A Caravan to Ein Arris

[stonegod]

"I cannot claim I have been as far, but I have many stories, as I am sure you have. Perhaps we shall share them on the way." Damien takes another faux sip of his drink, then continues. "So, what do you know of our esteemed patron? I have heard wild stories, but perhaps you have met the esteemed fellow?"

 

[Kafkonia]

[SBLOCK=Damien]
Damien finds it hard to get a feel for the half-elf, beyond the fact that the man is obviously in his cups and a bit depressed. Whether he's depressed because he's drunk or drunk because he's depressed, he can't tell.

(Sense Motive 5+3 = 8, bad luck with the rolls!)[/SBLOCK]

[SBLOCK=Malinda]
Malinda knows that Halmaro is a fair but tough-minded merchant, and he expects nothing but the best from his employees. Many people call him "Big Red", after his once-red mane of hair, but nobody calls him that to his face. He began life as a caravan guard himself, and worked his way up to his current position of import.

Like most of the empire's upper class, Halmaro has multiple spouses, but only one is of any real note -- Katsaya. Said to be a proud and vindictive woman of great beauty, she is also rumoured to be of almost equal power and influence to her husband; certainly, few people who cross her enjoy much success in life. Kira, the bride-to-be, is her daughter, and is said by many to take after her mother.

Malinda has also heard most of the rumours heard by Damien.

(Bardic Knowledge 12+6 = 18)

[/SBLOCK]

 

[PhoenixAsh]

Malinda blinks and her dreamy expression fades as she considers Damien's questions. She retrieves her drink, still her first and more than half full. She indulges in a long sip to remedy this condition somewhat.

"I have not met the man, but I've certainly heard a thing or two, though surely many tales are exaggerated. He is self-made, starting his career..." She looks about and gestures to where the arm-wrestling is taking place amidst the recent caravan guard recruits, "...little different from those over there, except in attitude and ambition. It is the tendency of those who have made their own fortune to demand much from those they employ, to treat excellence with reward and incompetence or sloth with little tolerance."

She looks over to Pasha, "Pasha, have you met Halmaro? Would my evaluation of his temperament be a fair one?"

 

[Kafkonia]

[SBLOCK=Pasha]
Pasha met Halmaro once, when he was brought on board for the caravan. The human seemed to have a lot on his mind, but he treated Pasha the same way he would anyone else, mindless of any racial differences.

(Feel free to elaborate as you see fit. ) [/SBLOCK]

 

[nonamazing]

"Pasha, have you met Halmaro? Would my evaluation of his temperament be a fair one?"

Pasha pauses for a moment, carefully considering his answer. "Ah, I have met master Halmaro only briefly. But he is a man who makes strong impressions, yes? I found him very fair, very even-tempered. His responsibilities are many, though, and his mind is always occupied. He is not a man, I think, who spares much time for idleness."

 

[PhoenixAsh]

"Not the worst qualities in an employer," Malinda remarks at Pasha's description. "If half of what I hear is accurate it is his wife, well one of his wives, is the one to walk on eggshells around. And the young lady we are to escort across the desert may well take after her mother."

Malinda relaxes in her chair and observes the stage, getting a feel for the other performers who will be part of the caravan, content to savor her drink and her present company for as long as the evening allows.

 

[stonegod]

Damien's eyes twinkle a bit at the mention of the bride-to-be. "Really? I know so little. Perhaps you can share what you know. I won't say anything," he adds in a conspiratorial whisper.

 

[Kafkonia]

The drunken half-elf leans toward Malinda, his eyes narrowing. "What'd you say?"" he asks. "You talking about Kria?" He pauses. "Kira? Don't you say nothing about her." He punctuates this instruction with an unsteady jab of his finger in the bard's direction, then wags it towards the others at the table.

 

[PhoenixAsh]

Malinda looks injured by the half-elf's abrupt interruption and the wavering jab of his finger. She lays a hand over her heart and her eyes widen noticeably, "Pray forgive me, sir! It's just, this is all very exciting and the topic of our employer came up, and naturally then his daughter came to mind. I think no ill of Lady Kira, for every tale I have heard speaks of her beauty."

She lowers her gaze, "Undoubtedly it is jealousy of such beauty and high station that makes tongues wag in the streets, and such envy that causes me to voice such tales unfairly here. I shall take your lesson sir, and not speak of that which I do not know firsthand."

 

[nonamazing]

Pasha looks startled at the half-elf's words. "Ah, ah, friend! No harm was meant, surely. Relax, relax! Have another drink, yes?"

Pasha, grinning nervously, waves one of the servers over, and requests another round of drinks. "...and only a half glass for me, yes? I am too small to be drinking in the fashion of my large friend here, yes?"

Once the drinks have arrived, Pasha does his best to grin at the half-elf across the table from him. "Ah, I am sorry, but I did not catch your name, friend. Do you perhaps happen to know this, uh, 'Kira' personally, yes?"