(Casual D&D III) The Man in Black

"Oh," Aesop responds, "Thedoric has never been above reproach -- nor has any mortal man. But especially when I knew him... He was no Knight of the Greater Kingdom, then, understand. Just a young man with good intentions, not much older than yourselves..." He glances at Oliver, as well as at those whose blood might age more slowly. "Than some of you, at least."

He seems to harden himself against reminiscence, but a smile cracks and his voice shows more color as you describe the other local recipients.

"...the Glades? Tiamen, ah, lo..." He pauses, shakes his head, then points a finger at Aerda, grinning. "You see what happens when you hide away in the woods? Your names get forgotten!"

He gives his head one last shake. "In my defense, I never knew her personally... She was my predecessor, so to speak, in Thedoric's company. They had something of a falling out... But all I can offer on that is speculation and hearsay, as it was before my time. Anders said I missed the best of him -- Anders is your inn-keeper, right?"

He takes a deep breath, then his amiably serious expression occurs.

"Well, if she's on your list, perhaps they've had a reconciliation... Unless... I mean, assuming we're talking about the same Princess of the Glades." He grins. "Now, if he were writing to one of her sisters..."

"Men can stand together, or die separately." The common hope of the Free Cities would be that they remain Free, I suppose. That hope stands a better chance united than not."

"Again, men can stand together... That says nothing of what cities ought to do!"

He bows his head apologetically. "I shouldn't lecture so quickly, though -- I know plenty of fine folk, even in this city, who would agree with you. It's a matter which is always controversial in these parts, even if it rarely manifests itself this significantly -- the balance of sovereignty and cooperation, I mean. Wherever people stand, they tend to have strong feelings about it. Which is why it is so significant, even if it is redundant, for one position to be endorsed by a man like Thedoric. He, even in name alone, has always had a rare gift for changing minds..."
 

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Heh

Aerda nodded at Fendric, and had something to say on his tongue, but did not think it was worth interjecting into these more important statements. He also grinned at Aesop's word's, knowing them to be truer than he probably suspected. "Tiamen lo'Solis," he said with a practiced reverance, and you could tell he had to hold back a bow and scrape.

"As for the state of the city, If they have rose and propspered, then the same leadership should allow them to persist. I don't think any among us have experience in human cities, so it is best if you just consider the valid perspectives given prior and hence, and do the best you can for the people of your city; as I am sure you would no matter what we, or that letter, say. I am just afraid that whatever will sweep through here will find a sprinkling of cities less of a resistance than a unified front. Cities do not stand alone, either, what with the necessary trade and interaction that goes on, as well as the population of newcomers to the city, that bring new ideas and customs to the city, making it prosper further. Of course xenophobia seems to work well with the elves, but I don't think you humans would find that life suitable, especially since you'd die off before really settling in." He grins at that, and continues, "Anyhow, we have a job to do, and have tarried enough. I thanked Amre for the enlightenment he has given me, and I would like to thank you for giving us the chance to hear of the letter's contents, and use of your experience in interpreting it."
 

Aerda said:
"Tiamen lo'Solis," he said with a practiced reverance, and you could tell he had to hold back a bow and scrape.
"Indeed, that is her - pardon me, Counselor, if the names don't come as easily to me as they do my intelligent friend. So it appears the lot of you were once a Fellowship similar to ours here - tell me, did you also serve with Exantrius, Visach Cheraul, and Father Premule?"

"As for the state of the city, If they have rose and prospered, then the same leadership should allow them to persist. I don't think any among us have experience in human cities, so it is best if you just consider the valid perspectives given prior and hence, and do the best you can for the people of your city; as I am sure you would no matter what we, or that letter, say. I am just afraid that whatever will sweep through here will find a sprinkling of cities less of a resistance than a unified front. Cities do not stand alone, either, what with the necessary trade and interaction that goes on, as well as the population of newcomers to the city, that bring new ideas and customs to the city, making it prosper further. Of course xenophobia seems to work well with the elves, but I don't think you humans would find that life suitable, especially since you'd die off before really settling in." He grins at that, and continues, "Anyhow, we have a job to do, and have tarried enough. I thanked Amre for the enlightenment he has given me, and I would like to thank you for giving us the chance to hear of the letter's contents, and use of your experience in interpreting it."
"My friend speaks true, Counselor. We appreciate the assistance you have offered us, very much, in understanding what it is we do. For my part, I wish you victory, harmony, and abundance for your Jury and your City, a fine one if I may evaluate it, and May the Brightest Blessings of the Radiant Light Be Unto You and Yours.

Now, if you'll excuse us, there are the matters of the other letters to your former companions, and of a knight very dear to me who wears entirely unsuitable armor, that I must attend to.
"

Hiritus, who had been 'resting,' looks up, at once embarrassed and irritated. Bowing slightly to Counselor Aesop, he turns and walks stridently out the door.
 

Aesop nods softly, and bids you farewell. "If you're ever back in Eivanrach, my door is open to you... I'm quite interested to here what else you young folk turn up."

He smiles seriously, then stands.

"Sage Amre has agreed to do some further examination of the letter, just in case anything was overlooked. If we find anything, I'll try to send a word on the wing... No guarantees it will find you, though, so don't be counting on it."

(So, where are you headed now? And do you plan on visiting Kester beforehand, or have you generally concluded that he's a waste of time? :) )
 
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[Have you found anything out about the paladin concept I posted about in OOC, "special mount" yet, GP? It kind of affects what happens next for F. and H. Meanwhile, I'll edit this post later if I should need to.]

After goodbyes are said, Fendric follows Hiritus out of the vestibule to where the horses (and other animal conveyances) are tied. After finding Vespers and loading himself aboard, Fendric looks around for Hiritus to see how his cohort did at finding a horse.

Hiritus disappears behind a corner of the building, and emerges a moment later mounted atop one of the biggest, strongest horses Fendric has ever seen. The black and white mottled warhorse looks to Fendric like it could pull the remains of a dead frost giant at full gallop. Fitted with military saddle, tack and saddlebags, Hiritus finally looks like a paladin.

Fendric looks briefly down at Vespers, and stifles sudden feelings of steed-inadequacy. He manages a wan smile as Hiritus pulls up, his horse snorting to compare with the bellows of a forge.

"Nicely done, Brother. I hope he didn't cost too much."

Hiritus replies, beaming: "Her name is Justice. And no, I still have some gold left. Do you like her?"
 
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Nurthk goes wide-eyed at the sight of Hiritus' new steed.

"By Cuthbert, that's a horse and a half. Got your money's worth there Hiritus," he exclaims.

After checking that everything's secure Nurthk climbs onto his own mount and awaits the groups departure.

"Any point in my asking whether we're having Kester along?" he asks noone in particular.
 

Hiritus turns his smile to Nurthk, touching his brow as if to tip his cap, and nodding downward. "Thank you. I can barely explain it myself - I felt compelled by my God, I guess, to seek a horse instead of purchasing one. She appeared, and I knew her name already: Justice."

Fendric looks over at Hiritus, his smile a little brighter. "Excellent - now your magnificent steed may help you to accompany me to where we are going first: which is, By the Light's Everlasting Glory, to keep you from resembling a common footman, and furthermore, from dropping to the ground from the first goblin stone arrow that is shot at you."

Fendric looks around to the group. "I expect that what gold Hiritus has left, plus the armor he is currently wearing, may fetch us a metal suit of armor, even at Gilter's where we've worn out our welcome. It shall not take long - should anyone like to accompany us, they may, otherwise we shall return to the Inn within the hour.

As for Kester, I had never considered his accompanying us on this quest, but I am not averse to it, either. But we may decide when we arrive at the Inn.
"

Fendric moves Vespers along at a walk.

"Come, let us remedy this, Hiritus. You'll never even be considered for a Challenge in that!"

Hiritus, eyes rolling, nods his assent and drops Justice beside Vespers.
 

Purchasing goes fine, and Gilter seems to have cooled a bit since his disagreement with Raven -- he still doesn't want to deal with him, and isn't about to offer any discounts, but is content enough to deal at regular prices...

...

Returning to the inn, you are greeted with a conspicuous comment: "There, boy, I think those are the folks you're lookin' for."

At the bar, a redheaded young man turns around, wide-eyed, and stands to approach you almost quicker than his legs can carry him.

"Hi... Hi! M' name's Tatlock, but Tat's a lot shorter... I came here, 'n I think I'm supposed to meet you."

He extends a hand abruptly: It and his other, fortunately, are both clear of rings.
 

Fendric, after smoothing the waters somewhat with Gilter, manages to front Hiritus a short loan, and finally retires the recruitment studded leather Hiritus is wearing, but not without (as seems always the case with Fendric) a bit of solemn reverence. Hiritus, buoyed by the sudden infusion of gold, selects a not-quite shiny, but nonetheless extremely serviceable set of breastplate, with enough left over to cover urban incidentals for a few days down the line.

Satisfied, Fendric and Hiritus return with their horses to the group assembled.

****************

[Hiritus Detects Evil on Tatlock.]

"Fendric, look here; this may be the one Kester was talking about."
 
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Might as well establish a no nonsense front.

Nurthk steps up first and gives Tatlock a dauntingly firm hand shake. His eyes are hard as he looks down on the human lad.

"What's your business with us, Tat?" he asks, straight to the point.
 
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