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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Nightfall" data-source="post: 739093" data-attributes="member: 374">Ban and VarlDiscussions, Introductions, and Dark Prophecy aboundAfter his meeting with Janus, Ban, though troubled, decided to head back to the Weary Pilgrim. He would then see what trouble Varl had gotten himself into. Ban could always count on Varl on finding some way to annoy the wrong person or just do something that would attract undue attention to himself. The sky was clear, crisp and yet very, very warm, as the sun beat down and a hot wind drifted from the Ukrudan Desert. The street he took back toward the Weary Pilgrim was not as busy as it had been, but then Ban noticed the light had faded slightly. "Probably close to dusk." He thought to himself. Ban trotted the horse to the Pilgrim and there, had the stable boy take care of his horse. Inside the place was alive with the sounds of drink, food and conversation. With his keen elven sight, Ban spots Varl sitting at a table, eating bread and cheese and drinking ale.  Ban waves to his friend and calls out loudly, over the din "Ho, Varl!" Varl_Kadek turns and waves back. He then gestures for Ban to join him at the table. Ban_Stormwatcher, after negotiating past a couple customers and sits down. Immediately one of the barmaids comes over to them. Ban orders a Darakenee ale and some cheese. Varl smiles to his friend "Glad you could join back up with me Ban. I have an interesting proposition I wanted to share with you." Ban inquires, as he watches the barmaid leave, "Oh really? What is it?"  Varl chuckles and his eyes light up in a way that tells Ban trouble found Varl. "What would you say if I said I was just given a lucrative job offer by a mysterious stranger clad entirely in black?" Ban sighs and then says steadily "I say then to be wary, my friend." Ban gets a feeling that this sounds "meeting" sounds familiar. It reminds him of stories about titanspawn trying to hide themselves from others in many civilized places. Ban then listens as Varl speaks againVarl nods and comments, "I am wary and no one's fool my friend. Actually, I am quite certain he'll try to double cross me some how. But I'll be ready for him." Ban notices a tall comely looking female human, sitting at a table with another human male, apparently talking to each other. As Ban watches, she turns at looks at him, in a strange way. Ban nods to Varl, and with a small turn of his head motions Varl to turn around. As he does so, Ban comments,  "That one seems a fair beauty, for a human, eh Varl?" Varl, looking over his shoulder, sees the human female.  He then turns his head back, nods to his companion, grinning broadly as he does.  Ban then inquires. "This mysterious stranger, did you see his face?"Varl replied "No, he covered it with a hood, claiming it was an effective disguise. He also had a strange voice. I think he might have something more to hide than a distinctive birthmark." Ban comments to both Varl and himself "That's very suspicious."Ban lowers his voice and motions for Varl to lean in. "I've heard tales of titanspawn about." Varl nods "As have I." Ban nods and continues  "Even filthy slitheren - the worst of that blighted lot apparently are running around in this city unabated."Varl nods and then says "But... about the job offer. He wishes me to plunder a hidden stash of items. Apparently, there are traps and guards. I need something called a citizen's token to pass the..." Ban hears what Varl is saying… but his eyes are still on the human female. She is definitely look at them both closely and trying to over hear them in the din of the common room. He also sees a small chain around her neck and notes a small medallion attached to the chain. Ban is a little surprised to see that it's a holy symbol, that of Hedrada, the Lawgiver, the god of Justice, Wealth and Knowledge. Ban smiles at woman who then smiles back sweetly. Ban then calls out and waves her over.  The woman blushes but she then stands and walks over. Ban inclines his head and then says "Hello, lass.  It seems you've taken an interest in our conversation?"The woman, coyly smiles and say  "It is a very interesting things you speak of, can you blame me good sir? I have good ears and I try to keep my mind open to all things."Varl pauses and turns around to look at the woman behind him. Ban nods  "Hmm, I suppose not.  I see that you serve the Judge. I take you have an interest in knowing many things then?"The woman nods "I do. However I find it better to gain knowledge by being charitable. It is hard to speak to people while standing up. Do you mind if I have a seat?"Varl mutters to himself and frowns "Eavesdropping? Can't a man have a private conversation in a tavern anymore?" Ban shoots a dirty look at Varl and then offers a welcoming smile and extends his hand to indicate she should sit between them "Ah, excuse my friend and myself rudeness. Please do sit You are welcome here, of course."The woman grabs a chair and takes a seat between Ban and Varl. Ban introduces himself to the woman, "I am Ban Stormwatcher, and my somewhat surly friend is known as Varl Kadek."The human woman nods to each of you and then smiles. "I am Tinsia Ferio, servant of Hedrada.  Over there is my friend Kerrick" She points to the human male she was sitting with over in the far corner. The man is slightly injured and dress much like some kind of guard. He is nursing mug of ale. He sees Tinsia point to him. He waves to the group and then continues back to his drink.  Ban nods and smiles "Welcome to our table, Tinsia.  Your friend Kerrick is welcome as well." Ban then waves to Kerrick and motions him to join them. Kerrick sees this and waves back, but in a gesture that tells Ban he's much preferring where he is.Tinsia then puts out a hand, appearing to explain "My friend, Kerrick was injured and thus the bandages. They told me that he will have be off duty for while, to recuperate.  But to show his and my good will, I will buy you the next round."Varl mutters to what seems to be no one in particular "Yes, he is welcome... Heck, why not invite the entire tavern to share an ale with us...? Ban shoots Varl another dirty look and then says to Tinsia in a more pleasant tone, "Ah.  That's regrettable.  Many thanks for the ale, though."Varl smiles wryly but says nothing. Ban notices his friend's distrust and then says "Can you not see that he's a guardsman, Varl? I doubt he could mean us any harm.  Besides, it would not hurt to become friendly with some of the guards. Especially if we're end up stay here for a goodly while."Varl again says nothing but appears still untrusting. At that moment Tinsia seems to be ill, or at least distracted. She then goes into a small trance and speaks in a voice not her own. "You are both under the Shadow of the Ones that would Rise. Be warned"Ban blinks his eyes and his faces grows a little cold, but other wise, shows no other outward signs of astonishment. Ban does check around…and feels that no one else notices this incident but himself and Varl. Varl raises an eyebrow at this… Tinsia quickly comes out of her trance and then appears to be very white and upset. "I am sorry, I think I must lie down for a while. Please excuse me." She goes over to Kerrick and talks to him for a moment and then head away up the stairs. Varl looks at the departing woman with a mixture of suspicion and disbelief at the incident that just now occurred.Varl notes in a slightly grim humor "Well... She's a strange one." Ban, mulling over what just occurred, speaks "If I'm not mistaken, 'The Ones that Would Rise" is a reference to the Titans." Ban pauses, as if taking it in…and then speaks "If so, that's quite troubling.  Perhaps we should speak with our new acquaintance later on this evening."Varl nods "Well that's not good. But I think we should discuss what we both have learned." Ban nods "Agreed. You first. You were talking about the job…?"Varl nods and then proceeds to outlines the offer of employment he was given to Ban.Ban appears troubled by this, as his primary concern has always been Vesh and it's allies, especially Vera-Tre.  Ban then explains to Varl his feelings in no small detail. "I'm not a mercenary, Varl, and I have my duty with the Vigil to see to, as well."Varl nods "Of course. That doesn't mean however we can't make a profit here and there. I mean I don't care much for Calastia and it's policies but someone has to look out for him or herself as well. I mean I'm not a hero out of legend Ban. Just a poor half elf trying toe eke out a living as best I can." Ban nods "Of course Varl, but I just had to explain my position. It's a risky thing, trying to chase down treasure. Especially when there might be titanspawn involved.Varl nods "So what about you? What information have you come up with?"Ban_Stormwatcher outlines what he was told about the slitheren in Hollowfaust.Varl shudders and nods  "That is worrying Ban. But even so, doesn't deter my goal of finding out just where this map leads. My plan is simple.  Get the items, and then have someone with a bow hiding in the shadows when I'm turning them over." Ban smirks "You always were a great thinker Varl." Varl smiles "I know but that's what great thinkers do, they think simply." He sips his ale and nibbles, as they continue to discuss their information...Now I, Nightfall, pause the tale for now, as the strange and deepening darkness surround our heroes. For now it seems shadow, fur, and claw align against them…but more will be revealed, much of it troubling. Will our heroes though be able to see it? Perhaps new allies can shed light into their darkness…or only bring them further into danger and death…? Stay tuned.</blockquote>

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