be wise to make us feel welcome. We shall travel as a party and make it clear that we are a package deal.
"If anyone has a problem with elves, then they have turned down my help as well as yours.
"We must be united and strong on this, or we put ourselves at unnecessary risk. To tell the truth, we are already doing so by setting a limitation on Rydh."
"As I was saying, it's best we stick together. If the people of the north wish for our assistance, they would be wise to make us feel welcome. We shall travel as a party and make it clear that we are a package deal.
"If anyone has a problem with elves, then they have turned down my help as well as yours.
"We must be united and strong on this, or we put ourselves at unnecessary risk. To tell the truth, we are already doing so by setting a limitation on Rydh."
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Ireth
Mythic Scribe
I grimace at the thought of cutting my ears, thankful that they are currently hidden by my hood. "No, indeed. I hope we can prove we mean to help, not harm them." My thoughts begin to run away from me, imagining what the people here might do to us elves if they believe they have reason to harm us -- cutting off our ears, perhaps, or worse.
I shake my head to clear my mind, and listen to what Baldhart has to say. I cannot help but agree to her words about Rydh. "I believe so as well. We may need his magic before we are finished here -- I am quite certain of it."
I shake my head to clear my mind, and listen to what Baldhart has to say. I cannot help but agree to her words about Rydh. "I believe so as well. We may need his magic before we are finished here -- I am quite certain of it."
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If I were a lesser man, I would run screaming from the ship and kiss the wretched earth of this far flung town. The scene with the mother and children dampers the joy of making land. Baldhart and the others seem to have the situation under control, far better than I would handle such matters.
Human cities are blights that scar the land and exploit nature rather than adapt.. Human towns are worse. This vile excuse for a settlement reeks of animal excrement and unwashed bodies. The crude buildings of raw wood give testament to the unsophisticated degree of knowledge. Much like the food, I wager their skilled laborers and engineers are imported.
My first step onto the weak excuse of a road confirms my fears. Why is it normal to walk on animal waste is a mystery to me. I sigh, resigning myself to ponder on all the information the captain divulged. The druids were right for sending me here. Now it's up to me to locate this ambiguous threat and send word back home.
The party from the ship his headed to the decrepit tavern where laymen throw the few coins they've earned into their hollow throats. Ale, wine, beer, liquor. They are all wet paths for the weak to escape their fears and worries. The thought reminds me of the gift of Baldhart's. Even't if I don't intend to drink it, I forgot to thank her.
She's a good one to have on this oddly assorted group. People tend to warm up to her in a way that I can only envy. Perhaps when I thank her for the gift, I'll ask her to talk to the priest of Tyr, Matthew, to see if he may know anything of Aslaug's uncle or Tyr's disposition toward's Gefjon.
I remain a few paces behind the others, smiling at Baldhart's teasing comments. She is a good person to have around, even if she not quite all there in the mind. I resolve myself to buying the group a round or three of drinks. Afterwards, I may be able to persuade them to go to the temple of Tyr and ask Aslaug's uncle a few questions.
Human cities are blights that scar the land and exploit nature rather than adapt.. Human towns are worse. This vile excuse for a settlement reeks of animal excrement and unwashed bodies. The crude buildings of raw wood give testament to the unsophisticated degree of knowledge. Much like the food, I wager their skilled laborers and engineers are imported.
My first step onto the weak excuse of a road confirms my fears. Why is it normal to walk on animal waste is a mystery to me. I sigh, resigning myself to ponder on all the information the captain divulged. The druids were right for sending me here. Now it's up to me to locate this ambiguous threat and send word back home.
The party from the ship his headed to the decrepit tavern where laymen throw the few coins they've earned into their hollow throats. Ale, wine, beer, liquor. They are all wet paths for the weak to escape their fears and worries. The thought reminds me of the gift of Baldhart's. Even't if I don't intend to drink it, I forgot to thank her.
She's a good one to have on this oddly assorted group. People tend to warm up to her in a way that I can only envy. Perhaps when I thank her for the gift, I'll ask her to talk to the priest of Tyr, Matthew, to see if he may know anything of Aslaug's uncle or Tyr's disposition toward's Gefjon.
I remain a few paces behind the others, smiling at Baldhart's teasing comments. She is a good person to have around, even if she not quite all there in the mind. I resolve myself to buying the group a round or three of drinks. Afterwards, I may be able to persuade them to go to the temple of Tyr and ask Aslaug's uncle a few questions.
Play the flute, Nod. Just play the flute. Play it. Someone will come along. Surely.
A man goes into The Hooded Crow.
I smile, showing my missing teeth. "A coin, sir? A coin for a wayward bard?"
The man passes by grumbling.
You'd pay me if I were stepping on your throat, you--No, Nod. Let's not go down that path again. Happy thoughts. Happy thoughts. Daffodils and sunshine. Play a happy song. People like happy songs . Especially the miserable, rotten dredges of--Happy thoughts. Happy thoughts.
A woman walks by.
"Beautiful maiden! May I play you song? A song that matches your unmatched beauty?"
"You stink, half-man. Get away from me," the woman says, pushing me in the muck.
Nice people. Nice people. They'd make a nice stew--Stay on track, Nod. Someone will come by. A kind soul. Surely there must be a kind soul in all this nasty, disgusting--
"Hello, sir! A song for you and your lovely wife? Only one silver!"
A man goes into The Hooded Crow.
I smile, showing my missing teeth. "A coin, sir? A coin for a wayward bard?"
The man passes by grumbling.
You'd pay me if I were stepping on your throat, you--No, Nod. Let's not go down that path again. Happy thoughts. Happy thoughts. Daffodils and sunshine. Play a happy song. People like happy songs . Especially the miserable, rotten dredges of--Happy thoughts. Happy thoughts.
A woman walks by.
"Beautiful maiden! May I play you song? A song that matches your unmatched beauty?"
"You stink, half-man. Get away from me," the woman says, pushing me in the muck.
Nice people. Nice people. They'd make a nice stew--Stay on track, Nod. Someone will come by. A kind soul. Surely there must be a kind soul in all this nasty, disgusting--
"Hello, sir! A song for you and your lovely wife? Only one silver!"
myrddin173
Scribal Lord
I look around at the room that has been my home since I came to this cursed land. It is almost bad enough to make me miss my uncle's manor. Almost. A commotion from outside draws my attention to the window. Ah yes. That ship's come in, the one they've all been talking about. I move into the shadows beside the window, I don't want to be seen from anyone on the street below just yet.
A strange collection of people disembarking the ship catch my eye. Another group of adventurer's? Hmm, I wonder... I pull out the roll of parchment containing my Contract. The target was supposed to have been here in Skrilkind but he had disappeared into the ether just before I arrived. He was supposed to be an adventurer of some renown and this business with Gerfyor, or whatever her name is, is certainly interesting. Perhaps, they will be able to lead me right to him
A strange collection of people disembarking the ship catch my eye. Another group of adventurer's? Hmm, I wonder... I pull out the roll of parchment containing my Contract. The target was supposed to have been here in Skrilkind but he had disappeared into the ether just before I arrived. He was supposed to be an adventurer of some renown and this business with Gerfyor, or whatever her name is, is certainly interesting. Perhaps, they will be able to lead me right to him