After the meeting and Lunch
Subject After the meeting
Allistair had been about to introduce himself to Harp as Ragnar did, but with the sudden altercation between Kal and Harp, he realized that there were several folds in his robes that needed urgent rearranging. He turns his eyes elsewhere, feeling embarrased to be in a room that suddenly felt very, very small. He pretends to be otherwise occupied until Kal leaves, but he can't help but hear every detail of the conversation. Allistair takes one more look at Kal out of the corner of his eye as he leaves. Allistair thought he understood Elves pretty well - he had lived in the Great Wood and studied magic with the Elves for several years - but he had rarely ever seen an Elf react so harshly, and with so much emotion. But of course, he had never seen Elves in such a racially mixed company before.
After a few moments of awkward silence where everyone tries unsuccessfully to not look at each other, Allistair tries to see if he can pull aside Quarion to have a quick word with him. "Quarion, I'd like to ask a quick question about this guide we are meeting, Mund. Can you describe him for me? Also, is Mund his full name?"
From: Karl
Subject After the meeting
At Harp's call Salix stands with him. Better than that, he silently takes up position between Harp and Kal, staring directly at the Elf.
Now, clearly unable to ignore the self-righteous ramblings of this impertinent, self-important, child of chaos Salix listens as he speaks more words of suspicion and hatred to his friend. Were he not in the house of Harp's brothers, as he had just stated, Salix would take the wild shape and rip the throat from this worthless creature. Even now he could feel his canine teeth aching to elongate, his fingers itching to become claws. . .
"Who are you to test anyone? You impertinent piece of - " But he is speaking to Kal's back as he heads for the door. Salix makes to follow, clearly this idiot needed a lesson in civility, but a heavy hand on his shoulder prevents it. He turns and Harp's eyes tell him - what? It's not worth it? Well that was there, but they also seemed to be saying, "Isn't he right?"
"Who is he, Harp? What filth goes about designing tests of the honor of others while demonstrating none himself? Does he think himself a God?" Salix is barely able to restrain the anger building inside himself. "If he comes with us, he will have more to fear than your ability to control yourself. When *I* find out the color of the blood in his throat it won't be because I couldn't help myself. No, his end will be the same as the death of a rabid wolf. I will cull him from this group before he spreads more poison. If a vow is needed here this day, he can have that one."
Salix catches a questioning glance from Quarion. He stifles a brief embarrassment and looks strongly back as if to say, "I will serve your cause, but I am my own man now." He turns and resumes his former place in the room.
From: Josh
Subject After the meeting
OOC: Nice turn Karl.
I'm afraid we may have made it so bad that Kal will be unable to rejoin the group. Let's see how things continue. He's really not a jerk once you get to know him. :-D
From: Karl
Subject After the meeting
Thanks. I was worried about saying too much, so I tried to write it so that Salix's feelings are known to the group, but not necessarily to Kal himself. Kal might not have heard anything Salix said since he was retreating at the beginning and gone for the bulk of it. I hope Kal does come (though Salix would just as soon he doesn't. ;) )
From: Kevin
Subject After the meeting
Harp looks on as Kal recedes from view. Emotions swirl through his head. His first test as a leader, and he had totally botched it. But how else was he supposed to respond? The elf had drawn a weapon in the Chapter House, had demanded that he swear a vow, had challenged his authority. Kal kept saying that Harp had risen at every opportunity to fight him, had risen to every jab, but Harp had not!!! He had held his hand!! If Harp had responded, the elf would be bleeding to death on the Chapter House floor. Harp had controlled his wild side, only to have it be misunderstood. Could the elf not see that Harp had been exercising control since he was speaking, and not attacking? Harp's confusion grew. Kal said that he knew self control, but then admitted to baiting Harp at every turn. So, he must have been intentionally trying to get Harp to loose control. When, when would the testing end??
Harp looks at Salix "My friend, I am afraid I have truly made a shambles of this. We have not even left yet and I have already caused dissension within the group. I try to show control, and even that is misunderstood.
Kal was right in one thing, though. I would like to rely on you and Ranthir for advice. In fact, I could probably use some right now. Come, let us go track down Ran, no - Ranthir, and discuss this issue. Maybe he has some advice for how to get through to Kal."
Assuming Salix agrees, they will head off to find Ran.
From: Karl
Subject After the meeting
"Get through to Kal?" Salix snorts. "It might be easier to just RUN him through." Then, seeing the serious expression on his friends face, he decides to reply in kind (though privately, he was only half-joking). Harp, you botched nothing. The fact that his blood isn't even now seeking the earth through the Chapterhouse floorboards is testament that both you *and* I maintained civility even where it was not deserved. I suspect the Knight Captain himself would not have let such impertinence and presumption go unchallenged. The nerve! - " Salix stops himself before he gets angry again.
"Harp, anger is a natural emotion. I won't say you don't have a greater responsibility to self-control, but that is because the natural consequences when you lose control can be far more dire than for most people. But that only means you must be stone. You don't have to be ice. The fire within you is part of what makes you strong. Control it as you have done, but don't quench it. You will see that it, too, has been created within you for a purpose. Don't doubt that your fire is a gift simply because some bastard child of chaos hasn't the intelligence to see the wonders of the world outside himself." Salix notices the others in the room failing valiantly in their attempts to appear uninterested in this exchange. He continues in a quieter tone, "and you *are* a wonder, Harp.
You are a self-contained inferno. Every wall you build to hold in the blaze makes the fire even hotter when you choose to wield it. You are meant to focus the fire, not put it out. If your God had wanted less than that from you, your parentage would have been different."
"Let's leave Ranthir in peace for now. He has misunderstandings of his own to rectify. And perhaps our angry friend will not choose to join us anyway. If he does, well, he will learn his place or there will be plenty of us around to show it to him."
***************
(OOC - Salix doesn't have anything else to do or ask in this group. He is interested in the two new members, but the recent uproar has make small talk a little awkward. /OOC )
After Harp's reply to the above, if any, Salix will take his leave of the group saying to Harp, "I will be eating at the tavern just down the alley across from the Chapter House. Please join me when you are finished here." He turns to the two new men and adds, "I'd be honored, too, if you would join us, for dinner or for a pint afterwards if you already have plans." (OOC - he'll extend this invitation to anyone of the former group, too, if there's anyone left. I've lost track of who is still in the room. I'll can role-play introduction, etc, depending on who shows up to dinner, or I can hold it off until we set off on the mission.)
From: Kevin
Subject After the meeting
"Salix, thank you for your counsel, and your support. You do not know how much that means to me. You are right, we will have time to work this out after the ceremony tomorrow. I will leave Ranthir and Angelwing to themselves this evening.
I must go to the chapel for a short while. I feel the need to pray to the Battle Lord for guidance and assistance. I will join you at the tavern within the hour. I to would like to meet our new companions."
With that, Harp will take his leave and head to the Chapterhouse Chapel to pray for guidance and patience. He will then join the rest of the group at the tavern.
From: Mark
Subject Turns
Guys
This has been great. Keep going for a while and introduce yourselves. I really got slammed last night and this morning at work so I will have very little time until tomorrow night to do anything.
However if any one has a question let me know.
From: Karl
Subject Lunch
I just need to know who shows up at the tavern and I'll send an intro turn.
From: Mark
Subject Lunch
How would I know? I am just the DM. :)
From: Kevin
Subject Lunch
Maybe he was sending that note to the other players to ask them if they want their character to join him.
From: Karl
Subject Lunch
That's why I sent the message to the whole list, duh! ;-)
From: Kevin
Subject Lunch
After 3 days of camping, my brothers brain is the size of a peanut. Not that it is much larger normally, but it will have really atrophied these past few days.
Now that he is back in air conditioning, it should grow back to its normal size of a walnut.
From: Mark
Subject Allistair's questions
Quarion looks a bit puzzled at Allistair question. "He is just under 6' tall and well built, which makes sense since he spends most of his time out in the wilds hunting, among other things. He has red hair and grey eyes. He is a bit more wild than my usual contact but your party is going to a wild land. He will help you fit in there. Why do you ask?"
From: Jason
Subject Lunch
Ragnar will be there, so write him in. Hopefully though I'll have some time to write something up before that.
From: Karl
Subject Lunch
Salix leaves the Chapter House and heads back into the town. With an hour to kill, he decides to take a walk down the streets surrounding the Chapter House. As he does, he thinks about the meeting he has just left, especially the look Quarion had given him. What had he seen in his mentor's eyes? Was it worry? Doubt? Certainly there was a little of surprise, but then again, that should be normal. The ritual in the grove was extra-ordinary. Salix now was a different person from the meek young druid who had entered the grove. He felt stronger and more alive. He felt more in tune with the natural world.
Before his experience in the grove, being in a town like this was almost oppressive. The greenvoice had seemed dead here among the stone walls and cobbled streets. But now he knew the greenvoice was alive even here. Sure it was weaker in the city, but it was here nonetheless. He could hear it in the garden outside the Chapter House, and in the trees in the city square. He could even hear it in the flies buzzing around the carcass of what looked to have been a dog, laying in an alley as he passed. The greenvoice here was at times even clearer here where there were fewer sources.
So it was normal for Quarion to look surprised, but worry, or doubt? Salix thought about his actions in the meeting carefully. He had been quicker to anger. Quicker to take offense and rise to insult. That was not like him, or at least not like he was before the grove. But Kal really was un-excusable. His insults needed to be met and challenged. Still, the heady power that was still new and intoxicating to Salix was not license to give in to Chaos. He thought about his own advice to Harp and it hit him how the same advice could apply to himself. If he did not keep control of the power he felt within, could it not consume him as rage and violence consumed an Orc?
*****************
Salix was glad that the tavern keeper already knew of Harp. Apparently Harp was a regular and the other regular guests would be used to him. Salix didn't have to worry about a panic when Harp arrived. As it was, even though a few heads turned and a few backs stiffened when the Half-Orc entered the tavern, the owner simply nodded to Harp and jerked his head in the direction of the booth near the back where Salix was situated.
"Good evening to you, Harp." Salix says cheerfully. "I trust your communion with your God was satisfying." After Harp's reply, Salix continues. "Though our methods are very different from yours, I've had a chance to commune with my God as well. I've discovered some things about myself, and also discovered that I need to talk with you. I'm glad you've gotten here before the others.
"I think I need to follow the same advice I gave you back in the Chapter House. We haven't had a chance to talk much since we parted ways a few days ago. I was called out to meet StormFather Acer in a grove not far from here. I underwent a ritual of my Order and was endowed with new strength and power. You might have noticed in the meeting that I'm not quite as adept as you at containing these new feelings as yet. You've expressed several times that you will be relying on my advice. Let me confess that I'm hoping for your help as well.
"How is it that you have come to master your wilder side so well? I feel almost heady with power today. I feel like there is a beast - well even a whole menagerie of beasts within me just longing to be released. I want to run with the wolves and soar with the eagles. An hour ago I wanted very strongly to rip out Kal's throat as a bear for his impertinence and presumption. I'm not speaking metaphorically, Harp. You will see what I mean in due time, I'm sure. But I know that this is also a gift from Obad-Hai, and thus is also something to be used with accountability. So far it has not proved to be something I can't command. I hope that it never is, but I feel the potential. I have never felt power like this, strong and vibrant, but also with the temptation to abuse it or give in to it wholly.
You have expressed the temptation to give into your rage and wilder nature in the past. Do you still feel that? Does it hit you as a temptation as well? Like something you might enjoy, if there weren't consequences to consider?
"You are free to keep your feelings to yourself, of course. Of if you want time to think about it before responding, I understand. But StormFather Acer did not wait around for questions or advice, and you are the only other person I know who might understand what I'm talking about."
**********************
(OOC - Salix will wait for Harp's reply. Sometime after that reply (long or short), I'm hoping the tavern door will open and Allistair and Ragnar will enter. If so, Salix will greet them as follows:)
"Well met, friends," Salix says as the two approach the booth where Harp and he are working on their pints. "I have taken the liberty of ordering food for us. Harp says the beef here is excellent, and I have asked for bread and some of their best cheese. I trust it will be here shortly. The ale, I can attest myself, is well beyond adequate." He waves to the barmaid to bring two pints for the newcomers.
"I know we were introduced briefly, but I am Salix, Wealdward of the Great North Woods, and a Druid of The Order there." He extends hands to Ragnar and Allistair in turn. "I was hoping you'd come this evening so we could get to know you better." He looks from one new guest to the other, hoping they will launch into some monologues telling a little about their past and perhaps how they came to be part of this group. If they aren't easily forthcoming, he will ask questions. (OOC - but since question/answer is tedious via email, I'll be happy to let any of you come up with your own questions from Salix and incorporate them into your write-up as you see fit. /OOC)
From: Kevin
Subject Lunch
After Harp enters, he spies Salix in the back of the tavern. He sees the barman motion that way, and at Harp's nod, goes to draw a tankard of ale.
As Harp sits down, the tankard is delivered. Harp lifts it to his lips, and downs it without stopping. The barman has another tankard waiting as Harp returns the first. After making an impolite sound, Harp will turn to Salix and listen for a few minutes, drinking, but more slowly than before. When Salix finishes, Harp will reply:
"How have I mastered my wilder side? How do you train a wild horse or a dog? With strict discipline when it fails to follow the rules. No, no, do not shake your head. It was not quite as bad as I make it sound.
The Order is how I have learned. They live by a very strict code and expect their member to adhere to that code. Failure to due so leads to additional "training", "education", whatever you want to call it. Some are less pleasant than others. Cleaning latrines for 2 weeks was unpleasant, but getting flogged was down right painful. But, after a while, you either learn, or you perish. Your time has mostly been spent out in the wilds, alone, I would gather from our conversations. My time has been spent in pretty strict confinement. If it were not for that, I am sure that I would be in chains for the death of Kal. But I am not always successful in my attempt at control. Remember our encounter with that band of orcs when we first journeyed? I have a special place for my hatred orcs, and that is a place that can still to this day make me loose control.
I, too, seemed to undergo a change recently, though not an official one. During our break, I undertook a fast to give thanks to the Battle Lord for his support and assistance during our journey. While in this fast, I had a visitation from what I think was a herald of Heironious.
During this visitation, I was shown a slight bit more of my Lords grace. I was also given a warning about my wild side. Now, a warning from Knight/Captain Heronin is one thing, but this was something all together different. I have to learn to use this power to benefit those who are being oppressed, taken advantage of, downtrodden. I have to use it to block the plans of our enemy, Hextor. Using this power to swat down a pest like Kal probably would not be looked upon well. I have to keep that in my mind. My larger problem is not lashing out physically against Kal. While he seems nimble enough, one or two good swacks from me would most likely take him down. But I hope it does not come to that, though maybe that would shut him up. More likely, he will take that as additional proof that I cannot be trusted.
Salix, I do not know how to respond to him. He challenges me and when I do not fight him, he takes it as if I have attacked him. How does he think I should respond? Say to him "Oh, you are right Mr. Elf, I am unworthy of anything? Please show me how to be a man?" I think not. I will have to learn to work with him at some point. I just wish he would try to meet me half way"
From: Mark
Subject time of day
I just want to clear up what time of day it is.
The meeting took place at the third bell after dawn or about 9AM. It is now just around noon.
The wedding will take place at the third bell after dawn tomorrow and the party leaves on the morning tide the day after.
From: Kevin
Subject Time of day
Hey, its 5 o'clock somewhere in the world, even yours.
Having a pint or two for lunch is a well established tradition amongst the more devout members of the Order. I am surprised I dont see Heronin down here swilling a few mugs himself.
From: Jason
Subject Lunch
As the group disperses, Ragnar heads to the chapel. If he sees Harp there, he won't interrupt him, knowing there will be time to talk later. Instead he uses his time to pray and ponder over the meeting. He had been surprised to learn the identity of the half-elf, and slightly dissappointed that in his first encounter with the son of the Paladin Corron, Ranthir had lashed out with such anger and cut the meeting short.
Still, even Ragnar knew there was more going on than was immediately apparent. The continued illness of General Corron was not common knowledge, but it could hardly be concealed from someone with so strong an interest as himself. It must be a trying time for his son. And Angelwing clearly thought of him as a friend, and had taken no offense to his objections. Ragnar would not let himself dwell on it either.
More troubling was the confrontation between Kal on the one hand and Harp and Salix (and Surin?) on the other. Kal's remark about the "half-orc and the dwarf" didn't bother him; he'd heard far worse. More troubling was the naked distrust and anger apparent among the group's members. He spent the rest of an hour contemplating what could have made Kal so distrustful of Harp, and why Salix would leap to his defense so immediately and agressively. He noted when Harp left, but did not follow until he was convinced he would wrest no new insights from what he knew.
Finally he rose to join the others for dinner. He found Harp's bulky outline immediately, his eyes needing no time to adjust to the dimmer light inside the tavern, and headed that way before the bartender noticed him enter.
From: Mark
Subject Angelwing
He is up with Rochelle knocking back a few wine coolers before he gets to knock her up.
From: Karl
Subject Lunch
We're getting our drunk on early so we can sober up before the wedding.
From: Mark
Subject Lunch
I have no problem with the drinking, I just wanted every one to know that it was not dinner yet.
However, if you look at the CON scores, I think Allistair will surprise everyone by probably drinking even the dwarf under the table.
From: Kevin
Subject Lunch
Not dinner, but we do need some food to sop up the alcohol we are about to imbibe.
Harp may not have an 18 CON score, but he does weigh twice what Allistar does. So he will cause a bigger crash when he goes down.
From: Jason
Subject Lunch
ooc/ I don't think Allistair is actually entering with me, though he could be /ooc
Ragnar takes Salix's hand and shakes it courteously. "Well met, Wealdward Salix. I am Ragnar, son of Glim, and a cleric of Heironeous. I am pleased to make your aquaintance as well. I am well into my second decade of service in this temple, but I began my mission in the Wildlands."
At this point Harp speaks up, curious. "I was unaware that there were any clerics of Heironeous in the Wildlands. From the way Quarion described it earlier today, it sounds like an unusual place to learn of Heironeous."
"Indeed it is," agrees Ragnar. "But I was born among the dwarves of the Far Reaches, and there are no clerics at all devoted to our god among them. I myself learned of Heironeous only... from a particularly valiant Paladin who was travelling through the area. Later I sought out a cleric willing to teach me in his ways. It is quite possible that he was the only such cleric in all the Wildlands. He was certainly much more, well, practical, perhaps, in his worship rather than the strict discipline among your order or even my own."
"What of the Wildlands themselves, then?" asks Salix.
"It is a beautiful place in truth, my friend" replies Ragnar. "Though I share my kind's affinity for stonework and the deep places of the earth, I have spent most of my life among humans and have come to see things through their eyes, somewhat. The Wildlands are far from most human cities, and though the dwarves take some interest in the areas nearest their mountains, for the most part they are content to leave them be. It is worth noting that Quarion's description is entierly correct; far from the civilizing influences of the cities and the temples, it is an area where the strong take what they will and the weak adjust as they can. But I am sure that a druid such as yourself can appreciate that, and as for myself, I have found that the people there are not truly so different from my brothers here in the temple. Though you will certainly find many who disagree.
"Now if you don't mind my changing the subject, I've noticed that the two of you seem to be good and close friends. Yet I've understood that you met only a few weeks past. How is it that you've come to know each other so well?"
At this point, Ragnar and his two companions begin to trade questions back and forth, as Ragnar catches up on the journey, their history, etc. He makes a point of asking a couple questions about Kal, but keeps it as innocuous as possible (how'd you meet, etc.)
ooc If you had any other specific questions I can answer those too.
From: Jason
Subject Lunch
Just wanted to make clear Ragnar has no intention of being drunk, whether
under the table or anywhere else.
"What's so unpleasant about being drunk?"
"Ask a glass of water."
From: Karl
Subject Lunch
(OOC - this probably takes place before the others arrive at the tavern.)
"Well, it looks like we'll have to watch out for each other, then. Maybe we'll have to ask Kal what he is trying to do and why he thinks it is his place to test those he has no authority over. If we know his motives maybe we can appease them before he gets out of hand.
"I think you don't know your own strength in this, Harp. I do remember our encounter with the Orcs. I remember what you would have done if you were not accountable to anyone but yourself. The very fact that you recognize to whom you are accountable, though, shows you can find the strength to control your anger even when you would otherwise let it run wild.
I'm sure the punishments have had their place, or at least you feel so or I suppose you would not have stayed with your order. But I don't think the punishment would have been sufficient if you had not wanted to learn the control in the first place. You are not a dog, Harp, though you've used that example more than once. Trust me in this. I know dogs, and I know Orcs." He pauses and looks square in Harp's face, "And I know you are neither of those things."
After a minute, and a large gulp of ale, he continues, "In my case, punishment isn't an option, as you've said. I guess I'll just have to rely on self control. I'll have to make that an extra part of my morning meditations. Still, it's good to know we understand each other in this. I know I have more respect for you now, if your inner fire is anything like what I've been feeling these last couple of days. The power of nature, and our natures, is an awesome thing. I don't think our gods would challenge us with it if we didn't have the power to learn control." Salix pauses again, weighing the truth of his own words as if they had come from Harp. "Time will tell if Kal is a challenge from one of our god, or a temptation from some other," he adds with a wink.
From: Kevin
Subject Lunch
True enough Salix, though I prefer my temptations to come from a bottle or a tankard.
Barkeep, another round for my friend and I!!!!
From: Derek
Subject Lunch
Allistair pauses, thinking about Quarion's description of Mund before he answers his question. "There's a chance I may have met him before, but it is unlikely it is the same person. On the other hand, the Mund I knew I haven't seen in over 10 years, and much could have changed in that time. I'll just have to wait until I meet him myself."
At Quarion's suggestion Allistair decides to join the others in the tavern for a meal so that he can introduce himself. As he enters he spots the group quickly, since Harp is afterall hard to miss. Seeing the others motioning him to join them, he takes a seat at the table. He orders a simple meal, and noticing that most everyone is drinking, he orders everyone another round of ale as a gesture of friendship.
Everyone seems a little gloomy after all the arguments that took place earlier. "Well," he says, trying to look somewhat lighthearted, "I've been on journeys that had a better beginning, but at least Quarion didn't seem overly concerned. He just mentioned something about a lot of strong personalities that need smoothing out. I'm sure after a few weeks together things will seem a little better, either that or we'll all have much bigger things to worry about."
After some questions about himself, Allistair decides introduces himself with a bit more detai.. As he speaks, some of the others may notice that he speaks with a slight elven accent. "As Quarion mentioned, I will be the arcane support for the group. I've studied both here at the academy in Gorn, and I had the opportunity to study at the Elven Academy in the Great Wood for several years, from which I recently returned. From what I heard about your previous adventures, it seems that you have all seen your share of battle. Although my formal training was not in battle magic per se, I am knowledgable of most of the appropriate spells, and I think that I will at least be a small benefit to the group, the situatioin being battle or otherwise."
When one of the group asks about being from the Wildlands, Allistair pauses before answering. "Yes, I am originally from a small mountain village in the Wildlands," he says, looking into his mug of ale. "But I have not been there for many years. I actually ran away when I was young so that I could study the ways of magic.
There was a shaman in my village that recognized my talent, but there was little he could teach me as his skills and my talent seemed to be in different areas. I made my way to Freehold where I studied with a wizard there for a time. I eventually found my way to the wizard academy at Garlin, the capitol of Camlost. Having some skill I was admitted as a student and studied there for a few years. After my 2nd year there, I won a competition that allowed me to travel to the Great Wood to study at the Elven Academy. I met Quarion there at the academy, as it seems he travels there from time to time. Returning to Camlost, he invited me to join an expedition that he was organizing. Although he said it was of great importance, I had little idea that I would be involved in a prophesy. But things being such as they are, here I am." He avoids eye contact and drinks the rest of his ale in one long swill.
From: Randy
Subject After the meeting
As Heronin takes his leave Ranthir smiles and makes his own way home. Heronin had been pretty mad when he had to serve the KP duty and Ranthir hadn't made it easier on him. While Heronin peeled potatoes, Ranthir had made sure to make his way past the kitchen at least a couple of times a day, singing some of the songs that had caused the trouble to begin with. Oh, how life was simpler then.
'Now about guarding Rochelle,' Ran thinks to himself, 'Heronin would never leave his intended unprotected. Am I really concerned for her safety or do I only long for her companionship?' At this thought, Ranthir kneels down to meditate. As he silences his thoughts he thinks on how much his friendship with Heronin means and how much hurt there could be if Rochelle were to get in between them. He prays long and hard on moving past his feelings for Rochelle. As he does, an image of a young woman with green eyes and curly red hair enters his thoughts. It is the woman from the tavern, Mira.
'I will trust Heronin and the Order to protect Rochelle for tonight.'
Ranthir spends some time cleaning up and puts on fresh clothes. He straightens out his hair and looks into a mirror. His blue eyes starkly contrasting his jet black hair peer at his reflection. Satisfied that he looks his best, he leaves his chambers and heads to The Lucky Star tavern.
He scans the tavern when he enters, hoping to spot Mira in the crowd. The place is busy, but he finds a free stool at the bar. The barman comes to him and Ranthir orders a glass of Mead. When the bartender hands him the glass, Ranthir asks about Mira. She is on a break and will be back in about half an hour. Ranthir fishes a gold piece out of his pocket and gives it to the bartender along with a request for a table in Mira's section of the bar. He also requests that a dinner be sent over to him as soon as Mira returns. The barman looks at the gold piece appreciatively and leads Ranthir to a table that has just been vacated. As Ranthir sits, the bartender wipes the table clean and smiles, flipping the coin in the air as he walks away.
Over the next 25 minutes Ranthir nurses his drink. He is getting a little nervous. What if Mira didn't remember him? Was he just another generous customer to her? Her smile had been amazing. As his thoughts drift over his memory of dancing with her and the kiss she had given him at the end of the night he smiles and starts to relax a little.
"Ranthir" a soft voice calls out. He looks up from the table and sees Mira carrying a tray of food along with two mugs of ale. There are two plates for the food as well. She puts the tray on the table and slides into the seat next to him.
"Davamros, that's the barkeep, has said that I should join you for dinner. He said he thought you wanted to speak with me." She smiles as she speaks. She loads a plate full of bread, braised pork, and green beans before passing it to him. She then places a much smaller amount on her own plate.
"Davamros is a perceptive and gracious host then. Mira, I wanted to properly thank you for the other evening. You are a graceful dancer and I really needed to cut loose a little. I was hoping to speak with you again before I depart." Ran accepts his plate greatfully and enjoys the aroma rising from it. He cuts a couple of slices of bread and hands one to Mira.
"Depart? You are leaving?" Her eyes are a little downcast at the news but she tries to hide it by raising her mug and taking a pull from it. "Where are you going?"
Ranthir explains to her the situation without going into too much detail. He doesn't mention the prophecy, only that he needs to be a part of this quest and that he is doing it out of respect for his father and his friend. She takes him at his word and acknowledges the importance of honor.
They spend a few moments eating in silence. Ranthir enjoys the flavors of the meal, especially the pork. He takes a swallow of ale to wash down a bite and looks at Mira. She is watching him and smiles as his blue eyes reach her green ones. Her red hair frames her face with ringlet curls. Feeling suddenly confident, Ran reaches across the table and grasps her hands in his.
"Mira, I know we don't know eachother well but I would like to have you accompany me to my friends wedding tomorrow. That is, if you aren't busy?" He feels his face getting slightly warm as he awaits her response. As she starts to reply she is interrupted by a call from Davamros.
"I said you could have dinner with 'im lass, not run away with him!" He follows this with a boisterous laugh.
Mira's cheeks redden with embarrasment though she chuckles along with her boss. "I would be honored to join you."
They spend another half hour or so finishing their meal and engaging in small talk. The tavern is filling up with its evening crowd and the staff seems to be getting a little overwhelmed. Mira apologizes to Ranthir for cutting their time short but she needs to return to work. He waves off the apology and rises to leave. As he does so he takes Mira's hand and pulls her towards him. He kisses her gently and lets her go. He leaves the tavern, feeling lighter as he had after the first night he met her. As he walks home he starts to think about how to impress her in the morning. A carriage drawn by white horses should do the trick. That and a stop to pick up some fresh flowers should do the trick.
From: Karl
Subject Ran
Nice turn, Randy. :-)
From: Karl
Subject Lunch
"Well met, Wealdward Salix," the dwarf says.
"Call me Salix, please. 'Wealdward' is as much surname as it is a title among my people. At any rate I use it after my given name, but only when I'm being formal. Among friends, 'Salix' will do," he says with a cheerful grin.
Salix explains his short history with Harp and their recent adventure. He answers the questions about Kal, but it is clear from the way he chooses his words with extreme care that his feelings are less than comfortable on that subject.
"What can you tell me of the Wildlands flora, or fauna?" he asks. "I know little about the area, and almost nothing first hand. Is it true there are dragons there? I've been told as much but I've always suspected the teller was pulling my leg."
From: Karl
Subject Lunch
"I have little experience with magic users," Salix says. "There was one on our last adventure, but he was the first I've worked with closely." He pauses, then adds diplomatically, "He was a good man."
"So you are a friend of Quarion?" he continues. "He certainly gets around in this land. He has made many visits to my order in the Great North Woods, and has been my primary contact since I left my home with them. I have been traveling on various errands, mostly under the direction of Quarion for well over a year now. He is a good man, too."
From: Josh
Subject Mark and Harp
OOC: Hey! Him and Harp have something in common!
IC: Kal snickers for apparently no reason. :-D
From: Jake
Subject Surin
Surin watches Kal's exchange with Harp, and even he is stunned into silence by the arrogance and hostility that the elf displays. What could possibly motivate the swordsman? "Only one way to find out," Surin mutters under his breath, and quietly slips out of the room. He pads after Kal, following him back to his room. He considers, for a moment, slipping in behind Kal, startling him, and grins broadly at the thought; he could do it, and it would be nice to see the arrogant mask fall, if only for a moment. But no--that would only put the elf on the defensive. Instead, he waits until a few minutes after Kal has entered his room, then knocks on the door.