Dragon's Egg - Act III

[Nihal]

"I am afraid I can not show you my secret. It is nothing good, but it is something I believe rare, something of your interest. I have more to talk to you besides this. What Baldhart has to show you... oh, you will like it, I am sure you will." I smile.

When we arrive at the blacksmith and he pushes me the parchment, I answer "Yes," pulling my dagger and sharpening the charcoal's piece. A movement draws my attention. My skin crawls when I see it's the elf wizard.

Is he stalking me again or following Burnbright now?

I reach for her and narrow my eyes, watching intently. Why couldn't I control myself? This elf is a simpleton, he would be easy to manipulate. Yet, there is something repulsive about him that makes me cringe away.

"Do you know to draw, Burnbright?" I ask her, hoping she'll come to my side to watch, safer from the crazy elf.

I sketch the spear twice while the blacksmith is busy with the elf. When he turns to me again I draw a line along the shaft of the first spear. "Here." Drawing two circles, I explain while I write hastily, "The line would be the metal addition. The lines are what the shaft would look like if I sliced it. The original, here, the other if you cut out some of the wood and use metal there."

I move my hand to the other spear. "Or with a chain..." I draw the chain neatly at first, so he can identify it, then scribble the rest. "The metal cylinders enveloping the shaft would keep the chain close to it. How much time do you think it would take? I am open to better ideas, if you have some, but I also in a hurry... and willing to pay for it.

"Also... how much do you want for the knife the girl liked?" I smile slyly.

 

[Steerpike]

The Temple of Gefjon

The priest shopkeeper in the temple frowns when Baldhart says the carving of Gefjon is not the likeness of the goddess. He picks it up and runs a finger over the image. "Certainly it is her likeness. Taken directly from a painting in our altar room - the goddess teaching the first men how to sow seeds and tend their fields." He sets it aside, and considers Baldhart's offer on the two silver symbols.

"These are both fine quality. Silver, to be sure, but it is the quality of the metal and the craftsmanship that makes them valuable. True, we've had these for some time now. Your average fisherman won't pay for something of this quality, so we rely on visitors such as yourself."

"I like you though. A stout lass, and handy with a blade unless I miss my guess. You and Gisla are like womenfolk from the old times. For you, 40 silver for the pair."

The Blacksmith

Burnbright pushes aside talk of the secrets, though she seems to be brimming with anticipation. Instead, she watches Mauve's drawing intently. "What's that for, Mauve? How is it better than a spear, or even a regular sword?"

The blacksmith studies the drawings as well. "This, I can do," hey says. "The first one, with the rod running through 'er, well I reckon that'd take some testin'. Like you say, it's like as not to hurt the strength of the wood. I wouldn't want yer life dependin' on it 'til I'd put it through its paces, if ye know what I mean. Second one's gonna be easier to make, and I don't see no problem with the strength of the thing. If it's all the same, that's the one I'll make. Won't take me but a day. What say ye to five gold?"

Already warming to his potential sales when Aldar walks in, the blacksmith is enthusiastic when Baldhart comes in requesting work as well. "Aya, aye. Fixing ye up won't take but a few hours, lass. I can have ye ready to go this time tomorrow."

When Mauve asks about the knife on the wall, Burnbright's eyes light up. The blacksmith smiles and says "Now that there's a fine blade indeed. Bought it off a tall man. Quick as lightning, he was too. Took it from an orc commander, though that's no orc work, or I'm an elf." He takes the knife from where it hangs on the wall and balances the blade across his palm. "Yessir, nicely made, and it's got some history to it too. Close to me own heart, you might say. But I reckon I could part with it for, say, seven gold?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((Flashback))

Hee, hee! I love bargaining!

"It is a beautiful painting. And I shouldn't spend so much, but a devotee of Brynhild always—"

Baldy! If the gold is Gefjon, they all are! Pull your head of your—

"…hey, wait a minute. You said that was a likeness of Brynhild, not Gefjon."

He corrects me, saying he said it was 'the goddess.' His goddess.

"Well, I'm sorry, but I clearly stated I was here for a holy symbol of Brynhild. Oh… maybe it was just a misunderstanding. Anyway, I'm sorry for wasting your time."

I take another look at the gold necklace. Is that the same one Burnbright has?


((If yes, Badly tells the man, "Besides, the girl I'm shopping for already has one of those." She points to the expensive necklace. "I don't suppose you'd buy it, would you?"

If given a no or dirty look, Baldy apologetically replies, "Ha, ha… bad joke. I was just… never mind…"))


Before leaving, I say,

"I'm going to do some berry-picking later, and maybe see if I can find some woad plants if woad paint can't be found here. Would you say a prayer to Gefjon for me?"

 

[Nihal]

((Edited: I skipped the answer to Burnbright!))

"The second one, then. But..." I raise a finger. "I am willing to pay the double if you can get it ready tonight. And a drink at the inn, where I am staying. Although I am not sure if I can afford this knife for this price..." I scratch my chin, pretending to think.

I glance at Burnbright and attempt a wink, before realizing, again, that no one can tell it's a wink. "That is another secret, girl. Who knows, I may demonstrate it later..."

"I believe the travelers are quite rare at this time of the year, aren't they? Most villagers have no use for such knife. It would sit there for months, unused, accumulating dust. Or I could buy it, if you are willing to lower the price a little."

I put on my best smile.


Hearing Baldhart's voice, I look over my shoulder. "Oh, there you are." I sigh. "I still have to buy some changes of clothes for myself. And food. And everything." I raise an eyebrow. "Are you sure you are not going to feel cold using this?"

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron and Bressel walk through town, Bressel humming a tune, Aliron watching every person door and window.
They see Baldhart go into the blacksmith shop and Bressel follows her in.
Aliron reluctantly follows but notices the blades displayed and begins to look them over.

Shopping list
Bressel-one handed sword, dagger,
better armor
longbow & arrows

Aliron: Mirror or two,
arrows
rations

 

[Ireth]

((Moved this to a new post rather than editing it into my last one. Darn window slammed shut on me.))

Cadell

Líadan returns to my side after speaking with Aga. "I've secured us a room, and use of a tub if you're interested in bathing before dinner. We have a bit of time."

I smile and wrap an arm around her. "You read my mind. I'd love a bath."

I follow her to the bathing rooms, which are currently empty of other patrons, and shut the door firmly behind us before setting my pack down in a corner and getting undressed. First to go is the gantlet; my stump could do with an airing-out after so long inside what amounts to a metal glove. I step into the steamy water with a sigh, and recline against the side of the tub, waiting for Líadan.

Líadan

I undress quickly and loose the blue ribbon from my hair, letting it fall from its bun and tumble past my shoulders. I slip into the tub next to Cadell, resting beside him for a while and just enjoying the hot water. One hand absently runs over the myriad scars that crisscross his chest, tracing the welts and ridges I have long since memorized. Once upon a time he bore them as badges of courage, a testament to his loyalty to Queen Brígh; I wonder what he thinks of them now that she has cast him out.

Cadell

I hook my stump around her waist and pull her a little closer, leaning against her. How long has it been since we had the chance to be alone like this? Every day since coming north has felt like a week. At least now I'll never need to take leave of her again. If only we had somewhere to go when this is done...

Baldhart's words arise in my memory, and I close my eyes to ponder her offer for a while. The Iron Mountain is a peaceful place, she says... it certainly seems ideal, after all I have faced in recent years. But to be a knight again seems somehow out of place. She says I need it, but I'm not so sure. I think what I need is simply somewhere to belong, not necessarily someone to belong to. I have Líadan, and she is as good as a queen to me.

Líadan shifts against me. "What are you thinking about?"

I open my eyes, meeting her quizzical gaze. "Baldhart's offer to make me a knight of her mountain. I think it is a great honor that she thinks of me so highly, but..." How to explain this?

"Are you afraid her people will not accept you, since you are not human?"

"No... I just don't think I want to be a warrior anymore. At least not after the Taint is dealt with. I've seen so many senseless deaths, friends and foes alike, and I don't want to be the cause of more." Memories sting my heart. Loegaire, Urien, Grigor, Ailill, and countless others, all lost to the Lady's ruthless horde.

She nods. "I understand. But did Baldhart not say that you would only be a peacekeeper, not a fighter?"

I sigh. "She did, but she still called me 'knight'. The two don't mesh well, at least in my experience."

Líadan sighs, then reaches for her soap and begins washing me in silence.

I fall silent too, trying to take comfort from the intimate action and the care with which she acts, but my thoughts are still like murky waters. Finally I say, "I think the trouble lies with the title, not Baldhart's intention for me. If I am to be a peacekeeper, then she should call me that, don't you think?"

Líadan nods. "Fair point. You should tell her this, not me."

"I intend to. I hope we can work something out. I'd love to see her mountain, and having her blessing to live there permanently would be even better."

"And in the meantime, what will you do? You're free to choose any class you wish, whether one you've already enjoyed or a new one you think it worthwhile to try."

I shrug. "Few come to mind that aren't strictly geared toward fighting. I only want to fight when I have no alternative. I'm not the type to be a cleric or a paladin."

I think on this some more, my fingers tapping on the edge of the tub. There must be something I can do...

Líadan begins to hum along with the drumming of my fingers, and a slow smile reaches my lips. There's an idea... I could play a drum. I don't need the use of my hands for that; a band or cord around my neck or chest would hold a drum in place, and I could just as easily beat it with my stump as with my fingers. Perhaps I could sing as well. I think back on the few songs I've composed now and again along our journey. Baldhart seemed to enjoy the one I sang for Darin... no, wait, that was Nissa in Baldhart's body. But still, it's something. I'm sure I'll get plenty of practise at it singing for Branwen.

Thinking of her sends a chill up my spine, and I remember my idea for setting her free. I need to consolidate that, just in case it becomes our only hope. I turn around to let Líadan scrub my back where I can't reach, leaning on my folded arms and thinking hard again.

Líadan

I finish helping Cadell wash and move on to do the same to myself, drifting in my own thoughts as well. I do hope Cadell accepts Baldhart's offer, however they work it out between them. And taking on a new class can't hurt either. For someone who named himself for the firmness of an anvil, he is strangely enough more willing to change and adapt than most of those in our former home, especially at his age. Not that that is a bad thing -- not in the slightest. Sometimes I wish my god was not to resentful toward the other races of the world... is it blasphemy to desire peace with them? Would he deny me his boon if I went to live with Baldhart's people, or journeyed to the Drimmen-delve to speak with the dwarves?

Still lost in thought, I stretch and climb out of the tub, find a towel and start to dry off. Maybe I can keep up my devotion to Oercus while still living peacefully among humans, assuming we do end up at the Iron Mountain. I will have to ask Baldhart about this, as it chiefly concerns her people. Do I want to raise the subject tonight, or should I wait until we know more about what will become of poor Branwen?

I am already dried and dressed, and working on combing out my hair by the time Cadell gets out of the tub. "Snail. Any longer in there and you'd turn into a prune."

Cadell just laughs and moves to find a towel. I watch him with a grin, looking admiringly over his bare form. Even the brutality of orcs could not make him less handsome in my eyes. I do think his scars are proof of his courage, and his devotion to doing what is right, not simply for the service of a queen, but for the good of those he calls his own.

I tie my hair in a long braid down my back, holding the end in place with the blue ribbon. Cadell joins me when he's dressed, his hair loose and damp upon his shoulders, and we gather up our things and head out together. I hope we aren't late for dinner.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Mauve asks if I won't be cold. "Well, you know how I swim in icy waters sometimes." I glance at the ring. "I think once you have warm clothes, I'll think warm thoughts and—

"Oh, honestly, Mauve… if not for Gisla, they wouldn't have anything that looks decent on me. But at least I didn't have to pay for custom tailoring. And please, don't ask me to have the leather-worker measure me for pants. He saw me in this and…"

I blush. It's probably obvious without the face paint.

I mumble, "He made a pass at me. No way I'm letting that creep see me in less than this. It's bad enough I need to come back there tomorrow."

 

[Nihal]

"What?" I'm aware I'm making a funny face again while trying to refraining from laughing. "Are you shy, Baldhart?" I finally laugh. "I can not believe you get this red for receiving a little male attention!

"Oooh, don't you know how to use your allure?" I tease with a mischievous grin. "Forgive me, but I still need to see the man. Also, which time tomorrow? Don't you remember we have a certain appointment?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"I, uh… oh, okay… yes, I remember." I sigh, "You may not be able to get anything from him until the afternoon. Maybe if you and I come in together, he'll think I brought him more business and he'll prioritize our work.

"He's about to close soon, so I suppose we should go to him next, then get… what is it? Food and clothing? Mind if I go in ahead and let him think I brought you?"

 

[Nihal]

"Uh, if you wish. I want nothing customized, just a couple of trousers and tunics, it can be male clothing. Some pieces of cloth to my eye, extra tunics from Branwen... I might buy a dress," I lower my voice to a whisper, "you know, to avoid offending them. If you are going ahead, take Burnbright with you. The elf, I do not trust him."

 

[Steerpike]

Baldhart at the Temple

((I don't know why, but I thought you were looking for something to replace Burnbright's necklace before you take it away from her )).

The priest blushes. "Yes, I'm sorry." He takes in Baldhart's martial bearing, ultimately looking up at her eyes. "Of course you are interested in Brynhild, as you said. These symbols of Gefjon are remarkably well-made, however. Have you ever considered following her? Brynhild is a fine goddess, to be sure, so I mean no disrespect. There comes a time, however, when you may wish to hang up your sword and till the earth. To bring forth life rather than take it..." he trails off and looks immediately more embarrassed.

"Ah...I apologize again, you didn't come here for a sermon. One moment." The man disappears through a door further into the temple and emerges with a small box, which he places on a table and opens. Inside are a number of trinkets - gold, silver, or even wooden - devoted to various other gods. He sifts through the material in the box and produces two symbols of Brynhild, one in gold and one in silver. They are of good quality, if not of the same craftsmanship as his most expensive symbols of Gefjon. "Fifteen gold for the pair."

The gold symbol of Gefjon he has is very much like the one Burnbright has, though it would take a side-by-side comparison to tell if they are identical. When Baldhart asks whether the priest would buy the symbol of Gefjon that Burnbright already has, he says "I might, certainly, depending on the quality. But why deprive the child of the symbol of a loving goddess?"

The Blacksmith

The blacksmith raises his eyebrows and nods when Mauve offers to pay double. When she mentions a drink at the inn, he leans in and says, a bit more quietly, "I would, lass, but I'm a married man, and ye don't want to get on the wrong side o' me wife, I can tell ye that." He raises back up and resumes speaking in a normal voice. "Double the pay, says you? I say, for double the pay I'll have it done by midnight!"

Mauve steers the conversation back to the knife Burnbright likes. The blacksmith listens to Mauve's arguments, nodding seriously as she goes through he points. He seems about to speak when Mauve flashes him her best smile. The blacksmith coughs, then rubs at his beard, and says "Er...why, um..." he grins back at her, showing a tangle of crooked teeth. "I take yer meaning an all, lass, and right you are that no one's like to buy it. As I said, it's got a special place in me heart. I can come down a gold in price, but lower than that and I just won't part with it, or I'm an elf!"

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

"I think we still have a bit of time before dinner," I say, looking at Líadan. "What say we take Llucheden for a walk around town to get acquainted with the place?" Perhaps I can find a vendor who sells drums.

She smiles and nods. "I'd like that, and I know Llucheden would too. I imagine she misses you. But let's drop our things off in our room first."

Líadan leads me to the room she arranged for with Aga. We set down our packs beside the bed, then walk hand in hand ut to the stables.

I nod and smile at the stablehand as I go to Llucheden; she whickers and leans out to greet me. I wrap my arms gently around her neck for a moment, running my hand through her mane. At least they couldn't take you from me.

Pulling away, I look around the stable. Llucheden's tack is hung up neatly on the far wall, her elven-made saddle and bridle standing out amid the human-made ones. I take it down, explaining my intentions to the stablehand, and Líadan helps me ready Llucheden for a ride. I swing up into the saddle and pull Líadan up behind me; she wraps her arms around my waist, I take the reins, and off we go.

I look around as we head down the main road, wondering if this town even has someone who sells musical instruments of any sort. I might have to get one custom-made. At least I'm certain I can afford it.

 

[Nihal]

Blacksmith

"Excellent! Midnight, then. Oh, and I beg pardon, I meant no disrespect, I can see you are a good and honest man. I could never dream of getting between you and your respectable wife!"

Is he swayed? The women here must be truly ugly if he is!

I look down as if considering his offer, tilting my head to one side and tucking some strands of hair behind my ear, allowing the good side of my face to appear. I lower my hand in the same soft motion, distractedly running my fingers along my neck, my hand pulling down the cuff of my blouse—no more than an inch, as if it was an unnoticed accident.

Am I still any good at this?

I look up back at him. "I hate to admit how short in money I may be. As you may have overheard, I still have to buy other supplies." I try to have the grace to blush. "The same battle that took my eye ruined my last spare set of clothes, I only have what I am currently wearing, not even a cloak to compensate for its inadequacy for cold climates. I do not even want to think about the food, the inn..." I sigh. "But I truly want to give the girl a treat. She deserves it, the spirited lass. Could we settle for five coins?"


((I can't believe she actually succeeded in a CHA check!))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Temple Gefjon Flashback

"Ha, ha! Your love for your Goddess distracted you, sir. It's not a problem at all. And tilling the earth is a worthy life, but I am as devoted to my faith as you are, so I cannot consider another path. I also wanted to make my next sacrifice in Brynhild's name a financial one. Of course, fifteen gold is less than I expected to spend after that misunderstanding before… but nonetheless, I can give the young lady a gift and also proudly wear the symbol of my faith on my cloak."

I prefer this. You can save up for armor. You know you don't need to wear the jewelry, right?

I know… but I like the way it will complete my outfit. I think I'll wear the silver and give Burnbright the gold.



Waiting for Mauve at the Smith's

I don't say a word. I just watch. 'Use your allure' she said. Maybe when I get to the leather-worker…

 

[SomethingToPonder]

As I enter I notice Mauves glare, I ignore it and continue to greet the blacksmith with a smile. After he answers I reply with haste.

"Thank you good sir, Yes I am sure a Blacksmith of your high standards would have no problem creating a staff with such mechanisms. However I will require it sooner than a weeks time, Much sooner in fact. I would be willing to offer you more gold without trouble, Should you be able to manage it by tomorrow. "

 

[Steerpike]

The Blacksmith

The blacksmith swallows and tugs at his beard. He casts a sideways glance at Burnbright, who is busy looking at other items in the store. The blacksmith takes a peek down Mauve's shirt. "Yes...well, er...five gold fer such a comely young thing. Fair enough, then." He leans in again, making his voice quieter once more. "I don't know how respectable me wife is, but she nods off about an hour after dark. She's a powerful deep sleeper, too. Me, I've been known to walk the cliffs after she's gone to sleep. Just takin' the air, or collectin' my thoughts. If I was to meet a willing young lass some night, well who's to know, eh?" His heated whispers carry the scent of his breath, which consists of one part onion and one part ocean fish.

He straightens back up when Aldar speaks again, looking at Mauve sideways to see if she got his message. "Er...well, now, I don't reckon me skill or standards enter into it much. Yer friends here already gave me a night's worth o' work. And what you want I ain't never made before. I'd need a spring of some kind I reckon, and a way of fixin' it to the blade. Some kind o' lock, too, so when you stick the blade in an orc hide it don't collapse back inside the stick. But you'll want a mechanism fer retracting it when you feel like it, else there ain't much sense in making it that way."

He considers, then shakes his head. "I could have a first shot at it done in two days, no less. I'd want to test her, though. Work out any problems. Will that do fer ye?"

 

[Steerpike]

Cadell & Liadan

Arendal has two individuals who work with wood - a carpenter, and a cooper who also does other wood-working on the side. In passing the carpenter's shop you see a few stringed wooden instruments - lutes, though of two different shapes and sizes - set in the shop window. If the carpenter made them, perhaps he could make something else to order.

 

[SomethingToPonder]

I pause for a second. Considering what he has said.
"Yes, That should be fine good sir. I shall be staying nearby,I shall stop in in a day or so to collect my purchase. I thank you."
I take my leave at this and walk out of his store.

 

[Nihal]

He took the cue, his eyes following down my chest. I feel slightly uncomfortable, the blushing becoming truer. Although the man is disagreeable I feel my heart racing upon the realization I can still make some men fall for me even after I became this ugly sorry thing. I used to be pretty...

I smile, feeling victorious and not caring if he mistakes my smile for something else. I must make sure he feels like he has a chance. "Who knows? This journey got me so tired." I sigh, emphasizing my point, and whisper, "Who knows, another night, a quieter one, when I am fully rested, after a bath... I might crave for some fresh air under the moon."

I place the coins on the counter and take the knife, smirking. "It is a pleasure doing business with you."

((I think Burnbright stayed, since she's mentioned on the previous post, so...))

Taking Burnbright's hand, I lead her out of the shop and hand over the knife. "Here. A knife is always useful. You must be careful to not cut yourself, girl, and know when you should not fight... or when you should." I mess her hair, smiling. "Let's find Baldhart!"

Heading to the leather worker I see Baldhart quite red-faced and with a funny expression. I raise an eyebrow in a silent question.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I look with interest at the carpenter's shop, an eyebrow lifting at the sight of the lutes in the window. They are certainly pretty, and seem well-made. It might be nice to learn to play one... but, as with most instruments, it would work best if I had ten working fingers. I don't like the idea of waiting until the dwarves craft me a hand -- assuming they even agree to, which they might not -- before taking on a new career. I should choose something I can play with or without my hand, and a drum still seems the ideal choice. It's a bit of a shame... I would have liked to learn how to play the flute, in memory of Loegaire. He was always so good at it.

Nonetheless, I should at least see if the carpenter deals with drums. I rein in Llucheden and find a place to hitch her, then swing out of the saddle. Looking up at Líadan, I say, "Would you prefer to stay here with Llucheden, or come inside with me? I don't think I'll be too long."

Líadan nods, dismounting as well. "I might as well join you. It will no doubt be more interesting than sitting out here."

I chuckle, tying Llucheden securely outside the shop. "Fair enough."

"What are you looking for?" she asks as we head inside.

I simply smile and look around, admiring the carpenter's wares. Better to see if I can find what I want for myself rather than asking blindly for what may be right in front of me.