Dragon's Egg - Act I

[Ireth]

I turn toward the loud-mouthed man as he speaks up again, and unflinchingly meet his gaze when he looks me in the eye. There is truth to his words -- many of my people have harmed humans who enter our forest unawares, and even tried to kill members of the human colony who settled there willingly not long ago (though that tended not to go over very well). But there are other elves who have never harmed the humans, and while they may make mischief, it is not malevolent.

I do not comment on that, however, and listen as the man speaks of the trouble here. "I was sent here to do what I can to help the people here, not to make more trouble. If there is something causing this curse that can be defeated, then I am duty-bound to aid in doing so. For the good of this place, and for us all."

 

[Sparkie]

Surrender is sin.

Engagements - Codex 1:1

*****​

Sometimes it seems like I can't win. I try to assure these folk, and it seems all for naught. Still, Cadell seems not to have lost heart, and I doubt anything could shake Ankari's determined nature. I draw encouragement from that, whether they know it or not.

Seeing Baldhart attempting to involve herself in an arm-wrestling match, I smile. It might be entertaining to see, but I've other things to attend to. I walk over to Ankari and the Gnat and point out Matthew's new aquaintance. "Should we introduce ourselves to him?" I ask.

 

[Philip Overby]

I smile in satisfaction as I see some of the more troublesome people in the room settle down. "Ah, I knew that would help sooth the tension." No, you didn't, Nod.

I must keep my hands to myself in here. Don't touch anything. Just smile, smile, smile. The bartender with his stupid, grumpy--nevermind, Nod. Just obey the rules this time. Rules are like bubbles. Meant to be popped. No, no bubbles, no rules. Just smile.

"Another song?" I watch as the drinks flow and people laugh. I'm keeping my eye on all my various would-be friends. The big meaty woman wants to show off her mettle. Other stinking--other nice elves are chatting. I play again, as long as it takes. "Coin for a perilous journey?" I snatch an empty flagon off one of the tables. "Coin for a perilous quest?"

 

[Phietadix]

As I see my companions preparing to approach I decide to bring thsi buisness to a close.
"I can not be sure that this buisness will be profitable. It will most assuredly be Dangerous. You look like you can handle a blade well enough, the shadows even more so. If we succed there may be riches, most assuredly fame here in skilrind. I would be pleased to have you as a friend, and hope to avoid being your enemey. What say you, will you join in our quest to free this land of it's curse?

 

[Ankari]

"For all their talk of troublesome southlanders, everyone here seems little more than scoundrels." I catch the barkeeps attention and point to the table occupied by most of the companions from the cursed sea voyage. "We will take our meal at that table."

The scene of Baldhart challenging the men to an arm wrestling contest lightens the oppressiveness of this sun-shy accumulation of human detritus. Remembering the swollen maggot and, now, the slimy elf chatting with Matthew, the pull of this mud-coated town has attracted more than just humans.

"Let's go see what stray dog Matthew has found. Remind me to propose a new rule: only take on stray animals if you can feed them and care for them alone. After this, and our meal, we need to head to our rooms. I rented one for Baldhart, and another for the men. Before we toss it in for the night, we need to agree on our objective and how we wish to pursue it. Also, the stray animal thing."

 

[SeverinR]

I am in, if the group agrees also.
adjusts the hood to ensure my face is obscured. main focus on the approaching elf.


[ooc; might not be able to check in over the weekend, so I am fine with checking in for the night at this point. Computer problems still not completely worked out.]

 

[Ankari]

The way both quieted down only adds to my suspicion. A glance at Rydh shows that he shares my concern.

"Matthew, I have purchased a meal that the barkeep will serve soon. From what he promises, it will be a hearty meal. Let's go wait for it at our table."

 

[Phietadix]

"Very well, but first. This here is Aliron he's willing to join in our quest if you're willing. And he appears more than capable of handling himself."

 

[Sparkie]

Yet another newcomer. I really don't know what to think of this one.

"Well, let's eat. And we'll get to know each other a bit over the meal."

I hand Ankari a couple of silver pieces, saying "I'd like to throw in a few for room and board, if you like."

((2sp to Ankari))

 

[Steerpike]

The men look up as Baldhart approaches the table where they are arm-wrestling. The largest of them grins when Baldhart makes her offer. "Don't seem quite fair, now, does it? Me takin' your wine and all?" He looks Baldhart over, thoughtfully. "Well, you're a big one, I'll give you that. Come now, lads, let's put up some silver and see what this lass can do."

The man introduces himself as Hrolf, and his most recent opponent vacates the seat across from him so that Baldhart can sit. As the two clasp hands, one of the other men counts down to the start of the match. A number of other eyes are on the table, now, as patrons around the room realize what is going on. Even Burnbright watches from the bar, though she is too far away to have heard any of the conversation.

When the match begins, the man's arm gives way momentarily, then snaps upright again, a look of surprise crossing his face at Baldhart's strength. One of the other men at the table chuckles, and then the match begins in earnest. Baldhart and Hrolf are locked, hand in hand, neither able to force movement on the part of the other. Some minutes pass with the two straining against one another. Hrolf's brow beads with sweat. A couple minutes more and Baldhart feels some give in Hrolf's arm, as though his muscles are starting to fatigue. Noise erupts across the tavern, some patrons cheering on Hrolf, others cheering for the "lass." From near the bar Burnbright yells "You can get 'im, Baldhart. I know you can!"

Slowly, Hrolf's arms bends further toward the table, the man grunting and puffing and straining with effort. He manages to hold his arm about an inch off the table for the count of fifteen seconds or so, then his strength gives out and his arm strikes the table with a loud thump. Cheers and curses alike travel across the common room. There is also plenty of laughter, and Hrolf's face reddens. He scowls, and the man sitting next to Baldhart tenses, but then Hrolf joins in with the laughter.

"Aye, she beat me fair," he says, rubbing his arm. "And I beat most o' you lot one time or another so I don't know what yer laughing about. You want to try her Bornir? No? Snorri then?" The man laughs again when the two refuse.

"Grim, get us some of that ale. Let's see if the lass can drink as well as she wrestles!"

A patron yells out "She may be good at wrestlin' other ways too" and mimes a lewd gesture with both of his arms. More laughter follows.

Hrolf gives Baldhart a wink and pushes the silver over. "There you go, lass. You can give 'em to Burnbright or keep 'em yourself. You won that coin."

 

[Philip Overby]

Strong woman. Be nice to her, especially. Happy, happy!

"Great job, Baldhart! You have quite the remarkable strength and remarkable beauty in a rugged, juggernaut-ish way. I mean, yeah, congratulations."

I got to get a room tonight. Can't afford to sleep outside again. Cold, cold, cold.

"I'd love to write a song about your various feats of strength. It will be world famous, I assure you. I should observe your every move though, so I'll need to stay with you tonight. Don't worry, I won't snore, and I'll sleep on the floor."

I sing, "I won't snore/And I'll sleep on the floor!"

I smile at her broadly.

 

[Sparkie]

I can't help but to grin at Baldhart's success. Honestly, why did that great lug of a man think he could beat her? Then I remember that he wasn't there to see her skewer that fish-demon aboard the Bladnir. If he had, I doubt he'd have bothered to accept the challenge.

"Excellent match," I say to Baldhart. Then I whisper to her "You knew he didn't have a chance, right?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I say to Rydh, laughing, "Honestly, I wasn't so sure I could beat him. I expected one of the others to try me first!"


I turn to Hrolf. "You sure know how to show a lady a good time, Hrolf! I would be honored to have a drink with you, but then I must join the others who fought alongside me on the ship, for one of them has treated me to a meal.

"It looks like I get to provide the wine for my table, but I insist to pour you a glass—you have honored me with a great match. You are built like a man from my Iron Mountain! Unfortunately, so am I.

"Please, save a seat and I'll be back."


I head to the bar. First, I give Grim two silver, but under a condition: "This is for Burnbright. If you are truly among the men to take care of her, then I trust two silver for the girl goes farther than two silver for a stranger like me.

"And though I am a stranger, I want to ask a small favor." I hold up the bottle. "This is Glühwein. If you have a clean kettle to spare, please pour the bottle in and heat it. Don't be alarmed if you see cinnamon sticks fall out of the bottle. I have already uncorked it to add the necessary ingredients.

"A glass for Hrolf, and one myself and all of the men at Ankari's table—he's the elf who treated me to a meal, in case you weren't properly introduced." I notice the hooded man, and who can miss the silly halfling trying to sing his way into my bed room. Indeed! And does he not understand I was truthful when I told him I have no coin? Or does Ankari's generosity extend beyond a single meal? "It appears the bottle must serve eight, so make it nine, Grim. Please, pour yourself a glass for your trouble."


To Burnbright I say, "Thank you for cheering me on. Hrolf is a very strong man. Without your cheers, that match may have gone the other way.

"My winnings are to help you stay safe and strong. I will not take you to any dangerous place, but if you want to learn to use a sword, you can practice with me when I exercise in the morning. Use a wooden sword, or a solid, heavy stick. I fear we will have little time to spend in this way, so let us rise with the sun tomorrow and train as if it our only day to do so."


I return to Hrolf's table. The barmaid hands me my ale. "Thank you, miss—" I accept the drink and raise my glass to Hrolf. "—and you, too, sir."

We both take a swig.

In the silence, I realize my challenge to the men could have been a defeat not just to me, but to our team, judging by his attitude when I first stepped up to the table. I had no idea the strongest one would challenge me first! When he lost, his pride was wounded—but only temporarily. He seems a man of his word, so my plan to tell the others that he let me win would not have fooled anyone, and in fact would have worsened his humiliation. Who knows how that could have turned? Mine was a foolish plan, yet it worked out perfectly. The men respect me. Their respect surely extends to my party.

But the drunken racists won't change their attitudes toward elves in one night. No. My actions—the words of Rydh and Cadell—Ankari's generosity—Matthew befriending an elf. All baby steps in the right direction. I must not push my luck. But the elves had no trouble from this table. Perhaps Hrolf, Brnir and Snorri are powerful allies I can count on.

"Hrolf." I gesture to the man who thrusted his business at the air fantasizing about me. "What that rude man said of me, I shall not grace with a slap to the face. But I see you as a man of honor. Can I ask a favor of you? …Someday, Burnbright will stop looking like a little girl and start looking like a little woman. If that man ever makes a pelvic thrust in her direction, please do the world the kind favor of stuffing his teeth down his throat with your fist." I say this with a smile.

But I am not kidding.

 

[Phietadix]

As I walk toward our table I say to Aliron.
"We'll give you our decision tomorrow."

 

[Ireth]

I turn toward Baldhart and the men, watching with interest as they wrestle, and applaud heartily when Baldhart wins. It certainly seemed like a close match, which makes her victory all the more impressive. I grin as I call out to her. "Well done!"

 

[Ankari]

As the members sit to down at the table, I try my best to conceal my disapproval of the two rascals we managed to pick up in this tavern. The food is as promised; warm and of good quality. I hand another gold coin to the barkeep and indicate the gnat and the shady character with his hands hovering over his daggers.

"Seems like we've picked up a few strays today. May as well include them on this meal. Bring three more meals."

I turn to my companions, both wanted and unwanted, and gesture to the table.

"Eat up. We have much to discuss tonight. Baldhart, please call over that girl you spoke with earlier. I have a feeling the meal the girl devoured barely put a dent in her hunger. I rented you a separate room. I would ask that you allow her to spend the night with you. She may be of use to us while we are in town."

 

[Phietadix]

As I sit at the table and turn to my companians.
"So what do you think of allowing Aliron join our group?"

 

[Ireth]

I eat heartily of the meal, finding it quite to my liking. When wine is poured, I raise my glass. "A toast to your victory, Baldhart. It was well deserved."

 

[Phietadix]

As I wait for a response I begin to eat the meal Ankari most generously bought for us. It was all quite delicous, better than most of the meals I've eaten over my lifetime.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((Steerpike, if the men had anything to say to Baldhart when she drank with them, I'll respond in a flash-backy way if a response is needed. For now, I'll assume a conversation happened and Baldy ended it on a congenial note before joining Ankari's table.))



"It's very generous of you, Ankari. I was thinking the same thing, but… well, I suppose the men who watch over her would agree it's her safest option.

"Burnbright, come join us for a second helping."

I address Ankari—all of the men. "I had spoken to Rydh earlier when he was—" Do not speak of his confinement, Baldy! "—in his quarters. I suggested that we pool our resources if we are to function as a party. That is necessary for our survival.

"Your generosity, Ankari, is all the proof I need that you are of the same mind set. Of course, I will not question what you or anyone else does with the money he had before we met. But anything we find in battle cannot be squabbled over. We need to pool the spoils and ensure that we are all as well-armed and well-armored as can be."

I show the stone dagger that belonged to the fish demon who cut me—badly!

"Rydh suggested I carry this in case I am disarmed. But this is one of the spoils of our first victory. If anyone can make better use of it than I can, then it is he who shall have this."

I let the words sink in. I suspect those who were on the Bladnir assumed this to be the way we would function. But the newcomers—if they truly intend to join us—have not had that experience of functioning as a small army.

You realize that something has to happen before you become a party of seven, not five and two, right?

Yes. Poor Eskel. I will not let my guard down in the presence of this little girl. Burnbright will not be the next Eskel.


((Combat Sense skill - it is near-impossible to surprise attack Baldhart. She stays close to Burnbright in the hope that, should something happen, she can react in time to save the little girl.))