Heroes of Highdale IC

[Jdvn1]

Viktor seems momentarily nonplussed by Alex's antics, but replies, "Yes I'm sure we could. I ran into Erethinol and Sirius on my way in and I understand they won't be returning to the mountain." He turns to Girble and says, "And you, sir? Are you willing to assay this thing again, though the creatures certainly know we're coming?"

Though he was discourage by the loss of Erethinol and Sirius, Girble perks up at the question. "Me? Well, I'm not sure if the fathaches are going to come down here now that they know we'll offer resistance, but if the trip is to be made, you'll need my help!" Girble picks up his mug, and motions to the rest of the group, "Well, go on, introduce yourselves. Viktor is in charge around here, you've no need to worry. He's a good man."

 

[Bloodweaver1]

Blasco 'The Wolverine'

Its not him I worried about... I would rather them know I am not here... With a smirk on his face and a mug in his hand, he offers a small bow to the new arrival and says simply, "Blasco, and I offer you my services towards this 'noble' cause... for a small fee of course."

 

[Ilium]

Viktor seems neither amused nor put off by Girble's assessment of his own necessity to the task. But he raises his eyebrows at Blasco and says, "Highdale is not a wealthy town, but I'm sure something could be arranged." He grabs a beer from the tray of a passing waitress who slaps his shoulder playfully for his theft. "Speaking of arrangements, I've several to make before we leave again. I won't be ready until mid-day tomorrow, but the time will be well-spent I think. Any who are willing, meet me at the North gate at Noon. As Girble can tell you, we'll end up camping overnight before we get there, but we'll be much better equipped this time." He says to Kay'nar, "I'll leave you to your planning. The Lord Mayor has every confidence in you, of course." He takes a long pull and sets the beer down. "Good evening, all." He nods and takes his leave of each person at the tables, clapping Girble warmly on the shoulder and seeming to perhaps take a bit longer than strictly necessary in shaking Alex's hand.

EDIT: Forgot something I meant to say. If you've read it already, read it again.

 

[Shayuri]

Alex nods at Viktor, and smiles with dimples as he shakes her hand. When he's taken his leave, she looks around the table and says, "He seems like a nice enough fellow. So...I suppose I'll be seeing you all at noon tomorrow?"

 

[Fenris2]

Alex nods at Viktor, and smiles with dimples as he shakes her hand. When he's taken his leave, she looks around the table and says, "He seems like a nice enough fellow. So...I suppose I'll be seeing you all at noon tomorrow?"

"I hope so", says Kay'nar with a wink, "and you too Isis."

And then adresses the rest, "Well, I shall be here to lend what aid I can. Anyone for a last round before turning in?"

 

[Bloodweaver1]

Blasco 'The Wolverine'

Indeed... Finishing the last remaining contents of his drink he puts his now empty mug on the table and replies, "The offer does intrigue me, but alas I must decline. I have some unfinished business that I must take care of before the night is over." He offers a slight bow to the his newly found colleagues before retreating for the night.

 

[Ilium]

The new recruits get a full description of the first outing from those who went, and Ery and Sirius take their leave. The evening eventually turns to a long, mellow discussion of home and hearth (wherever that might be for each).

The next day dawns bright, clear and crisp. The autumn is getting on and up here in the foothills of the Slayworth mountains, winter's bite is felt early. It's a market day in Highdale and everyone has a chance to take care of any last minute business before they make their preparations and meet Viktor at the north gate.

OOC: Ok, let's move things along a bit. If there's any preparations you want to make, note them either here (if they involve any role-playing) or in the OOC thread if you just want to do some quick spending. If I don't hear from anyone over the week-end, it's back to the mountains come Monday.

Highdale is a decent-sized town, so any mundane equipment will be available. For magic items you'll have to ask but nothing more expensive than potions, low-level scrolls or perhaps a simple wand will be available.

Tappakaupias (a merchant of magical wares met earlier) has left town.

 

[Shayuri]

Alexandra wakes early, with the instant wide-eyed wakefulness that children enjoy on the morning of their birthday. Isis, curled up at the foot of the bed...yet alert through the night, yawns catlike, and stretches.

What's got you so excited? the dragon's voice inquired in her mind, like curling violet smoke that was there, then not.

Alex was already bundling into her fresh shift and grabbing her trousers. "I can't wait to show them Max," she explains.

Ah...and send them screaming for their pitchforks?

Her freckled cheeks flush, and she shoots Isis a glare. "These people are different, Isis. They're more accepting. They've seen monsters..."

...and kill them for a living.

"Yes, well, they'll see that Max isn't a monster! He's just...built that way." She works her arms through the holes of her vest and pulls it tight over her blousy white shirt for a moment. "Anyway, I think we're ready to go. Anything I'm forgetting?"

Breakfast?

Alex grinned and released the brown tweed vest to let it hang more loosely. "Oh, you. Always with the food and the eating."

Less talk, more food. Isis got up onto her feet, spread her wings, and with a momentary buzz of motion and color, alit on Alex's shoulder.

The wizardess fondly stroked the pseudodragon's head between her indigo eye crests, and nodded. "Okay. First breakfast."

----

From there, bellies full, the magess and her tiny draconic friend went to the stable. Max was parked right where she'd left him, the far corner stall. He was a mule, about the size of a pony with a fine grey coat. He was standing exactly where he had been, in exactly the same posture. The saddlebags were still slung over his back.

Alex had gotten used to 'tipping' stablehands to leave her stall alone. The illusion was good, but wouldn't withstand an attempt to rub Max down, or take off his saddlebags. Even with that little precaution, she rarely stayed at one inn more than one night. Real horses and mules knew something was wrong. They tended to crowd the far walls of their stalls, sleep poorly, and generally behave skittishly. She didn't want to terrorize them more than she had to.

"Wake up, Max," she called to the mule as she held the door open. There was a peculiar noise...a high pitched whine that got higher and higher, then faded from hearing. Then a sound like a drawer of silverware being opened hard enough to make its contents jangle together. Now he was ready to go.

"Come on, follow me," she coaxed. Really, only the command phrase was necessary, but she liked to treat Max as if he understood the words. Maybe one day...

The mule clomped out of the stall. Only someone very familiar with animals would note the slight oddity of his gait, and how the sound of his hooves on the ground didn't always -quite- match the sight of his hooves striking the ground. Only someone very familiar, and paying exceptional attention.

With a mental sigh, Isis scurried into her Haversack, just poking her head up under the flap to get something of a view.

Now it was just Alexandra and her mule, walking towards the north gate. Perfectly ordinary. When she arrived she waved happily at Viktor and called, "Hello!"

 

[Fenris2]

With a full nights rest (more or less) Kay'nar wakes the sound of an orphanage breaking fast.

Kay'nar makes his way down the stairs and over to the kitchen responding to the morning greetings of the kids and a stern look from Zazie who says, "You would think I ran an inn with the hours that you keep Kay'nar."

He replies, "No, I would not. It is still far to early to be getting up." The kids laugh, but Zazie gently scolds him, "And that sort of comment helps how?"

Kay'nar puts on his best sh_t eating grin and says, "Probably not one darn bit I imagine... I will be out on adventure for a bit so you knwo where to get what you need is (alouding to the coin stash). (Then turns to the kids) And you all mind Zazie."

Zazie replies with some concern turnig to a jest, "Yes I do. Now you make it back. Money is one thing, but kids need a father figure too... Well, look at that stove, I had better get back to work. At least one of us is doing so."

Kay'nar finishes his breakfast and helps with dishes and plays a bit before heading out to the town's gate.

There he sees Alexandra and Isis and a donkey all ready o go and so he greets them. "Fair morning for adventure yes?"

Then he asks in after thought, "Your donkey does not talk too does it?"

 

[Shayuri]

Alex laughs at Kay Nar's joke, and shakes her head.

"No no. I think it should be a little farther from town before I show you what Max does."

Her smile is a touch enigmatic as she pats the donkey's head.