Fantasy Embers on the Wind

[Shy2Infinity]

Interaction(s): Melon Bomb ​

It was overwhelming being around so many people at once, and they were all heroes. He half wanted to ask them for their stories, surely they all had excellent ones to tell. But this was hardly the time nor the place. He became distracted from his thoughts as Rue turned to one of the other 'heroes', one named Todd he believed. It was hard to get all of these names down and he wished that he'd thought to carry a journal everywhere like a more sentimental hero. Perhaps he was being too obvious in his interest in both, the things Rue pulled out, and their conversation, but he couldn't help leaning towards them in interest.

While he wasn't an herbalist, he did like to learn new things.

He decided to tune back into Leonel as he began speaking and he wondered if it was finally time to get out of this blasted sun. Probably... Not for a while yet, he would soon realize as Lionel led them into town and past a number of significant landmarks. His interest continued to peak more and more with everything that the Nektra pointed out. He'd never been to this country before, it was only fair that he was curious.

And soon enough, the mayor's house was in sight. His immediate thought was: Gaudy... The owner would probably seem better compared to his house, right? Who wouldn't want to live in extravagance? When the mayor introduced himself, he was only half interested in his words. Because the other half of his focus was intent on noticing certain things; such as the way he held himself, or the practiced smile he donned easily as a mask.

The mayor was a bit....

Tules comment took him completely off guard and nearly sent him into a laughing fit that he was just able to stave off. As it was, he hid the lower half of his face behind his fan and muttered, "Even if that is true, it's hardly good to say it out loud." Especially within complete earshot of the man that was giving them a job.

 

[Sky_Breaker_08]

Lars' stomach rumbled and he wondered absently if this town knew about the proper etiquette of an invitation. A host should always feed their visitors. To not be thinking of the visitor and providing basic necessities such as rest and food after a long journey showed a lot of the mayor's character. However, to blatantly expose the host as being absent-minded would also be considered terrible manners. He would have to think of a covert way to gently remind the man of how far they had traveled and how he should be providing gracious and generous provisions instead of sending them immediately to work.

But what to say? Lars was never good at hinting, and was told he was often too direct and blunt.

"Mayor Bronson, if I may, many of us have travelled many miles and many months to be here before you today. This last stretch of our journey over the sea has accosted some of us with a great unhealthiness. Perhaps if we were to rest in your beautiful home and talk inside with some food and drink, we could be made comfortable and understand what exactly is plaguing your handsome town?"

DarKnight36

 

[Radish__]

Rue grew even more excited seeing Todd's interest in potions. She immediately took a look into his journal, going on and on until she was distracted by Theo. She smiled sheepishly and apologized, gathering up any ingredients that had spilled out of her bag and promised to continue the conversation with Todd later. She quickly started to get excited as Lionel showed them towards the mayors home. She could smell the food coming from the tavern, and so did Favi, who truly believed he was going to starve at this point.

As they approached the mayor's house, Rue's eyebrows shot up in distaste. She had seen her fair share of government officials living well above the rest, and she thought it was tacky. How could you live above the people you work for? Of course, her views very well could be skewed by her small hometown and humble mayor, but that made no difference to her. As she entered the home, and met the mayor himself, she quickly stepped back away from him and more toward the back of the group, looking clearly uncomfortable. She didn't like how he was talking to them, it was off putting.

Caught off guard by Tule's comment, she barely managed to stifle a giggle, trying to cover it up as a cough.

 

[egglover]

"I agree with dear Lars," Myril said with a smile, "It would be good to gather our bearings in your town before we set off on your task."

The tall Lamra stood beside Shaista, arms brushing against one another gently. Though Myril was talented at navigating the world around them it was still somewhat overwhelming to be in a new place - a town at that - and it didn't help that she still felt the swaying of the ship rocking her head back and forth. The armored woman steadied her.

Sky_Breaker_08 obscured_light DarKnight36

 

[DarKnight36]

Bronson didn't seem bothered by the groups' comments, his smile unwavering.

"Since you have mentioned food, there is a meal being prepared for you at the inn, but we only have the means to give you the one," Bronson said, gesturing back behind the group. "I'm afraid I cannot permit you entry into my home for rest, but again the inn has perfectly good beds for the night. One night is unfortunately all I can give you due to the urgency of my task."

Lionel was watching the others' reactions as these statements were made, a small smile in place.

"As to why this is, that does lead into the dangers of this area," Bronson continued, his smile fading. "The Gothra have become bold as of late. There's a village nearby that often pesters our trade and most recently, they have destroyed a bridge to Pirilai, which is our main source of food. Without the bridge, our stocks quickly run out, particularly since we ship out almost everything that comes in through Ravalai."

Bronson bowed again to the group. "Thus the task I give you is this - travel to Pirilai and find out what happened to the crew I sent there. Something must have delayed the repairs and if it be the Gothra, I urge you to slay them on sight."

"Bravo Mayor," Lionel said, clapping his hands together with a loud crack. "Yes, by all means, let's slay the Gothra."

"Lionel," Bronson said, his face actually showing annoyance for a brief moment before returning to all pleasantries. "It is something we disagree on, I will confess, but perhaps the arrows you took from them have lent you some semblance of sympathy for the pathetic creatures. I, on the other hand, have people I need to feed."

Bronson's head turned to the heroes. "Keep this in mind, Retriance's chosen. The Gothra do not care for your pity, nor your attempts at making peace. But I have no more time to spare on this topic. Simply put, Ravalai needs that bridge repaired. And quickly."

 

[Alias]

"R-right, sorry", Todd nodded at Theo as he sheepishly stowed his journal back into his bag. He followed the rest of the group as Lionel ushered them through the town. The thing that caught Todd's attention the most was the cool pavement which Lionel explained was constructed by Lamras. How was it constructed? Do they also use runes similar to how clythrans enchant weapons? Perhaps he should go back to it later after their meeting.

***
Condescending. Check.
Paranoid. Check.
Slightly racist. Check.
Allegedly busy schedule. Check.
All he needs is flamboyant displays of wealth and Bronson wins noble asshole bingo
Todd has encountered a few nobles before as clients so he wasn't really taken aback by the mayor's behavior. He doesn't agree with it, but he's used to it. Although he does find Tules' comment about Bronson's behavior amusing. When the mayor asked if they have any questions before they started, Todd wanted to ask if he's aware if there are any cities or towns that use the eagle crest on his necklace but after hearing him argue with Lionel he thought maybe now's not the right time. They're not exactly arguing but Todd can feel the mood shift as they discussed. Maybe he can de escalate the situation.

"Y-yknow, 'slay' is such a strong word. Perhaps the mayor meant to hold off the attacking Gonthra until the bridge repairs are done. I'm sure the mayor wouldn't consider razing an entire village over a single bridge. Right, mayor?"

DarKnight36 druidquest

 

[Shy2Infinity]

Interaction: DarKnight36 ​

Of course he had long figured that the mayor might ask for something borderline impossible for them. He wasn't sure what the others thought, but there had to be many of them that were pacifists first and foremost. And now, he was asking for them to slay the Gothra indiscriminately. Sure, throughout his travels the Gothra were so often the culprits of many a bandit attack, but it still didn't feel right to slay them unprovoked. He couldn't help glancing at the faces around them, looking for their thoughts.

If they were truly 'heroes', then shouldn't murder be their very last choice? When they had absolutely no choice in the matter?

Perhaps he should pry for more information himself. Clearing his throat he raised his voice to be heard, "You said that the Gothra have been more active as of late. Is there any reason you can think of why they might have become more bold?" Regardless of the mayor's lack of time, surely this was important enough to ask about? His skin itched with the thought of people looking at him and he fiddled with the fan attached to his wrist.

 

[druidquest]

Theophania listened passively as the good Mayor Bronson fielded questions with the practiced tolerance of a career politician. Her eyes strolled the lawns of the manor, ducking between manicured topiaries and climbing up brickwork worn by the sea air. It was a lovely property, to be sure.


"Who does your landscaping?" she interrupted, looking through the small crowd to meet eyes with the mayor.

 

[FireMaiden]

Velahari Feavi
Interaction: DarKnight36
Mentioned: PiePillager Shy2Infinity
Hearing someone add onto her questions, Velahari peaked behind to gesture to him, nodding in agreement. Knowing what might kill them would be helpful. She would then quickly start paying attention to the mayor again as he started speaking again. One meal was better than one, but why was it at the inn? Why not his home? Her brows furrowed a little bit, she didn't know a lot about the general people but...she did know mayor's were general welcoming. Even if they seemed a bit odd. Their group were being tasked with taking care of an important problem for this town, and he couldn't even invite them in for tea. Wasn't that considered rude in their society? She wouldn't say anything though, but the woman did let out a small huff. "I don't think we'll need much rest, just a meal." Since some of them definitely didn't keep a hold of lunch.

Once more she'd fall silent as the mayor continued to speak, explaining what they were being tasked with doing. It sounded like a fairly standard task but... something didn't sit right with her. Slaying all the Gothra? They were just trying to survive like everyone else, there had to be another way right. "That seems a bit unnecessary," Velahari muttered, looking to the one who spoke up soon after, asking if anything has happened as of late. "I agree, something must have egged them on. Has anyone even tried contacting them? How do you know they won't listen? Perhaps there's some sort of misunderstanding?" She added. If they found this missing party alive, it would be easier to argue that wouldn't it? That being said, if killing them turned out to be the only way... Velahari was certainly hoping for the best however.

 

[DarKnight36]

"I'll answer for the mayor," Lionel said, stepping in front of the group. "It's not that the Gothra have been more active, but they are being more disruptive. No one knows why. It's not like they send out a memo explaining anything. I agree with the rest of you that wiping out their camp is a bad idea, but Mayor Bronson's not really suggesting that either."

Lionel cleared his throat. "The Gothra shot me up pretty good the last time we met. Nearly kicked the bucket. They don't like Ravalai, and Ravalai doesn't like them. We don't know for sure they broke the bridge, but they have raided more shipments in the last month than in the last year. It's not exactly a good sign. People have been killed during these raids."

"The mayor's tried negotiating in the past," Lionel shrugged. "They turned away anyone who got close. But who knows? You guys aren't Ravalai. Maybe you'll have better luck."

"Perhaps," Bronson said, spreading his hands. "But I was put in the position of mayor, and have retained it, because I put the people of Ravalai first. Right now, we need those shipments of food from Pirilai. Which means the bridge needs to be repaired. Now, if you'll excuse me, I do believe this meeting has run its course. Please allow Lionel to escort you to the inn."

Bronson turned away, before glancing back. "Prove me wrong about you, heroes."

The door to his manor shut with a solid thud, and Lionel chuckled.

"Probably not what you were expecting, I'm sure, but if you didn't get clued in, Bronson's not too happy with Retriance sending some bigshots over," Lionel grinned. "Course, that doesn't mean he doesn't need your help, so that's also something he's sore about. Still, he trusts me and I trust him, silly as he can behave. So let's do our best for him, and I'm sure Bronson will warm up to y'all. Sound good?"

 

[PiePillager]

"Eh, only thing that sounds good about this is gettin' some grub. I wants ta see what the chefs of Ravalai are made of!" Rattlesnap spat, folding his arms. " 'Course, dependin' on how supplies are runnin' with the bridge down, they may not wanna provide a buncha would-be heroes with much more than a coupla scraps!" he grumbled. "All's the more reason to see to that business with the Gothra and the bridge, eh?"

 

[Sky_Breaker_08]

"How far is this bridge from Ravalai, Lionel?" Lars spoke with interest. "And where are you seeing these raids occur most frequently? I am most interested to see this place the shipments are most likely to encounter the Gothra."

DarKnight36

 

[DarKnight36]

"Hmm, the bridge itself is about half a day away walking," Lionel said, pointing to the west. "About 12 miles west, then you have to cross the North Ravalai River. Pirilai's on the south side of the river, right next to the bridge." Lionel shrugged. "As for where the raids are occurring, there are two roads leading into Ravalai, one from the west and one from the north. The Gothra village is situated right in-between to the northwest. So they can cover about 60 miles of road pretty easily. The environment around here is hills and the road takes the easy way. Good for carts. Bad for visibility. The Gothra can hide real easy."

Lionel glanced at the rest of the group. "Why don't we continue this talk over some dinner, hmm?" The Nektra put good to his word and began walking to the inn. "It won't be much, but it'll be filling, that's for sure."

 

[Melon Bomb]

"Damn, I already ate." Tules rolled a stiff shoulder as she followed Lionel's lead, letting her gaze wander about the sleepy port town. "Had to feed the beast..." She gave her belly a few contented pats and a rub. "...and where does that leave me? Missing out on free food. Peh."

As they walked, the sun's golden light settled over Ravalai like a cozy blanket, tucking it in for the coming night. Shore-side, a flock of white seagulls pecked and prodded at some discarded morsels on the docks where the crowd of onlookers had stood previously, most of whom have begun to retire to the comfort of their homes -- or to the local inn, of course. It stood humbly at the corner, casting thin shadows across the street as the smell of smoke, ale, and roasted meat invited weary travelers inside.

Overtaking their guide, Tules was the first to part the doors to the establishment. She may not have the room to squeeze in a second dinner, but that doesn't mean she was any less excited to hang with the locals. And for a town down on its luck, it was certainly lively; no doubt in anticipation of the new arrivals from Retriance. Tules dropped herself down on a rickety stool between two regulars chatting with the innkeeper, leaning in with her elbow on the counter.

"Hey there, keep! Just blew into town." She jerked her thumb back toward the entrance. "Buncha seasick heroes are about to shuffle in, if you've got any home remedies on the shelf we'd really appreciate it. As for me..." Tules kicked her leg forward and leaned back, squinting at the bottles in the back as she thoughtfully stroked her chin. "Got any drinks for a light stomach?"

 

[druidquest]

Theophania smile faded as Mayor Bronson retreated into the manor, studying his back as he went.

---

"Mr Lionel, was it?" Theophania asked, falling into step beside the Nektra as their company walked back down to the village. The smell of the sea hung thick on the air, sounds of the boats echoing up the hillside from the beach as the last of the ships began to pull in for the night. "Have you lived here long? You seemed rather familiar with our new friend Mr Bronson."

 

[DarKnight36]

"Ten years, give or take," Lionel agreed. "I lived over on the west coast before that. I haven't been everywhere on Telani, but I know what to expect more often than not." Lionel gestured back at the mayor's house. "Bronson's been mayor since before I got here. He's the one who built Ravalai to be what it is. As I understand it, his house is the oldest place in town. Probably was the first thing built."

Lionel smiled. "Bronson's a bit full of himself, but it's not too bad once you're used to it. You asked about his landscaping, right? It's the townsfolk who do that, not that he asks them to. He's too busy but they're grateful. He does house the orphans there, too, so there is that. And he's not about to shove out them just to house you lot, I reckon."

"Ah, but did you have a specific question?" Lionel asked, looking a little embarrassed.

 

[druidquest]

Theophania's fingers played with the hem of her cloak as she considered Lionel's response, studying the lights of the tavern in the distance. "Not in particular," she answered after a moment. "Just indulging my curiosity."

"You sound like you have a great deal of respect for the man," Theophania remarked, meeting Lionel's gaze once more.

 

[DarKnight36]

"I do," Lionel said sincerely. "I'm not blind to Bronson's faults and we definitely don't always see eye to eye. But in the end, our goals are aligned. It's good to have differences, even if they annoy you." Lionel laughed.

 

[Shy2Infinity]

Interaction: FireMaiden ​

And just like that... They were let go. It felt like he should have been more proactive, but... Well, no helping it. With a sigh, he turned away and followed the gang. On their way to the mayor's house he'd been more preoccupied with their surroundings, but this time he had become intimately aware of something.

The fact that he was deathly starving!

For the whole boat ride, sea sickness had driven his appetite into the great abyss. Not to mention the rare times he ate he almost immediately threw it up again. Suffice it to say, he didn't exactly get a lot of food into his body and now that he was no longer nauseous, a ravenous beast had taken hold of his senses. His appetite had come back with a vengeance; so while the others were talking and getting to know each other, he started to hurry ahead.

Though when he noticed the person he just about passed up, his hurrying steps came to a lull beside Velahari. He wasn't the best when it came to striking up a conversation. His conversational skills had taken a dive ever since he'd left his home so it was a good couple of seconds before he was able to think about how to start. "What you said before... I agree. It might be naïve of me, but I'm hoping for a peaceful resolution as well. Perhaps this just might be something that only us outsiders can solve, right?"

 

[Radish__]

Rue had kept quiet and remained uncomfortable throughout the entire conversation. She had never been okay with unnecessarily ending life, and she had no intention of killing anyone who had not done anything to warrant it. The mayor's house was stuffy and uncomfortable, and just as she started to find herself itching to leave, they left.

As they walked to the inn, Rue overheard Lorna's comment to Velahari. She took a couple of quick steps to catch up to them, and chimed in. "I agree, killing willy nilly is a bad idea. There's always a reason for everything," she mused. "Personally, I don't agree with killing anyone or anything unnecessarily."

Interactions: FireMaiden Shy2Infinity

 

[PiePillager]

Opening the door to the inn, Rattlesnap announced the arrival of the rest of the party, bellowing, "Pardon us! Inbound heroes passin' through! There's a lot of us, apologies fer the crowd. But hey, lot 'o guests means lots 'o coin so ye can't really complain!" Noticing Tules had arrived there early, he made his way towards the counter. "Surprised you were the first one 'ere, seein' as you nearly made off with half the food on the ship on the way to port!"

His head swiveled around, hearing the approaching footsteps of the innkeep as he carried a tray of light ale and a few assorted bottles. Seemed to be medicine from the looks of it. "Orderin' for the rest 'o the crew? Very thoughtful of ye, lass! Seems that cranium 'o yours ain't as empty as I first figured!" Rattlesnap guffawed, punching Tules in the shoulder. "Oy, innkeep! How much food do ye got to spare for a party of uh...fourteen or so?"

"Fourteen? Good gods..." the innkeeper muttered. "Not nearly enough. We're in a sorry state for an inn, I admit, but until the town gets supplies....well, I hope you folks like salad."

"Salad?!" Rattlesnap nearly spat back. "Nothin' wrong with a plate 'o veggies as an appetizer but these folk's stomachs are right hungry after our journey. Luckily fer you, I gots my own supply of food. Won't be enough but fer one day, but it'll be enough to get some food into their gullets. Now where's yer kitchen?!"

"Kitchen?!" the innkeep questioned. "Now, hold on, old timer, you can't!"

"Not to worry, innkeep, 'ol Rattlesnap ain't chargin' ya! Only makin' enough to serve me mates after all!" Rattlesnap assured the innkeeper.

"But it's not...you just can't-," the innkeeper scratched his head.

"Ahoy, no needs ta tell me! I can spot the waft of fresh tomatoes from 'ere!" the Pontra pointed towards the direction of the second set of doors to the left behind the bar. "Ye got pots right. Gonna need a few 'o those! Hope ye got some spice in stock! Not to worry, if Rattlesnap uses it all up, ye can be rest assured that we'll get supplies flowin' in this town in no time! S'what we're here for after all!"

And without another word, Rattlesnap bounded into the kitchen, leaving the exasperated innkeeper to shrug at Tules.

Melon Bomb

 

[Melon Bomb]

Tules immediately began guzzling the ale, keeping an eye on the door as her ear perked up to the sound of approaching voices. Gesturing with her bottle in hand, she turned her shoulder and pointed at her incoming crew with a pinky out. "Only thing you lot are gonna kill is the hot dinner ol' Rattle's about to serve you." She lifted her bottom briefly to lean over and yell. "Ain't that right, gramps!?" Shifting around in her seat, Tules rested her back against the counter in a relaxed lounge, facing the doorway with her legs apart in an almost perfect triangle.

"Who cares what that balding fart said?" she continued with a loose grin, her face beginning to flush warm red with booze. "Our job is seeing that bridge fixed, killing the gothra is more like... I don't know, his personal fetish or something. We can figure it out as we go along. In the mean time... cheers!" Tules took another carefree swig.

 

[obscured_light]

One of the last ones again, Shaista led Myril into the inn. Continued talk of the task ahead and rambunctious offers being forced on the unfortunate innkeeper reached her ears. Her face was unreadable but there was a deep rumbling in her throat of approval at the mention of food. For Shaista, the assigned quest wasn't very appealing either but they had little information. She, herself, didn't know much of the gothra but their situation didn't seem very black and white.

Shaista led Myril to one of the tables so they both had ample space opposed to the bar that was quickly being crowded.

"Dislike salad," Shaista said in a raspy voice. "And quick assumptions."

 

[egglover]

"Ta," Myril thanked Shaista with a kind smile as they sat, "Yes, well, it appears our friend Mister Rattlesnap is causing a bit of welcome chaos in their kitchen. I doubt we will be having just plain salad for tea."

The blind woman sat back, listening to the lively sounds of the inn and their own party. After a moment she spoke, loud enough for all to hear, "Fixing the bridge will be easy enough. I am a Lamra after all. Mayhaps we could even improve the design so that this bridge is not so easily destroyed in the future. I wonder..." Myril turned to the direction of Lionel, though she completely guessed wrong and ended up talking to a very confused Knas Arda instead, "Lionel, have the Gothra ever been this side of the river?"

obscured_light Captain Spooks DarKnight36

 

[druidquest]

"Apologies for the chaos, tavernmaster," Theophania greeted gently, lacing her fingers around his bicep and guiding him away from the ruckus of the house floor. "If you've the mind later, I'd appreciate a moment of your time after things have quieted."

She left him standing behind the bar, his pocket feeling some few coins heavier as she made her way back to the line of tables their little brigade had shoved together in the middle of the floor. She tapped Myril on the shoulder as she passed, directing her in the correct direction Lionel was sitting.

"I'm curious about that as well," she chimed in, taking the seat at Knas's opposite shoulder. Her sword was placed leaning against the table edge, close to her left hand. "As well as when the attacks on the caravans began."