Smashed World, Part II

[Zhure]

Durban

Durban stares in awe at Lorcan's story. When it's obvious Lorcan is finished, he clears his throat.

"I'm afraid I have led a rather sheltered existence compared to Lorcan. I left my monastery and wandered through the mountains on a vision quest. I did find some old ruins -- but the dangers there were all of the natural sort. Cave-ins, beasts run awry. I've thankfully avoided all contact with both vampires and dragons."

 

[Dalamar]

Durban, Horros, Lorcan
Chendra looks at Horros and, especially, Lorcan. Her eyes are wide from excitement.
"Wow....."
She keeps the same expression for a moment and then her mood drops.
"Wish I could do something like that..."

 

[Zhure]

Durban

"Pardon me for saying so, Miss Chendra, but adventuring isn't an exciting career, like the bards tell it. It's dirty and dangerous. I can't remember the last time any of us bathed properly, or ate food that hadn't been either cooked in a stew pot at an inn for more than a week, or that wasn't basically shoe leather. The only rewards are usually feeling good avoiding taxes and not expending one's life digging in the soil like a peasant. Ironically, realization of those benefits usually comes after spending an entire day riding horseback behind a cloud of dust..."

Durban has a look of shocked realization that those words were out loud.

 

[Jarval]

Lorcan laughs out loud at Durban's words, slapping his friend on the back.

"Our life isn't quite as grim as Durban here would have you belive, and I like to think I can remember my last bath, but he does speak much truth. It's a dangerous life, no two ways about it, and I've lost many close friends over the years."

He looks soberly at Chendra. "But don't think you need to wield swords or magic to make a difference to the world. You could have as much effect as any of us, without leaving this city. You're the daughter of the mayor, and are marrying a man with some influence of his own, if what I am told is true. You have influence? Use this for good. Make sure that the gold raised in taxes goes to those who need it, not those who only wish to line their own pockets. An intelligent woman can go far."

He stops for a moment, judging the wisdom of his next words before continuing. "But if none of that seems the way of life for you, then perhaps other paths may be open still. How would your father feel about you learning to use a sword, if only for your own protection? I would be willing to teach, if he is willing to let you learn."

 

[Howling Coyote]

"They are both right, adventuring is not a picnic for fine young ladies. It's a harsh and dangerous life, and occasionally full of misery. Still there's no harm in knowing how to defend oneself."

 

[Zack2216]

Well, atleast I can take in the view.

 

[Zhure]

Durban

"And I can likewise teach you how to fight without weapons. It's one of the few things I do well at."

 

[Dalamar]

Durban, Horros, Lorcan
Miss Chendra pouts as you seem against her dreams.
"I know I have influence and my future husband has too, but that isn't exiting. I want to see the world outside the Valley."

Haplo
It's not really a great one.
The telepath seems right, the closest things you see are the roofs of the buildings, the wall surrounding the Coast, and the wasteland beyond them.
After a short flight, Tserof lands to a quite rich-looking area. Due to the time of the day, there is nobody around.
Remove the crate.

 

[Zack2216]

I dismount, and unstrap the crate from Tserof, rubbing his neck where the crate was strapped on.

So, where should I take this? Is it safe to speak?

 

[Zhure]

Durban

"Well, I've lived all my life save the last day outside this valley, and so far this is the nicest place I've seen. So far... I'll keep exploring though, because that's how I am. You should be happy with all your people have accomplished here. Most of the lands outside this valley are dark and bitter places."