The Legend Grows - by Haruchai on 22:27 17 Jan 2003
Yalee sighs and nods. Knowing that Dah-keya did, indeed, kill this woman's sister changes the flavor of the encounter that looms upon the horizon. Even if it was done in self-defense, one can't deny the pain and anguish that one sibling feels over the loss of another. Plus, the bard can't make any judgements, yet. She doesn't know the full story, does not know both sides of the issue. All Yalee knows, at this point, is that Dah-keya is her friend and she will do what she can to prevent the battle from taking place. Right now, that involves keeping any information she has to herself. Despite herself, she finds herself mentally asking Lodge, "What happened?"
She then turns and begins to make her way across town, away from the Golden Hind to an inn where it would be unlikely that anyone would recognize her and be able
to accidentally leak out information to the Hind's proprietor that she was still in town. It would hurt the man's feelings to think that Yalee simply left to go to another establishment, rather than leave town as she had said.
As they walk Lodge speaks softly in Yalee's mind.
"I'm sure you know that Dah-keya went to Chult to gain his totem and to train. He spent many months there, and finally decided on the panther as his totem. To gain your totem you are required to spend time with and live as that animal. What better way to learn the animal than to become the animal."
Lodge pauses before continuing. "There was a panther there that he befriended, somehow. He lived with the animal, learning its ways and life. Then, the time came for him to leave. However, to truly take an animal as a totem, one must consume its heart. This is the final test. Dah-Keya did not want to slay the animal which had become his friend. He stalked it, watching it, and knew that he had grown to love it. Still, as he stalked the panther, so did an Exclu stalk him. A nearby tribe of Exclu had become aware of his presence, though had paid him no mind until they got wind that he would have to slay the animal he had lived with. You've heard their ways, and you can understand why they sent one of their warriors to deter him. Though he had changed his mind, and was contemplating simply leaving, the Exclu did not know that. She confronted him, and a battle ensued. She far outmatched him in ability, and so he ran. She, of course, gave chase. She managed to corner him near the edge of the jungle. She caught him between a large tree and a waterfall."
Yalee can guess what happened next.
"They fought for only a few seconds, Dah-keya completely on the defensive, though he managed to push her over the side of the cliff. It was not a clean victory, and still the jungle saw fit to allow him his totem. The Exclu have never forgiven him."
Lodge sighs and shrugs. "There will be a confrontation, to be sure. And I do not know if Surgis and I can allow Bae to fight alongside his brother. Were it simply the Exclu hunting them as normal..." Lodge shrugs, "But, despite their normal animosity towards them, this one wants vengeance. Dah-keya slew her sister, alone, and to allow him to fight her along with his brother..."
Lodge partially turns towards Yalee. "What do you think on this matter?"
Yalee listens quietly as Lodge speaks, shaking her head at how it all could've been avoided by simply talking. Of course, Dah-keya may well have tried to reason with the Exclu, to explain that he had had a change of heart, and failed. However, what happened happened and no amount of hindsight or guessing will change what is. It does her heart good to at least know that her friend was merely defending himself.
The bard thinks upon what her companion has said and says quietly in his mind, "Like you, I feel that if it were just a matter of the Exclu hunting him because of her beliefs, it would be more than acceptable to have another stand by him. While I, personally, do not like the idea of having to kill the creature to complete the training, neither do I find it an offense worth killing a man over." She sighs. For a second, Yalee finds herself wondering if perhaps Dah-keya may have
chosen the path of a ranger if things had gone differently. Then, she continues, "However, this is personal. It's no longer a battle over beliefs. It's a blood debt. It would not be right to have others help him. It must be a test that he will have to face on his own."
The corner of Yalee's mouth twitches up in a rakish grin as she adds, still mentally, "But, she has to find him before that can happen. And, I see nothing at all wrong with delaying that as long as possible." Already, the bard's mind is turning over ideas, looking for possible ways to use the local rumor mill to throw the Exclu off her friend's trail.
They make their way through the streets of the city, passing shops and businesses of all sorts.
They find themselves in a more business-oriented district, with several large inns to choose from. It is on the other side of the city from the Golden Hind, and unlikely that anyone here will recognize her. They pick a good-looking establishment dubbed "The Red Thorn". It appears a bit expensive, but upon inquiry they find that it is rather reasonable. They could stay here for quite some time just on the money that Galen gave Yalee.
They check in, and are greeted by a young man named Neal. He seems rather friendly, and asks them if they'd like a single room, or separate rooms. Yalee can almost feel Lodge blush, but he remains silent. She wonders if he'll just end up sleeping outside of her room anyways, so she decides on a single room with two beds. Neal smiles and nods, and sees that Yalee has her mule outside. He sends a stablehand to take care of Blossom, and Yalee is glad to see that the stablehand is gentle and kind, leading Blossom to the stable while feeding him an apple.
Neal leads them past the common room, which has a few patrons in it, and up a flight of stairs. Their room is the first on the right past the stairs, and it looks cozy and comfy enough. Two small beds are arranged against opposite walls, with about eight feet of space between them. Two large footlockers are at the feet of the beds, and a largish armoire is there as well. A mirror, full length, rests against the wall near the door.
Yalee sighs and nods. Knowing that Dah-keya did, indeed, kill this woman's sister changes the flavor of the encounter that looms upon the horizon. Even if it was done in self-defense, one can't deny the pain and anguish that one sibling feels over the loss of another. Plus, the bard can't make any judgements, yet. She doesn't know the full story, does not know both sides of the issue. All Yalee knows, at this point, is that Dah-keya is her friend and she will do what she can to prevent the battle from taking place. Right now, that involves keeping any information she has to herself. Despite herself, she finds herself mentally asking Lodge, "What happened?"
She then turns and begins to make her way across town, away from the Golden Hind to an inn where it would be unlikely that anyone would recognize her and be able
to accidentally leak out information to the Hind's proprietor that she was still in town. It would hurt the man's feelings to think that Yalee simply left to go to another establishment, rather than leave town as she had said.
As they walk Lodge speaks softly in Yalee's mind.
"I'm sure you know that Dah-keya went to Chult to gain his totem and to train. He spent many months there, and finally decided on the panther as his totem. To gain your totem you are required to spend time with and live as that animal. What better way to learn the animal than to become the animal."
Lodge pauses before continuing. "There was a panther there that he befriended, somehow. He lived with the animal, learning its ways and life. Then, the time came for him to leave. However, to truly take an animal as a totem, one must consume its heart. This is the final test. Dah-Keya did not want to slay the animal which had become his friend. He stalked it, watching it, and knew that he had grown to love it. Still, as he stalked the panther, so did an Exclu stalk him. A nearby tribe of Exclu had become aware of his presence, though had paid him no mind until they got wind that he would have to slay the animal he had lived with. You've heard their ways, and you can understand why they sent one of their warriors to deter him. Though he had changed his mind, and was contemplating simply leaving, the Exclu did not know that. She confronted him, and a battle ensued. She far outmatched him in ability, and so he ran. She, of course, gave chase. She managed to corner him near the edge of the jungle. She caught him between a large tree and a waterfall."
Yalee can guess what happened next.
"They fought for only a few seconds, Dah-keya completely on the defensive, though he managed to push her over the side of the cliff. It was not a clean victory, and still the jungle saw fit to allow him his totem. The Exclu have never forgiven him."
Lodge sighs and shrugs. "There will be a confrontation, to be sure. And I do not know if Surgis and I can allow Bae to fight alongside his brother. Were it simply the Exclu hunting them as normal..." Lodge shrugs, "But, despite their normal animosity towards them, this one wants vengeance. Dah-keya slew her sister, alone, and to allow him to fight her along with his brother..."
Lodge partially turns towards Yalee. "What do you think on this matter?"
Yalee listens quietly as Lodge speaks, shaking her head at how it all could've been avoided by simply talking. Of course, Dah-keya may well have tried to reason with the Exclu, to explain that he had had a change of heart, and failed. However, what happened happened and no amount of hindsight or guessing will change what is. It does her heart good to at least know that her friend was merely defending himself.
The bard thinks upon what her companion has said and says quietly in his mind, "Like you, I feel that if it were just a matter of the Exclu hunting him because of her beliefs, it would be more than acceptable to have another stand by him. While I, personally, do not like the idea of having to kill the creature to complete the training, neither do I find it an offense worth killing a man over." She sighs. For a second, Yalee finds herself wondering if perhaps Dah-keya may have
chosen the path of a ranger if things had gone differently. Then, she continues, "However, this is personal. It's no longer a battle over beliefs. It's a blood debt. It would not be right to have others help him. It must be a test that he will have to face on his own."
The corner of Yalee's mouth twitches up in a rakish grin as she adds, still mentally, "But, she has to find him before that can happen. And, I see nothing at all wrong with delaying that as long as possible." Already, the bard's mind is turning over ideas, looking for possible ways to use the local rumor mill to throw the Exclu off her friend's trail.
They make their way through the streets of the city, passing shops and businesses of all sorts.
They find themselves in a more business-oriented district, with several large inns to choose from. It is on the other side of the city from the Golden Hind, and unlikely that anyone here will recognize her. They pick a good-looking establishment dubbed "The Red Thorn". It appears a bit expensive, but upon inquiry they find that it is rather reasonable. They could stay here for quite some time just on the money that Galen gave Yalee.
They check in, and are greeted by a young man named Neal. He seems rather friendly, and asks them if they'd like a single room, or separate rooms. Yalee can almost feel Lodge blush, but he remains silent. She wonders if he'll just end up sleeping outside of her room anyways, so she decides on a single room with two beds. Neal smiles and nods, and sees that Yalee has her mule outside. He sends a stablehand to take care of Blossom, and Yalee is glad to see that the stablehand is gentle and kind, leading Blossom to the stable while feeding him an apple.
Neal leads them past the common room, which has a few patrons in it, and up a flight of stairs. Their room is the first on the right past the stairs, and it looks cozy and comfy enough. Two small beds are arranged against opposite walls, with about eight feet of space between them. Two large footlockers are at the feet of the beds, and a largish armoire is there as well. A mirror, full length, rests against the wall near the door.
The Legend Grows - by Haruchai on 22:36 17 Jan 2003
As Jerralath leaves the palace Morn decides that it is best to go ahead and get to work. He walks down the halls of the palace, keeping an eye open for any girl that might be willing to help them. All the girls are pretty, some more than others, of course, but Morn can easily see that the Knives target pretty girls specifically. Why wouldn't they?
He sighs and enters the arboretum that just yesterday was the site of the gruesome crime that has spurred them to action. There, pruning one of the trees, is a very pretty young woman. Morn's breath catches in his throat, and he knows that this is the one.
Mornalath smiles at the young woman tending the gardens and she shyly returns the gesture.
"Would you mind if I practice with my weapon in this place?" Morn asks. The girl shakes her head. "Let me go get my spear, I'll be right back."
Morn swiftly goes to his room, retrieving his weapon. He returns to the garden, where the girl watches him from the corner of her eye. He goes through several warm up training forms, before settling into a steady practice routine.
Mornalath goes through his training more intent than normal. Though used to practicing around others, they have mainly been either men or women training to be warriors. He is also not used to being watched by an outside observer and he is not hitting all of his marks cleanly.
Add in the fact that he hasn't done more than ten minutes of his routine in the months since he escaped Thay and it just isn't pretty. All that dancing practice did not keep him in perfect form for fighting.
Of course this is what is running through his head as he practices. To an observer it is an entirely different thing.
Mornalath moves with a grace seldom seen in a soldier. Though monks such as Nevyn, Bae, Lodge, and Surgis may train from the moment they decide to dedicate themselves in the way of movement as a defense for soldiers it is different. A foot soldier is trained to know how to angle a shield so that he can take the blow and shed the brunt of it without injury. A
cavalryman is taught to wield his lance in such a way that it comes cleanly out the back of the opponent it goes into the front of.
Mornalath is different. He has trained his whole life to wield a spear on the ground. Where Nevyn can surprise someone wiht his abilty to duck under an attack and respond with a devestating one of his own, Mornalath has been trained to never let anyone get that attack in the first place. His duom moves in wide sweeps circling around him, its point nearly touching the ground one moment and the next raised to strike an opponent at the level of horseback.
His practice is improved by the lack of armor, with only the confinement of his loose clothing he has more flexibility and reach than imprisoned in his old chain shirt. And then his practice enters a phase in which most spearmen, even ones that would come close to a style such as his own never attempt. The purpose of the backward pointed blades on the head of the duom become clear.
He thrusts as far ahead as he can, seeming to shift his weight and stance as if to thrust past someone. Then he throws himself backwards and the spear passes through the imaginary opponent. An ordinary spear might be able to cut them if swung on the back pull, but the doum is made for this maneuver, as the back pointing blades rip through the air they would easily stab someone standing in front of the warrior.
He continues his practice, now focusing not on twirls and sweeps but instead on a deadly and graceful set of lunges and escapes backward. His steps never falter in this form, like they had before. It is obvious that this is the training that he has done every day for years.
And as he practices and he finally settles into his routine, his mind becomes free of the cares of the body that now moves according to its own will and he thinks back to his childhood. What little there was of it.
His birth, and he was the first of the brothers Jerralath and then Karnalath coming in sequence after, was thought to be a gift. The triplet's parents were both mages in Thay, masters of magic that taught at one of the many colleges of magic working hard at training young wizards to meet the exacting
requirements of future leadership in Thay. The man and wife were glad to finally be expecting a child, and with time the day approached.
When the boys' mother went into labor the midwife knew something was wrong. Then Mornalath came out screaming, but the birth was not over. Jerralath came next followed but a minute later by Karnalath. They were all calmed and put to sleep with a small spell as the parent's rested and contemplated what to do.
In Thay it is said that all misfortune travel's in three forms and now sitting in front of their very eyes were three healthy boys. They knew something was wrong.
After a year of life each boy was taken and tested for magic potential. Though normally something not done until the age of 3 or even 5, these were children of two powerful mages it was a guarantee that at least one of the triplets would one day wield magic.
And yet, each one was as magically empty as a doorstop. Actually more magically empty than several doorstops in such a magic rich country as Thay. The boys were soon left with nurses and nannies full time while their parents continued their ambitions only slowed slightly by children. The misfortune had shown itself after all.
By the time the children had reached the age of five they had developed quite different personalities. Mornalath the oldest proved most adept at sports and games of physical prowess. Jerralath showed a cunning intellect for getting into and out of trouble. Karnaloth meanwhile was quiet and preferred listening to stories to going outside and playing.
Their parents had also developed ideas for the boys. They had decided that they would turn their misfortune into the misfortune of others. With three boys, identical, of the same age, and connected by familial bonds they had a premade and tight-knit little band of pawns. They decided that each child would be trained in a different art, though not the truly respecable arts of arcana.
At the age of 6 they were seperated for the first time. Mornalath was sent to the infamous school of the Warriors of the Crimson Road, a group of Thayan mercenaries known for their ruthlessness but also the honor with which they dealt with both foes and employers. It was not normal for the Warriors to accept apprentices under the age of ten, but they were being paid well. They just had to make sure the tot
survived.
Jerralath was sent to live in the home of one of the Wardens of the Warrens, a fancy title for a licensed thief and brigand that preyed upon non-Thayans moving through the borders of the country. The Wardens were notorious at their ability at not just robbery but also theft, blackmail, and larceny. They too were paid well.
Karnalath, in many ways, suffered the worst fate. He was sent to the temple of Loviatar. His safety was not bought, nor was his service. He was trained free of charge though at the expense of his flesh. The Lords and Ladies of Pain are not kind to their servants or their apprentices. The lash of the whip was something with which he would become intimately familiar.
Mornalath's reverie is broken as he realizes his movements have stopped and he is underneath the tree which the woman he spoke to earlier is pruning. Only when he looks up does he realize she is wearing a skirt.
The warrior blushes fiercely thinking to himself, 'Oh, gods, I hope she didn't notice me look up.' He moves out from under the tree and looks up at the woman who is also blushing. 'Great, I guess she did take note.'
He begins to stammer out an apology, "Um, uh, I'm sorry for drawing so close. When I, um, get so into my practice I often forget where I am. I'm just glad I didn't hurt you or knock out your ladder."
He quickly rushes out the next sentence before she has a chance to react. "Can I go get lunch for you? It's the least I can do for taking up your space and everything, I'll be right back."
He's gone before she can do more than open her mouth dropping his spear by the door on the way through it.
The young woman watches him leave, blushing but smiling. He leaves his spear by the door, and she slowly comes down the ladder, gathering her prunings in a little basket.
Mornalath moves swiftly to the kitchen, his mind's eye conjuring up the image of her long, graceful legs. He knows that he's blushing as he orders some food for her.
She moves to the spear leaning against the wall, and grabs the long shaft, pulling it towards her. It's heavy! He must be very strong! she thinks. She lifts the spear, and to her it feels very unwieldy and unbalanced. But the way in which he practiced with the weapon would indicate that it is not. He must be very well trained.
As Mornalath makes his way back he tries to think of some way to start a conversation with her. When it comes to females he is terribly shy at times, and he doesn't want to mess this up. As he approaches the arboretum he can see that she holds his spear, looking at it curiosly. Once she spots him she quickly puts it back and steps back, a slight look of guilt on her face.
Mornalath holds out the tray of food he brought for her with one hand, balancing his own in the other. "Here. Don't worry about the spear, I don't mind if you look at it. Most people don't even think of it that much, you would be surprised how few people pay attention to polearms. So many guards around with them and all.
"Oh, by the way, I'm Mornalath Vinarant a traveler through this area. What's your name?"
The young woman smiles prettily and Morn notices the slightly red hue to her cheeks. Apparently she isn't noticed much here in the palace. Even to him, she is not the most beautiful or prettiest girl here. But she is not bad looking by any stretch of the imagination. Dark brunette hair cascades over her shoulders in waves, spilling halfway down her back. Her skin is pale and smooth, reminding Morn of a delicate lily. Her lips are red, and his mind can't help but think of kissing them... And her eyes are a deep brown, looking at him with a hint of surprise at his question.
She smiles sweetly and says softly, "My name is Candella... but most people call me Candy." She giggles and casts her eyes downwards as she takes the tray that Morn offers her.
As Jerralath leaves the palace Morn decides that it is best to go ahead and get to work. He walks down the halls of the palace, keeping an eye open for any girl that might be willing to help them. All the girls are pretty, some more than others, of course, but Morn can easily see that the Knives target pretty girls specifically. Why wouldn't they?
He sighs and enters the arboretum that just yesterday was the site of the gruesome crime that has spurred them to action. There, pruning one of the trees, is a very pretty young woman. Morn's breath catches in his throat, and he knows that this is the one.
Mornalath smiles at the young woman tending the gardens and she shyly returns the gesture.
"Would you mind if I practice with my weapon in this place?" Morn asks. The girl shakes her head. "Let me go get my spear, I'll be right back."
Morn swiftly goes to his room, retrieving his weapon. He returns to the garden, where the girl watches him from the corner of her eye. He goes through several warm up training forms, before settling into a steady practice routine.
Mornalath goes through his training more intent than normal. Though used to practicing around others, they have mainly been either men or women training to be warriors. He is also not used to being watched by an outside observer and he is not hitting all of his marks cleanly.
Add in the fact that he hasn't done more than ten minutes of his routine in the months since he escaped Thay and it just isn't pretty. All that dancing practice did not keep him in perfect form for fighting.
Of course this is what is running through his head as he practices. To an observer it is an entirely different thing.
Mornalath moves with a grace seldom seen in a soldier. Though monks such as Nevyn, Bae, Lodge, and Surgis may train from the moment they decide to dedicate themselves in the way of movement as a defense for soldiers it is different. A foot soldier is trained to know how to angle a shield so that he can take the blow and shed the brunt of it without injury. A
cavalryman is taught to wield his lance in such a way that it comes cleanly out the back of the opponent it goes into the front of.
Mornalath is different. He has trained his whole life to wield a spear on the ground. Where Nevyn can surprise someone wiht his abilty to duck under an attack and respond with a devestating one of his own, Mornalath has been trained to never let anyone get that attack in the first place. His duom moves in wide sweeps circling around him, its point nearly touching the ground one moment and the next raised to strike an opponent at the level of horseback.
His practice is improved by the lack of armor, with only the confinement of his loose clothing he has more flexibility and reach than imprisoned in his old chain shirt. And then his practice enters a phase in which most spearmen, even ones that would come close to a style such as his own never attempt. The purpose of the backward pointed blades on the head of the duom become clear.
He thrusts as far ahead as he can, seeming to shift his weight and stance as if to thrust past someone. Then he throws himself backwards and the spear passes through the imaginary opponent. An ordinary spear might be able to cut them if swung on the back pull, but the doum is made for this maneuver, as the back pointing blades rip through the air they would easily stab someone standing in front of the warrior.
He continues his practice, now focusing not on twirls and sweeps but instead on a deadly and graceful set of lunges and escapes backward. His steps never falter in this form, like they had before. It is obvious that this is the training that he has done every day for years.
And as he practices and he finally settles into his routine, his mind becomes free of the cares of the body that now moves according to its own will and he thinks back to his childhood. What little there was of it.
His birth, and he was the first of the brothers Jerralath and then Karnalath coming in sequence after, was thought to be a gift. The triplet's parents were both mages in Thay, masters of magic that taught at one of the many colleges of magic working hard at training young wizards to meet the exacting
requirements of future leadership in Thay. The man and wife were glad to finally be expecting a child, and with time the day approached.
When the boys' mother went into labor the midwife knew something was wrong. Then Mornalath came out screaming, but the birth was not over. Jerralath came next followed but a minute later by Karnalath. They were all calmed and put to sleep with a small spell as the parent's rested and contemplated what to do.
In Thay it is said that all misfortune travel's in three forms and now sitting in front of their very eyes were three healthy boys. They knew something was wrong.
After a year of life each boy was taken and tested for magic potential. Though normally something not done until the age of 3 or even 5, these were children of two powerful mages it was a guarantee that at least one of the triplets would one day wield magic.
And yet, each one was as magically empty as a doorstop. Actually more magically empty than several doorstops in such a magic rich country as Thay. The boys were soon left with nurses and nannies full time while their parents continued their ambitions only slowed slightly by children. The misfortune had shown itself after all.
By the time the children had reached the age of five they had developed quite different personalities. Mornalath the oldest proved most adept at sports and games of physical prowess. Jerralath showed a cunning intellect for getting into and out of trouble. Karnaloth meanwhile was quiet and preferred listening to stories to going outside and playing.
Their parents had also developed ideas for the boys. They had decided that they would turn their misfortune into the misfortune of others. With three boys, identical, of the same age, and connected by familial bonds they had a premade and tight-knit little band of pawns. They decided that each child would be trained in a different art, though not the truly respecable arts of arcana.
At the age of 6 they were seperated for the first time. Mornalath was sent to the infamous school of the Warriors of the Crimson Road, a group of Thayan mercenaries known for their ruthlessness but also the honor with which they dealt with both foes and employers. It was not normal for the Warriors to accept apprentices under the age of ten, but they were being paid well. They just had to make sure the tot
survived.
Jerralath was sent to live in the home of one of the Wardens of the Warrens, a fancy title for a licensed thief and brigand that preyed upon non-Thayans moving through the borders of the country. The Wardens were notorious at their ability at not just robbery but also theft, blackmail, and larceny. They too were paid well.
Karnalath, in many ways, suffered the worst fate. He was sent to the temple of Loviatar. His safety was not bought, nor was his service. He was trained free of charge though at the expense of his flesh. The Lords and Ladies of Pain are not kind to their servants or their apprentices. The lash of the whip was something with which he would become intimately familiar.
Mornalath's reverie is broken as he realizes his movements have stopped and he is underneath the tree which the woman he spoke to earlier is pruning. Only when he looks up does he realize she is wearing a skirt.
The warrior blushes fiercely thinking to himself, 'Oh, gods, I hope she didn't notice me look up.' He moves out from under the tree and looks up at the woman who is also blushing. 'Great, I guess she did take note.'
He begins to stammer out an apology, "Um, uh, I'm sorry for drawing so close. When I, um, get so into my practice I often forget where I am. I'm just glad I didn't hurt you or knock out your ladder."
He quickly rushes out the next sentence before she has a chance to react. "Can I go get lunch for you? It's the least I can do for taking up your space and everything, I'll be right back."
He's gone before she can do more than open her mouth dropping his spear by the door on the way through it.
The young woman watches him leave, blushing but smiling. He leaves his spear by the door, and she slowly comes down the ladder, gathering her prunings in a little basket.
Mornalath moves swiftly to the kitchen, his mind's eye conjuring up the image of her long, graceful legs. He knows that he's blushing as he orders some food for her.
She moves to the spear leaning against the wall, and grabs the long shaft, pulling it towards her. It's heavy! He must be very strong! she thinks. She lifts the spear, and to her it feels very unwieldy and unbalanced. But the way in which he practiced with the weapon would indicate that it is not. He must be very well trained.
As Mornalath makes his way back he tries to think of some way to start a conversation with her. When it comes to females he is terribly shy at times, and he doesn't want to mess this up. As he approaches the arboretum he can see that she holds his spear, looking at it curiosly. Once she spots him she quickly puts it back and steps back, a slight look of guilt on her face.
Mornalath holds out the tray of food he brought for her with one hand, balancing his own in the other. "Here. Don't worry about the spear, I don't mind if you look at it. Most people don't even think of it that much, you would be surprised how few people pay attention to polearms. So many guards around with them and all.
"Oh, by the way, I'm Mornalath Vinarant a traveler through this area. What's your name?"
The young woman smiles prettily and Morn notices the slightly red hue to her cheeks. Apparently she isn't noticed much here in the palace. Even to him, she is not the most beautiful or prettiest girl here. But she is not bad looking by any stretch of the imagination. Dark brunette hair cascades over her shoulders in waves, spilling halfway down her back. Her skin is pale and smooth, reminding Morn of a delicate lily. Her lips are red, and his mind can't help but think of kissing them... And her eyes are a deep brown, looking at him with a hint of surprise at his question.
She smiles sweetly and says softly, "My name is Candella... but most people call me Candy." She giggles and casts her eyes downwards as she takes the tray that Morn offers her.
The Legend Grows - by Arislyn on 17:57 18 Jan 2003
Yalee hums quietly to herself as she moves to the far bed and tosses her things upon it, effectively claiming it as her own. Looking about, she nods to herself and says, "Nice place. I may have to see about setting up a performance here sometime." As is her way, she does not bother to unpack her things and put them away. Rather, she leaves it all in the packs and will only get things out as it becomes necessary. Besides, she figures that the two of them will probably only be here for a day or two, at most, before heading to Waterdeep.
As that thought occurs to her, Yalee says mentally to Lodge, "I'm going to go ahead and talk to Galen. No time like the present, you know."
Reaching out, the bard delicately probes for Galen's mind, questing first to see if he is otherwise occupied. Once she knows he is free, she begins her speech, "Galen, I've been giving my situation here some thought and I think that I may be of greater use to the cause in another city. After the tribunal, I'm afraid that I am too well known and definitely connected with anti-slavery ideals. The Fire Knives have more than likely targeted me to use as an example of what happens to people who interfere in their operations and will come after me, sooner or later. Therefore, I am effectively useless to you in Gromstead. However, the Fire Knives must operate in much the same fashion as a smuggling ring. So, they must have operatives in other cities. Considering Waterdeep's size and trade opportunities, I'm thinking it's a good bet that it's a stop on their route. While it would be nigh impossible for me to gather much information here, I'm willing to bet that I may be able to turn up something in Waterdeep that we could use to our advantage....especially should you have any allies there who would be willing to lend a hand."
Yalee hums quietly to herself as she moves to the far bed and tosses her things upon it, effectively claiming it as her own. Looking about, she nods to herself and says, "Nice place. I may have to see about setting up a performance here sometime." As is her way, she does not bother to unpack her things and put them away. Rather, she leaves it all in the packs and will only get things out as it becomes necessary. Besides, she figures that the two of them will probably only be here for a day or two, at most, before heading to Waterdeep.
As that thought occurs to her, Yalee says mentally to Lodge, "I'm going to go ahead and talk to Galen. No time like the present, you know."
Reaching out, the bard delicately probes for Galen's mind, questing first to see if he is otherwise occupied. Once she knows he is free, she begins her speech, "Galen, I've been giving my situation here some thought and I think that I may be of greater use to the cause in another city. After the tribunal, I'm afraid that I am too well known and definitely connected with anti-slavery ideals. The Fire Knives have more than likely targeted me to use as an example of what happens to people who interfere in their operations and will come after me, sooner or later. Therefore, I am effectively useless to you in Gromstead. However, the Fire Knives must operate in much the same fashion as a smuggling ring. So, they must have operatives in other cities. Considering Waterdeep's size and trade opportunities, I'm thinking it's a good bet that it's a stop on their route. While it would be nigh impossible for me to gather much information here, I'm willing to bet that I may be able to turn up something in Waterdeep that we could use to our advantage....especially should you have any allies there who would be willing to lend a hand."
The Legend Grows - by EvilLuke on 11:26 26 Jan 2003
In the Praetorian guard station, Jerralath begins to clench and unclench his hands. He breathes deeply and slowly for a few moments outwardly calm.
Inside is another story, WHAT?! ARRESTED?! I HAVEN'T EVEN KILLED ANYONE! I'M GOING TO KILL THAT WHORESON WHO'S CLAIMING I DID THIS! THEY WILL KNOW MY WRATH!
The breathing helps and slowly he calms as much mentally as he already was physically. "Excuse me, but what are my rights as a person wrongfully accused? Can I seek any restitution against my accuser when I am proven innocent? Challenge him to a duel or something?"
He looks over tothe nearest guard, "Is that the kid's father?"
The guard replies tersely, "No. Eyewitness."
The sailor calms further realizing he's not being set up, just mistaken for a Fire Knife. "Okay, what do I do now that I obviously didn't commit this crime? Do I go to court or something? Do I have to tell my story to you people again now?
"Just fill me in," as he waits for an answer Jerr's mind is already far away. He begins trying to contact Galen through his earring.
Galen, I have been arrested for aiding and abetting Fire Knives, I think. Some confusion over whether I helped them kidnap a kid I followed down an alley. I didn't, just so you know. Of course I didn't save the kid from them either, but frankly that isn't my job to get killed for a stranger and I could not jeopardize the mission. Then again I don't know what the Fire Knives will think of me now.
**********
"Oh, that's a beautiful name, Candy. My friends call
me Morn, you can as well, of course," Mornalath says
stumblingly.
"What do you do here in the palace? Just work in the
arboretums?"
Mornalath continues eating while making small talk with Candy. "How long have you lived here Candy? I guess you know that I came here from travelling around a while a couple of days ago. Before that I was from Thay." A frown crosses otherwise happy face, "Though I don't like claiming it. Anything you've heard about the place is true. Wretched hive of scum and villainy in my opinion, and I was BORN there."
Candy smiles and says, "I know who you are. I think just about every girl here in the palace does. None of us could believe that you turned down an evening with any of us." She smiles, though a bit shyly, as she asks, "You do like girls, right?"
In the Praetorian guard station, Jerralath begins to clench and unclench his hands. He breathes deeply and slowly for a few moments outwardly calm.
Inside is another story, WHAT?! ARRESTED?! I HAVEN'T EVEN KILLED ANYONE! I'M GOING TO KILL THAT WHORESON WHO'S CLAIMING I DID THIS! THEY WILL KNOW MY WRATH!
The breathing helps and slowly he calms as much mentally as he already was physically. "Excuse me, but what are my rights as a person wrongfully accused? Can I seek any restitution against my accuser when I am proven innocent? Challenge him to a duel or something?"
He looks over tothe nearest guard, "Is that the kid's father?"
The guard replies tersely, "No. Eyewitness."
The sailor calms further realizing he's not being set up, just mistaken for a Fire Knife. "Okay, what do I do now that I obviously didn't commit this crime? Do I go to court or something? Do I have to tell my story to you people again now?
"Just fill me in," as he waits for an answer Jerr's mind is already far away. He begins trying to contact Galen through his earring.
Galen, I have been arrested for aiding and abetting Fire Knives, I think. Some confusion over whether I helped them kidnap a kid I followed down an alley. I didn't, just so you know. Of course I didn't save the kid from them either, but frankly that isn't my job to get killed for a stranger and I could not jeopardize the mission. Then again I don't know what the Fire Knives will think of me now.
**********
"Oh, that's a beautiful name, Candy. My friends call
me Morn, you can as well, of course," Mornalath says
stumblingly.
"What do you do here in the palace? Just work in the
arboretums?"
Mornalath continues eating while making small talk with Candy. "How long have you lived here Candy? I guess you know that I came here from travelling around a while a couple of days ago. Before that I was from Thay." A frown crosses otherwise happy face, "Though I don't like claiming it. Anything you've heard about the place is true. Wretched hive of scum and villainy in my opinion, and I was BORN there."
Candy smiles and says, "I know who you are. I think just about every girl here in the palace does. None of us could believe that you turned down an evening with any of us." She smiles, though a bit shyly, as she asks, "You do like girls, right?"
The Legend Grows - by EvilLuke on 00:59 28 Jan 2003
Morn blushes deeply, "Uh, yes, I, um, I do like girls. It's a warrior thing. It has to do with being constantly ready. Yeah."
He looks around and takes a bite of food while trying to think of a subject to change the conversation to, "I saw you holding the spear a minute ago, have you ever used a weapon before?"
Morn blushes deeply, "Uh, yes, I, um, I do like girls. It's a warrior thing. It has to do with being constantly ready. Yeah."
He looks around and takes a bite of food while trying to think of a subject to change the conversation to, "I saw you holding the spear a minute ago, have you ever used a weapon before?"
The Legend Grows - by Haruchai on 12:48 30 Jan 2003
Yalee speaks her message to Galen, and recives an answer in a few short minutes.
"I think that may be a good course of action, Yalee. Waterdeep is a huge city as well, and I am sure that the Fire Knives operate there. In fact, you may find things there that, as you said, you could not find here. By the way, our friend Jerralath seems to have gotten himself into some trouble. He was apparently seen turning over a little girl to the Fire Knives down near the wharfs. He's been arrested. I'm not sure what all the charges are, but I'm trying to find out. I'll keep you informed."
With that, Galen is gone.
Yalee decides that the conversation went rather well, though the fact that Jerralath has been arrested bothers her slightly. She decides to head to the marketplace and spread some good rumors about Dah-keya leaving the city. Lodge decides to stay behind, at the inn, and as Yalee leaves she sees him taking off his traveling cloak. She makes her way back to the city streets, and heads towards the huge open-air market near the center of the city. She is sure that it will be busy, filled with literally thousands of people. There are always things to buy, and rumors to be heard. As she winds her way through the streets she keeps a close eye behind her, expecting to be followed. However, she sees no one, and makes it to the marketplace easily enough.
She heads towards one of the vendors that she nearly always frequents when she is here. A polite fruit vendor named Jonas.
Yalee shakes her head, wondering at what she has just heard. Jerr picked up for turning over a child to the Fire Knives? That's ridiculous! Surely, he didn't actually do it, not considering that that is exactly what everyone on this team is fighting against. The accusations must be false. Ah, well, she is more than certain that Galen will get to the bottom of the matter and straighten it all out without her presence. As it stands, she can't very well go back to the palace lest the Exclu follow her to Dah-keya, anyway. Which brings to mind another matter....her instruments. Should she and Lodge run out of cash in Waterdeep, Yalee will need her instruments in order to earn more for the two of them, but they are back in her room at the Emperator's abode.
Reaching out, she touches Oisin's mind gently, seeing if he is in the middle of anything. It is only a moment before he answers her, "I'm headed back to the palace. What's going on?"
Briefly, Yalee explains what has happened with the Exclu and her decision to go to Waterdeep. However, she leaves out the primary reason behind her new destination: Lodge's sister. "Could you bring my fiddle and banjolele to me at the Red Thorn? I'd really appreciate it."
Oisin replies that he can and will just as soon as he gets back. He then fills Yalee in on the church's decisions about his endeavors and the two, old friends chat back and forth as they make their way across separate sections of the city, the halfling asking questions about his plans and the priest offering answers.
It is then that Yalee spies Jonas' cart and cheerfully bids Oisin goodbye, her mind now turning to the matter of rumors and misdirections. How, then, to begin the erecting of this smokescreen? The bard knows that the best lie is one built on truth, and thus, she decides to focus upon the fight that took place here in the market just a couple of days hence where she and Dah-keya accosted the Fire Knife. Hopefully, she will be able to direct the conversation in such a way as to be able to drop the information that he has already departed the city, his affairs within Gromstead complete. In fact, that would do well to explain why he was not called to testify at the tribunal! After all, the Tyrrans would surely want everyone involved in such a case to be present at the trial, if at all possible.....
Yalee walks over and smiles up at the young, amiable man behind the cart. He sees the halfling approaching and smiles, picking up a fresh fruit. He tosses it lightly to her, knowing that she is fond of such treats.
The bard grins and catches the fruit as it tumbles through the air towards her. Absently, she begins to peel the sweet treat, her lips curving up in a smile. "So, how's business?"
Jonas leans forward, resting his arms on the edge of his cart. He has talked to Yalee enough times to know that this is not her normal greeting. If it were any other day, it would be something along the lines of "How are you?" The mention of business is enough to make his ears perk up. He nods and smiles, "Pretty good, actually. I'm finding that there is a plethora of late fruits turning up this year." There is a slight question to his tone, an inquiry as to what Yalee may desire. The halfing smiles and the verbal dance begins.
For some time now, Yalee has been aware that Jonas is an information broker for the White Capes, a collection of bards, rogues and a few Praetorians who work for the side of good....just not necessarily law. It takes only a few minutes and several seemingly innocent inquiries into the market to find out that Jonas will be happy to spread a bit of misinformation to the right ears, for a price. As he begins to bag up several fruits, Yalee chimes in about the fight a couple of days ago. Jonas quickly follows her lead, asking questions about what happened. This gives the bard the perfect opportunity to tell of her meeting with Dah-keya, though she is careful to use "Nevyn" when speaking of him, and the fact that he completed his mission here in Gromstead. However, she leaves out exactly what that mission was and where he was headed afterwards. Jonas chuckles, not having missed that fact. He nods amiably and asks how many fruit she would like. Yalee knows this is his way of asking how many people should receive the information. She takes quick count of the gold she has, and sighs inwardly. At 5 silver per head, it's going to cost her a pretty amount to get this information disseminated. However, if it throws the Exclu astray, it will be well worth the coin. She motions to the apples and says, "Eight". Anyone who happened to see the transaction after that would swear those were the most expensive fruits ever.
Jonas waves merrily to Yalee as she turns to make her way back to the Red Thorn. She has made her way back across about half of the market area when she blinks, stopping in her tracks. Though Lodge has sent her no message, she simply knows that he is in a fight, can feel it in her very bones. The bard shakes her head, wondering what is going on as she quickly makes her way back to the inn, hoping that is where her companion still is.
---
Galen's voice soon comes back to Jerr, "I'm sure that we can figure something out. I'll send Talthos down to where you are. He can probably get you released, though I can't promise that." There is a pause before Galen continues, "I'm not sure how everyone else will view your actions, since you did not do anything in particular to save the child. If possible, we can simply try and tell them that this was a huge misunderstanding..."
--
Candy giggles as Morn blushes and tries to explain. "I just wanted to handle your spear and see what it was like." she says, and Morn blushes deeper. She giggles again and says, more seriously, "No, I've not really handled any weapons before. I can use a dagger alright, though I've never had any training." She glances at his duom, leaning against the wall. "That is an odd-looking weapon. Why does it have those backwards swept blades?"
Yalee speaks her message to Galen, and recives an answer in a few short minutes.
"I think that may be a good course of action, Yalee. Waterdeep is a huge city as well, and I am sure that the Fire Knives operate there. In fact, you may find things there that, as you said, you could not find here. By the way, our friend Jerralath seems to have gotten himself into some trouble. He was apparently seen turning over a little girl to the Fire Knives down near the wharfs. He's been arrested. I'm not sure what all the charges are, but I'm trying to find out. I'll keep you informed."
With that, Galen is gone.
Yalee decides that the conversation went rather well, though the fact that Jerralath has been arrested bothers her slightly. She decides to head to the marketplace and spread some good rumors about Dah-keya leaving the city. Lodge decides to stay behind, at the inn, and as Yalee leaves she sees him taking off his traveling cloak. She makes her way back to the city streets, and heads towards the huge open-air market near the center of the city. She is sure that it will be busy, filled with literally thousands of people. There are always things to buy, and rumors to be heard. As she winds her way through the streets she keeps a close eye behind her, expecting to be followed. However, she sees no one, and makes it to the marketplace easily enough.
She heads towards one of the vendors that she nearly always frequents when she is here. A polite fruit vendor named Jonas.
Yalee shakes her head, wondering at what she has just heard. Jerr picked up for turning over a child to the Fire Knives? That's ridiculous! Surely, he didn't actually do it, not considering that that is exactly what everyone on this team is fighting against. The accusations must be false. Ah, well, she is more than certain that Galen will get to the bottom of the matter and straighten it all out without her presence. As it stands, she can't very well go back to the palace lest the Exclu follow her to Dah-keya, anyway. Which brings to mind another matter....her instruments. Should she and Lodge run out of cash in Waterdeep, Yalee will need her instruments in order to earn more for the two of them, but they are back in her room at the Emperator's abode.
Reaching out, she touches Oisin's mind gently, seeing if he is in the middle of anything. It is only a moment before he answers her, "I'm headed back to the palace. What's going on?"
Briefly, Yalee explains what has happened with the Exclu and her decision to go to Waterdeep. However, she leaves out the primary reason behind her new destination: Lodge's sister. "Could you bring my fiddle and banjolele to me at the Red Thorn? I'd really appreciate it."
Oisin replies that he can and will just as soon as he gets back. He then fills Yalee in on the church's decisions about his endeavors and the two, old friends chat back and forth as they make their way across separate sections of the city, the halfling asking questions about his plans and the priest offering answers.
It is then that Yalee spies Jonas' cart and cheerfully bids Oisin goodbye, her mind now turning to the matter of rumors and misdirections. How, then, to begin the erecting of this smokescreen? The bard knows that the best lie is one built on truth, and thus, she decides to focus upon the fight that took place here in the market just a couple of days hence where she and Dah-keya accosted the Fire Knife. Hopefully, she will be able to direct the conversation in such a way as to be able to drop the information that he has already departed the city, his affairs within Gromstead complete. In fact, that would do well to explain why he was not called to testify at the tribunal! After all, the Tyrrans would surely want everyone involved in such a case to be present at the trial, if at all possible.....
Yalee walks over and smiles up at the young, amiable man behind the cart. He sees the halfling approaching and smiles, picking up a fresh fruit. He tosses it lightly to her, knowing that she is fond of such treats.
The bard grins and catches the fruit as it tumbles through the air towards her. Absently, she begins to peel the sweet treat, her lips curving up in a smile. "So, how's business?"
Jonas leans forward, resting his arms on the edge of his cart. He has talked to Yalee enough times to know that this is not her normal greeting. If it were any other day, it would be something along the lines of "How are you?" The mention of business is enough to make his ears perk up. He nods and smiles, "Pretty good, actually. I'm finding that there is a plethora of late fruits turning up this year." There is a slight question to his tone, an inquiry as to what Yalee may desire. The halfing smiles and the verbal dance begins.
For some time now, Yalee has been aware that Jonas is an information broker for the White Capes, a collection of bards, rogues and a few Praetorians who work for the side of good....just not necessarily law. It takes only a few minutes and several seemingly innocent inquiries into the market to find out that Jonas will be happy to spread a bit of misinformation to the right ears, for a price. As he begins to bag up several fruits, Yalee chimes in about the fight a couple of days ago. Jonas quickly follows her lead, asking questions about what happened. This gives the bard the perfect opportunity to tell of her meeting with Dah-keya, though she is careful to use "Nevyn" when speaking of him, and the fact that he completed his mission here in Gromstead. However, she leaves out exactly what that mission was and where he was headed afterwards. Jonas chuckles, not having missed that fact. He nods amiably and asks how many fruit she would like. Yalee knows this is his way of asking how many people should receive the information. She takes quick count of the gold she has, and sighs inwardly. At 5 silver per head, it's going to cost her a pretty amount to get this information disseminated. However, if it throws the Exclu astray, it will be well worth the coin. She motions to the apples and says, "Eight". Anyone who happened to see the transaction after that would swear those were the most expensive fruits ever.
Jonas waves merrily to Yalee as she turns to make her way back to the Red Thorn. She has made her way back across about half of the market area when she blinks, stopping in her tracks. Though Lodge has sent her no message, she simply knows that he is in a fight, can feel it in her very bones. The bard shakes her head, wondering what is going on as she quickly makes her way back to the inn, hoping that is where her companion still is.
---
Galen's voice soon comes back to Jerr, "I'm sure that we can figure something out. I'll send Talthos down to where you are. He can probably get you released, though I can't promise that." There is a pause before Galen continues, "I'm not sure how everyone else will view your actions, since you did not do anything in particular to save the child. If possible, we can simply try and tell them that this was a huge misunderstanding..."
--
Candy giggles as Morn blushes and tries to explain. "I just wanted to handle your spear and see what it was like." she says, and Morn blushes deeper. She giggles again and says, more seriously, "No, I've not really handled any weapons before. I can use a dagger alright, though I've never had any training." She glances at his duom, leaning against the wall. "That is an odd-looking weapon. Why does it have those backwards swept blades?"