Storms of Change [IC]

[silentspace]

OOC Someone - Sorry, I got confused because they were in quotes, and the rest of your thoughts weren't...

OOC Thels - Doesn't look like Darien has any conception of your capabilities, huh? He also thinks you joined his caravan for the pay!

OOC Those aren't the only potions Darien has to give out.

OOC Sorry for all these OOC notes!

 

[Seonaid]

"Thank you for the potion," Rowyn says to Darien as she climbs into her seat, "but maybe you shouldn't be so hard on the others. I have a feeling this is the first caravan for most of us."

 

[Seonaid]

At Bert's question, she nods and pulls out her letter from a small pack. "I'm not sure why they have invited me, or what they expect from me, but it seems like a good way to learn more about the state of affairs in the world." She shrugs and hands it to him to inspect.

When the group reaches the town, Rowyn settles in the common room, not used to riding all day, much less having to fight. The thought of the hobgoblin she killed slightly sickens her, but she tries to be practical about it, telling herself it would have killed all of them if it had the chance. After finding a good spot and checking on Sabala, she buys a small hot meal and sits down to eat.

 

[Argent Silvermage]

Etherial comes to the Table and asks, May I sit with you?

 

[silentspace]

The other mounted guards seem to take a liking to Bert, especially after seeing him drink whiskey with such gusto.

--

When Rowyn suggests Darien was too hard on the newcomers, he replies “Aye, I suppose you’re right. Those hobgoblins should’ve been a really easy encounter, which is why I wanted your squad to take it, to bond your squad together, work on your teamwork, and enjoy the sweet taste of victory! Thought it would be fun for you guys. But maybe I’m expecting too much of you. Most of the men I hire are veterans, who’ve had lots of battle experience and practice drills. You all look pretty new. I can tell you’ve all got a lot of potential though. With the proper training you’d all make fine additions to Shillen’s armies! Maybe some of you could even make it into the Knights of Shillen! They have some small folk there, you know. Tell you what, if something comes up, I’ll give your squad another chance, ok?”

--

OOC If everyone sticks with Darien and sleeps in the caravanserai’s common room, Darien pays for everything. I don’t think I was clear on that before. But if anyone goes to another tavern or seeks other accommodations, they are on their own.

 

[Greatfrito]

Alan seems more than happy about the money, and is willing to at least try the horse bit...

Seems silly though.

At the town, Alan stays with the group. He drinks down a few mugs of whatever ale is available (so long as it isn't completely piss-tastic), and sits around with the guards, listening to whatever they have to say, and occasionally sounding off his own tales... some of which are more than obviously embellished...

"...So there I was, surrounded by these damn bandits -again-, so I pull out my sword all slow-like, at which they all pulled their own weapons on me, but it didn't matter, 'cause I didn't make like I was going to kill them or anything. Anyways, next, I hold the sword by the blade - and remember I had heavy gauntlets at the time, not these nice gloves, eh? - and I take a step, and then another, and another, toward their leader. And I offer him the sword, all peaceful and everything, so he reaches for it, and that is when I swing it up under his jaw, knock him to the ground, and kick him in the balls. His guards were too confused - slow as they were, it wasn't a surprise - to do anything right away, so I flipped the sword around and cut 'em down, one by one. Personally, I don't think I got enough pay for that one. I told the townsfolk I would do it for "respect". Pah. Bad plan. Never do that again, I tell you..."

... and he rambles on.

Later in the night, when it seems that everyone is heading off, he'll stay in the chambers with the rest of the guards and Darien.

 

[Seonaid]

Rowyn answers Darien seriously. "We are not a squad, sir, we hardly met before we left with the caravan. Though it is kind of you to give us a second chance." There is a slight inflection on the words "second chance," subtly implying that perhaps he's being more condescending than nice. "It is good of you to hire us. I hope we shall prove to be useful again before the trip is complete."

Rowyn smiles at Etherial and motions him to join her [and doesn't pay for her meal ].

As Alan's story rambles on, she permits herself a smile and when he gets to a point that might be a finish, she takes out her lute with gusto and jumps up on her table (assuming Etherial is finished as well). "That, good gentles, was a story. But what I have to share is much, much better. Not in the least because it's all true." She winks at Alan and then begins "The Ballad of Fair Rosa." Every so often, such as when the Prince rides up on his horse or when the evil spirit cackles, Rowyn uses Ghost Sound to enhance the telling. [Perform +8]

 

[silentspace]

On the road, Rowyn tells Darien “we are not a squad,” “we hardly met before the caravan,” and then seems less than pleased at his offer to give them a second chance. Darien looks completely confused. Why would he think the rear guard had met before? But more importantly, if they were working for him, and he made them into a squad, then they were a squad, weren’t they? And if they were a squad, why wouldn’t they want a second chance? Didn’t they WANT to be a squad? Didn’t they WANT to get paid? He just shakes his head, completely befuddled and confused by Rowyn’s senseless words.

Then a thought forms in his mind. Is she telling him that she and the others are not hired mercenaries? If not, then why would they ask to hire on with him? Could they be bandits? Or spies? Did they only pretend to join his caravan separately, acting as if they did not know each other? Are they giving information to the enemy? Would they turn on him during a crucial moment? He regards Rowyn suspiciously for a moment. Then he smiles, still won over by Rowyn’s charm and bravery, but there is a bit of suspicion behind his smile now.

At The Wagon, Alan’s stories catch the attention of many guards and drivers. Several interrupt him to ask questions or further details, especially on the parts involving mercenary life, or bandits. They laugh heartily at the exaggerations. When Alan is done, quite a few of them smile at him, pat him on the back, or tap their mugs against his in a drink. Darien included.

Then Rowyn sings The Ballad of Fair Rosa. The crowd is mesmorized! It is a memorable performance! When she is finished, she has collected 40 silver pieces.

 

[silentspace]

After a few drinks, most of the guards and drivers head in for the night. Mirena sits alone at a corner table. The group is sitting at a table with Darien, Rekar and Mirik. They seem to be good drinkers. They also seem to be very good friends.

Darien says "Remember lads, when we fought off the Gorukan scum in the last few invasions? We fought bravely, didn't we? More bravely than I've ever fought before, I can tell you that. Knowing you're defending your homeland, despite your wounds, can inspire you with such strength!" He looks at the bandages from the days battle and then looks at the group.

"I was a Knight of Shillen, you know. Still am, though I'm on leave. Rekar and Mirik were in my squad. The Knights are such disciplined fighters! I didn't think much of discipline before I joined to defend my homeland, but once I saw what practice and teamwork can accomplish, I was a changed man.

"Our squad was made of eleven combatants. Me, eight light cavalry, and two medics. The medics were soldiers too, but they mostly stayed behind the line and healed us. Not like Bert can heal us, though. They used healing salve. It's an alchemical substance, you've probably heard of it. If one of us got injured he'd retreat to get healed, then we'd fight on even fiercer than before, right lads?"

"Aye, that's right," says Mirik. "Fighting for the freedom of Shillen fills your soul with such strength!"

 

[Seonaid]

Rowyn refuses the money offered by the caravan coterie, taking only from the townsfolk.

Rowyn walks up to Darien after the group disperses a bit. "Knights of Shillen? Would this, perchance, be familiar to you?" she asks him quietly and shows him the missive she had received. "Others of the new group got it as well."