A Caravan to Ein Arris

[PhoenixAsh]

Malinda is present promptly at the prescribed time at the caravan, the long night appearing to have sat easily enough with her, based on her cheery disposition. She helps where and when requested, and passes the rest of the time practicing and playing on her flute, reasoning that working to a tune is better than working without.

However, as much as is allowed, she stays under the cover of the wagon during the morning journey, and she frowns delicately as the mounted man calls them out when they stop at midday. But she nods at the man's direction and fixes her scarf over hear ears and neck as she moves out onto the sands under the blaring sun.

 

[stonegod]

Damien raised an eyebrow at the "request" but said nothing. He followed along, curious to see what would happen.

 

[fenixdown]

Kibek yawns as he looks out at the desert sand. Maybe he shouldn't have enjoyed himself quite so much last night; at this rate, the caravan's first impressions of him won't be quite as good as he'd like. He stares at the horizon, letting his mind wander, and his eyes pass right over the mounted man as he approaches.

The man speaks, and Kibek snaps back into focus. He vaguely wonders what Tsorvano could want with him, but decides he'll find out soon enough. He trails along, following the shade of the wagons more than the man.

 

[Kafkonia]

The four are led to an enclosed wagon where Tsorvano is sitting. Kibek and Damien recognize him as the elf who had an altercation with a neanderthal at the front of the healer's line. He eyes them appraisingly, and nods to himself.

"Yes, you'll do," he says, his voice soft and melifluous. "Halmaro has asked for you to be part of his personal retinue. There are a number of important things to be done on this journey, and he requires trustworthy people to do them." He stands and begins to pace before them. "As you may have noticed, this caravan does not travel quickly. There are too many wagons, too many animals, and too many hangers-on to do so. So you will be traveling as part of our advance group; one does not drive a caravan of this size into town without adequate preparation. To that end, you will be traveling ahead to Tatsori, where the caravan will be spending two or three days. Accompany Farvaro, here." He nods to a scrawny goblin standing in the corner. "He will be taking care of the arrangements in town."

"Do you have any questions?"

 

[stonegod]

Damien grinned internally. Surely the fates were smiling on him, given the constant access he was receiving. Play this right...

"A few, if you please." His voice was confident, not deferential, but not challenging either. The goal was to project competence, but not arrogance or folly. "As advance scouts, are we to assist in the arrangements for the caravan's hospitality. Are we to met with local officials to clear any taxes or other regulations. Or, to put it plainly, are we to assess if there are any dangers to the caravan, Master Halmaro, or, gods forfend, his daughter?"

OOC: Diplomacy and Sense Motive on the chap.

 

[PhoenixAsh]

Malinda keeps her feelings on the change in her fortunes secret behind a placid expression, which blossoms with a small smile as Tsorvano speaks. However, she keeps her gaze downcast as Damien asks his questions, lifting it as he finishes and speaking mildly, "If I may be pardoned for asking, have the essentials such as food, water, shelter and means of transportation for them, as we move ahead of the caravan, been prepared for us already?"

 

[Kafkonia]

"A few, if you please." His voice was confident, not deferential, but not challenging either. The goal was to project competence, but not arrogance or folly. "As advance scouts, are we to assist in the arrangements for the caravan's hospitality. Are we to met with local officials to clear any taxes or other regulations. Or, to put it plainly, are we to assess if there are any dangers to the caravan, Master Halmaro, or, gods forfend, his daughter?"

"Farvaro will be in charge of the arrangements," the elf replies. "He is a member of the Merchant's Guild and will be representing it in this matter. You are to accompany him as translators, healers, and, if need be, guards. In return, Halmaro is willing to offer you a 25 gold bonus."

Malinda keeps her feelings on the change in her fortunes secret behind a placid expression, which blossoms with a small smile as Tsorvano speaks. However, she keeps her gaze downcast as Damien asks his questions, lifting it as he finishes and speaking mildly, "If I may be pardoned for asking, have the essentials such as food, water, shelter and means of transportation for them, as we move ahead of the caravan, been prepared for us already?"

"Halmaro does not make a habit of sending his employees to starve in the desert," Tsorvano says. "All necessary preparations have been made. This is strictly a... business matter that needs tending to." To Damien he seems curt but honest, blunt even.

[SBLOCK=Damien]Diplomacy 5+6 = 11; Sense Motive 18+3=21[/SBLOCK]

 

[stonegod]

Damein does a small nod and half-bow. "As you wish."

 

[fenixdown]

Kibek shakes his head. "No questions. This is good company, and I trust our host's judgement. With any luck, we'll find no trouble and the caravan will be able to make good time. As much of an adventure as this is, it's the destination more than the journey I'm looking forward to. And of course, we'd be able to spend a spend a few extra nights in a comfortable bed somewhere. I never was much for camping, even if I'm used to it..." He suddenly realizes he probably shouldn't run his mouth in front of Tsorvano, and coughs awkwardly. "Er, no, no questions."

 

[PhoenixAsh]

"Master Halmaro is quite generous," Malinda answers with a nod, in acceptance. She looks over to Kibek and smiles, "I too will enjoy the amenities of a town, for so long as our business permits."