Ruhn sat quietly in the corner of the common room close to the window as he studied the tome that was spread out on the table in front of him. It had taken up enough of the surface that he had to move the candleholder and pitcher of water to the edge, a precarious position for both and the innkeeper had noticed the careless strategy. He frowned at the man while rubbing a pewter tankard vigorously with an old stained piece of scrim cloth, his bushy grey brows weaving into each other.
Ruhn had been in possession of the book for a while and it still fascinated him even to the point where he had forgotten to order his breakfast though it was nearly lunchtime and The Traveller's Inn would soon be occupied by more people but for now it was almost empty. A few other patrons sat at their tables enjoying the peace and comfort of the warm fire. It was early spring and a chill still clung to the city, all the more so as it was built on the pass through the mountains and stood at a higher altitude than its neighbouring city down in the flat heathlands. Spring had already warmed the lowlands while here it was raining and cold and would no doubt snow at some point in the middle of the night.
He closed the book and sat staring at the door for several moments, the instructions he had read were pictured repeatedly in his mind, a formula of magic he was trying to memorize. It was no use when encountering the undead to pull the book out of his satchel and read it there and then, he thought. He needed to train his mind to remember the magic in any given situation. However, he was wise enough not to wholly rely on magic, he had some training in weapons. A short sword was belted to his waist with two daggers on either side of his hips. His pack lay against the table leg, it contained spare clean clothing and essentials. He wore a light leather brigandine that could be justified as armour though it was constructed with large rings and not plates or mail. Sturdy boots fitted his feet and tucked into his girdle was a thick pair of hide gloves, slightly worn away at the fingertips. An old grey cloak was draped over the chair he occupied, the hem more like a thread fringe. It was still damp and splattered with some mud and had made a dirty puddle on the grey flagstone floor, another indignation that twitched the brows of the innkeeper.
Ruhn owned pieces of plate armour but it was heavy and cumbersome to wear without the right padding worn underneath and it was not made to his measurements, it was more of a hindrance than protection. He left it back at the adventurer's guild in a chest that he was allowed to use, he was one of the newest recruits more out of the necessity of finding shelter than actually seeking another adventure. His last two explorations nearly ended his life and he had learnt that being on his own was not the wisest choice. He had no desire for any of these tombs to become his own.
{Anyone.}
Ruhn had been in possession of the book for a while and it still fascinated him even to the point where he had forgotten to order his breakfast though it was nearly lunchtime and The Traveller's Inn would soon be occupied by more people but for now it was almost empty. A few other patrons sat at their tables enjoying the peace and comfort of the warm fire. It was early spring and a chill still clung to the city, all the more so as it was built on the pass through the mountains and stood at a higher altitude than its neighbouring city down in the flat heathlands. Spring had already warmed the lowlands while here it was raining and cold and would no doubt snow at some point in the middle of the night.
He closed the book and sat staring at the door for several moments, the instructions he had read were pictured repeatedly in his mind, a formula of magic he was trying to memorize. It was no use when encountering the undead to pull the book out of his satchel and read it there and then, he thought. He needed to train his mind to remember the magic in any given situation. However, he was wise enough not to wholly rely on magic, he had some training in weapons. A short sword was belted to his waist with two daggers on either side of his hips. His pack lay against the table leg, it contained spare clean clothing and essentials. He wore a light leather brigandine that could be justified as armour though it was constructed with large rings and not plates or mail. Sturdy boots fitted his feet and tucked into his girdle was a thick pair of hide gloves, slightly worn away at the fingertips. An old grey cloak was draped over the chair he occupied, the hem more like a thread fringe. It was still damp and splattered with some mud and had made a dirty puddle on the grey flagstone floor, another indignation that twitched the brows of the innkeeper.
Ruhn owned pieces of plate armour but it was heavy and cumbersome to wear without the right padding worn underneath and it was not made to his measurements, it was more of a hindrance than protection. He left it back at the adventurer's guild in a chest that he was allowed to use, he was one of the newest recruits more out of the necessity of finding shelter than actually seeking another adventure. His last two explorations nearly ended his life and he had learnt that being on his own was not the wisest choice. He had no desire for any of these tombs to become his own.
{Anyone.}
With his armament strapped to his back and shield beneath it, the dwarf made his way through the cobbled streets. The briskness to the air didn't bite quite as surely as it might've had had he not been wearing a fur-lined coat but he made a note as he walked, all the same, to purchase a cloak when he had the funds to do so for additional protection. The last having got rather torn up, damaged and dirtied beyond worthwhile repair.
Double-checking the sign above the Inn when he spotted it across the way, eyeing what he'd scrawled on the parchment to remind him of where to go, he then made for the door and pushed it open. At four and a half foot tall, what he made up for in height, he compensated for in a figure that looked like it could hold an entryway as if made of rock itself. The grey blue coat looked faded at points, and over the top of that was worn a pair of metal-edged leather pauldrons that appeared a size too big and clumsily modified, a broad leather belt, and fur-edged leather gauntlets. His pants had patches on each knee and were tucked into fur-edged sturdy boots. No signs of any insignia but there was something about how he carried himself, a hint in his posture and movements, that suggested former military of some description.
Securing his grip on his backpack, he took in the warm, dark atmosphere offered before spotting the figure looking towards the door during the sweeping of his eyes over the interior from one side to the other. A familiar face! Not by knowing but by seeing in passing, likely in the guilds' building, going or coming. Directing his steps, he eyed the pitcher and candle on the edge and kept a good pace back. Not the most graceful or dextrous at best and not wanting to cause damage.
"Still looking for extra bodies for your finding quest? I am from the Adventuring Guild." The last offered to clarify that there was something of a commonality between them, the guild itself. Looking up at the tome-studying individual, affording a fleeting glance out of the window too but hindered in the latter by his height, or lack thereof. The dwarf was new to adventuring with not many completed missions under his belt but not so much to combat outright, judging by the ease with which he carried his armaments. His arrival in the guild and adding to the roster had been... blood-marked, as he had turned up at their doorstep, moderately injured, wanting to sign up. He had been patched up, tested, and accepted, and now was open to another adventure.
Double-checking the sign above the Inn when he spotted it across the way, eyeing what he'd scrawled on the parchment to remind him of where to go, he then made for the door and pushed it open. At four and a half foot tall, what he made up for in height, he compensated for in a figure that looked like it could hold an entryway as if made of rock itself. The grey blue coat looked faded at points, and over the top of that was worn a pair of metal-edged leather pauldrons that appeared a size too big and clumsily modified, a broad leather belt, and fur-edged leather gauntlets. His pants had patches on each knee and were tucked into fur-edged sturdy boots. No signs of any insignia but there was something about how he carried himself, a hint in his posture and movements, that suggested former military of some description.
Securing his grip on his backpack, he took in the warm, dark atmosphere offered before spotting the figure looking towards the door during the sweeping of his eyes over the interior from one side to the other. A familiar face! Not by knowing but by seeing in passing, likely in the guilds' building, going or coming. Directing his steps, he eyed the pitcher and candle on the edge and kept a good pace back. Not the most graceful or dextrous at best and not wanting to cause damage.
"Still looking for extra bodies for your finding quest? I am from the Adventuring Guild." The last offered to clarify that there was something of a commonality between them, the guild itself. Looking up at the tome-studying individual, affording a fleeting glance out of the window too but hindered in the latter by his height, or lack thereof. The dwarf was new to adventuring with not many completed missions under his belt but not so much to combat outright, judging by the ease with which he carried his armaments. His arrival in the guild and adding to the roster had been... blood-marked, as he had turned up at their doorstep, moderately injured, wanting to sign up. He had been patched up, tested, and accepted, and now was open to another adventure.
She had entered The Traveller's Inn, in near silence. It had been a chance to test her stealth skills, but now standing near the shadowy corner below the stairs and the large wooden table near the bar's wooden counter she wondered if it was such a feat at all. The human male seemed more absorbed in the tome he was studying, not aware that his cloak draped over the back of the chair he occupied was slowly making a widening puddle on the inn's floor much to the dismay of the inn's proprietor from the other man's expression. Neither men had noticed her and she preferred it that way for now. Her purpose, at least for the moment, was to watch and observe. Though little was occurring as time seemed to trickle by. She quietly took a seat on the wooden bench at the table which would allow her an unobstructed view of the inn and those in it, but still permitted her to remain in the shadows for now. Only her unnerving ice green eyes in her dark face, which almost seemed to glow with an inner light of their own, might be noticed if one faced and peered at her directly. Her raven hair was mostly obscured from the hood on her cloak as were her long pointed ears that would have marked her as elven if they were seen.
She remained watchful, the damp woolen grey-green hooded cloak she wore, not waterproofed, starting to make a small pool of dirty water below the wooden bench. She would need to purchase a better cloak soon. Her twin daggers were hidden on her person and she carried no other weapons for the moment. The innkeeper seemed to focus more on the dark-haired man than any of his other patrons. Her catlike eyes darted around until her attention was caught by the sudden opening of the inn's main door and the damp, cold air seeping into the inn to rival with the warmth within until due to the fire dancing brightly in the common area's hearth.
The dark-haired, bushy-browed and bearded dwarf not only brought in the cooler air of the springtime day around noon, but he also broke the relative tranquility of the inn's inner peace. She watched not replying to the dwarf's question that hung in the common room yet to be answered. She waited to see and hear the other occupants’ reactions.
She remained watchful, the damp woolen grey-green hooded cloak she wore, not waterproofed, starting to make a small pool of dirty water below the wooden bench. She would need to purchase a better cloak soon. Her twin daggers were hidden on her person and she carried no other weapons for the moment. The innkeeper seemed to focus more on the dark-haired man than any of his other patrons. Her catlike eyes darted around until her attention was caught by the sudden opening of the inn's main door and the damp, cold air seeping into the inn to rival with the warmth within until due to the fire dancing brightly in the common area's hearth.
The dark-haired, bushy-browed and bearded dwarf not only brought in the cooler air of the springtime day around noon, but he also broke the relative tranquility of the inn's inner peace. She watched not replying to the dwarf's question that hung in the common room yet to be answered. She waited to see and hear the other occupants’ reactions.
Ruhn took a swift intake of breath, his eyes focusing on the dwarf. "Finding quest?" He responded in puzzlement, the expression upon his face was almost comical. It took a few moments for him to think what the dwarf was talking about, in truth he hadn't remembered talking to him, though he did seem familiar. He hadn't asked anyone to aid him in finding a copy of the tome he owned or had he? He remembered asking at the mage's guild and the local book suppliers if they stored a duplicate but he couldn't remember asking anyone at the adventurer's guild.
He reflected for a moment longer, a blank expression now washing over his features but the confusion still clung to him. Perhaps it was some other subject the dwarf queried about and the wrong person asked. Then he recalled an elven fellow who had visited the guild and requested help in finding some mural. That could be it, he thought.
"Ah! Is this about what that elven fellow said? Collecting murals or such? I showed my interest but being new to the guild I thought the task would be passed on to someone capable. I overheard him speak of the old Banner ruins that lay close to The City. I am defiantly interested but it's not a task I would attempt on my own." So, the dwarf was also a guild member, he looked more appropriate for the undertaking. Even though Ruhn had been able to afford slightly better equipment since he left the Dale his confidence was now slightly lacking. Dungeon delving was not a one-man hobby.
"My name's Ruhn. I'm what you can class as a spell blade, though I'm not a master in either. I know how to use a sword and frost magic, I'm also learning another form of magic that hopefully could prove useful, though frost magic I've practiced since ..." he trailed off. There was no need to bore the stout chap with his past and Ruhn wasn't interested in reflecting upon it. "Well, for years, anyway."
He reflected for a moment longer, a blank expression now washing over his features but the confusion still clung to him. Perhaps it was some other subject the dwarf queried about and the wrong person asked. Then he recalled an elven fellow who had visited the guild and requested help in finding some mural. That could be it, he thought.
"Ah! Is this about what that elven fellow said? Collecting murals or such? I showed my interest but being new to the guild I thought the task would be passed on to someone capable. I overheard him speak of the old Banner ruins that lay close to The City. I am defiantly interested but it's not a task I would attempt on my own." So, the dwarf was also a guild member, he looked more appropriate for the undertaking. Even though Ruhn had been able to afford slightly better equipment since he left the Dale his confidence was now slightly lacking. Dungeon delving was not a one-man hobby.
"My name's Ruhn. I'm what you can class as a spell blade, though I'm not a master in either. I know how to use a sword and frost magic, I'm also learning another form of magic that hopefully could prove useful, though frost magic I've practiced since ..." he trailed off. There was no need to bore the stout chap with his past and Ruhn wasn't interested in reflecting upon it. "Well, for years, anyway."
Hallr paused for a moment, his expression uncertain. Common was his second language rather than his first, and for a moment, he wondered if he had used the wrong turn of phrase to try and get across what he meant. But when the mention of the mural arose, he grinned, the expression partially obscured by his fairly heavy moustache and beard combination.
"Yes, that's the one!" Enthused with an underlying tone of relief but not overly loud, mindful of his volume. Voice settling quickly enough. "I've done my share of exploring and combat, even if not so much as an adventure outright, so I put myself forward. If you are open to being joined, if you are still interested..." Subtle gesture hand in a raised motion to seek to wordlessly indicate 'count me in'. "...I would like to help." He had transferrable enough skills in principle and had passed the guild's testing of him but it was still not something he would chance alone either. Aware of his positioning in terms of wanting to keep the thoroughfares unobstructed, he moved to stand on the other side of the seated man, angling himself in the process of moving so then his pack didn't jostle anything or anyone.
"A pleasure to meet you." Genuinely meant. While once far more insular and guarded, certain circumstances had transpired, prompting in him the development of a more open but still occasionally rough personality. "I am Hallr." His head tilted slightly at the mention of the combination of bladework and magic. "Ay, that's different." He caught the trailing off but, as someone with a past that up to that point he had only shared with one person, he didn't push for a continuation of what had been said. "I've got no magical talent in me." He gestured to the shield at his back, then to the hefty looking axe. "But I am good securing a spot and holding it," he added. That or cleaving his way through opponents, barrelling through with the advantage of brute force and often surprise depending. Flexible enough in his knowledge not to be pocketed into a role but not so versatile as to be a jack-of-all-trades. "What's the other magic you are learning, if you don' mind me asking?"
Unaware, seemingly at least, of the other occupant in the room who was paying attention to the conversation. A lapse that he would scold himself for at a later date, for letting someone get past him and not at least turning to note the moving individual in question.
"Yes, that's the one!" Enthused with an underlying tone of relief but not overly loud, mindful of his volume. Voice settling quickly enough. "I've done my share of exploring and combat, even if not so much as an adventure outright, so I put myself forward. If you are open to being joined, if you are still interested..." Subtle gesture hand in a raised motion to seek to wordlessly indicate 'count me in'. "...I would like to help." He had transferrable enough skills in principle and had passed the guild's testing of him but it was still not something he would chance alone either. Aware of his positioning in terms of wanting to keep the thoroughfares unobstructed, he moved to stand on the other side of the seated man, angling himself in the process of moving so then his pack didn't jostle anything or anyone.
"A pleasure to meet you." Genuinely meant. While once far more insular and guarded, certain circumstances had transpired, prompting in him the development of a more open but still occasionally rough personality. "I am Hallr." His head tilted slightly at the mention of the combination of bladework and magic. "Ay, that's different." He caught the trailing off but, as someone with a past that up to that point he had only shared with one person, he didn't push for a continuation of what had been said. "I've got no magical talent in me." He gestured to the shield at his back, then to the hefty looking axe. "But I am good securing a spot and holding it," he added. That or cleaving his way through opponents, barrelling through with the advantage of brute force and often surprise depending. Flexible enough in his knowledge not to be pocketed into a role but not so versatile as to be a jack-of-all-trades. "What's the other magic you are learning, if you don' mind me asking?"
Unaware, seemingly at least, of the other occupant in the room who was paying attention to the conversation. A lapse that he would scold himself for at a later date, for letting someone get past him and not at least turning to note the moving individual in question.
She picked up on some of the conversation between the two males. The human spoke of an elven fellow looking for people to collect murals. So, her uncle had been to the Adventurer's Guild. She had recently and secretly joined the guild without her parents' knowledge, though she doubted it would take her parents, especially her mother, Velannia, long to learn of it. Her mother had those who worked for her and were her eyes and ears in many parts of The City except in the slums that Velannia deemed below her notice and that of her family's. That was where her mother erred and where Dhia was able to gain the little amount of freedom she had.
The man knew how to wield frost magic! Impressive, she thought. Perhaps the human would be less reluctant to take on her uncle's endeavour if others joined in to help and she wished to help her uncle in this! She pushed back the wooden bench she sat on, making it gently scrape on the wooden floor as she got up. Thankfully women were still accepted into The Leveller's Adventuring Guild, but who knew for how much longer that would last with the current social climate of The City. She wondered how open these males would be to a female offering her help.
She kept the hood of her cloak over her head for now. She walked over to the human's table with her high, black leather boots making little noise. Her boots, like the rest of her attire was of good quality but well worn and cared for so that it was no longer stiff, but had taken on the forms and toned curves of her body. She smiled brightly at the two of them with curious and genuine interest in her tilted eyes. "Forgive my intrusion, please. My name is Dhia." She stressed the pronunciation as Dee-ah. "I have also newly joined the Adventure's Guild and I'm hoping to find lucrative work. Times are getting harder for women who don't wish to occupy the roles the City Council are now wanting to restrict us to. I have a knack of getting into closed off areas and picking my way where others wish to keep everyone out if you catch my meaning." She finished with a crooked grin. She stood standing and would only join them if invited to do so.
The man knew how to wield frost magic! Impressive, she thought. Perhaps the human would be less reluctant to take on her uncle's endeavour if others joined in to help and she wished to help her uncle in this! She pushed back the wooden bench she sat on, making it gently scrape on the wooden floor as she got up. Thankfully women were still accepted into The Leveller's Adventuring Guild, but who knew for how much longer that would last with the current social climate of The City. She wondered how open these males would be to a female offering her help.
She kept the hood of her cloak over her head for now. She walked over to the human's table with her high, black leather boots making little noise. Her boots, like the rest of her attire was of good quality but well worn and cared for so that it was no longer stiff, but had taken on the forms and toned curves of her body. She smiled brightly at the two of them with curious and genuine interest in her tilted eyes. "Forgive my intrusion, please. My name is Dhia." She stressed the pronunciation as Dee-ah. "I have also newly joined the Adventure's Guild and I'm hoping to find lucrative work. Times are getting harder for women who don't wish to occupy the roles the City Council are now wanting to restrict us to. I have a knack of getting into closed off areas and picking my way where others wish to keep everyone out if you catch my meaning." She finished with a crooked grin. She stood standing and would only join them if invited to do so.
"I find those who can stand fast and firm against an opponent quite impressive. It's a pleasure to meet you, Hallr." He said in an honest reply to Hallr. Ruhn was just about to answer regarding the magic when the young woman announced herself. He was relieved in one way, conversing upon the magic theory he was investigating without having much time to utilize the subject could be embarrassing, especially with his last attempts to use it, though it had some effect.
"Dhia." He echoed her name as he turned his attention toward her. "Well, it's nice to meet you." He had not been in the city for that long but he had noticed some of its population with similar features to hers, the elven gentleman he had just mentioned who offered the endeavor was once such example. It was the fine noble facial characteristics and the eyes, especially the eyes. Could she be one of these elven folk? He thought.
"We were about to discuss a quest that's been offered to members of the guild. I was present when the details were given and I expressed my interest. You are welcome to join us, I think. I'm Ruhn, and this is Hallr." He spoke before turning his attention to Hallr for confirmation. If the dwarf was in agreement then it was possible they could form a small group. Groups seemed to be more successful in these situations.
"Dhia." He echoed her name as he turned his attention toward her. "Well, it's nice to meet you." He had not been in the city for that long but he had noticed some of its population with similar features to hers, the elven gentleman he had just mentioned who offered the endeavor was once such example. It was the fine noble facial characteristics and the eyes, especially the eyes. Could she be one of these elven folk? He thought.
"We were about to discuss a quest that's been offered to members of the guild. I was present when the details were given and I expressed my interest. You are welcome to join us, I think. I'm Ruhn, and this is Hallr." He spoke before turning his attention to Hallr for confirmation. If the dwarf was in agreement then it was possible they could form a small group. Groups seemed to be more successful in these situations.
"It'll be good to work with folks again." As much as he did not have the most social grace, he was also not strictly an introvert. He missed the campfires while on duty and the comradery amidst those that he had served with. The sort of bonds formed through danger. There was some buried hope that he could find something similar through adventuring.
When the elven woman approached and introduced herself, he didn't seem disgruntled or bothered by the doing so. There was even a subtle impressed look, judging by the flicking upwards of his bushy, heavy eyebrows, at how quietly she had done so. No, the frown on his features became apparent when she mentioned the restrictions women were facing regarding the roles that they wished to take. While not completely balanced, where he had hailed from at least had not readily imposed restrictions - or at least, not that he had personally witnessed.
When Ruhn looked towards him for confirmation, he considered her steadily for a moment and then nodded. "Seconded," added after 'nice to meet you' was given.
When the elven woman approached and introduced herself, he didn't seem disgruntled or bothered by the doing so. There was even a subtle impressed look, judging by the flicking upwards of his bushy, heavy eyebrows, at how quietly she had done so. No, the frown on his features became apparent when she mentioned the restrictions women were facing regarding the roles that they wished to take. While not completely balanced, where he had hailed from at least had not readily imposed restrictions - or at least, not that he had personally witnessed.
When Ruhn looked towards him for confirmation, he considered her steadily for a moment and then nodded. "Seconded," added after 'nice to meet you' was given.
Alexan almost stumbled through the door as he entered the Traveller's Rest inn, rushing to get into a warm, dry place and out of the rain and trouble or more likely, to avoid those he didn't want to encounter. His tread was not light, his soft-soled booted feet made a thud.. thud.. thud rhythm on the floor and he certainly wasn't graceful in his body movements.
He aimed straight for the bar counter and then slipped himself onto the tall stool, taking a deep breath he then collapsed his shoulders and leaned on the counter. His face was half concealed by golden blond dreadlocks but he inclined his head, slightly, and glanced back at the door, his sky blue eyes narrowing for a moment in contemplation. No one followed, perhaps they weren't looking for him and he just imagined it all in that annoying paranoid moment.
"Ha!" He said in a low voice before he turned his attention to the innkeeper. "I'll have a pint of your golden ale, please." His fingers fumbled in a small pouch that was tied to his belt and he produced a silver coin. Placing it on the counter he smiled briefly at the innkeeper. "In a clean tankard." Adding to his request, sometimes innkeepers forgot to clean all their utensils.
He aimed straight for the bar counter and then slipped himself onto the tall stool, taking a deep breath he then collapsed his shoulders and leaned on the counter. His face was half concealed by golden blond dreadlocks but he inclined his head, slightly, and glanced back at the door, his sky blue eyes narrowing for a moment in contemplation. No one followed, perhaps they weren't looking for him and he just imagined it all in that annoying paranoid moment.
"Ha!" He said in a low voice before he turned his attention to the innkeeper. "I'll have a pint of your golden ale, please." His fingers fumbled in a small pouch that was tied to his belt and he produced a silver coin. Placing it on the counter he smiled briefly at the innkeeper. "In a clean tankard." Adding to his request, sometimes innkeepers forgot to clean all their utensils.
She crossed her sleek, muscular arms encased in black armour across her chest and subtly shifted her weight to her left hip. She nodded silently in agreement to the bearded man’s statement to the dwarf about finding someone who could stand fast and firm against an opponent being impressive. Those were not her striking tactics, though she was strong enough she would never stand firm against someone trained and hardy enough to wield a shield and melee weapon or and two-handed weapon. Against such foes she had to use her speed and maneuverability as well as skill to see an opening to strike with a efficiency.
She gave Ruhn a gracious smile at his polite greeting and offer to join them, but she waited to see Hallr’s reaction as to whether or not he would accept her before she spoke. She wondered at Hallr’s furrowed brows, but her smile widened when he spoke again and seconded that she would be welcomed amongst them.
Dhia unfolded her arms and her leather gauntlet hands gracefully crossed over her heart with her palms lightly curved inward as she lowered her long dark lashes before she bowed to them both. She spoke softly and deliberately, “The pleasure is mine.” She would have said more, but when she rose her attention was caught by a large quantity of golden plaits of hair flying about as a person came tumbling inside the inn. Thankfully the form of a man made it to the wooden counter and stool before he seemed to crumple atop the bar. Her amusement only showed in the upper flexing of her black brows and the slight tilt of the corners of her mouth before she returned her attention to Ruhn and Hallr after Goldie Locks ordered his ale.
“Might we sit and quietly discuss what you know?” She asked Ruhn, hoping he would make room for them at his table since the tome he had spread out as well as the candle holder and the pitcher of water took up what space was available on the wooden surface. She lowered the hood of her cloak revealing more of her black hair with a side part in the front and the loose fringes of hair on the sides that did not mask her shapely pointed ears. The remaining thick curtain of raven hair was tied into a single long braid that disappeared below the hood of her greyish green cloak.
She gave Ruhn a gracious smile at his polite greeting and offer to join them, but she waited to see Hallr’s reaction as to whether or not he would accept her before she spoke. She wondered at Hallr’s furrowed brows, but her smile widened when he spoke again and seconded that she would be welcomed amongst them.
Dhia unfolded her arms and her leather gauntlet hands gracefully crossed over her heart with her palms lightly curved inward as she lowered her long dark lashes before she bowed to them both. She spoke softly and deliberately, “The pleasure is mine.” She would have said more, but when she rose her attention was caught by a large quantity of golden plaits of hair flying about as a person came tumbling inside the inn. Thankfully the form of a man made it to the wooden counter and stool before he seemed to crumple atop the bar. Her amusement only showed in the upper flexing of her black brows and the slight tilt of the corners of her mouth before she returned her attention to Ruhn and Hallr after Goldie Locks ordered his ale.
“Might we sit and quietly discuss what you know?” She asked Ruhn, hoping he would make room for them at his table since the tome he had spread out as well as the candle holder and the pitcher of water took up what space was available on the wooden surface. She lowered the hood of her cloak revealing more of her black hair with a side part in the front and the loose fringes of hair on the sides that did not mask her shapely pointed ears. The remaining thick curtain of raven hair was tied into a single long braid that disappeared below the hood of her greyish green cloak.
"Of course. Be my guest." Ruhn replied to the elven woman with a wave of a simple hand gesture toward an unoccupied chair. Grasping his own and raising himself briefly he jumped his further toward the wall making enough space for Dhia and Hallr if he wished to pull up a chair. Then he relocated the closed book further toward the candle holder, the metal bindings glistened in golden light, and the old leather cover revealing its crinkled age.
His attention was only briefly drawn to the patron who had just entered, there was no recognition in the fellow's features and so Ruhn made himself comfortable again and considered the quest he was about to discuss. The three of them would need to prepare by reviewing the details but if anyone else was to offer their interest then he would not refuse their aid.
"It seems that the piece of mural may be resting in the southern catacombs. I was informed they are the ones that extend not too far out of the city to an older site but are mostly underground. There are a few entrances, the nearest one located is the tower close to the Jagirani Embassy. I was able to study the map in the guild before I came to the inn," he smiled to himself. It was the map that was displayed on the table in the common room of the guild which captured his attention regarding The City. It detailed the city's historical excentricities, being drawn over at different stages by various scribes, not unlike the city itself built upon in layers over a thousand years.
The guild had many maps and would offer several days worth of investigation to study each one. The city was large and sprawling, on the surface, the older areas were the castle and the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter angled steeply down to the docks and was mainly regarded as the poorer district. To the north along the river Staid was the temple district, shrines, meeting circles, sanctuaries, and of course the residence of priests.
The Pennant Quarter or Noble Quarter as it was commonly known lay to the northwest, on a hill that overlooked the rest of the city. It was also close to the great gates that led to the Mountain Castle.
His attention was only briefly drawn to the patron who had just entered, there was no recognition in the fellow's features and so Ruhn made himself comfortable again and considered the quest he was about to discuss. The three of them would need to prepare by reviewing the details but if anyone else was to offer their interest then he would not refuse their aid.
"It seems that the piece of mural may be resting in the southern catacombs. I was informed they are the ones that extend not too far out of the city to an older site but are mostly underground. There are a few entrances, the nearest one located is the tower close to the Jagirani Embassy. I was able to study the map in the guild before I came to the inn," he smiled to himself. It was the map that was displayed on the table in the common room of the guild which captured his attention regarding The City. It detailed the city's historical excentricities, being drawn over at different stages by various scribes, not unlike the city itself built upon in layers over a thousand years.
The guild had many maps and would offer several days worth of investigation to study each one. The city was large and sprawling, on the surface, the older areas were the castle and the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter angled steeply down to the docks and was mainly regarded as the poorer district. To the north along the river Staid was the temple district, shrines, meeting circles, sanctuaries, and of course the residence of priests.
The Pennant Quarter or Noble Quarter as it was commonly known lay to the northwest, on a hill that overlooked the rest of the city. It was also close to the great gates that led to the Mountain Castle.
When the elven woman greeted them politely, he smiled warmly and dipped his head, touching a closed fist to where his sternum would be in response to the gesture.
The golden-haired man's entrance was not missed, the sound of heavy footsteps and the unquiet entry drawing his attention just as he had begun to prepare to pull himself up into a seat that he had spotted was free, all the better to indicate his continued interest in the discussion and so then he was not just standing around. He might've been able to just about catch the order of a drink but those nearest to him were better heard and so held his focus. He did look curious for a moment. Paler-haired people were not so common where he'd hailed from, nor were dreadlocks, and the combination was striking. But he was not the sort to outright stare and so when Ruhn spoke up, he shifted his attention.
"How easy is the tower entrance to get access to, if you know?" He hadn't seen the map in particular and so was unaware how much detail it had gone into - or not, as the case could also end up being. "Are we talking tip someone who has a door in the basement a few coins for passage or crowbars at dusk? Happy to help where I can if we need to find that out." He spoke quietly, offering the two starkly contrasting possibilities for consideration. Not that he had an issue with either. He then considered what had been said before about underground. "So plenty of tinder and flint needed for torches. Unless anyone has a spell to the same effect? Although I wouldn't want anyone to tire themselves just lighting things up if it comes to a fight later on..."
The golden-haired man's entrance was not missed, the sound of heavy footsteps and the unquiet entry drawing his attention just as he had begun to prepare to pull himself up into a seat that he had spotted was free, all the better to indicate his continued interest in the discussion and so then he was not just standing around. He might've been able to just about catch the order of a drink but those nearest to him were better heard and so held his focus. He did look curious for a moment. Paler-haired people were not so common where he'd hailed from, nor were dreadlocks, and the combination was striking. But he was not the sort to outright stare and so when Ruhn spoke up, he shifted his attention.
"How easy is the tower entrance to get access to, if you know?" He hadn't seen the map in particular and so was unaware how much detail it had gone into - or not, as the case could also end up being. "Are we talking tip someone who has a door in the basement a few coins for passage or crowbars at dusk? Happy to help where I can if we need to find that out." He spoke quietly, offering the two starkly contrasting possibilities for consideration. Not that he had an issue with either. He then considered what had been said before about underground. "So plenty of tinder and flint needed for torches. Unless anyone has a spell to the same effect? Although I wouldn't want anyone to tire themselves just lighting things up if it comes to a fight later on..."
She dip her head with what seemed an natural elegance as her lips curled upwards. "Thank-you Ruhn." Dhia replied in a soft voice. She picked up the empty chair and brought it closer to his table before she sat down. The tome held an interest, but she consciously kept her gaze from it to give Ruhn her attention and the information he was about to share with them. She leaned her slender back against the chair's solid wooden frame before she crossed her long, toned legs encased in black leather with high leather boots of the same colour.
She listen intently to both Ruhn's information about the mural and Hallr's questions about how easy or difficult it might be to gain entrance into the southern catacombs by the tower entrance close to the Jagirani Embassy. Her brow furrowed a moment. "I might be able to help to discreetly try and gain access, but we might also try to create a distraction, not..." She leaned forward and lower her voice. "unlike what someone with golden locks just did a few moments ago." She whispered to Ruhn and Hallr.
She then straightened up and asked some questions of her own. "Any idea about what this mural looks like? Its size and weight? It would be best to know how easy or difficult it will be to carry and how best we can prepare to extract it or would a rubbing of it suffice for the person who wishes to gain it or knowledge from it?" She asked Ruhn.
She turned to Hallr and shook her head regarding his question about magic to provide light. "I have no knowledge of such or any other spells unfortunately." She offered as an honest answer. "Light will need to come from a lit lantern or some such means for me."
She listen intently to both Ruhn's information about the mural and Hallr's questions about how easy or difficult it might be to gain entrance into the southern catacombs by the tower entrance close to the Jagirani Embassy. Her brow furrowed a moment. "I might be able to help to discreetly try and gain access, but we might also try to create a distraction, not..." She leaned forward and lower her voice. "unlike what someone with golden locks just did a few moments ago." She whispered to Ruhn and Hallr.
She then straightened up and asked some questions of her own. "Any idea about what this mural looks like? Its size and weight? It would be best to know how easy or difficult it will be to carry and how best we can prepare to extract it or would a rubbing of it suffice for the person who wishes to gain it or knowledge from it?" She asked Ruhn.
She turned to Hallr and shook her head regarding his question about magic to provide light. "I have no knowledge of such or any other spells unfortunately." She offered as an honest answer. "Light will need to come from a lit lantern or some such means for me."
"We could ask the sentry at the embassy about the entranceway and explain our quest to them." Ruhn would keep in mind Hallr's suggestion, especially regarding the crowbar if they came to a door barring their way in the tombs. "I have a candlelight spell I rely on. It's safe to use in any environment as it won't lead to accidental fires and it changes colour if the air becomes stale or dangerous. It doesn't take up much magic and lasts for twenty minutes before I need to cast it again but we should still take torches and tinder, goodness knows how many other uses we can put them to." It was a spell he had learned purely by accident. He had, in a rush to leave the mages guild, picked up the wrong scroll and memorized the casting before he became aware of it.
"I am not sure about the mural's size," he turned his attention to Dhia, "perhaps we should adjourn to the guild and ask the senior member who the elven visitor talked to, and also acquire a map of the catacombs if the guild has one. I know from my own experience that tombs can be confusing to navigate and as this city was built layer upon layer then who knows how many streets and passages run below the place. We could also find out more information about the embassy, who guards it, and whether visitors would be allowed." They needed more information and they needed to prepare, and find out what the area was like. It was a possibility someone had already been down there and could give them advice. He reached over and pulled the volume towards him then placed it in his rucksack, strapping it in securely.
{Anyone.}
"I am not sure about the mural's size," he turned his attention to Dhia, "perhaps we should adjourn to the guild and ask the senior member who the elven visitor talked to, and also acquire a map of the catacombs if the guild has one. I know from my own experience that tombs can be confusing to navigate and as this city was built layer upon layer then who knows how many streets and passages run below the place. We could also find out more information about the embassy, who guards it, and whether visitors would be allowed." They needed more information and they needed to prepare, and find out what the area was like. It was a possibility someone had already been down there and could give them advice. He reached over and pulled the volume towards him then placed it in his rucksack, strapping it in securely.
{Anyone.}
Ruhn rose then tugged the damp cloak from the chair, it had hardly had time to dry in the period he had spent in the inn. Grasping the pack he heaved it over his shoulder, he was slightly reluctant to leave the warmth and return to the drizzly air outside yet he would find another respite at the adventurer's guild on the other side of the Merchant's Quarter. It was roughly a ten-minute walk from here, depending on the length of your stride of course.
He took a moment to saunter over to the counter and ordered a bottle of parsley wine. He felt a tad guilty not ordering any food or drink while he was evaluating the tome, he didn't wish to seem impolite towards the innkeeper and thought the wine would also serve as a refreshing drink for later, after their exploits. Placing the correct amount of coin on the counter he thanked the innkeeper and then pocketed the bottle in a side compartment of his pack.
{Anyone.}
He took a moment to saunter over to the counter and ordered a bottle of parsley wine. He felt a tad guilty not ordering any food or drink while he was evaluating the tome, he didn't wish to seem impolite towards the innkeeper and thought the wine would also serve as a refreshing drink for later, after their exploits. Placing the correct amount of coin on the counter he thanked the innkeeper and then pocketed the bottle in a side compartment of his pack.
{Anyone.}
Hallr listened, head tilted to one side a bit. Truthfully this level of fine planning was almost beyond him. He had never really had the mind for puzzles, which this was in some respects. More the sort to be pointed in a direction to barge through and then hold the point at all costs rather than strategy. But he did understand being prepared.
When Dhia mentioned a distraction and verbally spoke of the blonde dreadlocked man who had just entered, he looked as discreetly as he possibly could before looking back. "I mean, I am not adverse to another party member..." Taking her comment to mean a suggestion of recruiting another. Brute force, planning, sneakiness, distraction. It made sense to him in terms of balancing out what was looking to be their respective abilities!
When Ruhn mentioned torches, he nodded. "I also have rope if we need to tie anything to make transporting easier. The guild might have a stockpile of supplies we'd be able to get more torches and tinderboxes from." Making an assumption and a guess, drawing on his military past where there had been, in an organisation, a central point of storage where new supplies could be bought (or traded). He had nodded in agreement as the need for more information was expressed.
Once the tome was packed away and the human walked over to the counter, he looked inside the coin pouch that he had before making an estimation, trying to work out price before heading over. Thankfully, it was possible to spot him approaching, even if he wasn't properly visible once at the counter itself. No complaint from the dwarf however. By now, while finding it personally jarring, used to finding things not to be built for his height - or lack thereof. Ordering a bottle of mead if there was any, he paid the cost for it before tucking it away securely in his pack before asking if the Innkeeper had any dried meat- jerky or something similar. He had a little, and so he paid for that too and similarly stored it away. Once that was done, he shouldered his pack, jumped once in place to resettle it, adjusted what armaments he had with him, not all, and then prepared to follow.
When Dhia mentioned a distraction and verbally spoke of the blonde dreadlocked man who had just entered, he looked as discreetly as he possibly could before looking back. "I mean, I am not adverse to another party member..." Taking her comment to mean a suggestion of recruiting another. Brute force, planning, sneakiness, distraction. It made sense to him in terms of balancing out what was looking to be their respective abilities!
When Ruhn mentioned torches, he nodded. "I also have rope if we need to tie anything to make transporting easier. The guild might have a stockpile of supplies we'd be able to get more torches and tinderboxes from." Making an assumption and a guess, drawing on his military past where there had been, in an organisation, a central point of storage where new supplies could be bought (or traded). He had nodded in agreement as the need for more information was expressed.
Once the tome was packed away and the human walked over to the counter, he looked inside the coin pouch that he had before making an estimation, trying to work out price before heading over. Thankfully, it was possible to spot him approaching, even if he wasn't properly visible once at the counter itself. No complaint from the dwarf however. By now, while finding it personally jarring, used to finding things not to be built for his height - or lack thereof. Ordering a bottle of mead if there was any, he paid the cost for it before tucking it away securely in his pack before asking if the Innkeeper had any dried meat- jerky or something similar. He had a little, and so he paid for that too and similarly stored it away. Once that was done, he shouldered his pack, jumped once in place to resettle it, adjusted what armaments he had with him, not all, and then prepared to follow.
“I may have more subtle ways of getting us passed locked doors.” She offered if they hadn’t got on to some of her skill set yet. “Your spell sounds quite useful.” She told Ruhn doing her best to keep any envy out of her voice. It was said her people were able to use magic once as easily as they wove or composed music and created all things of beauty. It was a bitter truth to swallow that this was gone from them now. She wondered how far she or those of her kind would go to see it restored to them. If this could help she knew she would join in this quest.
She nodded in agreement to Ruhn’s suggestion to adjourn back to the guild. “I’ll need more supplies before we decide what to do such as torches and tinder as you suggested Ruhn. Hallr, I have rope as well. We’ll need more information as well and speaking with others from the guild who may have already ventured down there would be a good idea to know more about what we could encounter; I doubt it those ruins have lain vacant.“
Pushing back the chair she had sat on she rose to follow, but decided Hallr and Ruhn had the right idea about ordering from the innkeeper. It seemed rude to her not to buy something before leaving. “I’ll have a serving of Granatus or grain juice as some call it with honey if I can have it in a sealed bottle or closed water skin to carrying easily if possible. I’ll take some jerky as well and mixed dried fruits and nuts if you have a pack ready to go of each.” She discreetly took out some silver from a concealed side pouch beneath her cloak to pay for the cost of the items and leave the innkeeper some spare coin as she pulled up the hood of her grey-green cloak.
Once the items were secured in the side satchel she carried she waited for the others to lead the way to the adventurer’s guild. Dhia would need to make sure she retrieved her backpack and all her items from the adventurer’s guild where she stored them for a small monthly fee. It avoided questions from servants and her parents that way. She also hoped they could recruit at least one more adventurer for this mission.
((Anyone))
She nodded in agreement to Ruhn’s suggestion to adjourn back to the guild. “I’ll need more supplies before we decide what to do such as torches and tinder as you suggested Ruhn. Hallr, I have rope as well. We’ll need more information as well and speaking with others from the guild who may have already ventured down there would be a good idea to know more about what we could encounter; I doubt it those ruins have lain vacant.“
Pushing back the chair she had sat on she rose to follow, but decided Hallr and Ruhn had the right idea about ordering from the innkeeper. It seemed rude to her not to buy something before leaving. “I’ll have a serving of Granatus or grain juice as some call it with honey if I can have it in a sealed bottle or closed water skin to carrying easily if possible. I’ll take some jerky as well and mixed dried fruits and nuts if you have a pack ready to go of each.” She discreetly took out some silver from a concealed side pouch beneath her cloak to pay for the cost of the items and leave the innkeeper some spare coin as she pulled up the hood of her grey-green cloak.
Once the items were secured in the side satchel she carried she waited for the others to lead the way to the adventurer’s guild. Dhia would need to make sure she retrieved her backpack and all her items from the adventurer’s guild where she stored them for a small monthly fee. It avoided questions from servants and her parents that way. She also hoped they could recruit at least one more adventurer for this mission.
((Anyone))
He had taken several deep drinks to quench his thirst and give him time to clear his mind. He showed little interest in the other patrons at first, his mind was more focused on suspicious events in the last couple of days. Happenings that made him feel he was being watched or stalked. If he was, then it was his fault anyway. Doing business with devious people often lead to trouble he had to avoid and this time he had the clear notion he was being hunted.
Was it really worth it? That was a difficult question to answer. He had accumulated certain debts and had to return favours for past exploits. It sounded good when it was offered to him to have some of those debts cleared and favours forgotten if he was willing to be employed for a specific job. He couldn't help but comply being free of half of his debts would make his life more comfortable for a while. The job sounded simple, the mansion had no guards and the item easily pilfered. The shadows at the corner of his sight reminded him of who he had pilfered from.
He picked up on parts of the other patrons conversation. Their chatter began to sound interesting as they talked of magic, murals and a little venture to the undercity. He had been exploring the area a few times, always on the lookout for any trinkets or whatnots he could sell. He hadn't delved very deep and just concentrated on the spread of the area but he had some knowledge of where they wanted to infiltrate. A thought came to him, what if he went with them, go to ground so so to speak. The dwarf had already mentioned taking on another party member and this could grant Alex an opportunity to hide from certain people, especially the one that was no doubt hunting for his blood.
"I've been there," he motioned with his hand towards the floor. "The Undercity. People still live down there and there's vast amounts of dwellings, streets and caves." He took another drink, feeling more relaxed he continued. "The further you head away from the city the more catacombs and tombs you'll encounter. If you're brave enough you might discover something no one else has but it's easy to get lost. I can guide you for a fee." He could make some money out of this exploit and pick up anything shiny.
Was it really worth it? That was a difficult question to answer. He had accumulated certain debts and had to return favours for past exploits. It sounded good when it was offered to him to have some of those debts cleared and favours forgotten if he was willing to be employed for a specific job. He couldn't help but comply being free of half of his debts would make his life more comfortable for a while. The job sounded simple, the mansion had no guards and the item easily pilfered. The shadows at the corner of his sight reminded him of who he had pilfered from.
He picked up on parts of the other patrons conversation. Their chatter began to sound interesting as they talked of magic, murals and a little venture to the undercity. He had been exploring the area a few times, always on the lookout for any trinkets or whatnots he could sell. He hadn't delved very deep and just concentrated on the spread of the area but he had some knowledge of where they wanted to infiltrate. A thought came to him, what if he went with them, go to ground so so to speak. The dwarf had already mentioned taking on another party member and this could grant Alex an opportunity to hide from certain people, especially the one that was no doubt hunting for his blood.
"I've been there," he motioned with his hand towards the floor. "The Undercity. People still live down there and there's vast amounts of dwellings, streets and caves." He took another drink, feeling more relaxed he continued. "The further you head away from the city the more catacombs and tombs you'll encounter. If you're brave enough you might discover something no one else has but it's easy to get lost. I can guide you for a fee." He could make some money out of this exploit and pick up anything shiny.
Ruhn gave the man a curious look, he was admittedly impressed with his claim. “The Undercity.” He repeated, a brush of fascination revealed in his voice. ”Perhaps you could aid us but I fear that money may be a concern. I have very little to spare yet if we encounter anything valuable that is not owned while we are in the catacombs then all I can offer is a share of the findings. Or perhaps, we speak to the guild master and he may be willing to cover your expenses.” He turned his gaze to Hallr first then Dhiarra for their advice.
He began to wonder how much knowledge the young man had of the Undercity and how far he had explored. The mention of people living down there also aroused his curiosity but he began to wonder how anyone could live in such conditions. His experience with the Drow in the past had given him some knowledge of the Underdark, a realm meagrely lit by magic and inhabited by many a diverse creature, though what he encountered most of the time was far from pleasant. No doubt there would be creatures lurking further in the depths, dangerous and hungry ones.
He began to wonder how much knowledge the young man had of the Undercity and how far he had explored. The mention of people living down there also aroused his curiosity but he began to wonder how anyone could live in such conditions. His experience with the Drow in the past had given him some knowledge of the Underdark, a realm meagrely lit by magic and inhabited by many a diverse creature, though what he encountered most of the time was far from pleasant. No doubt there would be creatures lurking further in the depths, dangerous and hungry ones.
When the new fellow spoke up and mentioned the Undercity, his expression was not subtle and one that combined surprise and the fact that he was impressed. Ruhr's look to him got a nod of agreement, at the mention of offering a share of the findings and maybe even speaking to the guild master. "I can't see the guild master saying no readily... more heads, more chance of survival. More guild members returning to do more jobs." The way he saw it, the guild paying out more to help an additional party member would be an investment.
He then looked to the man and offered a warm smile, the expression obscured by his heavy facial hair quite a bit but showing more in his eyes. "Fortune smiles twice on us. That you should be here to offer help and that you have survived your ventures." Picking his phrase carefully so as to both express the fortuitous timing while not giving a concrete answer of whether they were able to hire him.
He then looked to the man and offered a warm smile, the expression obscured by his heavy facial hair quite a bit but showing more in his eyes. "Fortune smiles twice on us. That you should be here to offer help and that you have survived your ventures." Picking his phrase carefully so as to both express the fortuitous timing while not giving a concrete answer of whether they were able to hire him.
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