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<blockquote data-quote="AStott" data-source="post: 534529" data-attributes="member: 7825"><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Session 11: Journey to the Jungle's Edge</strong></span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Let's see... you and Celeste had decided to travel until a couple hours after sundown.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Right. though I wanted to come up with a cover story.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ah, right. Go ahead.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Well, actually how long until we reach that little town?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> The dinky one? The village?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Right - chimney smoke.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Only about... say 15 minutes or so. Maybe half hour.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Okay, as we approach the little town, it dawns on Jannot that they're likely going to have to talk to people along their way and shouldn't necessarily make it easy for people to find them...</p><p><Kent> "Hey Celeste, before we go in to this little town maybe we should talk a little bit first."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Oh?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot stops walking and steps off the road (it's morning, there may actually be travellers soon)</p><p><Kent> "Yeah, if there are people looking for us - or rather likely just me - maybe we should use false names... and maybe a cover story."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Oh... That's a good idea. You can call me... Anne I suppose."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Anne, okay. Um... what about your family name?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "I don't know, will it matter?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Well, I suppose not. I guess I'll go by...Jon. How's that, do I look like a Jon?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "I can remember that I think."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She squints at you..."Oh, maybe if you grew out a beard." She grins.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot chuckles, "Actually I was thinking about that. I will do that. Okay. Now, why are we travelling? Maybe... I suppose that we don't look much alike so siblings are out of the question..."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Visiting family?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent>Jannot nodds. "Sure, we were visiting family in Zuqar. Um... should we say that we're ... married?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Yes, that would be good, but not Zuqar. Maybe... Ilan."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "We bypassed Zuqar due to ... troubles we'd heard about.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot nodds. "That's a very good idea, but I don't know much about Ilan - only a couple things I've read. Have you been to Ilan?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Oh, right." She wrinkles up her forehead. "Maybe that wouldn't work so well."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot thinks, "Well, we could be displaced because of the ... elves attack... resulting in our house being burnt down. It's close enough to the truth."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She considers for a bit... "I... I'm not sure I want to be spreading *that* rumor..."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Hm... well...hm. How about ... we're newly wed and we were ... Hm."</p><p><Kent> [has Jannot ever been to any of the surrounding towns? Perhaps for the skin trade (not THAT skin trade)]</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Probably not. Other than the one you rowed to during the plague, of course.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> - poo</p><p><Kent> Jannot look sat their clothes - how nice or not nice are their clothes?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> They're pretty much lower-middle class. That is, you are a tradesman, but one on the lower end of the spectrum. Your clothes are probably appropriate for such a station.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> How about appropriate for farmers? Do they use indentured slaves?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Probably not. Most farmers are serfs, and barely make due with what they have.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hm. "Well, a vacation trip is pretty unlikely as well huh..." Jannot poses jokingly.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "How about... we were attacked by bandits and our things stolen?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Well, that sounds fine... but I'm more concerned with where we are from, where we're going and why... perhaps we were on our way to visit family up north...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Did you say something about us maybe going to Freehold?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Yeah. That's as good a place to be headed as any... isn't it?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "I have relatives up in Miraj, perhaps we could head for there, by then we may not have to worry about things..."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot looks at Celeste. "I didn't knoiw that you had family up there... but then I really don't know that much about you to begin with, do I?" he says carefully.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "I've never actually seen them before. They're my mother's cousins..."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot nods. "Okay, that's fine. Perhaps they may even be of help when we arrive. I think that...</p><p><Kent> Um... Pike appears on the map as a larger than average city. I'm wondering if the road is better in-land as opposed to along the sea.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Oh yes, the inland road is definitely better, although certainly longer.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Anyway, are we already on the road going North along the coast North of Zuqar?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes, that's correct. Sometime after noon you should hit the split in the road... uh... at least so you've heard... ahem.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> you sure that there isn't a separate gate from Zuqar headed of fthat way?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yup, positive. The road splits after passing between a pair of lakes.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> okay. Oh. that's nice. picturesque. Um So, has Jannot ever heard about the condition of the roads ... comparatively? It's summer... would there be any weather concerns or... real bandits?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> hmm... probably not.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> There are always some concern about bandits. These lands are not nearly heavily populated enough to provide real safety on the roads, at least once you get past a day or two journey away from the population centers.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Okay, So, if we went inland, we'd almost see no-one... since there seem to be no villages/towns along the way.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Actually, you have a better chance of seeing travelers along the inland road.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> More heavily travelled?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Oh. Hm. Okay, so the shorter and also the less populated travel path is along the coasst.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes, correct.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Of course, if it's fairly low traffic, there may be fewer worries about bandits...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> But also less chance of finding someone to travel with...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Oh, yeah, wasn't thinking about travelling with others... but also less traffic means less targets for bandits.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> It's pretty common to try and find someone to travel with.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Okay. Where were we. "So, ... uh.. Anne, what do you think of us being newlyweds traveling North to Miraj to visit your family?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "That should work just fine I think."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "What work... I suppose I AM a leather worker - but that was what they were looking for when they caught me the first time." Jannot thinks.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Yes, you might want to ... think up a new occupation."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> He's read a lot of books - he could fake being a librarian... or a historian...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> That's a pretty good chance I'd say.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Yeah. "I think I have a good idea. I'm a historian and I work in a library... the library. We're ... uh... we were moving up to Miraj to be close to your family... and our belongings except for a few things were stolen.. by bandits."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "I suppose if we're going to be from Zuqar that we could say that our families had been... killed in... during the problems there, and we left with everything we had..."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot smiles a small wry smile. "You know, that's too close to the truth to turn down. We'll go with that. we lost our home and our other belongings and are moving back near your remaining family... Anne and Jon... Jon and Anne... Jon the historian..." </p><p><Kent> "I think that that will work." Jannot smiles at her.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She nods in agreement.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot starts to walk back up the road, "Come along, my wife, Anne." He says with a grin.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> [cute]</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She smiles and the two of you continue along the road.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> We'll try to stick to ourselves if we encounter people in town, unless they're travelling North.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You pass through a little farming village shortly after. It's a small place of perhaps only a hundred people.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Are there shops?And it's pretty early in the morning, eh?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> There is what appears to be a general store of sorts, and a tavern, but other than that, no.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> It's a little after sunrise, perhaps between the first and second hour. You have noticed some people up and around. People headed out to hoe the fields and such.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Well, we have food for a couple days. Strangers buying travel rations first thing in the morning ... might be memorable. Is it likely that there'll be another village of the sort in the next day or so?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Oh yes, up until about a days travel outside the city (or so) these little farming communities are dotted all over the place.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> After that... fairly rare.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Great. we'lll just continue on "Perhaps," he says to Celeste, "we should not make ourselves easy to remember this close to the city. We'll wait until tomorrow and then buy some more food."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "That sounds like a smart idea, Jon."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Why thank you Anne." He gives her a smile and they continue on.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> So, you continue traveling through the day. You come across villages periodically.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> When you reach the fork in the road just after the two lakes, which way do you head?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot looks to Celeste, "Well, Anne, this way?" he asks, pointing North, along the coastal roadway?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "I don't know, Jon. Your call."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Yeah, lets go this way - less traffic and a shorter road."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> The difference is pretty obvious and immediate. The new "road" is really more of a wagon trail. There are deep ruts left from during past rainy seasons, although the way is still kept fairly clear of growth.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You had passed a few travelers on the road who were headed south before lunch time.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Most were single horse carts, likely carrying various edible goods.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Okay, have we seen any Northbound traffic at all?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> There hasn't been any traffic that's passed you headed north. This probably is not too surprising considering that you were doing your best to make decent time, and you started early, a few miles north of Zuqar, while other travelers would have left later from the city itself.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Well, okay. Is the going actually any rougher now that the road has changed so drastically?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Well, if you had a cart, you might be concerned, but it really isn't that much worse for foot travel.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> k</p><p><Kent> Allright. we don't happen to have a candle or fire-making odds and ends do we?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes, in fact Celeste did pack the like.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> A few candles, plus a flint and steel.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Cool. Excellent. It dawns onb Jannot that they WILL make a tempting target if they do encounter any bandits. "You know, we should try to hide out money on our persons as opposed to in the sacks. If we get hit by bandits, we'll be sore pressed without something..."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> [actually, Celeste had the money in a pouch on her, rather than in a sack.]</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Is the pouch visible ?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> No.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Ah... okay... maybe a decoy then... Is there a small sack? One perhaps that Jannot could carry visible? Poo.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Let's see... no. In fact, you don't have a pouch yourself. Of course, you could use hers as a decoy and put the money elsewhere...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hm. Um. "You know if we are attacked or robbed, and we made it difficult for them to find our money, they might be more thorough... Why not make ..."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Maybe if we're attacked, we can just give them our money. It might be better to keep it hidden though, so that they might not think us worth their while..."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "True. but at least we should split the money up. Just in case.... Now, where do I put it..."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She nods and pulls out the pouch from someplace.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> How about ... no internal pockets sewn into the clothing, eh? <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> hmmm... no.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Um, there are two sacks right?</p><p><Kent> One has food in it right?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Correct. Some of the food does have some wrappings... just to keep it together.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Is there a chunk of meat or a loaf of bread?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yeah, a loaf or two.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Hey, lets stick some - or most - of the money in one of the loaves of bread and re-wrap it... thieves would want our money and goods, but not necessarily our food, right?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "I suppose..."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She dumps the coins out into her hand. Looks like 10 silver, 6 bronze, and a pair of coppers.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Lets leave 1 silver, 2 bronze and the coppers in the sack and put the rest in with the food... what do you think?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She nods. "That sounds ok. I suppose you should keep the purse, too." She puts a few of the coins back in the purse and hands it to you.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot raises his eyebrows. "Yeah, that would make sense." And he takes the purse from her, and tries to find as hidden a place to put it.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> right</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Okay, lets go.... Anne"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She grins and points to the loaf in your hand. "Need a knife to cut that open?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Ahh..." Heh... yeah, that might help, eh?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She pulls one of your skinning knives out from someplace *else* and hands it over.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Wow... handy to keep her around.,..</p><p><Kent> Jannot carefully unwraps the bread loaf and cuts it open. Do the coins fit inside nicely?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Good enough. Celeste holds out her hand for the knife when you are done.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot hands the knife back to her and in a non-overt way tries to figure out where she has it stashed.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She's got it tucked inside her clothing looks like.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Mmm...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Lets not eat that one..." She grins.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot carefullt re-wraps the bread and tries to make it look normal. </p><p><Kent> "Yeah, it'd be a bit rich for my belly." He grins.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> [sounds of head being smacked echo through the cosmos]</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She giggles.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> [<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />]</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> [Apparently you're thinking inside the box there... (your smiley)]</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> outside the bun?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> riiiight.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Heh... okay. we proceed. I'll let Celeste carry the valuable bread (likely the food is in the less heavy sack) and the other things Jannot will carry.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Sounds reasonable.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> we continue.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> So, as the afternoon wears on, you begin to notice more frequent areas where trees have not been cleared.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Good.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> The farming villages are getting more scattered.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Well... Hm. I don't suppose that there is any fishing tackle in that sack, huh?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> No, unfortunately not.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Is it the end of the day, or just nearing?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> At this particular instant it's about mid to late afternoon.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Is the road still fairly straight and flat? Does it seem like it's likely that there are any more farms North?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Well... reasonably so.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Probably so, since you can still see up ahead that there are cleared fields.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Okay. In that case, "You know, the farms are likely going to not continue far... we'll have to get supplies tomorrow."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Where are we going to stay the night?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot smiles, "Well, I'm not sure. Maybe there'll be a town soon that has a place to stay. If not..."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She sighs. "I guess I'd better get used to traveling life and sleep outside, huh."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "maybe so. You kow I never promised you a house on a hill..." He grins.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "I guess this would be the 'worse' part then, Jon?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot stops in momentary shock then busts out laughing.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "All I can say is that I hope there is some 'better' somewhere up the road." She grins.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Ah, my dear Anne, you'll be the death of me. I really do wish that..."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Ah ha! All the sooner I can marry your knock-out of a brother."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot's smile lessens. He chuckles a little. "Yeah. right."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She seems to take notice. "Oh, Jannot, I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Oh, don't feel bad. My family has been gone for a long time. And on top of it I never had a brother, just an older sister." </p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Was she pretty?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> He smiles, "I was only seven at the time, so really I only remember her flowing hair and her smile.... but yeah, I think that she would have been very pretty."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Celeste is quiet for a moment.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> After a pause, Jannot continues. Um, you haven't told me much about yourself, but I've told you nearly everything about me... Is there something about me that makes you not want to ... share?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Oh no, Jannot!" She's quick to reply. "It's not you. I just..." She sighs.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "I guess I need to begin to get over it all somehow and move on with my life."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She pauses briefly.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot nodds, knowingly.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "I... had a close family, and it's hard... well, it's hard to think back on the happy memories."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot looks over at her. "Something I've learned is that you have to accept the happy memories. They'er perhaps the only things you can claim for your own... of the people or things you've lost."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She nods thoughtfully.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> After a pause, he says, "Yeah, you have to hold on to them." He thinks about Thom... working leather, being onery ... fishing... He's sure going to miss that old codger... perhaps a small tear wiped away.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "How did your sister die?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot clears his throat and continues on stronger than before. "Well, she died along with my father and my mother in the plague of the dark harvest about 25 years ago. I grew up with a family friend - Thom."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "My family came to Zuqar shortly after the plagues. My Dad had said the city offered ... tax breaks and stuff to people moving in. I was really kind of young to remember it very well."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Yeah, apparently that's what's happening now... sort of. So, what was your family's trade?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Well, my father was a cobbler... I think I told you that. My mother would bake some things and sell them to neighbors."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Right. I forgot. So, was it just you and your parents then, or did you have sisters and brothers?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Well, I had a brother who was a couple years younger than me, also a sister a few years younger than him. I also had another sister who was... only 6." Celeste winces a little.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot looks her over, "I'm sorry that you lost such a large and wonderful sounding family."</p><p><Kent> Jannot will not ask any more questions... continuing to walk.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She is content to walk in silence as well.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> As the day wears on and the sun begins to settle into the west. You notice up ahead that the ... well, I guess techincally it'd be called jungle, since it's a forest that's essentially tropical... seems to have not been cut down at all.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hm... jungle... tigers? </p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> I looks like you may be coming to the end of the farming lands. You do notice as you come up over a rise another small village up ahead, not far from where the trees begin.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "You know, maybe we had better not wait until tomorrow for those supplies." Is it evening now? </p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> The sun is very near to setting.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot looks at Celeste, "Well, Anne, we might be able to have a slightly more comfortable bed tonight.."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Celeste nods, "That would be nice, Jon, to have a bed before we head out into the wilds."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot agrees, "I won't object to that." though he thinks back and recalls that for sleeping on the ground, we awoke oddly refreshed...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Well, more or less.... You have been tired today...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> I'm sure... having only 4 hours of sleep and all.</p><p><Kent> we continue into the town, but before entering the populated area Jannot moves to hold Celeste's hand.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She nods, but doesn't say anything.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> She nods... in response to his taking her hand?. hm. ok.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes, as if recognizing why you took her hand.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> well, at least he's got a good premise...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Now, it's not a firm grip by any means, but yes, you have her hand... <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Oh. well, I guess you can't expect the moon...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ... the town.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> The two of you head in. By the time you reach the first houses... err... well... buildings, the sun has set, and twilight is on you.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> The homes are very small and crude, like the others you've seen during the day, but there is light coming from some of them, and there does seem to be a couple more regular type buildings near the center.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> We'll continue...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> As you get closer, you spot a store, and actually, what appears to be an inn of sorts.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Is it the only one... of course it is...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yep, looks like.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> We will approach the inn and enter.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> The place is somewhat small by your city-born standards, but it is cheerily lit, and there are a few people there in a common room eating and laughing.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hm. Well, that's good. Is there a counter with a ...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Well no, but there is a bar-like place in the common room.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> In addition, a young girl in her teens spots the two of you and comes in the entrance area from the common room.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Oh, you two do long like you've had a long day. Can I offer you supper, and perhaps a room?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot clears his throat, "Well, yes. How much will a room here cost for the night?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Only two copper for dinner and a room for the two of you to have for yourselves."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot smiles, "We'll take it, thank you. Can we put our things up before having supper?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Oh, yes. Here, I'll show you the room." She beckons for you to follow her, and she heads up the stairs.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot looks over to Celeste, "Well, Anne, what do you think?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Celeste nods and half whispers, "Sounds ok." She seems just a little nervous.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot heads up after the friendly ... host.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> maid?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> maiden I guess... <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right, upstairs are the sleeping quarters. There are a couple large rooms which contain a number of bunk beds. She leads you past those to a small room which she pushes open.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "You can get a key from Kallick when you get something to eat. He's the one preparing food."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Oh.... oh good. "Okay then, thank you very much...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> The girl smiles and heads back down the stairs.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot will enter the room ... what's it lok like?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> The room is fairly small, but it does contain a double bed, a rack for hanging outer garmets, a chest, and a small table next to the bed.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> After Celeste moves into the room, Jannot will shut the door.</p><p><Kent> Is there a window?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes, there is... There are curtains made of a rough material over the window, but there is a hook and strap to hold them open.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot will go to the window and check to see if it's secure in it's frame.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> It seems pretty secure. It has a real thick glass, and opens outwards. There is a latch on the inside which keeps it closed and secure.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> and... it locks?</p><p><Kent> Is this on the ground floor or is there an upstairs? the wall of the window... vertical, or built in to the roof? ... so no easy access from outside ... without a ladder.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Nope, it's on the second (top) floor.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Vertical.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> It doesn't look like anyone would be able to get in easily.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> good Jannot puts his bag on the table. "I think I like this place."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Celeste has already set hers down on the chest, which she has opened, looked inside, and closed again.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot looks at her... "something wrong?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "It's certainly small..."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Well... and there's only, well... just one bed... Which I guess makes sense.. um... for a married couple."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot shakes his head. "Don't worry. you take the bed. I'll sleep on the floor... two blankets will be plenty of cushion..."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Oh Jan... Jon, you don't mind do you?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot smiles, "Just as long as the field mice don't hog the pillow." </p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Oh, I *hope* they don't have mice here."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Thank you."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot thinks to himself - it would appear that Celeste is used to things being fairly comfortable... but then so is he... and he forgets it... mostly.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> It occurs to you that the only reason this inn is even as nice as it is, is that it caters to people traveling through...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Sure. " right.</p><p><Kent> Now Jannot moves to the door - does it lock? oh yeah... get a key from the fellow doling out food... is it decent?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes, there is a pretty basic lock.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Well, it's functional. You'd be concerned in the city, but on the other hand, theives are probably not such a problem out here.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> okay. Jannot opens the door and looks into the frame of the door - does the frame look like anyone's tried to force the door open? scrape marks, repaired sections?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Is anything wrong, Jon?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> There don't seem to be any signs of forced entry.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot closes the door and looks up. "Nope. Everything looks okay. I thought to look at the door just to make certain that there wasn't anything wrong with the lock ... or if anyone had tried to break in through the door. Nothing there, apparently. "</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Oh! Right. I wouldn't have thought of that."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Suddenly, from downstairs, you hear an increase in the voices. Not yelling, but just like a few more people started talking at once.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hm. To think of it, Jannot was wearing a sword, did he happen to notice if anyone else in the room was also armed?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You don't recall seeing anyone else with a weapon.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot will remove his sword and place it against the clothes rack - "That'd likely be more of a hinderance than a help if I ended up needing it... I'm going to go down for dinner... do you want to come or stay up here?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Oh, I'm pretty hungry. Let's go eat."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot thinks, "You know, until I get a key for this room, maybe we should keep the money with us... just to be safe."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> actually... you can lock the door and shut it behind you when you leave. It's a spring latch.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> We just won't be able to open the door back up until we get a key... Um... This place seems pretty decent, right?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> true, true.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Well.. in what sense? Seems nice and homey. Seems a little crude and such, but maybe not considering the state of the other buildings in the village.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> The people downstairs, do they seem ... friendly or unfriendly? well, we will still take the money in the purse with us, but perhaps leaving the money in the bread loaf is good enough.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Oh yes, definitely a friendly atmosphere.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Let's go eat then, I guess, Anne."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She nods and steps out with you.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot WILL lock the door and let it shut, even though it feels a bit odd...</p><p><Kent> and they proceed downstairs.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> [making sure to cover all the details, eh? <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> Oh, did I mention the wall around this village? <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> ]</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> well, Jannot is the nervous sort.</p><p><Kent> Ah ha ha ha.....</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> So, the two of you head down stairs.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> there's no wall, right? okay.... fiend...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> [yes, there's no wall]</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> [you mispelled friend there... <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> uhh.. oh. why I think you're right....</p><p><Kent> An oversight, I'm sure...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> riiiight</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> So, you guys head downstairs.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> It looks like there are about a half dozen more people in the common room now. The apparently newcomers are still standing, chatting with a couple people at one table.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot will only glance at them, what sort do they seem to be? Oh wonderful.human? All men? weapons?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> They look... hmm... well, they aren't farmers, and they aren't warriors, and they aren't lords, and they aren't... um... fishermen.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Oh, yes, human.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You couldn't really guess their occupation, but they do appear to have been traveling.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> All men. One has a sword, and is wearing some leather armor. He's standing more in the back of the group talking to the men at the table.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> hm.</p><p><Kent> so they are travellers apparently. Lets continue to the dining area...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> They're talking to the people at the table like they know each other.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You move over to the ... bar (I suppose you'd call it). There is an open doorway behind it that leads back into a kitchen.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Is there anyone attending it?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Not at the moment.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> How is Celeste doing?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Celeste is ok. She's looking around at people at lot, but seems to be ok. In particular, she seems to be eyeing the newcomers with the swordsman in their midst.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot will move up close to Celeste, up to her ear, "Now, now, Anne, don't stare. It's not polite."</p><p><Kent> and he draws back and smiles.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Sorry," she whispers back and quickly turns her attention elsewhere.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> A man suddenly comes out bearing a pair of plates with something steaming. He sets them on the counter, grabs a small hand bell and bangs it once against the counter.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Then he turns to the two of you. "You two just get a room from Yentil?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He holds out a hand about... yea high, perhaps young girl height.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Ha ha... yentil....</p><p><Kent> "Oh, yes. we did. She told us it was 2 coppers for a room and dinner."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "That's right." He pulls out a key ring and fishes through it.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot fishes out the purse and gets out the two copper that he has, handing them over to the man.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He's a fairly large man, speaks somewhat loudly, and seems somewhat gruff.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> At last he pulls a key off the ring, slaps it on the counter next to your coins, and picks those up.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "I suppose you're wanting something to eat now then?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot Looks at him, "Thank you. Yes. What is the meal tonight?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He grins at you. "We've got ... beef, and... beef." He chuckles. "I suppose we could find some fish for you too. Might cost you a little more though."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot smiles, "Well, you have two of my favorite dishes, then. "</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He grins and gives a rough guffaw.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Right."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Do we just sit or ..."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "You have a seat somewhere." During this conversation, Yentil (apparently) has showed up and grabbed the two plates from the counter, she heads over to drop them off at a table.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot nodds to the man and looks to Celeste, "Do you care where we sit, Anne?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She points, "Over there, next to the wall?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> How big is the room anyways?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> The room has a fireplace at one end (currently lit, for lighting), and holds about... 8 tables.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Where is the door and the counter... and the stairs?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> The doorway to the entry way (where the stairs and front door are located) are off on your right (from where you stand at the counter). To your left is the fireplace, located on the shorter of the two wall lengths.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Okay, good enough for me." we go sit.</p><p><Kent> ... taking up the key of course.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> As you are heading to sit, one of the newcomers calls out to the man who gave you the key. "Kallick? We're going to stable there horses and then we'll be in. Put some plates together, will you?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Kallick waves them off, and the newcomers leave the common room.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> okay.</p><p><Kent> Being a merchant himself, does Jannot see any signs that one of the party is likely a merchant?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> I'm not exactly sure what kinds of signs you might expect to see...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Clothing style... perhaps jewelry.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Hmm... Nothing stands out.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> okay.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Jannot and Celeste have their seats.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ... what wall was she pointing to?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> on the same wall as the counter, down nearer to the fireplace was an empty table.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ok.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> It doesn't take long before your meals are ready, and Yentil delivers them.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Do you care for a drink?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Kellick brews a pretty fine ale..."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Great. I'm sure that the drinks are extra, eh? Jannot looks to Celeste, "Do you want something?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She whispers back, "Just something wet, watered ale..."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot looks to Yentil, "Sure, just two ... soft-drinks."</p><p><Kent> [that ok? <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> Not asking for a pepsi or anything.]</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right, essentially water with a little additives to keep you healthy.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Right.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She smiles, leaving the two of you alone briefly until she returns with a pair of mugs, which she sets down in front of you.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot looks at her and smiles thanks, picking the drink up to have some.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She smiles back and leaves you alone.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot takes a swallow and places the mug back down. How near are they to other people?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Oh, there are a pair of farmers (apparently) at the next table over from yours. They looked you over when you sat down, gave a friendly nod, then minded their own business.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Good enough. Jannot looks at Celeste and gives her a smile and tries to communicate through expression that she should relax a little.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She gives a little grin, and begins to eat.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Good enough. digging in to the beef...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> It's pretty good actually. A hearty meal, with potatoes and some vegetables mixed in.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> good.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ah, a little later, eight men come in through the front door, and take a table in the corner on the other side of the fireplace. Make that two tables, since one is not quite enough. They shove two together, and soon, Yentil starts bring out food and drinks.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> okay. then they'll likely be there for a while after Celeste and Jannot finish their food.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Likely so. They're relaxed, talking and joking. They're also a little loud, and you gather from what you overhear that they're headed south.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> DOH!</p><p><Kent> Oh well.</p><p><Kent> Maybe they have news of the road North.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Celeste keeps pretty quiet. Eating, and looking at you.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot will continue eating. Jannot will try to make light conversation with Celeste, "So sweetie, the room looked nice enough. I hope it's more comfortable than that place last night."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She nods.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hm. Jannot chuckles. I guess I'll have to ask her about this reticence upstairs...</p><p></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Next week the two of you (presumably) head out into the jungle.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Yeah... jungle... this jungle - are there tigers and poisonous snakes and pigmies and such?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> There can be... Of course, there might also be elves too...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> heh... of course, the jungle is a little thinner down this close to the sea...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Huh... Jungle elves... right. Okay. But really, Jannot would likely know of animals in the near jungled areas... What are the likely dangers facing our two adventurers?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes, some. From your business dealings. There are tigers and the like. Fortunately, you're still relatively close to inhabited areas, so most of the more concerning animals are prone to avoid humans. Further inland might be a different story.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Allright. I suppose that's something to worry about next week.</p><p></p><p>Next time... A Night at the Inn</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="AStott, post: 534529, member: 7825"] [size=3][b]Session 11: Journey to the Jungle's Edge[/b][/size] [color=orange]<Kheldar> Let's see... you and Celeste had decided to travel until a couple hours after sundown. [/color]<Kent> Right. though I wanted to come up with a cover story. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ah, right. Go ahead. [/color]<Kent> Well, actually how long until we reach that little town? [color=orange]<Kheldar> The dinky one? The village? [/color]<Kent> Right - chimney smoke. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Only about... say 15 minutes or so. Maybe half hour. [/color]<Kent> Okay, as we approach the little town, it dawns on Jannot that they're likely going to have to talk to people along their way and shouldn't necessarily make it easy for people to find them... <Kent> "Hey Celeste, before we go in to this little town maybe we should talk a little bit first." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Oh?" [/color]<Kent> Jannot stops walking and steps off the road (it's morning, there may actually be travellers soon) <Kent> "Yeah, if there are people looking for us - or rather likely just me - maybe we should use false names... and maybe a cover story." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Oh... That's a good idea. You can call me... Anne I suppose." [/color]<Kent> "Anne, okay. Um... what about your family name?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "I don't know, will it matter?" [/color]<Kent> "Well, I suppose not. I guess I'll go by...Jon. How's that, do I look like a Jon?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "I can remember that I think." <Kheldar> She squints at you..."Oh, maybe if you grew out a beard." She grins. [/color]<Kent> Jannot chuckles, "Actually I was thinking about that. I will do that. Okay. Now, why are we travelling? Maybe... I suppose that we don't look much alike so siblings are out of the question..." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Visiting family?" [/color]<Kent>Jannot nodds. "Sure, we were visiting family in Zuqar. Um... should we say that we're ... married?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Yes, that would be good, but not Zuqar. Maybe... Ilan." <Kheldar> "We bypassed Zuqar due to ... troubles we'd heard about. [/color]<Kent> Jannot nodds. "That's a very good idea, but I don't know much about Ilan - only a couple things I've read. Have you been to Ilan?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Oh, right." She wrinkles up her forehead. "Maybe that wouldn't work so well." [/color]<Kent> Jannot thinks, "Well, we could be displaced because of the ... elves attack... resulting in our house being burnt down. It's close enough to the truth." [color=orange]<Kheldar> She considers for a bit... "I... I'm not sure I want to be spreading *that* rumor..." [/color]<Kent> "Hm... well...hm. How about ... we're newly wed and we were ... Hm." <Kent> [has Jannot ever been to any of the surrounding towns? Perhaps for the skin trade (not THAT skin trade)] [color=orange]<Kheldar> Probably not. Other than the one you rowed to during the plague, of course. [/color]<Kent> - poo <Kent> Jannot look sat their clothes - how nice or not nice are their clothes? [color=orange]<Kheldar> They're pretty much lower-middle class. That is, you are a tradesman, but one on the lower end of the spectrum. Your clothes are probably appropriate for such a station. [/color]<Kent> How about appropriate for farmers? Do they use indentured slaves? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Probably not. Most farmers are serfs, and barely make due with what they have. [/color]<Kent> Hm. "Well, a vacation trip is pretty unlikely as well huh..." Jannot poses jokingly. [color=orange]<Kheldar> "How about... we were attacked by bandits and our things stolen?" [/color]<Kent> "Well, that sounds fine... but I'm more concerned with where we are from, where we're going and why... perhaps we were on our way to visit family up north... [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Did you say something about us maybe going to Freehold?" [/color]<Kent> Yeah. That's as good a place to be headed as any... isn't it?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "I have relatives up in Miraj, perhaps we could head for there, by then we may not have to worry about things..." [/color]<Kent> Jannot looks at Celeste. "I didn't knoiw that you had family up there... but then I really don't know that much about you to begin with, do I?" he says carefully. [color=orange]<Kheldar> "I've never actually seen them before. They're my mother's cousins..." [/color]<Kent> Jannot nods. "Okay, that's fine. Perhaps they may even be of help when we arrive. I think that... <Kent> Um... Pike appears on the map as a larger than average city. I'm wondering if the road is better in-land as opposed to along the sea. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Oh yes, the inland road is definitely better, although certainly longer. [/color]<Kent> Anyway, are we already on the road going North along the coast North of Zuqar? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes, that's correct. Sometime after noon you should hit the split in the road... uh... at least so you've heard... ahem. [/color]<Kent> you sure that there isn't a separate gate from Zuqar headed of fthat way? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yup, positive. The road splits after passing between a pair of lakes. [/color]<Kent> okay. Oh. that's nice. picturesque. Um So, has Jannot ever heard about the condition of the roads ... comparatively? It's summer... would there be any weather concerns or... real bandits? [color=orange]<Kheldar> hmm... probably not. <Kheldar> There are always some concern about bandits. These lands are not nearly heavily populated enough to provide real safety on the roads, at least once you get past a day or two journey away from the population centers. [/color]<Kent> Okay, So, if we went inland, we'd almost see no-one... since there seem to be no villages/towns along the way. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Actually, you have a better chance of seeing travelers along the inland road. [/color]<Kent> More heavily travelled? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes. [/color]<Kent> Oh. Hm. Okay, so the shorter and also the less populated travel path is along the coasst. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes, correct. <Kheldar> Of course, if it's fairly low traffic, there may be fewer worries about bandits... <Kheldar> But also less chance of finding someone to travel with... [/color]<Kent> Oh, yeah, wasn't thinking about travelling with others... but also less traffic means less targets for bandits. [color=orange]<Kheldar> It's pretty common to try and find someone to travel with. [/color]<Kent> Okay. Where were we. "So, ... uh.. Anne, what do you think of us being newlyweds traveling North to Miraj to visit your family?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "That should work just fine I think." [/color]<Kent> "What work... I suppose I AM a leather worker - but that was what they were looking for when they caught me the first time." Jannot thinks. [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Yes, you might want to ... think up a new occupation." [/color]<Kent> He's read a lot of books - he could fake being a librarian... or a historian... [color=orange]<Kheldar> That's a pretty good chance I'd say. [/color]<Kent> Yeah. "I think I have a good idea. I'm a historian and I work in a library... the library. We're ... uh... we were moving up to Miraj to be close to your family... and our belongings except for a few things were stolen.. by bandits." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "I suppose if we're going to be from Zuqar that we could say that our families had been... killed in... during the problems there, and we left with everything we had..." [/color]<Kent> Jannot smiles a small wry smile. "You know, that's too close to the truth to turn down. We'll go with that. we lost our home and our other belongings and are moving back near your remaining family... Anne and Jon... Jon and Anne... Jon the historian..." <Kent> "I think that that will work." Jannot smiles at her. [color=orange]<Kheldar> She nods in agreement. [/color]<Kent> Jannot starts to walk back up the road, "Come along, my wife, Anne." He says with a grin. [color=orange]<Kheldar> [cute] <Kheldar> She smiles and the two of you continue along the road. [/color]<Kent> We'll try to stick to ourselves if we encounter people in town, unless they're travelling North. [color=orange]<Kheldar> You pass through a little farming village shortly after. It's a small place of perhaps only a hundred people. [/color]<Kent> Are there shops?And it's pretty early in the morning, eh? [color=orange]<Kheldar> There is what appears to be a general store of sorts, and a tavern, but other than that, no. <Kheldar> It's a little after sunrise, perhaps between the first and second hour. You have noticed some people up and around. People headed out to hoe the fields and such. [/color]<Kent> Well, we have food for a couple days. Strangers buying travel rations first thing in the morning ... might be memorable. Is it likely that there'll be another village of the sort in the next day or so? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Oh yes, up until about a days travel outside the city (or so) these little farming communities are dotted all over the place. <Kheldar> After that... fairly rare. [/color]<Kent> Great. we'lll just continue on "Perhaps," he says to Celeste, "we should not make ourselves easy to remember this close to the city. We'll wait until tomorrow and then buy some more food." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "That sounds like a smart idea, Jon." [/color]<Kent> "Why thank you Anne." He gives her a smile and they continue on. [color=orange]<Kheldar> So, you continue traveling through the day. You come across villages periodically. <Kheldar> When you reach the fork in the road just after the two lakes, which way do you head? [/color]<Kent> Jannot looks to Celeste, "Well, Anne, this way?" he asks, pointing North, along the coastal roadway? [color=orange]<Kheldar> "I don't know, Jon. Your call." [/color]<Kent> "Yeah, lets go this way - less traffic and a shorter road." [color=orange]<Kheldar> The difference is pretty obvious and immediate. The new "road" is really more of a wagon trail. There are deep ruts left from during past rainy seasons, although the way is still kept fairly clear of growth. <Kheldar> You had passed a few travelers on the road who were headed south before lunch time. <Kheldar> Most were single horse carts, likely carrying various edible goods. [/color]<Kent> Okay, have we seen any Northbound traffic at all? [color=orange]<Kheldar> There hasn't been any traffic that's passed you headed north. This probably is not too surprising considering that you were doing your best to make decent time, and you started early, a few miles north of Zuqar, while other travelers would have left later from the city itself. [/color]<Kent> Well, okay. Is the going actually any rougher now that the road has changed so drastically? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Well, if you had a cart, you might be concerned, but it really isn't that much worse for foot travel. [/color]<Kent> k <Kent> Allright. we don't happen to have a candle or fire-making odds and ends do we? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes, in fact Celeste did pack the like. <Kheldar> A few candles, plus a flint and steel. [/color]<Kent> Cool. Excellent. It dawns onb Jannot that they WILL make a tempting target if they do encounter any bandits. "You know, we should try to hide out money on our persons as opposed to in the sacks. If we get hit by bandits, we'll be sore pressed without something..." [color=orange]<Kheldar> [actually, Celeste had the money in a pouch on her, rather than in a sack.] [/color]<Kent> Is the pouch visible ? [color=orange]<Kheldar> No. [/color]<Kent> Ah... okay... maybe a decoy then... Is there a small sack? One perhaps that Jannot could carry visible? Poo. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Let's see... no. In fact, you don't have a pouch yourself. Of course, you could use hers as a decoy and put the money elsewhere... [/color]<Kent> Hm. Um. "You know if we are attacked or robbed, and we made it difficult for them to find our money, they might be more thorough... Why not make ..." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Maybe if we're attacked, we can just give them our money. It might be better to keep it hidden though, so that they might not think us worth their while..." [/color]<Kent> "True. but at least we should split the money up. Just in case.... Now, where do I put it..." [color=orange]<Kheldar> She nods and pulls out the pouch from someplace. [/color]<Kent> How about ... no internal pockets sewn into the clothing, eh? :) [color=orange]<Kheldar> hmmm... no. [/color]<Kent> Um, there are two sacks right? <Kent> One has food in it right? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Correct. Some of the food does have some wrappings... just to keep it together. [/color]<Kent> Is there a chunk of meat or a loaf of bread? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yeah, a loaf or two. [/color]<Kent> "Hey, lets stick some - or most - of the money in one of the loaves of bread and re-wrap it... thieves would want our money and goods, but not necessarily our food, right?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "I suppose..." <Kheldar> She dumps the coins out into her hand. Looks like 10 silver, 6 bronze, and a pair of coppers. [/color]<Kent> "Lets leave 1 silver, 2 bronze and the coppers in the sack and put the rest in with the food... what do you think?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> She nods. "That sounds ok. I suppose you should keep the purse, too." She puts a few of the coins back in the purse and hands it to you. [/color]<Kent> Jannot raises his eyebrows. "Yeah, that would make sense." And he takes the purse from her, and tries to find as hidden a place to put it. [color=orange]<Kheldar> right [/color]<Kent> "Okay, lets go.... Anne" [color=orange]<Kheldar> She grins and points to the loaf in your hand. "Need a knife to cut that open?" [/color]<Kent> Ahh..." Heh... yeah, that might help, eh?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> She pulls one of your skinning knives out from someplace *else* and hands it over. [/color]<Kent> Wow... handy to keep her around.,.. <Kent> Jannot carefully unwraps the bread loaf and cuts it open. Do the coins fit inside nicely? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Good enough. Celeste holds out her hand for the knife when you are done. [/color]<Kent> Jannot hands the knife back to her and in a non-overt way tries to figure out where she has it stashed. [color=orange]<Kheldar> She's got it tucked inside her clothing looks like. [/color]<Kent> Mmm... [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Lets not eat that one..." She grins. [/color]<Kent> Jannot carefullt re-wraps the bread and tries to make it look normal. <Kent> "Yeah, it'd be a bit rich for my belly." He grins. [color=orange]<Kheldar> [sounds of head being smacked echo through the cosmos] <Kheldar> She giggles. [/color]<Kent> [:)] [color=orange]<Kheldar> [Apparently you're thinking inside the box there... (your smiley)] [/color]<Kent> outside the bun? [color=orange]<Kheldar> riiiight. [/color]<Kent> Heh... okay. we proceed. I'll let Celeste carry the valuable bread (likely the food is in the less heavy sack) and the other things Jannot will carry. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Sounds reasonable. [/color]<Kent> we continue. [color=orange]<Kheldar> So, as the afternoon wears on, you begin to notice more frequent areas where trees have not been cleared. [/color]<Kent> Good. [color=orange]<Kheldar> The farming villages are getting more scattered. [/color]<Kent> Well... Hm. I don't suppose that there is any fishing tackle in that sack, huh? [color=orange]<Kheldar> No, unfortunately not. [/color]<Kent> Is it the end of the day, or just nearing? [color=orange]<Kheldar> At this particular instant it's about mid to late afternoon. [/color]<Kent> Is the road still fairly straight and flat? Does it seem like it's likely that there are any more farms North? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Well... reasonably so. <Kheldar> Probably so, since you can still see up ahead that there are cleared fields. [/color]<Kent> Okay. In that case, "You know, the farms are likely going to not continue far... we'll have to get supplies tomorrow." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Where are we going to stay the night?" [/color]<Kent> Jannot smiles, "Well, I'm not sure. Maybe there'll be a town soon that has a place to stay. If not..." [color=orange]<Kheldar> She sighs. "I guess I'd better get used to traveling life and sleep outside, huh." [/color]<Kent> "maybe so. You kow I never promised you a house on a hill..." He grins. [color=orange]<Kheldar> "I guess this would be the 'worse' part then, Jon?" [/color]<Kent> Jannot stops in momentary shock then busts out laughing. [color=orange]<Kheldar> "All I can say is that I hope there is some 'better' somewhere up the road." She grins. [/color]<Kent> "Ah, my dear Anne, you'll be the death of me. I really do wish that..." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Ah ha! All the sooner I can marry your knock-out of a brother." [/color]<Kent> Jannot's smile lessens. He chuckles a little. "Yeah. right." [color=orange]<Kheldar> She seems to take notice. "Oh, Jannot, I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it." [/color]<Kent> "Oh, don't feel bad. My family has been gone for a long time. And on top of it I never had a brother, just an older sister." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Was she pretty?" [/color]<Kent> He smiles, "I was only seven at the time, so really I only remember her flowing hair and her smile.... but yeah, I think that she would have been very pretty." [color=orange]<Kheldar> Celeste is quiet for a moment. [/color]<Kent> After a pause, Jannot continues. Um, you haven't told me much about yourself, but I've told you nearly everything about me... Is there something about me that makes you not want to ... share?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Oh no, Jannot!" She's quick to reply. "It's not you. I just..." She sighs. <Kheldar> "I guess I need to begin to get over it all somehow and move on with my life." <Kheldar> She pauses briefly. [/color]<Kent> Jannot nodds, knowingly. [color=orange]<Kheldar> "I... had a close family, and it's hard... well, it's hard to think back on the happy memories." [/color]<Kent> Jannot looks over at her. "Something I've learned is that you have to accept the happy memories. They'er perhaps the only things you can claim for your own... of the people or things you've lost." [color=orange]<Kheldar> She nods thoughtfully. [/color]<Kent> After a pause, he says, "Yeah, you have to hold on to them." He thinks about Thom... working leather, being onery ... fishing... He's sure going to miss that old codger... perhaps a small tear wiped away. [color=orange]<Kheldar> "How did your sister die?" [/color]<Kent> Jannot clears his throat and continues on stronger than before. "Well, she died along with my father and my mother in the plague of the dark harvest about 25 years ago. I grew up with a family friend - Thom." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "My family came to Zuqar shortly after the plagues. My Dad had said the city offered ... tax breaks and stuff to people moving in. I was really kind of young to remember it very well." [/color]<Kent> "Yeah, apparently that's what's happening now... sort of. So, what was your family's trade?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Well, my father was a cobbler... I think I told you that. My mother would bake some things and sell them to neighbors." [/color]<Kent> "Right. I forgot. So, was it just you and your parents then, or did you have sisters and brothers?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Well, I had a brother who was a couple years younger than me, also a sister a few years younger than him. I also had another sister who was... only 6." Celeste winces a little. [/color]<Kent> Jannot looks her over, "I'm sorry that you lost such a large and wonderful sounding family." <Kent> Jannot will not ask any more questions... continuing to walk. [color=orange]<Kheldar> She is content to walk in silence as well. <Kheldar> As the day wears on and the sun begins to settle into the west. You notice up ahead that the ... well, I guess techincally it'd be called jungle, since it's a forest that's essentially tropical... seems to have not been cut down at all. [/color]<Kent> Hm... jungle... tigers? [color=orange]<Kheldar> I looks like you may be coming to the end of the farming lands. You do notice as you come up over a rise another small village up ahead, not far from where the trees begin. [/color]<Kent> "You know, maybe we had better not wait until tomorrow for those supplies." Is it evening now? [color=orange]<Kheldar> The sun is very near to setting. [/color]<Kent> Jannot looks at Celeste, "Well, Anne, we might be able to have a slightly more comfortable bed tonight.." [color=orange]<Kheldar> Celeste nods, "That would be nice, Jon, to have a bed before we head out into the wilds." [/color]<Kent> Jannot agrees, "I won't object to that." though he thinks back and recalls that for sleeping on the ground, we awoke oddly refreshed... [color=orange]<Kheldar> Well, more or less.... You have been tired today... [/color]<Kent> I'm sure... having only 4 hours of sleep and all. <Kent> we continue into the town, but before entering the populated area Jannot moves to hold Celeste's hand. [color=orange]<Kheldar> She nods, but doesn't say anything. [/color]<Kent> She nods... in response to his taking her hand?. hm. ok. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes, as if recognizing why you took her hand. [/color]<Kent> well, at least he's got a good premise... [color=orange]<Kheldar> Now, it's not a firm grip by any means, but yes, you have her hand... :) [/color]<Kent> Oh. well, I guess you can't expect the moon... [color=orange]<Kheldar> :) [/color]<Kent> ... the town. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right. <Kheldar> The two of you head in. By the time you reach the first houses... err... well... buildings, the sun has set, and twilight is on you. <Kheldar> The homes are very small and crude, like the others you've seen during the day, but there is light coming from some of them, and there does seem to be a couple more regular type buildings near the center. [/color]<Kent> We'll continue... [color=orange]<Kheldar> As you get closer, you spot a store, and actually, what appears to be an inn of sorts. [/color]<Kent> Is it the only one... of course it is... [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yep, looks like. [/color]<Kent> We will approach the inn and enter. [color=orange]<Kheldar> The place is somewhat small by your city-born standards, but it is cheerily lit, and there are a few people there in a common room eating and laughing. [/color]<Kent> Hm. Well, that's good. Is there a counter with a ... [color=orange]<Kheldar> Well no, but there is a bar-like place in the common room. <Kheldar> In addition, a young girl in her teens spots the two of you and comes in the entrance area from the common room. <Kheldar> "Oh, you two do long like you've had a long day. Can I offer you supper, and perhaps a room?" [/color]<Kent> Jannot clears his throat, "Well, yes. How much will a room here cost for the night?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Only two copper for dinner and a room for the two of you to have for yourselves." [/color]<Kent> Jannot smiles, "We'll take it, thank you. Can we put our things up before having supper?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Oh, yes. Here, I'll show you the room." She beckons for you to follow her, and she heads up the stairs. [/color]<Kent> Jannot looks over to Celeste, "Well, Anne, what do you think?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> Celeste nods and half whispers, "Sounds ok." She seems just a little nervous. [/color]<Kent> Jannot heads up after the friendly ... host. [color=orange]<Kheldar> maid? <Kheldar> maiden I guess... :) <Kheldar> Right, upstairs are the sleeping quarters. There are a couple large rooms which contain a number of bunk beds. She leads you past those to a small room which she pushes open. <Kheldar> "You can get a key from Kallick when you get something to eat. He's the one preparing food." [/color]<Kent> Oh.... oh good. "Okay then, thank you very much... [color=orange]<Kheldar> The girl smiles and heads back down the stairs. [/color]<Kent> Jannot will enter the room ... what's it lok like? [color=orange]<Kheldar> The room is fairly small, but it does contain a double bed, a rack for hanging outer garmets, a chest, and a small table next to the bed. [/color]<Kent> After Celeste moves into the room, Jannot will shut the door. <Kent> Is there a window? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes, there is... There are curtains made of a rough material over the window, but there is a hook and strap to hold them open. [/color]<Kent> Jannot will go to the window and check to see if it's secure in it's frame. [color=orange]<Kheldar> It seems pretty secure. It has a real thick glass, and opens outwards. There is a latch on the inside which keeps it closed and secure. [/color]<Kent> and... it locks? <Kent> Is this on the ground floor or is there an upstairs? the wall of the window... vertical, or built in to the roof? ... so no easy access from outside ... without a ladder. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Nope, it's on the second (top) floor. <Kheldar> Vertical. <Kheldar> It doesn't look like anyone would be able to get in easily. [/color]<Kent> good Jannot puts his bag on the table. "I think I like this place." [color=orange]<Kheldar> Celeste has already set hers down on the chest, which she has opened, looked inside, and closed again. [/color]<Kent> Jannot looks at her... "something wrong?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "It's certainly small..." <Kheldar> "Well... and there's only, well... just one bed... Which I guess makes sense.. um... for a married couple." [/color]<Kent> Jannot shakes his head. "Don't worry. you take the bed. I'll sleep on the floor... two blankets will be plenty of cushion..." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Oh Jan... Jon, you don't mind do you?" [/color]<Kent> Jannot smiles, "Just as long as the field mice don't hog the pillow." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Oh, I *hope* they don't have mice here." <Kheldar> "Thank you." [/color]<Kent> Jannot thinks to himself - it would appear that Celeste is used to things being fairly comfortable... but then so is he... and he forgets it... mostly. [color=orange]<Kheldar> It occurs to you that the only reason this inn is even as nice as it is, is that it caters to people traveling through... [/color]<Kent> "Sure. " right. <Kent> Now Jannot moves to the door - does it lock? oh yeah... get a key from the fellow doling out food... is it decent? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes, there is a pretty basic lock. <Kheldar> Well, it's functional. You'd be concerned in the city, but on the other hand, theives are probably not such a problem out here. [/color]<Kent> okay. Jannot opens the door and looks into the frame of the door - does the frame look like anyone's tried to force the door open? scrape marks, repaired sections? [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Is anything wrong, Jon?" <Kheldar> There don't seem to be any signs of forced entry. [/color]<Kent> Jannot closes the door and looks up. "Nope. Everything looks okay. I thought to look at the door just to make certain that there wasn't anything wrong with the lock ... or if anyone had tried to break in through the door. Nothing there, apparently. " [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Oh! Right. I wouldn't have thought of that." <Kheldar> Suddenly, from downstairs, you hear an increase in the voices. Not yelling, but just like a few more people started talking at once. [/color]<Kent> Hm. To think of it, Jannot was wearing a sword, did he happen to notice if anyone else in the room was also armed? [color=orange]<Kheldar> You don't recall seeing anyone else with a weapon. [/color]<Kent> Jannot will remove his sword and place it against the clothes rack - "That'd likely be more of a hinderance than a help if I ended up needing it... I'm going to go down for dinner... do you want to come or stay up here?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Oh, I'm pretty hungry. Let's go eat." [/color]<Kent> Jannot thinks, "You know, until I get a key for this room, maybe we should keep the money with us... just to be safe." [color=orange]<Kheldar> actually... you can lock the door and shut it behind you when you leave. It's a spring latch. [/color]<Kent> We just won't be able to open the door back up until we get a key... Um... This place seems pretty decent, right? [color=orange]<Kheldar> true, true. <Kheldar> Well.. in what sense? Seems nice and homey. Seems a little crude and such, but maybe not considering the state of the other buildings in the village. [/color]<Kent> The people downstairs, do they seem ... friendly or unfriendly? well, we will still take the money in the purse with us, but perhaps leaving the money in the bread loaf is good enough. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Oh yes, definitely a friendly atmosphere. [/color]<Kent> "Let's go eat then, I guess, Anne." [color=orange]<Kheldar> She nods and steps out with you. [/color]<Kent> Jannot WILL lock the door and let it shut, even though it feels a bit odd... <Kent> and they proceed downstairs. [color=orange]<Kheldar> [making sure to cover all the details, eh? :) Oh, did I mention the wall around this village? :) ] [/color]<Kent> well, Jannot is the nervous sort. <Kent> Ah ha ha ha..... [color=orange]<Kheldar> So, the two of you head down stairs. [/color]<Kent> there's no wall, right? okay.... fiend... [color=orange]<Kheldar> [yes, there's no wall] <Kheldar> [you mispelled friend there... :) [/color]<Kent> uhh.. oh. why I think you're right.... <Kent> An oversight, I'm sure... [color=orange]<Kheldar> riiiight <Kheldar> So, you guys head downstairs. <Kheldar> It looks like there are about a half dozen more people in the common room now. The apparently newcomers are still standing, chatting with a couple people at one table. [/color]<Kent> Jannot will only glance at them, what sort do they seem to be? Oh wonderful.human? All men? weapons? [color=orange]<Kheldar> They look... hmm... well, they aren't farmers, and they aren't warriors, and they aren't lords, and they aren't... um... fishermen. <Kheldar> Oh, yes, human. <Kheldar> You couldn't really guess their occupation, but they do appear to have been traveling. <Kheldar> All men. One has a sword, and is wearing some leather armor. He's standing more in the back of the group talking to the men at the table. [/color]<Kent> hm. <Kent> so they are travellers apparently. Lets continue to the dining area... [color=orange]<Kheldar> They're talking to the people at the table like they know each other. <Kheldar> You move over to the ... bar (I suppose you'd call it). There is an open doorway behind it that leads back into a kitchen. [/color]<Kent> Is there anyone attending it? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Not at the moment. [/color]<Kent> How is Celeste doing? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Celeste is ok. She's looking around at people at lot, but seems to be ok. In particular, she seems to be eyeing the newcomers with the swordsman in their midst. [/color]<Kent> Jannot will move up close to Celeste, up to her ear, "Now, now, Anne, don't stare. It's not polite." <Kent> and he draws back and smiles. [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Sorry," she whispers back and quickly turns her attention elsewhere. <Kheldar> A man suddenly comes out bearing a pair of plates with something steaming. He sets them on the counter, grabs a small hand bell and bangs it once against the counter. <Kheldar> Then he turns to the two of you. "You two just get a room from Yentil?" <Kheldar> He holds out a hand about... yea high, perhaps young girl height. [/color]<Kent> Ha ha... yentil.... <Kent> "Oh, yes. we did. She told us it was 2 coppers for a room and dinner." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "That's right." He pulls out a key ring and fishes through it. [/color]<Kent> Jannot fishes out the purse and gets out the two copper that he has, handing them over to the man. [color=orange]<Kheldar> He's a fairly large man, speaks somewhat loudly, and seems somewhat gruff. <Kheldar> At last he pulls a key off the ring, slaps it on the counter next to your coins, and picks those up. <Kheldar> "I suppose you're wanting something to eat now then?" [/color]<Kent> Jannot Looks at him, "Thank you. Yes. What is the meal tonight?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> He grins at you. "We've got ... beef, and... beef." He chuckles. "I suppose we could find some fish for you too. Might cost you a little more though." [/color]<Kent> Jannot smiles, "Well, you have two of my favorite dishes, then. " [color=orange]<Kheldar> He grins and gives a rough guffaw. <Kheldar> "Right." [/color]<Kent> "Do we just sit or ..." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "You have a seat somewhere." During this conversation, Yentil (apparently) has showed up and grabbed the two plates from the counter, she heads over to drop them off at a table. [/color]<Kent> Jannot nodds to the man and looks to Celeste, "Do you care where we sit, Anne?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> She points, "Over there, next to the wall?" [/color]<Kent> How big is the room anyways? [color=orange]<Kheldar> The room has a fireplace at one end (currently lit, for lighting), and holds about... 8 tables. [/color]<Kent> Where is the door and the counter... and the stairs? [color=orange]<Kheldar> The doorway to the entry way (where the stairs and front door are located) are off on your right (from where you stand at the counter). To your left is the fireplace, located on the shorter of the two wall lengths. [/color]<Kent> "Okay, good enough for me." we go sit. <Kent> ... taking up the key of course. [color=orange]<Kheldar> As you are heading to sit, one of the newcomers calls out to the man who gave you the key. "Kallick? We're going to stable there horses and then we'll be in. Put some plates together, will you?" <Kheldar> Kallick waves them off, and the newcomers leave the common room. [/color]<Kent> okay. <Kent> Being a merchant himself, does Jannot see any signs that one of the party is likely a merchant? [color=orange]<Kheldar> I'm not exactly sure what kinds of signs you might expect to see... [/color]<Kent> Clothing style... perhaps jewelry. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Hmm... Nothing stands out. [/color]<Kent> okay. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Jannot and Celeste have their seats. [/color]<Kent> ... what wall was she pointing to? [color=orange]<Kheldar> on the same wall as the counter, down nearer to the fireplace was an empty table. [/color]<Kent> ok. [color=orange]<Kheldar> It doesn't take long before your meals are ready, and Yentil delivers them. <Kheldar> "Do you care for a drink?" <Kheldar> "Kellick brews a pretty fine ale..." [/color]<Kent> Great. I'm sure that the drinks are extra, eh? Jannot looks to Celeste, "Do you want something?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> She whispers back, "Just something wet, watered ale..." [/color]<Kent> Jannot looks to Yentil, "Sure, just two ... soft-drinks." <Kent> [that ok? :) Not asking for a pepsi or anything.] [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right, essentially water with a little additives to keep you healthy. [/color]<Kent> Right. [color=orange]<Kheldar> She smiles, leaving the two of you alone briefly until she returns with a pair of mugs, which she sets down in front of you. [/color]<Kent> Jannot looks at her and smiles thanks, picking the drink up to have some. [color=orange]<Kheldar> She smiles back and leaves you alone. [/color]<Kent> Jannot takes a swallow and places the mug back down. How near are they to other people? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Oh, there are a pair of farmers (apparently) at the next table over from yours. They looked you over when you sat down, gave a friendly nod, then minded their own business. [/color]<Kent> Good enough. Jannot looks at Celeste and gives her a smile and tries to communicate through expression that she should relax a little. [color=orange]<Kheldar> She gives a little grin, and begins to eat. [/color]<Kent> Good enough. digging in to the beef... [color=orange]<Kheldar> It's pretty good actually. A hearty meal, with potatoes and some vegetables mixed in. [/color]<Kent> good. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ah, a little later, eight men come in through the front door, and take a table in the corner on the other side of the fireplace. Make that two tables, since one is not quite enough. They shove two together, and soon, Yentil starts bring out food and drinks. [/color]<Kent> okay. then they'll likely be there for a while after Celeste and Jannot finish their food. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Likely so. They're relaxed, talking and joking. They're also a little loud, and you gather from what you overhear that they're headed south. [/color]<Kent> DOH! <Kent> Oh well. <Kent> Maybe they have news of the road North. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Celeste keeps pretty quiet. Eating, and looking at you. [/color]<Kent> Jannot will continue eating. Jannot will try to make light conversation with Celeste, "So sweetie, the room looked nice enough. I hope it's more comfortable than that place last night." [color=orange]<Kheldar> She nods. [/color]<Kent> Hm. Jannot chuckles. I guess I'll have to ask her about this reticence upstairs... [color=orange]<Kheldar> Next week the two of you (presumably) head out into the jungle. [/color]<Kent> Yeah... jungle... this jungle - are there tigers and poisonous snakes and pigmies and such? [color=orange]<Kheldar> :) There can be... Of course, there might also be elves too... <Kheldar> heh... of course, the jungle is a little thinner down this close to the sea... [/color]<Kent> Huh... Jungle elves... right. Okay. But really, Jannot would likely know of animals in the near jungled areas... What are the likely dangers facing our two adventurers? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes, some. From your business dealings. There are tigers and the like. Fortunately, you're still relatively close to inhabited areas, so most of the more concerning animals are prone to avoid humans. Further inland might be a different story. [/color]<Kent> Allright. I suppose that's something to worry about next week. Next time... A Night at the Inn [/QUOTE]
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