BoL: Page 10 - by Arislyn on 15:03 10 Mar 2003
Well, since page 10 of Beginning of a Legend is still funky, I decided to post what I have of it here. While I only have what pertains to Yalee and Oisin (since they are my PCs), it'll still be missing Jerr, Morn and Lilith's info. hopefully, though, this will clear up at least a few questions I'm sure some of you have.
I don't have the very next posts after the meeting with Galen. However, I do know that shortly after that, Yalee, Oisin and Dah-keya went out to the bard's performance. This will clear up where Lodge came from. Also, I believe this is where all of Oisin's dealings with the church of Waukeen were.
Haru, if anything seems amiss or out of order, let me know (or feel free to edit away). I'm trying to piece it together as best I can.
-----------
Yalee spends a good part of the afternoon practicing and warming up in her room. She runs through the scales, and tunes her instruments, playing short songs and dancing about. As she does so, she notices that it starts to rain outside. She smiles, knowing that the inn will probably be full of travelers tonight, and those unwilling to camp out in the rain. Also, she finds the rain a great inspiration for song.
A light knocking at her door draws her attention away from outside. "Yes?" she calls out, hoping that whomever is on the other side can hear her. The door cracks open slightly, and Dah-keya's head pokes in.
"It's almost time to go." he says.
Yalee smiles and nods, and gathers her instruments. Dah-keya grins. He hasn't seen too many performances, and he finds himself a little excited. "Are you ready?" he asks her, and Yalee nods, smiling.
The sohei and the bard make their way to the entrance of the Emperator's estate, and the sohei offers to carry Yalee's instruments. The little halfling smiles and happily hands over her bajolele. "Thanks!" she says, "Carrying both of them is really a handful!"
Dah-keya nods and smiles, and Yalee notices that he is very careful with her things. As they pass by the door to Oisin's room, the priest pokes his head out of the door.
"Are you heading to the performance already?" he asks, and Yalee nods.
"Sure am!" she replies, knowing that it will take a few minutes to get to the inn and get set up.
"Hold on for a second and let me get my cloak." Oisin says, and disappears back into his room.
Yalee and Dah-keya wait patiently for the cleric to reappear, and he soon does so.
The three make their way to the Great Hall and are met there by several servants. Though it is easy to tell that the events of the day have weighed heavily upon them, they still greet Yalle and the others with smiles. "The Emperator has taken the liberty of providing you with a carriage to the inn. It would be unseemly for the night's entertainment to show up
waterlogged."
Yalee chuckles and adds, "Getting the instruments wet would be bad...especially in this chilly weather." Her tone of voice is lightly teasing, and the innuendo isn't lost upon her priestly friend.
Oisin shakes his head and admonishes his tiny friend gently, "Yalee!"
"What?" she answers, grinning. "I'm talking about the fiddle and banjolele. I don't know /where/ your mind is, Mister."
The priest crosses his arms and harrumphs, but it is obvious by the way the corner of his mouth twitches up that he's not truly bothered, "It's probably best that The Instrument of Torture were soaked for a good ten-day. It'd make the danged thing sound better."
Yalee gasps in mock indignation, giving Dak-keya a cheerful wink as she says to Oisin, "Just because you are completely tone deaf is no reason to slander my beautiful banjolele. It's a fine instrument with a capable of playing a wide range of songs." She then sticks her tongue out at Oisin.
Dah-keya watches the exchange between the two, quite completely lost as to exactly what they are speaking of, but enthusiastic nonetheless that Oisin seems to be in better spirits. Still, he wonders when his sensei will arrive. He had asked Bae earlier if he wished to go and see Yalee perform, but his brother had politely declined. The death of the girl had seemed to affect him greatly.
Dah-keya sighs and follows Oisin and Yalee. The two seem grateful for the Emperator's hospitality, and sure enough, there is a carriage waiting outside. The servants walk along beside the trio, holding oil-soaked cloaks over Yalee, keeping her dry. They do the same for Oisin as well, though Dah-keya is too tall for them to be of any effect. They make it to the
carriage and clamber in.
The interior of the carriage is quite plush, with heavily stuffed benches to the fore and aft, and a small cabinet with fine liquors. Yalee recognizes a fruity halfling brew. Yalee admires the interior, noting the fine craftsmanship, and gasping at what a carriage such as this must cost. As she admires the interior Oisin looks through the drinks available and
selects a particularly potent alcohol. He smiles in satisfaction as it burns a bit on the way down, the turn to offer both yalee and Dah-keya a drink. Both decline. The Waukeenite shrugs and takes another drink. It's been a long day. A long, emotional day. He's ready to relax.
The carriage moves along at a decent speed, the driver enclosed along with them, but sitting in front of a transparent piece of glass. As the carriage moves, Yalee goes over her performance in her mind. Granted, every performance is different, depending on the reactions of the crowd, her own moods, and what is permissable by the House. She has to remember that
this performance was requested by a young girl. She'll have to wait until the little one is ushered to bed before she can get to her best material.
Just then, the carriage grinds to a halt, wheels sliding in the muddy street.
"What's wrong?" Dah-keya asks.
There's a crowd blocking the road, I don't think I can go around." the driver replies.
Dah-keya leans forward, looking out of the carriage and past the driver. Sure enough, there's a large crowd blocking the raodway. Unfortunately, he cannot see the cause.
Curious as ever, Yalee clambers up in her seat pulling her knees under her to add a bit of height as she, too, strains to see around the driver and her companions. "I wonder what's going on?" she says aloud. Before giving it any real thought, she starts to open the door and slide out, eager to see what all the ruckus is about.
As her hand closes about the door handle, she feels a hand fall on her shoulder. Turning, she sees Oisin. "You stay here and keep dry," he says. "I'll go see what's going on." Though she pouts a bit at being left in the carriage, she bows to his wisdom in this. She looks longingly out the door at Oisin's retreating back as he makes his way through the crowd.
Dah-keya finds himself curious, as well. He turns to Yalee and says, "I will go, too. We will return in a moment." He gives his little, halfling companion a reassuring smile before slipping out into the rain behind Oisin.
Oisin makes his way carefully across the slick road, avoiding the deeper puddles as best he can. Dah-keya is soon at his elbow, the much taller sohei shielding his eyes with his hand to try and get a better view. "Maybe someone has been hurt?" the sohei says, thinking aloud.
"I hope not." Oisin says.
They reach the crowd of people, and the two start to make their way through. Many of the people start to protest, but quickly silence themselves as Dah-keya passes.
The two can soon hear wagers being made, bets being placed. But on what? Oisin wished he could see what was going on, and they seem to have become stuck, not able to move any further without getting terribly physical.
Oisin spots a nearby gentleman and taps him upon the shoulder, gaining the man's attention. "What is going on?" Oisin asks, rain dripping from his nose and into his eyes as he starts to wonder why he's standing in the middle of the street in the rain.
The older man replies, "There's a fight!"
Oisin doesn't understand at first and asks, "A what?"
"A fight! There's a fight!" the man says
"By the Goddess!" Oisin hears Dah-keya exclaim. Before he can react, the sohei is moving through the crowd.
Well, since page 10 of Beginning of a Legend is still funky, I decided to post what I have of it here. While I only have what pertains to Yalee and Oisin (since they are my PCs), it'll still be missing Jerr, Morn and Lilith's info. hopefully, though, this will clear up at least a few questions I'm sure some of you have.
I don't have the very next posts after the meeting with Galen. However, I do know that shortly after that, Yalee, Oisin and Dah-keya went out to the bard's performance. This will clear up where Lodge came from. Also, I believe this is where all of Oisin's dealings with the church of Waukeen were.
Haru, if anything seems amiss or out of order, let me know (or feel free to edit away). I'm trying to piece it together as best I can.
-----------
Yalee spends a good part of the afternoon practicing and warming up in her room. She runs through the scales, and tunes her instruments, playing short songs and dancing about. As she does so, she notices that it starts to rain outside. She smiles, knowing that the inn will probably be full of travelers tonight, and those unwilling to camp out in the rain. Also, she finds the rain a great inspiration for song.
A light knocking at her door draws her attention away from outside. "Yes?" she calls out, hoping that whomever is on the other side can hear her. The door cracks open slightly, and Dah-keya's head pokes in.
"It's almost time to go." he says.
Yalee smiles and nods, and gathers her instruments. Dah-keya grins. He hasn't seen too many performances, and he finds himself a little excited. "Are you ready?" he asks her, and Yalee nods, smiling.
The sohei and the bard make their way to the entrance of the Emperator's estate, and the sohei offers to carry Yalee's instruments. The little halfling smiles and happily hands over her bajolele. "Thanks!" she says, "Carrying both of them is really a handful!"
Dah-keya nods and smiles, and Yalee notices that he is very careful with her things. As they pass by the door to Oisin's room, the priest pokes his head out of the door.
"Are you heading to the performance already?" he asks, and Yalee nods.
"Sure am!" she replies, knowing that it will take a few minutes to get to the inn and get set up.
"Hold on for a second and let me get my cloak." Oisin says, and disappears back into his room.
Yalee and Dah-keya wait patiently for the cleric to reappear, and he soon does so.
The three make their way to the Great Hall and are met there by several servants. Though it is easy to tell that the events of the day have weighed heavily upon them, they still greet Yalle and the others with smiles. "The Emperator has taken the liberty of providing you with a carriage to the inn. It would be unseemly for the night's entertainment to show up
waterlogged."
Yalee chuckles and adds, "Getting the instruments wet would be bad...especially in this chilly weather." Her tone of voice is lightly teasing, and the innuendo isn't lost upon her priestly friend.
Oisin shakes his head and admonishes his tiny friend gently, "Yalee!"
"What?" she answers, grinning. "I'm talking about the fiddle and banjolele. I don't know /where/ your mind is, Mister."
The priest crosses his arms and harrumphs, but it is obvious by the way the corner of his mouth twitches up that he's not truly bothered, "It's probably best that The Instrument of Torture were soaked for a good ten-day. It'd make the danged thing sound better."
Yalee gasps in mock indignation, giving Dak-keya a cheerful wink as she says to Oisin, "Just because you are completely tone deaf is no reason to slander my beautiful banjolele. It's a fine instrument with a capable of playing a wide range of songs." She then sticks her tongue out at Oisin.
Dah-keya watches the exchange between the two, quite completely lost as to exactly what they are speaking of, but enthusiastic nonetheless that Oisin seems to be in better spirits. Still, he wonders when his sensei will arrive. He had asked Bae earlier if he wished to go and see Yalee perform, but his brother had politely declined. The death of the girl had seemed to affect him greatly.
Dah-keya sighs and follows Oisin and Yalee. The two seem grateful for the Emperator's hospitality, and sure enough, there is a carriage waiting outside. The servants walk along beside the trio, holding oil-soaked cloaks over Yalee, keeping her dry. They do the same for Oisin as well, though Dah-keya is too tall for them to be of any effect. They make it to the
carriage and clamber in.
The interior of the carriage is quite plush, with heavily stuffed benches to the fore and aft, and a small cabinet with fine liquors. Yalee recognizes a fruity halfling brew. Yalee admires the interior, noting the fine craftsmanship, and gasping at what a carriage such as this must cost. As she admires the interior Oisin looks through the drinks available and
selects a particularly potent alcohol. He smiles in satisfaction as it burns a bit on the way down, the turn to offer both yalee and Dah-keya a drink. Both decline. The Waukeenite shrugs and takes another drink. It's been a long day. A long, emotional day. He's ready to relax.
The carriage moves along at a decent speed, the driver enclosed along with them, but sitting in front of a transparent piece of glass. As the carriage moves, Yalee goes over her performance in her mind. Granted, every performance is different, depending on the reactions of the crowd, her own moods, and what is permissable by the House. She has to remember that
this performance was requested by a young girl. She'll have to wait until the little one is ushered to bed before she can get to her best material.
Just then, the carriage grinds to a halt, wheels sliding in the muddy street.
"What's wrong?" Dah-keya asks.
There's a crowd blocking the road, I don't think I can go around." the driver replies.
Dah-keya leans forward, looking out of the carriage and past the driver. Sure enough, there's a large crowd blocking the raodway. Unfortunately, he cannot see the cause.
Curious as ever, Yalee clambers up in her seat pulling her knees under her to add a bit of height as she, too, strains to see around the driver and her companions. "I wonder what's going on?" she says aloud. Before giving it any real thought, she starts to open the door and slide out, eager to see what all the ruckus is about.
As her hand closes about the door handle, she feels a hand fall on her shoulder. Turning, she sees Oisin. "You stay here and keep dry," he says. "I'll go see what's going on." Though she pouts a bit at being left in the carriage, she bows to his wisdom in this. She looks longingly out the door at Oisin's retreating back as he makes his way through the crowd.
Dah-keya finds himself curious, as well. He turns to Yalee and says, "I will go, too. We will return in a moment." He gives his little, halfling companion a reassuring smile before slipping out into the rain behind Oisin.
Oisin makes his way carefully across the slick road, avoiding the deeper puddles as best he can. Dah-keya is soon at his elbow, the much taller sohei shielding his eyes with his hand to try and get a better view. "Maybe someone has been hurt?" the sohei says, thinking aloud.
"I hope not." Oisin says.
They reach the crowd of people, and the two start to make their way through. Many of the people start to protest, but quickly silence themselves as Dah-keya passes.
The two can soon hear wagers being made, bets being placed. But on what? Oisin wished he could see what was going on, and they seem to have become stuck, not able to move any further without getting terribly physical.
Oisin spots a nearby gentleman and taps him upon the shoulder, gaining the man's attention. "What is going on?" Oisin asks, rain dripping from his nose and into his eyes as he starts to wonder why he's standing in the middle of the street in the rain.
The older man replies, "There's a fight!"
Oisin doesn't understand at first and asks, "A what?"
"A fight! There's a fight!" the man says
"By the Goddess!" Oisin hears Dah-keya exclaim. Before he can react, the sohei is moving through the crowd.
BoL: Page 10 - by Arislyn on 15:19 10 Mar 2003
"Crap," Oisin mutters under his breath as he falls in behind Dah-keya, keeping close to the taller man as he plunges through the crowd. After everything that has happened in the past two days, Oisin was really looking forward to a little down time. However, he quickly puts aside his own annoyance, ready to aid Dah-keya in whatever he may have planned, whether it be breaking up the fight or bringing it to an abrupt end in his own way.
Back in the carriage, Yalee climbs up to where she can look through the glass front and strains to see what is going on. She can see the Dah-keya wading through the masses of people, but Oisin has become lost among the crowd. She sighs in frustration as she peers through the haze of rain...
The crowd seems to have formed an impromptu ring about two forms in the street. This much he can see as Oisin follows behind Dah-keya. It is not long before the two reach the front row, so to speak.
To Oisin, there appears to be a slaughter about to ensue.
In the street, a large muscular half-orc, his iron-soled boots sinking deep in the muck, stands about twenty feet away from a much smaller figure. Oisin blinks and clears the water from his eyes, making sure that he sees what he sees.
Dah-keya takes in the scene quickly, and then points across the way. Oisin follows his gesture, blinking water from his eyes.
There, behind the small figure, is an old man. Oisin looks back to Dah-keya. "That's my sensei." the sohei says, and begins to make his way around the makeshift ring.
Now that they are closer, Oisin gets a better look at the two figures in the "ring". The half-orc stands about his own eight, maybe a bit taller, and thick muscles ripple beneath his skin. Two wicked-looking daggers are tucked in his belt. His eyes burn angrily from beneath a heavy brow and he stares at the small figure across the way.
The small figure is just that... small. Standing barely three feet tall, Oisin surmises that this /must/ be a halfling. A thick, hooded travel cloak shrouds the smaller figures body and face, and it would appear that the figure looks down at the ground.
Dah-keya finally reaches the old man, and he bows low. "Master." he says, his voice heavy with respect. The old man, his back bent with age, and his face heavy with whiskers, seems to smile. Then, he is speaking, and to Oisin it appears as if he is all gums and lips and empty sockets. But, he can understand him perfectly.
"The city you have fled to has thus far proven to be very... entertaining, jode."
Dah-keya looks at the sensei, and follows his Master's gaze to the ring....
The crowd falls silent...
Dah-keya stands and turns to face the two figures, his shaven head streaked with rain. "I will help him." he says, but gets no more than half a step when the old man catches his elbow with a wrinkled hand. "There is no need." the old man says, and Dah-keya nods.
Oisin's gaze travels from the cloaked halfling to the half-orc and he remains skeptical. The crowd goes silent as the half-orc starts to speak.
"Hey, little man, maybe you want to apologize for running into me?" the half-orc steps forward, a sawtoothed grin upon his face as he moves to loom over the shrouded halfling.
"He can't..." Dah-keya starts to say, his voice loud enough for the half-orc to hear, but it is too late. The half-orc's balled fist, backed by heavy bone and muscle, drives downwards towards to hooded and hidden face of the much smaller being.
"Too slow." Oisin hears the old man say, and he blinks as the cloaked figure sways easily out of the way of the huge fist. He catches only a glimpse of small booted feet as the enshrouded halfling rolls to the side, landing easily upon his feet and turning to face the half-orc, who already is turning as well, thick arms driving his fists towards the halfling like
pistons. But the halfling is faster. He leaps into the air, flipping easily over the head of the taller half-orc, and once again easily landing on his feet. He turns again to face the half-orc, his face still hidden deep within his hood.
Too late, Oisin sees a man in the crowd, evidently sympathetic to the half-orc, lash out at the cloaked figure with a broken bottle. He starts to shout a warning, but the halfling ducks, the bottle cleanly missing him. The half-orc is now in front of him again, and has placed his legs in a wider stance, making it harder for the nimble halfling to dart around his bulk.
From where he is, Oisin can hear the effort the half-orc is putting into his blows. He grunts with each strike, and Oisin knows that should one of those blows connect, it would probably knock the halfling out cold.
Ducking and weaving, the halfling still hasn't bared his arms, and the half-orc has yet to land a punch. The half-orc bends low, his fist rising in an uppercut aimed to take the halfling in the chin. It is angled from the halfing's left, and low, while the half-orc's left hand is upraised, blocking his path to the right.
Dah-keya grins, and Oisin sees the old man shakes his head and make a light clucking sound just as the halfling begins to roll. Ducking low, the uppercut passes over his head as the halfling tucks his feet and rolls. The movement is quick, but the results of the movement leave the half-orc stopped in his tracks.... for as the hafling rolled beneath his wide spread
legs, the heels of his feet connected soundly with the now exposed groin of the brute. Standing behind the half-orc now, the halfling seems to sigh as the muscled humanoid crumples to his knees. He makes his way back towards Dah-keya, Oisin, and the old man. Oisin watches with just a touch of sympathy as the half-orc writhes in pain.
But that is not to last for long.
The half-orc pulls himself out of the muck, snarling as the wicked daggers come out of their sheathes. Dah-keya narrows his eyes as he looks at the half-orc. "Berserker" he says, and Oisin nods. He has heard of those warriors. Ones who may harness their anger, raising their combat abilities. "He's in the rage now." Dah-keya says, and Oisin watches closely.
The cloaked halfling turns, his body posture changing completely now that steel has been drawn. He falls back into a stylized fighting stance, bouncing easily on the balls of his feet as his hands move from beneath his cloak, placed easily in front of him.
The half-orc is a bit faster now, though still finds himself no match for the halfling. He snarls and drives the tip of the dagger at the halfling's face, but the halfling ducks, his legs folding underneath of him... the driving him upwards, the top of his head crunching loudly into the underside of the half-orc's jaw. The half-orc staggers back, slowing for only a
moment before slapping the daggers together in his hands. As the two daggers meet there is a bright flash of light, a greatsword now in their place. The half-orc grins, almost maniacally, and it is obvious that he is still enraged. The halfling dances back, the greatsword cutting a swath through the air.
The crowd is silent, realizing now that this has turned deadly. Several have taken off to fetch the Praetorians. Dah-keya mentions it, and the old man assures him that it will be over before they arrive.
The half-orc sets his feet firmly, the greatsword flashing about him in a unique offensive defense. Despite himself, Oisin is impressed. He'd not thought that the half-orc had any style at all. Still, the speed of the halfling is amazing, as he leaps over the greatsword, dodging the blade and landing inside the reach of the blade. With precision he drives his fist into the side of the knee of the half-orc. The knee buckles inward with a gruesome snap with that single punch, and the half-orc collapses forward. The halfling, his face still hidden by his hood, dances out of the way of the falling brute. Try as he might, and snarl as he may, the half-orc cannot rise.
The old man turns towards Dah-keya and says, "I told you it would be over quickly.", just as the first Praetorians arrive on the scene. It does not take long to thin the crowd, nor for the old man to explain what has happened. The halfling remains silent throughout, and it is obvious he acted in self-defense.
Oisin can't help but shake his head and chuckle inwardly at the scene that he just watched play out. No doubt this halfling has surprised more than one would-be agressor with his agility and speed. Goodness knows, he had his doubts that he would be able to defend himself in a full out fight. However, most of the halflings that the priest has met in his day were either simple country folk, merchants or thieves. This one is obviously none of those things.
Dah-keya looks to his sensei and smiles slightly, "We were on our way to a bardic performance this evening, sensei. We would be most honored if the two of you would like to join us."
Oisin nods in agreement, his gaze going to both the old man and the halfing who stands nearby, "Indeed. If nothing else, it will be a dry ride to wherever you need to go within the city." As if in afterthought, Oisin gives them a small bow in greeting and says, "I'm Oisin Tinveso of Waukeen. It's a pleasure to meet you." The priest turns and gestures off towards the carriage, "It's this way, if you would like to come."
"A bardic performance?" the old man nods and smiles a toothless smile. "I have not heard a bard in some time. I think I might enjoy it." The old man's eyes are bright with wisdom and peace, and he bows as Oisin introduces himself. "A unique name." He gestures to himself and says, "My name is Surgis, and this," he gestures to the halfling, "is Lodge." The hood bobs momentarily as the halfling acknowledges the cleric.
Dah-keya looks on with concern as he says, "Master, we must get you in from the rain. You'll catch your death of cold."
The concern of the student is apparent, but it is lost on the old man. "I'll not be bossed around by you, jode." the old man says, then grins at Oisin and says, "Would you please show me to the carriage?"
Dah-keya watches as the old man follows Oisin, and rolls his eyes, smiling. He falls in beside Lodge, the silent halfling following behind the sensei. "It is good to see you again, Lodge." Dah-keya says, and the halfling seems to nod.
--
The crowd disperses, and Yalee strains to see what is going on. She sees the Praetorians haul away a large, muscular half-orc, along with a greatsword. His leg is bent at a painful angle, and she wonders what happened to him. It
is not hard to pick out Dah-keya amongst the thinning crowd, and she soon picks out Oisin as well. They seem to be coming back to the carriage... with an old man in tow.
Dah-keya follows behind the old man respectfully, and Oisin has to slow his pace as the old man walks with a cane, his back hunched over. Long whiskers drip rainwater, and he seems to be talking with her friend. Yalee moves over, making sure that the doorway is clear as she looks eagerly out the window, as they approach. Dah-keya appears to be talking to someone,
and a stroke of lightning flashes across the sky, illuminating everything brightly for a moment.
There, hidden behind Oisin and beside Dah-keyea's large frame, is a very small figure. Shrouded in a dark traveling cloak, with a hood pulls up over their head, the figure cannot be more than three feet tall. Slightly over, if she guesses correctly. Her heart skips a beat and she finds herself grinning. It must be another halfling!
Soon, the four figures arrive.
Oisin opens the door to the carriage, his vestments soaking wet and his hair matted to his head. He smiles up at Yalee as he says, "This is Dah-keya's sensei. We've invited him along."
"Crap," Oisin mutters under his breath as he falls in behind Dah-keya, keeping close to the taller man as he plunges through the crowd. After everything that has happened in the past two days, Oisin was really looking forward to a little down time. However, he quickly puts aside his own annoyance, ready to aid Dah-keya in whatever he may have planned, whether it be breaking up the fight or bringing it to an abrupt end in his own way.
Back in the carriage, Yalee climbs up to where she can look through the glass front and strains to see what is going on. She can see the Dah-keya wading through the masses of people, but Oisin has become lost among the crowd. She sighs in frustration as she peers through the haze of rain...
The crowd seems to have formed an impromptu ring about two forms in the street. This much he can see as Oisin follows behind Dah-keya. It is not long before the two reach the front row, so to speak.
To Oisin, there appears to be a slaughter about to ensue.
In the street, a large muscular half-orc, his iron-soled boots sinking deep in the muck, stands about twenty feet away from a much smaller figure. Oisin blinks and clears the water from his eyes, making sure that he sees what he sees.
Dah-keya takes in the scene quickly, and then points across the way. Oisin follows his gesture, blinking water from his eyes.
There, behind the small figure, is an old man. Oisin looks back to Dah-keya. "That's my sensei." the sohei says, and begins to make his way around the makeshift ring.
Now that they are closer, Oisin gets a better look at the two figures in the "ring". The half-orc stands about his own eight, maybe a bit taller, and thick muscles ripple beneath his skin. Two wicked-looking daggers are tucked in his belt. His eyes burn angrily from beneath a heavy brow and he stares at the small figure across the way.
The small figure is just that... small. Standing barely three feet tall, Oisin surmises that this /must/ be a halfling. A thick, hooded travel cloak shrouds the smaller figures body and face, and it would appear that the figure looks down at the ground.
Dah-keya finally reaches the old man, and he bows low. "Master." he says, his voice heavy with respect. The old man, his back bent with age, and his face heavy with whiskers, seems to smile. Then, he is speaking, and to Oisin it appears as if he is all gums and lips and empty sockets. But, he can understand him perfectly.
"The city you have fled to has thus far proven to be very... entertaining, jode."
Dah-keya looks at the sensei, and follows his Master's gaze to the ring....
The crowd falls silent...
Dah-keya stands and turns to face the two figures, his shaven head streaked with rain. "I will help him." he says, but gets no more than half a step when the old man catches his elbow with a wrinkled hand. "There is no need." the old man says, and Dah-keya nods.
Oisin's gaze travels from the cloaked halfling to the half-orc and he remains skeptical. The crowd goes silent as the half-orc starts to speak.
"Hey, little man, maybe you want to apologize for running into me?" the half-orc steps forward, a sawtoothed grin upon his face as he moves to loom over the shrouded halfling.
"He can't..." Dah-keya starts to say, his voice loud enough for the half-orc to hear, but it is too late. The half-orc's balled fist, backed by heavy bone and muscle, drives downwards towards to hooded and hidden face of the much smaller being.
"Too slow." Oisin hears the old man say, and he blinks as the cloaked figure sways easily out of the way of the huge fist. He catches only a glimpse of small booted feet as the enshrouded halfling rolls to the side, landing easily upon his feet and turning to face the half-orc, who already is turning as well, thick arms driving his fists towards the halfling like
pistons. But the halfling is faster. He leaps into the air, flipping easily over the head of the taller half-orc, and once again easily landing on his feet. He turns again to face the half-orc, his face still hidden deep within his hood.
Too late, Oisin sees a man in the crowd, evidently sympathetic to the half-orc, lash out at the cloaked figure with a broken bottle. He starts to shout a warning, but the halfling ducks, the bottle cleanly missing him. The half-orc is now in front of him again, and has placed his legs in a wider stance, making it harder for the nimble halfling to dart around his bulk.
From where he is, Oisin can hear the effort the half-orc is putting into his blows. He grunts with each strike, and Oisin knows that should one of those blows connect, it would probably knock the halfling out cold.
Ducking and weaving, the halfling still hasn't bared his arms, and the half-orc has yet to land a punch. The half-orc bends low, his fist rising in an uppercut aimed to take the halfling in the chin. It is angled from the halfing's left, and low, while the half-orc's left hand is upraised, blocking his path to the right.
Dah-keya grins, and Oisin sees the old man shakes his head and make a light clucking sound just as the halfling begins to roll. Ducking low, the uppercut passes over his head as the halfling tucks his feet and rolls. The movement is quick, but the results of the movement leave the half-orc stopped in his tracks.... for as the hafling rolled beneath his wide spread
legs, the heels of his feet connected soundly with the now exposed groin of the brute. Standing behind the half-orc now, the halfling seems to sigh as the muscled humanoid crumples to his knees. He makes his way back towards Dah-keya, Oisin, and the old man. Oisin watches with just a touch of sympathy as the half-orc writhes in pain.
But that is not to last for long.
The half-orc pulls himself out of the muck, snarling as the wicked daggers come out of their sheathes. Dah-keya narrows his eyes as he looks at the half-orc. "Berserker" he says, and Oisin nods. He has heard of those warriors. Ones who may harness their anger, raising their combat abilities. "He's in the rage now." Dah-keya says, and Oisin watches closely.
The cloaked halfling turns, his body posture changing completely now that steel has been drawn. He falls back into a stylized fighting stance, bouncing easily on the balls of his feet as his hands move from beneath his cloak, placed easily in front of him.
The half-orc is a bit faster now, though still finds himself no match for the halfling. He snarls and drives the tip of the dagger at the halfling's face, but the halfling ducks, his legs folding underneath of him... the driving him upwards, the top of his head crunching loudly into the underside of the half-orc's jaw. The half-orc staggers back, slowing for only a
moment before slapping the daggers together in his hands. As the two daggers meet there is a bright flash of light, a greatsword now in their place. The half-orc grins, almost maniacally, and it is obvious that he is still enraged. The halfling dances back, the greatsword cutting a swath through the air.
The crowd is silent, realizing now that this has turned deadly. Several have taken off to fetch the Praetorians. Dah-keya mentions it, and the old man assures him that it will be over before they arrive.
The half-orc sets his feet firmly, the greatsword flashing about him in a unique offensive defense. Despite himself, Oisin is impressed. He'd not thought that the half-orc had any style at all. Still, the speed of the halfling is amazing, as he leaps over the greatsword, dodging the blade and landing inside the reach of the blade. With precision he drives his fist into the side of the knee of the half-orc. The knee buckles inward with a gruesome snap with that single punch, and the half-orc collapses forward. The halfling, his face still hidden by his hood, dances out of the way of the falling brute. Try as he might, and snarl as he may, the half-orc cannot rise.
The old man turns towards Dah-keya and says, "I told you it would be over quickly.", just as the first Praetorians arrive on the scene. It does not take long to thin the crowd, nor for the old man to explain what has happened. The halfling remains silent throughout, and it is obvious he acted in self-defense.
Oisin can't help but shake his head and chuckle inwardly at the scene that he just watched play out. No doubt this halfling has surprised more than one would-be agressor with his agility and speed. Goodness knows, he had his doubts that he would be able to defend himself in a full out fight. However, most of the halflings that the priest has met in his day were either simple country folk, merchants or thieves. This one is obviously none of those things.
Dah-keya looks to his sensei and smiles slightly, "We were on our way to a bardic performance this evening, sensei. We would be most honored if the two of you would like to join us."
Oisin nods in agreement, his gaze going to both the old man and the halfing who stands nearby, "Indeed. If nothing else, it will be a dry ride to wherever you need to go within the city." As if in afterthought, Oisin gives them a small bow in greeting and says, "I'm Oisin Tinveso of Waukeen. It's a pleasure to meet you." The priest turns and gestures off towards the carriage, "It's this way, if you would like to come."
"A bardic performance?" the old man nods and smiles a toothless smile. "I have not heard a bard in some time. I think I might enjoy it." The old man's eyes are bright with wisdom and peace, and he bows as Oisin introduces himself. "A unique name." He gestures to himself and says, "My name is Surgis, and this," he gestures to the halfling, "is Lodge." The hood bobs momentarily as the halfling acknowledges the cleric.
Dah-keya looks on with concern as he says, "Master, we must get you in from the rain. You'll catch your death of cold."
The concern of the student is apparent, but it is lost on the old man. "I'll not be bossed around by you, jode." the old man says, then grins at Oisin and says, "Would you please show me to the carriage?"
Dah-keya watches as the old man follows Oisin, and rolls his eyes, smiling. He falls in beside Lodge, the silent halfling following behind the sensei. "It is good to see you again, Lodge." Dah-keya says, and the halfling seems to nod.
--
The crowd disperses, and Yalee strains to see what is going on. She sees the Praetorians haul away a large, muscular half-orc, along with a greatsword. His leg is bent at a painful angle, and she wonders what happened to him. It
is not hard to pick out Dah-keya amongst the thinning crowd, and she soon picks out Oisin as well. They seem to be coming back to the carriage... with an old man in tow.
Dah-keya follows behind the old man respectfully, and Oisin has to slow his pace as the old man walks with a cane, his back hunched over. Long whiskers drip rainwater, and he seems to be talking with her friend. Yalee moves over, making sure that the doorway is clear as she looks eagerly out the window, as they approach. Dah-keya appears to be talking to someone,
and a stroke of lightning flashes across the sky, illuminating everything brightly for a moment.
There, hidden behind Oisin and beside Dah-keyea's large frame, is a very small figure. Shrouded in a dark traveling cloak, with a hood pulls up over their head, the figure cannot be more than three feet tall. Slightly over, if she guesses correctly. Her heart skips a beat and she finds herself grinning. It must be another halfling!
Soon, the four figures arrive.
Oisin opens the door to the carriage, his vestments soaking wet and his hair matted to his head. He smiles up at Yalee as he says, "This is Dah-keya's sensei. We've invited him along."
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Yalee grins and happily scoots over, making room for everyone to climb in and have a seat. As she does so, she says cheerily, "Great! The more the merrier."
Oisin stands aside and holds the door open, letting the elderly sensei enter first and make himself comfortable. As Surgis settles in, Yalee gives him a wide smile and immediately says, "Hi! I'm Yalee. I'm glad you've decided to come along. Dah-keya has told me so much about you. And, I assume the other with you is Lodge, yes?" Her eyes go to the smaller figure who also climbs into the carriage, and she smiles warmly in greeting to him as well.
Once Dah-keya and Oisin are also back in the dry, comfortable transport, Yalee begins to barrage them with her questions. "So, what happened? I only saw the guards hauling away a half-orc. Took a nasty blow, it looked like."
The old human male climbs slowly into the carriage, both Dah-keya and Oisin waiting patiently. Yalee greets him, and the old man takes a seat across from her, his eyes brightening as she addresses him. He nods at her, his shaven head is shiny in the dim light of the carriage, but his face bristles with white whiskers. A set of brightly colored beads adorns his neck,
and he smiles at her. As he does so she can see that he has no teeth. This does not seem to affect his speech any as he replies, "Ah! A lovely halfling lass! It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance." He bows and bobs his head, and makes no moves to take her hand, as some would normally do.
The small, cloaked halfling has raised a foot to clamber into the carriage when the old man mentions the halfling female. He pauses for a moment, his foot almost upon the step... His head cocks strangely to one side, his face buried deep in the hood, before placing his foot back upon the ground. Yalee doesn't miss Dah-keya's wide-eyed exasperated look at his sensei, though it is quickly wiped from his face as her gaze passes over him.
Lodge makes a simple gesture in the air, his hand flashing out from his sleeve for just a moment before he takes a step back from the carriage door.
Dah-keya sighs and steps in, and Oisin comes in last. The four of them fill the carriage nicely, and it appears there is little room for Lodge after all.
As the door shuts Dah-keya gives Yale a pained look and says, "He's a bit shy..." almost in apology.
Surgis cackles and nods, but says nothing else.
Oisin then relays what happened to Yalee...
"It was a fight," he shakes his head. "It looked like some half-orc berserker had decided to pick a fight with Lodge." He shrugs and smiles, "You saw how that ended."
Yalee settles back in her seat and grins in satisfaction, "People often underestimate us because we're small. I doubt he'll be picking fights with strange halflings again anytime soon." She raises an eyebrow, grinning wickedly, "...or walking without a limp, either."
Yalee smiles and chuckles at Dah-keya, "Oh, there's no need to apologize. He's free to do whatever he likes. I'm sure I'll get to meet him in time." She considers for a moment and asks of curiously Surgis, "Is Lodge your student, too?"
Surgis nods and smiles and says, "Yes, though I am afraid that I do not have much more that I can teach him." They can see through the window that Lodge has taken a seat next to the driver. At Yalee's mention of people underestimating her kind, the sensei nods. "It happens every now and again. Lodge never wants to fight, you know, and I have never seen him take
the life of another... even if he could." The old man pauses and says, "Or even if I would have myself." he pauses again and says, "Which can be a hard thing to do.. for a Strongheart." He winks and touches the side of his nose as he looks at Yalee, giving her some small clue as to the origins of the enigmatic halfling.
Dah-keya nods. "Lodge was at the monastery before I arrived there. He's always been there."
Surgis turns to Oisin and asks, "So, where might we be going for this performance, and who will be our entertainer?"
"Ah!" Yalee grins, nodding. "You know, I don't think I've ever met a Strongheart before. Talking to him should be interesting."
Oisin smiles at the elderly sensei and says, "It will be at the Golden Hind...and you are sitting across from the entertainer." The priest gestures to Yalee, who smiles broadly in return. "Speaking of which, have you decided what you want to do tonight?"
Yalee nods and says, "I'm going to try and keep things light, but a lot of it will depend on the mood of the crowd as to what, exactly, I decide to do." She glances out at the rain and chuckles appreciatively, "The rain should ensure a full house tonight, too!"
At the news that the pretty, young halfling lass across from him will be the entertainer, a strange expression crosses his face as he turns to Dah-keya. "You didn't set this up, did you, jode?" His tone is lightly accusatory, but full of mirth.
Dah-keya stutters and stumbles as he says, "No! Sensei... I... the performance was asked for the other day... I didn't..." the sohei solemnly shakes his head.
"Hmmm.." Surgis mutters, stroking his beard. He looks at himsef, and Dah-keya, then at Oisin. He shakes his head and waves his hand as he mutters a few arcane syllables. "Dry." he says, and the rainwater dries, leaving each person with now dry clothes. He shakes his head and mutters again and says, "Clean." This seems to meet with some bit of satisfaction, and he
casts an appraising eye at Yalee. "I don't think you need my assistance." he says, and grins, looking quite comical since his beard is now all frizzy.
It appears that his spells had some affect upon Lodge as well, for the Strongheart half-turns in his seat. His face is still veiled by his hood, and Yalee wonders what he looks like.
Oisin reaches to the small cabinet and opens it...
"Don't...!" Dah-keya starts to say, but once again he is too late.
"Oh!" Surgis says, and his hand quickly follows Oisin's. "Don't mind if I do!" He grabs one of the more expensive decanters of liquor.
Dah-keya makes a small, odd sound, almost a "Meep!" and raps quickly on the glass. Both the driver and Lodge turn, and Dah-keya points anxiously at his sensei.
Yalee can see that Lodge vigorously shakes his head, though his face is still hidden by his hood, and Dah-keya shrugs. Surgis takes a long pull, lifting the whole decanter to his lips....
Lodge's hand makes an appearance, slapping itself against the top of his head in a gesture of, "Oh no!".
"Uhm, sensei...?" Dah-keya starts to say, "Maybe that isn't such a good idea."
Yalee grins and happily scoots over, making room for everyone to climb in and have a seat. As she does so, she says cheerily, "Great! The more the merrier."
Oisin stands aside and holds the door open, letting the elderly sensei enter first and make himself comfortable. As Surgis settles in, Yalee gives him a wide smile and immediately says, "Hi! I'm Yalee. I'm glad you've decided to come along. Dah-keya has told me so much about you. And, I assume the other with you is Lodge, yes?" Her eyes go to the smaller figure who also climbs into the carriage, and she smiles warmly in greeting to him as well.
Once Dah-keya and Oisin are also back in the dry, comfortable transport, Yalee begins to barrage them with her questions. "So, what happened? I only saw the guards hauling away a half-orc. Took a nasty blow, it looked like."
The old human male climbs slowly into the carriage, both Dah-keya and Oisin waiting patiently. Yalee greets him, and the old man takes a seat across from her, his eyes brightening as she addresses him. He nods at her, his shaven head is shiny in the dim light of the carriage, but his face bristles with white whiskers. A set of brightly colored beads adorns his neck,
and he smiles at her. As he does so she can see that he has no teeth. This does not seem to affect his speech any as he replies, "Ah! A lovely halfling lass! It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance." He bows and bobs his head, and makes no moves to take her hand, as some would normally do.
The small, cloaked halfling has raised a foot to clamber into the carriage when the old man mentions the halfling female. He pauses for a moment, his foot almost upon the step... His head cocks strangely to one side, his face buried deep in the hood, before placing his foot back upon the ground. Yalee doesn't miss Dah-keya's wide-eyed exasperated look at his sensei, though it is quickly wiped from his face as her gaze passes over him.
Lodge makes a simple gesture in the air, his hand flashing out from his sleeve for just a moment before he takes a step back from the carriage door.
Dah-keya sighs and steps in, and Oisin comes in last. The four of them fill the carriage nicely, and it appears there is little room for Lodge after all.
As the door shuts Dah-keya gives Yale a pained look and says, "He's a bit shy..." almost in apology.
Surgis cackles and nods, but says nothing else.
Oisin then relays what happened to Yalee...
"It was a fight," he shakes his head. "It looked like some half-orc berserker had decided to pick a fight with Lodge." He shrugs and smiles, "You saw how that ended."
Yalee settles back in her seat and grins in satisfaction, "People often underestimate us because we're small. I doubt he'll be picking fights with strange halflings again anytime soon." She raises an eyebrow, grinning wickedly, "...or walking without a limp, either."
Yalee smiles and chuckles at Dah-keya, "Oh, there's no need to apologize. He's free to do whatever he likes. I'm sure I'll get to meet him in time." She considers for a moment and asks of curiously Surgis, "Is Lodge your student, too?"
Surgis nods and smiles and says, "Yes, though I am afraid that I do not have much more that I can teach him." They can see through the window that Lodge has taken a seat next to the driver. At Yalee's mention of people underestimating her kind, the sensei nods. "It happens every now and again. Lodge never wants to fight, you know, and I have never seen him take
the life of another... even if he could." The old man pauses and says, "Or even if I would have myself." he pauses again and says, "Which can be a hard thing to do.. for a Strongheart." He winks and touches the side of his nose as he looks at Yalee, giving her some small clue as to the origins of the enigmatic halfling.
Dah-keya nods. "Lodge was at the monastery before I arrived there. He's always been there."
Surgis turns to Oisin and asks, "So, where might we be going for this performance, and who will be our entertainer?"
"Ah!" Yalee grins, nodding. "You know, I don't think I've ever met a Strongheart before. Talking to him should be interesting."
Oisin smiles at the elderly sensei and says, "It will be at the Golden Hind...and you are sitting across from the entertainer." The priest gestures to Yalee, who smiles broadly in return. "Speaking of which, have you decided what you want to do tonight?"
Yalee nods and says, "I'm going to try and keep things light, but a lot of it will depend on the mood of the crowd as to what, exactly, I decide to do." She glances out at the rain and chuckles appreciatively, "The rain should ensure a full house tonight, too!"
At the news that the pretty, young halfling lass across from him will be the entertainer, a strange expression crosses his face as he turns to Dah-keya. "You didn't set this up, did you, jode?" His tone is lightly accusatory, but full of mirth.
Dah-keya stutters and stumbles as he says, "No! Sensei... I... the performance was asked for the other day... I didn't..." the sohei solemnly shakes his head.
"Hmmm.." Surgis mutters, stroking his beard. He looks at himsef, and Dah-keya, then at Oisin. He shakes his head and waves his hand as he mutters a few arcane syllables. "Dry." he says, and the rainwater dries, leaving each person with now dry clothes. He shakes his head and mutters again and says, "Clean." This seems to meet with some bit of satisfaction, and he
casts an appraising eye at Yalee. "I don't think you need my assistance." he says, and grins, looking quite comical since his beard is now all frizzy.
It appears that his spells had some affect upon Lodge as well, for the Strongheart half-turns in his seat. His face is still veiled by his hood, and Yalee wonders what he looks like.
Oisin reaches to the small cabinet and opens it...
"Don't...!" Dah-keya starts to say, but once again he is too late.
"Oh!" Surgis says, and his hand quickly follows Oisin's. "Don't mind if I do!" He grabs one of the more expensive decanters of liquor.
Dah-keya makes a small, odd sound, almost a "Meep!" and raps quickly on the glass. Both the driver and Lodge turn, and Dah-keya points anxiously at his sensei.
Yalee can see that Lodge vigorously shakes his head, though his face is still hidden by his hood, and Dah-keya shrugs. Surgis takes a long pull, lifting the whole decanter to his lips....
Lodge's hand makes an appearance, slapping itself against the top of his head in a gesture of, "Oh no!".
"Uhm, sensei...?" Dah-keya starts to say, "Maybe that isn't such a good idea."
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Oisin glances over at Dah-keya, a bit confused by this turn. He raises an eyebrow in silent question as he looks back and forth between the sohei and his still hooded, halfling companion.
Yalee, too, notes the distress that seems to clutch at the two as Surgis swigs the alcohol. Realizing that something is amiss, that for some reason, the two students do not wish for him to drink, Yalee decides to try and keep Surgis talking. The theory being that as long as his mouth is busy speaking, he can't drink.
The bard smiles brightly at Surgis and asks, "Why did you think that Dah-keya may have set this up?" After that, she has plenty of things to ask: How long has he lived at the monastary? What is Calimshan like? Has he ever travelled?....the list goes on and on. Hopefully, it will be enough to keep him occupied.
Yalee asks why he thinks Dah-keya may have set this up, and the old sensei lowers the decanter from his lips and raises an eyebrow at Yalee. "You didn't know that Lodge was a halfling?" he asks, and Yalee shakes her head.
The old man then looks at Dah-keya and asks, "Dah-keya? What happened? Did she name you?" The old man chuckles.
He then turns back to Yalee and says, "Jode and his brother often try to get various halfling women to go out with Lodge. They're always trying to get him a girlfriend." he fixes Dah-keya with a smiling look. "It's very childish..." he says, and Dah-keya blushes.
The sohei turns to Yalee and starts to apologize. "I'm sorry, Yalee... I didn't..." But he gets no further as the decanter is raised and Yalee fires another question at the old sensei.
"What is the monastery like?"
Luckily the decanter lowers and the old sensei nods as he says, "I would think that you're trying to keep me from this delicious FireWine." he catches her eyes with his, which sparkle with amusement. "The monastery <gulp> is very old. <sip> It has been there <drink> for many decades. <swallow> Though we have fewer <sip> and fewer <drink> students each year.
<sip-smile>
The driver announces that they are almost to the Golden Hind, and, sure enough, Yalee can see the brightly lit inn just up ahead.
As Surgis's twinkling eyes meet her own and he cheerfully accuses her of trying to stem his drinking, Yalee can't help but feel mirth bubble up inside of her. The exuberant halfling doesn't even try to contain the laughter that spills joyfully from her lips. It feels good to laugh, especially after the death faced earlier in the day. It seems to feel almost like a celebration of life, despite the fear and horror that the Fire Knives would press upon them. She shakes her head, continuing to chortle.
Her attention turns to the her blushing friend and she continues to chuckle as she waves away his apology, not in the least bothered by any of this. "Oh, poo, Dah-keya. You worry too much." She smiles warmly and says, "I know you weren't trying anything. As you said, the performance was requested before we even knew that Surgis and Lodge would be here."
Oisin smiles and shakes his head, amused despite himself. What a bizarre evening. He looks out the window and says, "You ready, short stuff?"
The carriage pulls up in front of the Golden Hind, which, sure enough, is brimming with people. Though the evening is young, the rain and couds in the sky make it appear much later than it is, and the doors and windows of the establishment glow with the light from the oil lamps inside. Even from where they are, Yalee and Oisin can hear the commotion from inside. It appears that this will be a good night for a show.
Taking one last sip of the wine, the old sensei smiles and gestures for Yalee to proceed him. "Beauty before bald." he says, and winks.
They are greeted at the door of the carriage by Jeggred, the inn's owner. "I was hoping that you would make it!" he says, smiling, and holding a thick blanket over Yalee to keep her dry. He escorts her inside, announcing that the entertainment has arrived. A cheer rumbles through the crowd, and she is followed closely by Dah-keya, who carries her banjolele for her. Next
comes Oisin, then comes Surgis and Lodge.
Her company are given reserved seats, and all three of the males find themselves rather close to the stage, a raised dais that stands about a foot off the floor. They find that the meals are free: smoked venison and rabbit stew, along with jacketed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Yalee is permitted to order what she wishes.
Much to the relief of Dah-keya and Lodge, the sensei orders no alcohol.
--------
Yalee smiles and declines to order just yet, preferring to eat once she is done entertaining. Even after all the time that she has spent doing this, she still gets little butterflies of excitement in her stomach right before a show. Smiling, she makes her way to the stage and stands bowing low to the guests there. Color is high on her cheeks and her eyes twinkle with
delight and mirth as she faces her audience. This is what she lives for...to bring joy and laughter to people, to make them forget, even if it is just for a few hours of a day, all the little trials and worries that nag at their souls.
Yalee watches with delight as she begins to play, the innkeeper's little daughter sitting on the steps that lead upstairs, grinning. She soon has nearly everyone out of their seats, and the place's tables are moved away to make room to dance. The little girl dances as well, some of the more well-known patrons twirling her about as she laughs and cavorts about the
room.
Yalee is glad to see that everyone is enjoying themselves, even her friends, for she catches Oisin, Dah-keya, and Surgis tapping their feet and smiling as they clap along. Though it does not bother her, she only catches glimpses of Lodge, his foot tapping... but promptly stopping when she turns his way. And, it almost becomes a mini game, she trying to catch him tapping, and he trying to keep from getting caught. Still, he remains buried in his traveling cloak, despite the warmth from the lamps and the other patrons. His hood remains in place as well, and never once does she see his face.
The tale of Jack delights the little girl, and she is then ushered to bed... but not before the crowd fawns over her giving Yalee a hug.
Once she is away, Yalee opens the next act with a bawdy tale of mischief involving barmaids and a bordello... causing much laughter and rib-poking.
She does manage to catch Lodge shuddering slightly every so often, and wonders that he might be laughing. And Surgis.. surgis seems to be enjoying himself immensely, his toothless smile and laugh a comical sight to see. Oisin seems in much better spirits, and her dirty lymrics send Dah-keya blushing.
She closes her performance with a rousing rendition of "Fallen Angels", and walks off-stage amidst uproarious applause and cheers. An encore is demanded, and not one to deny her public, she complies with one more song.
Then, the hats are passed about.
Sitting down tiredly, but happily, in an empty chair next to Lodge, she orders her meal.
Oisin chuckles and reaches over to clap Yalee companionably upon the shoulder, "That was a great performance, Yalee." He smiles and shakes his head, "But I don't even want to know where you learned that one about the bordello..."
She laughs, and says, "I'll tell you someday....but I think, right now, I need to rest." She chuckles and gratefully accepts a glass of water brought to her by a barmaid. She sips upon the liquid, the cool water soothing her throat. The bard leans back in her chair with a happy sigh. "This has been a good night. Thank you all for coming and listening. It's always so much
more fun when I have friends nearby to share with."
Her gaze travels between Surgis and Lodge and she asks curiously, "So, where are you two staying? Do you plan in being in the city long?"
Oisin glances over at Dah-keya, a bit confused by this turn. He raises an eyebrow in silent question as he looks back and forth between the sohei and his still hooded, halfling companion.
Yalee, too, notes the distress that seems to clutch at the two as Surgis swigs the alcohol. Realizing that something is amiss, that for some reason, the two students do not wish for him to drink, Yalee decides to try and keep Surgis talking. The theory being that as long as his mouth is busy speaking, he can't drink.
The bard smiles brightly at Surgis and asks, "Why did you think that Dah-keya may have set this up?" After that, she has plenty of things to ask: How long has he lived at the monastary? What is Calimshan like? Has he ever travelled?....the list goes on and on. Hopefully, it will be enough to keep him occupied.
Yalee asks why he thinks Dah-keya may have set this up, and the old sensei lowers the decanter from his lips and raises an eyebrow at Yalee. "You didn't know that Lodge was a halfling?" he asks, and Yalee shakes her head.
The old man then looks at Dah-keya and asks, "Dah-keya? What happened? Did she name you?" The old man chuckles.
He then turns back to Yalee and says, "Jode and his brother often try to get various halfling women to go out with Lodge. They're always trying to get him a girlfriend." he fixes Dah-keya with a smiling look. "It's very childish..." he says, and Dah-keya blushes.
The sohei turns to Yalee and starts to apologize. "I'm sorry, Yalee... I didn't..." But he gets no further as the decanter is raised and Yalee fires another question at the old sensei.
"What is the monastery like?"
Luckily the decanter lowers and the old sensei nods as he says, "I would think that you're trying to keep me from this delicious FireWine." he catches her eyes with his, which sparkle with amusement. "The monastery <gulp> is very old. <sip> It has been there <drink> for many decades. <swallow> Though we have fewer <sip> and fewer <drink> students each year.
<sip-smile>
The driver announces that they are almost to the Golden Hind, and, sure enough, Yalee can see the brightly lit inn just up ahead.
As Surgis's twinkling eyes meet her own and he cheerfully accuses her of trying to stem his drinking, Yalee can't help but feel mirth bubble up inside of her. The exuberant halfling doesn't even try to contain the laughter that spills joyfully from her lips. It feels good to laugh, especially after the death faced earlier in the day. It seems to feel almost like a celebration of life, despite the fear and horror that the Fire Knives would press upon them. She shakes her head, continuing to chortle.
Her attention turns to the her blushing friend and she continues to chuckle as she waves away his apology, not in the least bothered by any of this. "Oh, poo, Dah-keya. You worry too much." She smiles warmly and says, "I know you weren't trying anything. As you said, the performance was requested before we even knew that Surgis and Lodge would be here."
Oisin smiles and shakes his head, amused despite himself. What a bizarre evening. He looks out the window and says, "You ready, short stuff?"
The carriage pulls up in front of the Golden Hind, which, sure enough, is brimming with people. Though the evening is young, the rain and couds in the sky make it appear much later than it is, and the doors and windows of the establishment glow with the light from the oil lamps inside. Even from where they are, Yalee and Oisin can hear the commotion from inside. It appears that this will be a good night for a show.
Taking one last sip of the wine, the old sensei smiles and gestures for Yalee to proceed him. "Beauty before bald." he says, and winks.
They are greeted at the door of the carriage by Jeggred, the inn's owner. "I was hoping that you would make it!" he says, smiling, and holding a thick blanket over Yalee to keep her dry. He escorts her inside, announcing that the entertainment has arrived. A cheer rumbles through the crowd, and she is followed closely by Dah-keya, who carries her banjolele for her. Next
comes Oisin, then comes Surgis and Lodge.
Her company are given reserved seats, and all three of the males find themselves rather close to the stage, a raised dais that stands about a foot off the floor. They find that the meals are free: smoked venison and rabbit stew, along with jacketed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Yalee is permitted to order what she wishes.
Much to the relief of Dah-keya and Lodge, the sensei orders no alcohol.
--------
Yalee smiles and declines to order just yet, preferring to eat once she is done entertaining. Even after all the time that she has spent doing this, she still gets little butterflies of excitement in her stomach right before a show. Smiling, she makes her way to the stage and stands bowing low to the guests there. Color is high on her cheeks and her eyes twinkle with
delight and mirth as she faces her audience. This is what she lives for...to bring joy and laughter to people, to make them forget, even if it is just for a few hours of a day, all the little trials and worries that nag at their souls.
Yalee watches with delight as she begins to play, the innkeeper's little daughter sitting on the steps that lead upstairs, grinning. She soon has nearly everyone out of their seats, and the place's tables are moved away to make room to dance. The little girl dances as well, some of the more well-known patrons twirling her about as she laughs and cavorts about the
room.
Yalee is glad to see that everyone is enjoying themselves, even her friends, for she catches Oisin, Dah-keya, and Surgis tapping their feet and smiling as they clap along. Though it does not bother her, she only catches glimpses of Lodge, his foot tapping... but promptly stopping when she turns his way. And, it almost becomes a mini game, she trying to catch him tapping, and he trying to keep from getting caught. Still, he remains buried in his traveling cloak, despite the warmth from the lamps and the other patrons. His hood remains in place as well, and never once does she see his face.
The tale of Jack delights the little girl, and she is then ushered to bed... but not before the crowd fawns over her giving Yalee a hug.
Once she is away, Yalee opens the next act with a bawdy tale of mischief involving barmaids and a bordello... causing much laughter and rib-poking.
She does manage to catch Lodge shuddering slightly every so often, and wonders that he might be laughing. And Surgis.. surgis seems to be enjoying himself immensely, his toothless smile and laugh a comical sight to see. Oisin seems in much better spirits, and her dirty lymrics send Dah-keya blushing.
She closes her performance with a rousing rendition of "Fallen Angels", and walks off-stage amidst uproarious applause and cheers. An encore is demanded, and not one to deny her public, she complies with one more song.
Then, the hats are passed about.
Sitting down tiredly, but happily, in an empty chair next to Lodge, she orders her meal.
Oisin chuckles and reaches over to clap Yalee companionably upon the shoulder, "That was a great performance, Yalee." He smiles and shakes his head, "But I don't even want to know where you learned that one about the bordello..."
She laughs, and says, "I'll tell you someday....but I think, right now, I need to rest." She chuckles and gratefully accepts a glass of water brought to her by a barmaid. She sips upon the liquid, the cool water soothing her throat. The bard leans back in her chair with a happy sigh. "This has been a good night. Thank you all for coming and listening. It's always so much
more fun when I have friends nearby to share with."
Her gaze travels between Surgis and Lodge and she asks curiously, "So, where are you two staying? Do you plan in being in the city long?"