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Post by Eldarion Kildare on Dec 16, 2006 11:57:47 GMT -5
Dear Sir/Madam,
After a series of inquiries, it has been brought to my attention that you might be obliged to pursue a small adventure on my behalf. The adventure involves you and a small band of other adventurers retrieving for me a small trinket that has been stolen from my possession. For your efforts, you will be well compensated—200 ka upon accepting the endeavor, and another 300 once the item has been safely returned to my hands.
For further details on this modest proposal, please arrive at my humble home within two weeks time. Present this letter to the doorman for entry.
Sincerely Yours,
Messir Palledon Thistlefoot Dwarven Entrepreneur
17 Merchant’s Row Auregon, Delain
transcribed this 11th day of Xshetan, 3017.
It was a most peculiar letter, Eldarion thought. Retrieving a stolen item--while it seemed a noble enough cause, was not the type of thing one generally recrited a paladin for. A bodyguard, usually to clerics...or in the case of a young, new paladin like himself, mayhaps more of an assistant to a paladin bodyguarding clerics. Still work that was his own, whole and entire...Eldarion had to admit to liking that idea very much indeed. So it was that he ignored that little niggle that told him this might be a very bad idea and dismouted outside of Merchant's Row. The street was bustling with activity. A row of dwarven estates carved into the side of the Cyrrines mountains with intricate care and a wide road, it was a tradesman's town, so no one made particular note of a dark haired Zhoan and his Apertaine Horse strolling down the road counting houses to find the right one--very few of them appeared to be numbered and Eldarion only hoped he was counting from the right end. Eldarion had done a bit of travelling, but Auregon was the other side of the world from the Thrae'Goden Valley and the furthest West he'd ever been. Periodically his eyes would stray to the strangeness of it all. So many buildings and so few trees. While it was inspiring in its own right--how long must it take to make such a thing as a city!?--the Zhoan much preferred rolling hills and a long stretch of trees to keep the rain off one's pate. Ah, this must be it. What was the fellow's name again? Eldarion looked down at the letter. 'Mr. Palledon Thistlefoot,' he reminded himself, folding the parchment once again. 'Quite the dwarven name if ever he was one. Having found the door--or thinking he had, he rapped lightly with the knocker--a bit embarrased to find that it was the torso of a woman, and to knock properly one had to lower the knocker and bash it upon a pair of bared bronze breasts. It was artistically well done, but, ornament or not, Eldarion just didn't feel right about beating a woman about the chest and it made him wonder about the sensibilities of the one who made it. He was wondering about this as the door swung open and a rather disheveled looking maid appeared. She was a human, flushed in the face as if she'd run down three flights of stairs to get here--which he didn't doubt she did given the spiralling stairway he saw running up past her shoulder. "So sorry to make you wait," she appologized, brushing a blonde curl off of a still youthfully freckled nose. He carefully kept his eyes from the long legs that her maid's uniform barely concealed, and wondered how anyone could do any cleaning in such a short dress or why they would wear one in the first place. Ah, but then, Eldarion for all his charm and good looks did not have much experience with 'the fairer sex'. Those women he knew well were Zhoan, like himself, and far better suited to battelfield than hearth--with the manners of a wild boar in many cases. "Not at all," he said with an accidentally charming smile. "I only just arrived," he said. "I recieved a letter. Is this Messir Thistlefoot's home?" "Ah! Yes! Yes sir, right this way, please," she said. "You're the first to arrive." "Ah, if I might be so forward, is there room enough inside for Yago to join me?" He pat the horse's broad neck and the horse snorted a bit as if asking 'and what makes you think I WANT to enter.' The woman looked between the Zhoan and the horse. "A yes, yes I think he'll have enough room in the parlor. Please, Messir...ah...I'm so sorry! I haven't even asked your name yet!" the maid pronounced abashedly. "It's Eldarion Kildare. Eldarion is quite sufficcient." "Yes sir Messir Kildare, ah, Messir Eldarion that is..." Eldarion thought she seemed distraught enough that he wouldn't inform her that there was no need for the Messir--she could address him casually. He decided against doing anything that might upset her as she let him, and Yago, who swatted his tail a bit in distaste for walking on marble floors, towards the parlor. "Would you like a drink? We're expecting others to arrive soon as well, but there's no telling, really." "That's quite alright. We'll just wait here quietly and you can go about your business," he answered. With a few more apologies, she hurried from the room in a rush as he heard the dull clunking of the door knocker again... And so, the adventure begins...
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Sevian
Novice
The proberbial "gray area"
Posts: 16
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Post by Sevian on Dec 16, 2006 14:39:45 GMT -5
Gathering his supplies about him, Sevian hopped off the back of the rickety wooden wagon. "Thanks for the lift!" He said, waving to the driver.
"Ah, it's no trouble! You be sure to say hello to your grandmother for me, laddie." The jolly old man said with a chuckle. No matter how many times the boy told him he was here on the request of a certain letter-writer, it didn't seem to quite touch the man. In the end, he decided to just let it lie. Pulling his cloak tighter around him - it was much colder here that he was used to - he dug the letter out of his tunic.
It was only a week or so prior to this that he held this same letter in his hands for the first time. 'Master Ghien, a letter's arrived...' He said to his tutor. The elderly Nymandine had looked over the parchment for a long while. 'Yes, I think this might be alright. Do take care of this, Sevian.' And that was that. The next morning he found a traveling merchant willing to take him as far as Cyrra. From there, luck was on his side yet again as the aforementioned jolly old man offered to take him all the way to Auregon.
Having never been out of Iodar, the entire ordeal made quite an impression on the young elf. However, he had a job to do here. He figured sight-seeing could wait until later. After some wandering around back-streets and asking for directions, Sevian finally happened upon the adress stated in the letter. After examining the door for a moment, he knocked with the brass ring. A human woman answered. Hesitantly, he introduced himself and presented the letter.
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Raivont
Novice
Delightfully Bitter
Posts: 20
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Post by Raivont on Dec 16, 2006 18:47:06 GMT -5
Raivont was never one to accept strange letters as anything but false. However, business was not the best for him lately, and as much as he hated to admit it, he needed ka. He wasn't desperate, but any bit of work he could find until he could get a new target was helpful, or at least would be helpful in the long run. He knew it, and apparently, so did the sender of this strange letter.
Delain was not too much colder than Iodar, but Raivont had not appreciated the trek through the mountains that he'd had to take to get to Auregon, nor the fact that he had to cross through the southern tip of Ardenbau to do so. It wasn't so much that he didn't care for the inhabitants of Ardenbau so much that the few he'd encountered in the mountains were touched in the head. One had even thought him a dragon.
So, embittered as always, Raivont finally found Merchant's Row, relieved and yet wanting to get his ka, complete the job, get more ka, and then work towards his retirement. While he looked young, he was convinced he was a very old man, and someday he was going to buy a quaint little place in Port Vaak or Vasin and live well in his old age.
Someday. For now, he would have to settle for this. He must have found the house, because another Nymandine- or so he thought, being as he was at a distance still- was presenting a piece of parchment to a woman. He double checked and then, with a sigh, approached the house as well, Iry following and even running ahead excitedly.
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Post by Eldarion Kildare on Dec 16, 2006 21:38:46 GMT -5
The woman was in a bit of disarray--not as if anything bad had happened, but as if perhaps, she was running about the house doing more work than her due. "Ah yes, yes, please come in, both of you." She added the last as she saw the other Nymandine's pace increasing as he neared the house. "You can wait by the fire in the parlor with Messir Eldarion for others to arrive. Messir Thistlefoot will be home shortly. I'm his maid, Melinda. May I have your names so I can introduce you properly?" she asked, adjusting her hair as if out of nervous habit after waving both men inside.
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Raivont
Novice
Delightfully Bitter
Posts: 20
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Post by Raivont on Dec 16, 2006 22:30:27 GMT -5
"Raivont," he said to the woman as he finally reached the house. Iry was already sniffing around the woman and the other being, who Raivont now recognized as not being fully Nymandine. He was no expert, but he knew what signs to look for in most. He also didn't know what Sevian was half of aside from Nymandine, but he frankly didn't care. He was here to do the job and collect his ka.
A whistle escaped his lips and the wolf pup looked up at him and then sat, knowing not to cause trouble when Raivont made such a noise. Yes, for being a wild pup, Iry certainly was well trained.
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Sevian
Novice
The proberbial "gray area"
Posts: 16
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Post by Sevian on Dec 16, 2006 22:55:10 GMT -5
"Ah, forgive my manners." The boy said nervously. "My name is Sevian. I am here on behalf of my master, Ghien Leslaie. " He said. Years of waiting on customers have taught him proper manners no matter who it was he was speaking to. Turning around a little, he nodded in greeting to the other Nymandine. The way he was facing allowed only a small glimpse of the blue ink embedded under his dark skin, but something told him that was not the only thing giving away his lineage. Bowing awkwardly to the maid, he immediately gravitated towards the fire.
In the parlor, a tall, regal-looking Zhoan stood, but he could see no others. 'Well, at least I'm not late' he thought to himself. Crouching before the burning blaze, he stretched out his hands, warming them by the warmth of the fire. The winds were cold here, very much unlike the warm, soothing gusts of his native Iodar.
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Avati
Novice
Sweet Talker
Posts: 62
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Post by Avati on Dec 17, 2006 8:10:35 GMT -5
“Chocla.” It sounded infantile, and exotic, all on the tone of voice, Avati loved it, and ‘Chocla’, seemed resigned to the name the woman seemed set to refer to him, she, she was the scent of sweet woodruff, the smell of fresh hay and vanilla.
They made good time, woman and horse, it took only three days of riding before her injury healed, and from then on they slept the days away and cut their path by night. Of land and air, it did not go too badly, she stayed on course, stopping at inns to be reassured they were traveling the right way and here they were.
Avati walked beside her mount since they entered the district, she swore she would walk more, as soon as this all was over, hell she would try swimming if but to stay from falling idle, she had a glance of what she would become. …she plaited, fawned, spoke nonsense, and, gasp, could actually sew. Her light cloak was weighed now along the end, so it hung straight and closed, it gave just a little confidence boost while braving the cities.
Two letters were upon her person, the one she held while checking address numbers, and another sealed of introduction, and with her luck, a plan b.
A tick began beneath the womans’ eye as she eyed the doorknocker, was this a sign, sure seemed to point at the type of man Thislefoot was, or he who had the house before him.
Rapping her knuckles against the wooden door the deus eyed her horse warily before speaking only, “Don’t get stolen…and don’t kill anything, please.”
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Raivont
Novice
Delightfully Bitter
Posts: 20
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Post by Raivont on Dec 17, 2006 12:55:17 GMT -5
Raivont had followed Sevian inside easily, Iry running after him and trying to trip him even as he entered the parlor. The naughty little pup even jumped up into the seat Raivont was planning on sitting in, and the Nymandine snorted before he lifted Iry by the scruff of his neck and sat, pup in his lap.
Aside from taking a single look at each Sevian and Eldarion, it did not seem that Raivont would pay much mind to them, instead keeping hold on Iry, just in case the Messir Thistlefoot had any cats or small animals the pup might try to eat.
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Post by Eldarion Kildare on Dec 17, 2006 16:50:31 GMT -5
"Ah, yes, Messir Sevian, Messir Raivont, right this way please," the maid instructed, leading the two into the parlor and opening her mouth to offer each a drink when a very light sound caught her attention. She paused. Listened. Was someone at the door? Why weren't they using the knocker? She could hardly hear it. "Ah, excuse me just a moment, the maid said before running back to the door. She blinked at the woman there, adjusted her hair in nervous habit again. "Ah, I'm sorry for the delay, Messan," she said. "I wasn't certain if someone was knocking or if it was just the wind. Are you also here for Messir Thistlefoot's summons?"
In the parlor, Eldarion turned from where he'd been idly braiding a strand of Yago's mane. Two Nymandine entered. Well, he thought one might be a deus--he seemed a tad pale, but that wasn't really any of his business.
He offered the two, who he assumed would be his travelling compainions, one of those typical Zhoan smiles of accidental charm, and a slight bowing of the head in acknowledgement. "A pleasure to meet you," he said. "My name is Eldarion, and yours would be?" he asked.
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Post by Nicolae on Dec 17, 2006 21:41:13 GMT -5
Nicolae rode Shiba up to the house described in the letter he'd received. He dismounted Shiba and took his staff with him. He wasn't sure he'd need it, but better safe than sorry. He let Shiba wander, he knew she would be there when he needed her. As Nicolae approached the door he noticed an exotic woman in a cloak knocking at the door. He smiled as he walked up next to her. He wondered if she too were here to seeking the reward as he was. Nicolae knew he had to do whatever he could to earn money if he were to survive on his own.
"Hello," Nicolae greeted. "I imagine you're here for the same reason I am."
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Avati
Novice
Sweet Talker
Posts: 62
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Post by Avati on Dec 17, 2006 23:56:01 GMT -5
Avati cast a doubtful look down the doors length, perhaps it was a sign. She was still looking down as another moved beside her. Her ody still for a moment before turning towards the voice, a smile was already upon her face, as the woman looked to the man, the expression that promised warmth and kindness, as she studied and took in his features before her glow dimmed with the embarrsed dip of the Deus’ head.
“Quiet depends what you’re here for, I suppose.” Her lashes lowered, and lips curved in a different manner of smile from the earlier before the door opened.
Again, Avati dipped her head at the maids’ words, expression once more genial spoke jovially, “My deepest apologizes, I truly am glad you were able to hear me. Yes, Messir Thistlefoot’s summons were recieved, I haven’t arrived too late, have I?” Avati , appeared slightly amused by the whole thought and let it show.
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Post by Gristle on Dec 18, 2006 1:03:16 GMT -5
"You do it!"
"No, you do it!"
"I told you to first!"
"Yeah, well I dare you to do it!"
"Well I double-dare you to do it!" The conversation between the two children was being carried on in typical fashion for preteen boys, their voices restrained to a whisper that was anything but quiet and escalating from a simple prodding up to the ultimate, undeniable insistence. "I double-DOG-dare you to do it!"
There could be no going back, no topping of the absolute pinnacle of dares and the somewhat chubby could only glance nervously from his friend to the object of the challenge, knowing that he was cornered. There was no way out; he'd have to do it now.
Taking a slow, deep breath, the boy took a step closer to the fur-covered behemoth that towered over them both and slowly, hesitantly, lifted a hand. The objective, of course, was to grab the gently swaying tail of the wolfling who seemed completely oblivious to what the two boys were conversing about. Truth be told, Gristle knew they were behind him, but had been far too involved in sorting out which direction would get him out of Delain.
The city was like a little piece of madness, sealed up behind stone walls with wooden cells designed to separate one type of insanity from the others. It was enough to make him wonder why he even bothered setting foot into the so-called civilization of the city in the first place. The answer, of course, was that he'd needed fresh art supplies and that was one of the few things he simply could not get from the wilderness. Not by himself, at least. So there he stood, slowly scanning the bustling street for some avenue of escape, quite consternated by all the commotion. It was this sense of anxiousness which led Gristle's tail to sway back and forth, presenting a tempting target for the local boys.
While Gristle was thoroughly distracted — and indeed even his wolf-friend Grr was busy taking in the multitude of scents and sights which surrounded them — but the boys' approach did not go entirely unnoticed. There was still one set of eyes which watched them closely from his lofty perch. Nibbles... was not amused.
As the heavier-set of the pair came nearer, each step taken slowly as his hand reached out towards Gristle's tail, he suddenly got that feeling of being watched. Sure enough, as the boy's gaze lifted, he found that a small, grey rabbit sat comfortably atop the Romari's left shoulder, looking down on him with baleful eyes. Like a startled doe, the boy froze in place, his eyes going wide even as the rabbit's narrowed. He'd seen rabbits before — lots of them — but none had ever looked at him like that. There was a threat in those eyes and a promise of swift and painful retribution for any act taken against the tail in question. It was off limits to their grubby little hands.
"What're you waitin' for? Grab it!" The other boy gave a verbal prodding, irritated with his friend's delay.
"It's— it's staring at me!"
The skinnier boy gave a look at the other, as if to say that that was the stupidest thing he'd ever heard. Still, as he too looked upon the small ball of fur — the eyes in the back of Gristle's head — he nearly choked on the words he forced out of his mouth. "It's j-j-just a bunny..." His voice held none of even the limited confidence which his words had put forth. When the rabbit's lips curled back into a snarl both of the boys had had enough. Within moments they'd both vanished into the crowd, running for home and not slowing their pace until safely behind a locked door.
"What was that, Nibbles?" Gristle asked of his small companion, having heard the growling noise. The rabbit just shuffled around so that it was facing front and made itself comfortable, appearing quite content. Gristle's brow went up, but it wasn't like Nibbles could really answer him. Besides, he had another companion to worry about.
Grr, it seemed, had smelled something interesting and, with a rather loud bark, went tearing off through the crowd. He'd managed to avoid much attention up to that point, but as soon as the sound got some eyes focused on him, people suddenly started realizing that he wasn't a dog; there was a wolf in their midst!
"Grr! Wait up!" Gristle called out after his pet — though he himself didn't view the wolf that way — and quickly broke into a run after him. He wasn't really worried about Grr hurting anyone, but the people in cities were generally easily panicked and he certainly didn't want to see some overzealous city watchman thinking the canine a threat!
The chase didn't last all that long, really, for the scent Grr had sniffed was fairly near at hand. Unfortunately, it was also in a house. Whether it was fortune or misfortune that the door to said had just been opened was up for debate, but the maid was sure to vote on the latter. The poor girl tasked with keeping 17 Merchant's Row had clearly had a stressful day, it was a safe bet she that her frayed nerves didn't need a wolf rushing past her and into her employer's abode.
Gristle came hot on its heels, aided in his movement by the path which the wolf had cleared, yelling his companion's name. Of course, having a Romari charging at her yelling "Grr! GRR! Wait up!" was unlikely to do much to improve the maid's day. Still, he was at least polite as he hurried past the winged girl, the human man, their horses and finally the servant. "Pardon me, friends, I need to get my dog." He even smiled at them — for all the good that would do — as he ducked through the open doorway.
Only a few seconds ahead of Gristle's entrance, the wolf had burst into parlor and hesitated only briefly to search the room before trotting over to Raivont's pup. With a bark of greeting, Grr reared back on his hind legs only to bring his front paws stomping back to the floor in unison. His rear end sticking up in the air and his head low to the ground, his tongue lolled out one side of his mouth and his tail wagged furiously. Anyone who'd ever owned a dog knew exactly what this not-exactly-fierce wolf wanted. He wanted to play, and since there was a playmate handy, he was ready to get right into it.
Gristle slowed his pace as he entered the parlor and found it crowded with a peculiar assortment of people and animals. He was actually rather impressed, he didn't think the hairless types were wont to allow horses within their homes. "Grr! Don't be rude!" Gristle drew himself to a halt and place his large fists on his hips in a very parental manner as he scolded the wolf. "Introduce yourself first!" The wolfling gave a sigh of exasperation at his companion's lack of etiquette before shifting himself to a more casual stance.
Grr, for his part, actually seemed to get what the Dryad was talking about and moved forward to greet the pup as dogs are apt to do — by sniffing his butt. Whether the pup would appreciate this was anyone's guess, but Gristle followed suit. In intent, though thankfully not in action. "Hello there, cousin." He spoke, looking directly at the wolf cub. "And to the rest of you. Hope we didn't interrupt a celebration or something. I'm Grishtole, though most call me Gristle. That's Grr down there and this," He indicated the rabbit on his shoulder with a pointed finger, "Is Nibbles." The rabbit, for his part, seemed to scan the occupants of the room in such a manner as though evaluating them. Of course, that couldn't be the case.
"Wow," The Romari remarked cheerfully, "It certainly is much quieter in here than out on the street. So much noise out there!" And with that said, he seemed to look at the others, awaiting their own greetings. It was only common courtesy, after all. Anything less... would be uncivilized.
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Sevian
Novice
The proberbial "gray area"
Posts: 16
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Post by Sevian on Dec 18, 2006 11:29:00 GMT -5
Sevian wasn't quite sure what had happened between Eldarion asking him for his name and the wolf and his somewhat-human companion bursting in past the winged woman at the door. He'd been sitting on the lush carpet, enjoying himself quietly by the comforting glow of the fire and about to check his pack to make sure he had enough of everything, when all hell had broken loose. Of course, having never seen a Romari before, the man's arrival begged a very confused blink from the young deus.
Cut back to real time now. Nobody seemed to speak. They, like Sevian, were probably startled by the dramatic entrance. Swallowing nervously, he wondered if he should say something. If he was to get along in this world, he had to learn to be tolerant of other races... right? That sounded oddly like something his mother would say. He glanced around at the others. With the horses and the wolf and the bunny (especially the bunny, which Sevian could swear was staring at him), as well as the winged woman and the other man, the parlor, and the entrance hall had been getting quite crowded.
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Post by Trianna A'rymquil on Dec 18, 2006 11:35:28 GMT -5
Trianna A'rymquil had made the trek to Auregon the moment she'd heard of the news that this Merchant was hiring for some adventuring work. She cared little about the job - so long as it got her out of the city. And if being indepted to Grolick, that blasted dwarf, was the price she had to pay; then pay it, she would.
Trianna found a darkened alley to change her clothing. She really ever carried two; her rogue tunics and leggings, which were form-fitted and provacative to say the least, and looser, less revealing tunic (still black) and leggings, which housed more pockets than anything. She slipped out of her rogue-wear, and into her more formal attire. Meeting a client for the first time, she did not wish to come off like a tramp or thief. Tho' if this merchant was a good looking man, perhaps he would enjoy her company while she enjoyed his bed. This thought was fleeting, as she buttoned up the tunic and added her rogue-wear to her pak.
She walked along the streets of Auregon somewhat in wonder. If there were thieves-guilds at work here, she was hard press to find any evidence of it. Tho' Telain was more the hotbed of activity where that was concerned, she was sure. But in looking at the houses here, she may have thought wrong. Perhaps there was Ka to be made here.
She found the Merchant's house... and primped herself, tossing her obsedian black hair behind her ear and pressing the wrinkles from her tunic with a sure hand.
She was not alone.
A beautiful woman and two men stood upon the front porche. She had to put her game face on early it would see.
She purred, "Well then - two fashionable gorgeous men and cooingly handsome woman have come for the party it seems.... HOw disappointing that i could not have made it earlier," She flirted..
"Well met to all of you; I go by Trianna A'rymquil of Telain! Let us pray we are well paid for this bit of adventuring, yes?!"
She stayed close to the woman; women in packs were far more likely to survive over drooling men. She sniffed the woman - and was intoxicated by her sweet smell.. "Perhaps this could be the beginning of a good friendship...
"Now then.. is our host answering - or shall I pick his lock so that we can show ourselves in?!" She smiled playfully.
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Post by Eldarion Kildare on Dec 18, 2006 15:33:18 GMT -5
The maid blinked, jumped, and blinked again. She'd been about to answer Avati when a wolf and romari blew past her--really not helping the rough day she was having any, and then another woman came up and her manners were what a maid of any high class home like this one would find as a little--brazen...despite the fact that the maid was hardly one to talk with her short skirt and long, bare legs.
"R-right this way please," she said, trying to collect herself and adjusting her hair for what must have been the seventh time in less than half an hour. "The others are in the parlor and Messir Thistlefoot ought to be home from his errand shortly." She swallowed, wondering if she should hide the china and whether this Romari intended to be part of the adventuring party as well as she pushed open the door for the last of the guests to enter the now crowded parlor. It was not so crowded as to be uncomfortable--it was a large parlor. Auregon was a trading community and this lower level of the house was probably built with Centaur Traders in mind, though, one was likely to expect that perhaps it had never had so many and such a variety of people and animals within.
Eldarion blinked twice--first as a wolf and Romari blew into the room--he would have to keep a close eye on his belongings if the Romari was coming along, most likely, though he did TRY not to be overly judgemental without knowing the fellow; it was just that the romari had a certain reputation for finding things that weren't theirs...on the persons whom they belonged to. The second time was when another three people entered the parlor immediately afterwards.
He was accustomed to large and chaotic groups, being from the Valley of Moonhaven, but this particular group was a little more chaotic than he was used to. "Ah, Eldarion Kildare, Eldarion is quite sufficient," the zhoan managed to answer to the Romari's introduction. "And Yago," he said, patting his horse's shoulder. "Careful. He bites. Kicks too." It was a weak attempt at a joke to try to take some of the strain off of the now crowded room, though a strain it was indeed. "We are, ah, adventurers, I suppose, or soon to be...as soon as the master of the house arrives."
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