Re: Fantasy: Those Unruly Folk

by Phia Fri Jul 03, 2015 10:22 am

Tsura and Barnabas, upon leaving Elendress's Parlour, were met with the beginnings of the morning consumers rush. Many seemed unsettled and glanced to the East muttering about "the poor business in Tyril Avenue this morning".

"Perhaps someone's cold box spell has dissolved and are handing out free ice cream again?" Tsura commented hopefully before dashing off down the narrow streets in the direction Tyril Avenue.

by Popdart5 Fri Jul 03, 2015 12:41 pm

Tagar hunkered down next to the body, sniffing at the air to try and get something different than the smell of dried blood. There was nothing though. The blood had stained the stones and the air around it and it had been like that for a few hours at least. He reached out a paw to try and lever the body up and he spotted the horrific mess of the pickpocket’s throat. Ghastly business that but not the worst that he’d seen. Tagar remembered back to the spate of suicides about three years ago, with the crumpled bodies lying plain in the middle of the streets of Wind District. That was a sight he wouldn’t quickly forget.

He stood up and stretched, feeling his tail tap the cool stone under his feet. His spotted black and white fur was a little scruffier than he’d like but he just never seemed to have the time to get down to Regina’s barber shop like he used to. Hopefully after this was all over he’d make an exception. Tagar glanced back up the stairs where Marshal Kjel and the roadwarden, Garn, were busy asking a few questions of the ‘witnesses’. They weren’t the most reliable of people, all late night hooligans or early morning delinquents. There were three people: a Tengu with a heavy grey overcoat and several scratches on its beak, a balding old human man that was having trouble understanding the questions and kept holding a metal cone to his ear, and a young girl of about ten with large Elven ears poking out under a golden haystack of hair, mischievously grinning at everything. None of them were too willing to talk but Kjel and Garn were trying. Not much they would’ve seen either as they were some of the first people to have found the body. Not the first because, unlike most Shadows, these witnesses didn't have the sense to make themselves scarce at the first sign of trouble. The avenue was mostly abandoned by the time that the first few guards had arrived. All of the shops were shuttered and everything had been closed off.

Still, that didn’t seem to stop the growing crowd of onlookers gathering at the high end of the avenue. Fish and Quentin were there to try and scare them away but it didn’t seem to be working. Tagar’s feline eyesight spotted a rather oddly attired woman trying to climb onto a tall and solid looking man to get a better view. The young children tried to copy her and started climbing other people, causing a few angry shouts to ring out. Tagar sighed. This was going to be a long day.

* * * *

Down in the valley, where the Royal Highway spawned the smoothed over track that was the common road to The Height, there gathered a group of men and women numbering no more than twenty. Their leathers and mail were emblazoned with the emblem of a bear’s head, shown ready to bite. One of their company, a tall Elven man with part of his cheek resembling the gnarled surface of oak wood, rode ahead of them on his grizzled war bear. He glanced down the beaten and worn track leading to The Height and whistled sharply. One of the women, a Dwarven lady with brown hair laced with green streaks, stepped forward and handed him a small spyglass. The man held it to his eye and saw the confusing jumble of The Height arranged on the rocky outcrop in the distance. It was seven days march along the road to his reckoning, or longer if they skirted through the woodlands and ventured up into the hills.

“What do you see, Sir Daemar?” The oak-faced man turned to see a small gnome, no bigger than an unexceptional bar stool. The gnome wore a heavy fur cloak to ward off the chills that drifted off Morrie’s Mountains from time to time.

“I see The Height just as your employer described, Mister Pinjit. An ugly and wretched place.” Daemar passed the spyglass back to Robin and the Dwarven scout tucked it neatly back into her belt. “I don’t believe we’ll have much trouble rattling their cage.”

“That’s good to hear, Sir Daemar. The Height is a miserable place, sustained only by their greed and collective disgust of any sort of law. The moment that the good times end,” Pinjit picked up a small stone from the ground and held it before letting it slip and clatter back to the earth. “they’ll turn on each faster than dogs in a pit.”

Sir Daemar considered the diminutive man before turning his bear around to face his loyal men and women. “Sons and daughters of Torquad, let us do what we do best. We’ve been issued a contract and paid handsomely for it, so we shall fulfil it. Now, let us put the fear of the hungry and the hunted into them! Let us burn their farms and destroy their livelihoods! Let us pillage their traders and dare them to try and stop us! For we are the Bears of Boraldin! And we shall be known as dread itself!”

The Bears cheered on their leader as he ventured down the path towards The Height. Urufus Pinjit could not help but be enthused by their vitality as they marched. Miss Niantha had chosen well.

by Cowboy Fri Jul 03, 2015 4:59 pm

Garn was disappointed with the information gathered from the 'witnesses'. He wasn't at all surprised, but disappointed all the same. He contemplated using one or two of his bardic spells, but felt enchanting the witnesses would yield results equally as disappointing.

As the morning dragged on the crowds grew, something that had not escaped Garn's attention. It was now mid morning and people had begun climbing trees to get a better view and the more distasteful vendors, moved in on the opportunity to sell their wares. Garn grimaced and looked to Kjel, there was little more they could do here. No one was actually present at the time of the murder and there were no clues to follow, not even Tagar could detect a scent. Garn felt that such circumstances were extraordinary, the assailant would have been an exceptional killer, though the nature of the victim suggested it was an attempted theft with bloodied consequences.

Garn approached Kjel who had also just finished with the witnesses. "We need to move the corpse from the street, it's becoming a spectacle."

"Agreed." Kjel said with a nod. He turned to Fish and Quentin and issued the order to remove the body and followed them down the stairs where Tagar waited.

As they shuffled off Garn turned to the swelling crowd. His nostrils widened as his brow sunk before he let out an intimidating orcish roar that made most flinch. "It's time to go! Any who remain without reasonable cause will find themselves in the square stocks. Last i checked, we only had rocks to throw!"

The crowd immediately melted away. The threat of being stoned by their peers was enough for spectators to move on and continue their daily activities. Soon only locals and the stubborn remained, but Garn was satisfied with the impact he had. Kjel eventually returned, smirking at Garn's threat. Garn smiled back facetiously before excusing himself from the investigation.

"I'm sorry I couldn't help more Kjel." Garn offered earnestly.

"Think nothing of it, it was a Shadow District murder. Ill tie things up here though I would like you too look into something for me." Kjel pausing for the acceptance of the proposal yet to come.

Garn was once more overcome by a sense of duty. "Of course Marshal, what needs my attention?"

Kjel continued. "Those 'rumors' you've been hearing. They first came to our attention a month ago, and we though little of them. However, if what you say is true, the situation has grow to a point that warrants us looking into the matter. This is a lawless merchant settlement that has seceded from Crown rule. That comes with certain complications. We aren't guards were are marshals, we just keep the peace. I want to know If we should be preparing for a fight Garn, which is a whole new bag of complications as this town homes many factions and few call others 'friend'. I know your owed two more nights in town but your information indicates some urgency. Ill leave the particulars to you, I just need something more than rumors to go on Garn. Alliances and Treaties cannot be forged on the whims and whispers of lowmen."

Garn reluctantly nodded. "Well it is still morning, Ill go through the market in Quarry Square and resupply. Ill be on the road to Royal by midday."

Kjel smiled in admiration "Come by the tower before you go down to the square. Ill give you some coin to cover your expenses as well as your last patrol's pay. Thankyou Garn."

Garn accepted all they had discussed, shaking Kjel's hand with a smile. "I'll see you then, but you have to explain to Vergie why i'm going back on the road."

Kjel showed visible concern for the future conversation he was inevitably going to have. Garn smirked, knowing full well Kjel was going to need thick skin for the tongue lashing that was coming for him. However, there was no time to gloat. Garn had to go back to the Clouded Peak, then to The Tower and then by the Quarry Square to resupply so he could be on the road by midday. He contemplated a detour via the Gentlemen Giant, Goldhand's saloon, to inquire if he or Loch's contacts knew anything of Cornelius' death on Tyril Avenue. Garn sighed, how quickly his day had turned.

by Cowboy Sat Jul 04, 2015 5:34 pm

Garn took long strides at a hasty pace, he was now on a schedule. He had already gone by the Clouded Peak to break the news to Vergie. She wasn't pleased, though Garn had made the wise decision to inform her while he was in the public's eye among the patrons of her tavern hall.

"Why?" Vergie said through her teeth, deep in her frustration.

"Because, The Height may be in danger. We owe it to ourselves to at least look." Garn said looking over his shoulder as he finished, ensuring no one could here.

"Why can't Fish, or Quentin go? Why not Tagar, by the gods hes a talking cat. He'd fair just as well as you on the mountain road." Vergie's words were sharp and desperate. Garn could see she was a volatile mix of angry and sad. They moved into the kitchen, the argument slightly more vocal now that it wasn't surrounded by strangers.

Garn tried to reason with the anxious Virgie. "I'm the road warden Virgie, its my duty, my job. Not Fish or Quentin's, besides you no as well as I, they would be dead in days out their. Though you are right, Tagar would be a suitable substitute, but he isn't strictly an employee of Kjel. He's more of a consultant, or a skilled mercenary. So he has no obligations to The Height or the Marshal."

"And you do? What of your obligations to me you rock headed hiker? Why can't you just take the management position at the Gentlemen Giant and be here!" Virgie's last question was more of a demand than a request.

"Virgie, I'm going, I just came to tell you so you knew were I was" Garn turned and began to leave the kitchen.

Virgie grabbed fist fulls of tankards and wooden plates. She began throwing them in Garn's general direction as he left the room. "You can shove ya goodbye up ya arse! Trip and roll to the bottom of Morrie's you jerk!"

Garn left yelling through the hall. "Arh! Not before throwing you off the side first you bat eye crone!"

Garn stormed out, passing the stone carved arches onto the high road outside. A small part of him was angry but the rest knew she loved him. As Garn's temper melted, he nearly laughed at his own thought. If that's the reaction I got, I wonder what storm is looming over Kjel.

Garn had evacuated the Clouded Peak much faster than he thought he would. He had granted himself the time to warrant a meeting with Edrick Goldhand to discuss the murder on Tyril Avenue.

Garn decided make use of the elevators that made traversing the tiers of the mountain loft town far easier. The elevators were originally used by the numerous developers in The Height to move stone, wood and large tools between heights. With the construction in the hearth districts complete, the lifts were now used to fairy locals for a toll.

Garn stepped onto the heavy wooden platform, joining the other commuters. When the elevator had waited for a predetermined period of time, the director signaled the operators above and soon the cogs of the crane above began to rotate. The lift swung gently over the town before centering on a specified loading point in Quarry Square. Once aligned, Garn felt the subtle halt and procedural drop of the platform. The platform's decent was slow and careful, giving the passengers plenty of time to take in the view. However, for many of the locals this was the painfully long and mind numbingly boring part of their day challenged only by the equally tedious return trip. Though despite all their internal complaining, this was defiantly better than walking the town's step roads.

When the lift finally reached the Square, the passengers and Garn stepped off into arguably the most busiest part of town. Quarry Square was where it all started. The general stores, the apothecary, the market stalls, the Bearded Goat Hotel and the infamous Gentleman Giant Saloon. Here is were all the business was done, from a simple act of purchasing an apple to the signing of contracts, sealing lucrative deals. If your intention was to buy or sell in The Height, the Quarry Square was the place to be.

Garn set his eyes on the Gentleman Giant Saloon. A building that was undeniably the largest in the Square, with the exception of the Marshal's tower in regards to height. It was three stories of alcohol fueled gambling and 'consensual' adultery. The building itself was constructed from cut stone and Heavy woods reflecting a strong Dwarven architectural influence, as most structures in The Height did. Its boxed mass was ringed with all round decks were patrons would carouse and escorts would prowl. Garn made his way through the crowded Square past the town's monument. Garn stopped in front of the seedy establishment, his eyes paying momentarily settling on its iconic sign. It was a large wood carved hang sign depicting a formally dressed giant bowing to a man while tipping his top hat. Garn stepped up to the threshold and pushed past the wooden swing doors.

The Gentlemen Giant ground floor was equipped with three bars, a carvery and a gambling floor complete with six tables running various games. The hall had several huge stone mounted braziers that stood two men tall, warming the establishment and its unruly patrons. As it was the middle of the day, the hall was only partially full. It seemed there was always time for drinking and gambling, or at least that was the case in The Height.

Garn looked across the hall and soon spotted the floor master. She was a Hobgoblin, lean and stringy but defiantly all muscle. Her fur coat was neat and ended in sharp points on her jaw and at the tips of her ears, which along with her nose, were pierced with steel rings. Garn waved for her attention as he approached her.

by Phia Sun Jul 05, 2015 9:17 pm

Tsura sat upon Barnabas shoulders overviewing Tyril Avenue.

"Well it's not icecream..." Tsura commented sadly.

At the bottom of the narrow stair, twisted and lifeless was a corpse of a street urchin barefoot and barely clothed surround by serious seeming officials.

Suddenly the Orcish man stood, his nostrils widened as his brow sunk before he let out an intimidating orcish roar that made most flinch. "It's time to go! Any who remain without reasonable cause will find themselves in the square stocks. Last I checked, we only had rocks to throw!"

"No need for you to get hurt little one, there has been enough of that tonight."
Barnabas strood away, still in the direction of the Clouded Peak with less joviality. Breakfast will be a somber one.

by Comander.c Sun Jul 05, 2015 10:10 pm

Breakfast was Delicious. And Barnabas made no effort to hide it.

"By the hundredfold God's of the Sky's! I had thought the bacon alone was perfection, but combining it with these egg's and Shred's of tuber boiled in vegetable juices is Absolutely Amazing! Indeed i shall enjoy many centuries of testing a plethora of food combinations!" The brawny man set about washing down his breakfast with more of the acidic Trollgut Ale.

The Cloudy Peak was somewhat empty, many of its more frequent customers still not awake at the early hour. Instead however there was a gathering of Dwarf's in the upper balcony. Overlooking the common's of the Tavern the Balcony was reserved for the more connected frequenters of the Cloudy in, and could only be accessed by invitation of its owner.

Barnabas could not make out what they were discussing over the lavish breakfast banquet, but there was an atmosphere of animated agitation to the gathering.

"I wonder what has the Great family so flustered.." Commented Barnabas.

by Popdart5 Mon Jul 06, 2015 1:28 pm

The Gentleman Giant was not exactly the classiest of venues but Heightlanders had never cared that much about class before. The card tables were always filled with grimy con artists and tricksters while the upper levels were reserved for more intimate affairs. No questions asked of course. So far today though, the regulars and some new blood were hanging around for some quick coin. The most exciting event was when an Ogre, a big fat one with ginger hair by the name of Toto, almost crushed one of the Halflings when he accused her of cheating. To her credit, Erina managed to prise his meaty fingers off her throat enough to call for help. After a little applied sorcery and a slightly electrified Ogre and Halfling later, things had calmed down.

Varla kept an eye on everything for the morning, ensuring that no one got out of line. To say she enjoyed her job was a mixture of truth and deceit. Zapping people every now and then was fun and all but Varla hated some of the absolutely stupid things that she had to do. Goldhand was the richest Dwarf in town but that didn’t mean he was a good boss. Far from it. She had never quite forgiven him for that naked Elf she’d had to hide for him when his missus had swung by.

Varla was busy chewing on her third leaf of tobacco when she noticed the half-Orc walking towards her. He was tall and pretty muscular but she wasn’t noticing his looks so much as his eyes. She could see the determination burning inside him and knew he wanted to speak to someone important. Great, she groaned internally, just what I need this morning.

“Good morning Mister. How can I help you?” Varla said in her well-rehearsed lines. Gods she hated it so much.

Apparently the half-Orc wanted to speak to Ol’ Goldhand himself. That made things at least a little simpler for her day.

“I’m sorry Mister… Garn, was it? Yeah, Master Goldhand has his day entirely booked out with appointments. You could arrange to meet him tomorrow if you wanted? No guarantees though, Master Goldhand is a very, very busy man and has dropped meetings before like shit in a toilet. So,” Varla smirked at the half-Orc before spitting some of the tobacco juice into the spittoon at the nearest table, “shall I book you in?”

* * * *

The upper balcony area of the Clouded Peak Inn was awash with mead, ale, vodka. Heck, alcohol was flowing strongly as only Dwarves can handle. Thagan was enjoying himself immensely, gorging himself on the meats that were being brought out. They were tearing through the stores of the Inn and with good reason, for Dwarven gold is the most valuable of them all. For them to shill out as much as they had, they must have had a very good reason to dine here rather than at one of the other establishments.

After a while, the Dwarves had finally sated their breakfast hunger and had calmed down to a mostly quiet level of drunkenness. Thagan rose to his feet shakily and waved the inn owner out of the balcony. This would be a private discussion. He watched the lass go and saw that her eyes were still red from whatever had distressed her earlier downstairs. Oh well, it wasn’t his concern. He nodded at one of his brothers, a pale beardless Dwarf by the name of Cax, who began chalking out a circle around the family’s table. A few quiet words, a little glowing light, and the family was surrounded by a sound dampening field. Now no one outside could make out the truth of their words.

“Brothers, sisters, parents, sons, and daughters,” Thagan announced, loud enough to command the attention of his family but not enough to arose the interests of those downstairs. “Now that we’ve had our fill, let’s get down to business. I bring word of an opportunity for everyone here today. I want to tell you the tale of gold.”

“What are you on about now you cracked up builder?”

“Now, now Uncle Harald, I’m getting to that.” Thagan smiled warmly towards his senile elder but he did not appreciate the interruption. “Building is what I do, yes, but I want to make us all richer than any of us could ever dream.”

“I can dream pretty darn rich Thagy so this better be good.”

“Oh it is good, little Joni. As a builder, I deal with rocks all the time. Foundations, stones, cement, the usual stuff. So I hired a geomancer and guess what? Turns out this entire crappy town is sitting on gold. Tonnes of it even. And it extends up higher into the mountains as well. The stone blocks of the quarry down south don’t delve deep enough to get to the good stuff so no one knows about it so far. Except for us that is.”

Thagan wickedly grinned at the looks of astonishment that were beginning to blossom on the faces of his close relatives. He hadn’t mentioned it to anyone yet, not even Eidrick Goldhand himself. He could pull this out right under the idiot’s nose without him even realising before it was too late. The Loch family descended into a series of intense discussions, much of it revolving around how they were going to extract all of this gold. Thagan wagged his finger at his detractors and told them that he had it covered. Soon the rivers of gold would flow from Morrie’s Mountains straight into their coffers. Literally.

by Cowboy Mon Jul 06, 2015 2:53 pm

Garn rolled his eyes. Goldhand changed floor managers as often as he changed his clothes. Goldhand had been wanting Garn to become his personal hand for years now, offering new deals and never missing an opportunity to take advantage and tempt Garn into his employ. Varla at least seemed more competent than the others, though that didn't change the fact that Garn was in a hurry. It was obvious Varla had was, despite her affinity for the position, still learning the subtleties of her job.

"No, i'm afraid i am leaving town for a few days on patrol. Could you just inform Goldhand, the Road Warden Garn wanted to speak with him?" Garn didn't want to waste any more time surrounded by the depravity of the Gentle Giant.

Garn step out into the open air of The Height. His Gaze settling on the Marshal Tower. The Tower was defiantly among the tallest buildings of The Height and was also one of the more recent additions. The structure itself was fortifible built from reinforced stone, heavy wood and iron. Protruding from this dominating rise were several machicoulis, making the Marshal Tower the one of two defense structures of the town, the other being the mountain road Gate House.

Garn arrived at the Tower and received little more than passing nods from the stationed deputies and other Marshals. Garn moved through the wooden siege doors into the huge entrance hall and proceeded to the stone spiraling stairs that coiled around the interior of the Towers frame. from each landing as he climbed were round rooms housing Deputy and Marshal sleeping quarters, record rooms and armories. Finally Garn stepped into Kjel's strategy room. The room was decorated with large heavy wooden tables and book shelves well lit with oil lamps and natural light streaming in from the nearly disguised arrow loops.

Kjel was hunched over his desk writing the reports regarding today's investigation. As Garn entered politely, Kjel dropped his ink pen, eagerly stepping away from his desk. "Ha Garn, how'd Virgie take the news?"

Garn smirked as he responded, "You should probably keep a shield handy, shes less than pleased."

Kjel sympathized, "I'm sorry to hear that, but you'll be back before we know it. It is still entirely likely that these rumors are the novel notion we originally thought."

Garn nodded as he moved over to an arrow loop and peered out to the Stone Square below. "I had time to stop by the Gentleman Giant on my way here."

"Oh? To talk to Goldhand?" Kjel seeing the logic in Garn's actions.

"Yes, I wanted to see if he or anyone under his employ knew anything of the Tyril Avenue murder. Unfortunately I didn't get further than his new floor director, a Hobgoblin, Varla. A little rough around the edges, but well suited to the position."

Kjel was surprised, "Huh, you've never had trouble securing a meeting with him before. The Dwarf seems to bend over backwards for you in a constant endeavor to gain your permanent services."

"Yes well someone clearly neglected to inform Varla. It was a chance opportunity anyway, I'm not overly concerned with the brush off. Besides, Edrick is a shrewd and shady businessman, one I don't like dealing with unless I have to."

As Garn spoke of his detour by the Gentlemen Giant, Kjel moved to his desk and pulled a pouch of coins from a draw before closing it. As Garn finished his recount, Kjel slid the bag across the table to Garn. Kjel acknowledged the last of Garns story before changing the topic. "You pay is there for the last patrol, with a few extra gold pieces to cover the supplies of your coming trip."

Garn moved to the table and picked up the bag, carelessly weighing the contents as he did. "Well, I should go to the markets and get sorted. Ill see you in a few days."

Kjel shook Garn's hand in response, "Ill see you then friend, travel safely."

*******Sometime later**********

Garn was navigating the market stalls to and eventually found the merchant he was looking for. Irmiris was sitting on a stool made from a simple tree trunk. Around the fair hair elf were well crafted bows, crossbows, arrows, bows and other archery equipment. Garn approached Irmiris with a guilty smile and she immediately noticed the reason why. "Garn, where is your crossbow?"

Garn responded, his voice communicating the guilt on his face. "I had a encounter with some highwaymen and long story short, it was re-purposed as firewood."

Irmiris was less than impressed, but quickly saw the opportunity to earn some coin. "So you'll be needing a new one then?"

Garn agreed with a nod as he began inspecting her wears. Irmiris stood up placing the unstrung bow she had been polishing on her work bench. She stepped over to Garn and confiscated the crossbow he had taken to appraising, handing him another more appropriate for his size and strength. "This is better suited to you. I suppose you'll be needing bolts, a hip quiver and a leather shoulder strap?"

Garn was already sizing up the crossbow he was handed, getting a feel for the deadly instrument. He glanced over at Irmiris giving a nod before aiming at a invisible target. Irmiris retrieved all the necessary equipment and placed it on her makeshift counter beside Garn. "Right, that all comes to 35 gold pieces."

Garn placed the Crossbow with the other items glowing with content. "It's a fine weapon Irmiris"

"Yes well try not to break this one, despite what you might think these things take time and expert skill to create."

Garn nodded with respect for Irmiris' dedication to her craft, placing the expected coin on the bench for Irmiris to count. As she did, Garn began to equip himself with his new equipment. When both were pleased with the completion of the transaction Garn exchanged pleasantries before Garn moved on to purchase rations and other supplies.

When Garn was done in the Stone Square Markets, he moved to the mountain road path and began his patrol. It was not long before Garn had reached The Heights Gate house which was constructed on the narrow cliff side path acting as a bottle neck. There were two deputies stationed on the Gate, which was a stone carved structure standing three stories high barring the passageway with a huge wooden portcullis gate. The Gate was currently open, and one of the Deputies was sitting on a chair by the threshold. He looked up and nodded at Garn as he passed, for he was familiar and regular face to the Gate watchers. Garn was on the road and it was midday, if nothing else Garn was a man of his word.

by Phia Mon Jul 06, 2015 10:21 pm

"I wonder what has the Great family so flustered.." Commented Barnabas.

Tsura glanced up a gathering of Dwarves in the upper balcony, waves of agitation and excitement flowed through her making her sway.

"Not just flustered, positively thrilled!" Tsura gushed.

Tsura moved to a table underneath the balcony edge to get a high buzz, Barnabas settled in front of her frowning slightly. Not that Tsura was noticing, she was busy feeling amazing! It was as if the Dwarves were experiencing a holy ceremony, the joy and reverence was thick in the air.

by Comander.c Mon Jul 06, 2015 10:41 pm

Barnabas followed Tsura to the new table, and ordered up another round of assorted drinks.

As he took a seat under the balcony, The Dwarves suddenly started to hush, and he could hear Thagans voice rise above the rest. He was not being particularly loud, but Barnabas could hear them well enough so close.

As he lookd around, there were few people in the bar. Still, it seemed strange that none of them noticed the row of Thagans speech.

"Ohh no.. Poor old Goldhand will be so upset, he loves Gold! It is his favorite substance." Barnabas whispered to Tsura. "Strange that they would be so public about this.." He pondered quietly.

by Phia Mon Jul 06, 2015 10:44 pm

"I would like to see this river of gold, my friends would reveal in the tale..." Tsura sighed deeply, zoning in and out.

by Popdart5 Tue Jul 07, 2015 2:19 pm

The midday sun shone overhead, casting The Height’s long shadow on the hills leading up towards the peaks of Morrie’s Mountains. It was a fine day. Many people were threaded throughout the streets and alleys, enjoying the sights, smells, and sounds of this chaotic town. Pork skewers were sold from carts while acrobats balanced and played on the wires and ropes strung between the tightly pack buildings. Some of the rascal children took to throwing stones and rotten vegetables at some of the balancing acts and they cackled gleefully when they managed to knock one off balance. The children were shooed away quickly by one of the more responsible adults before the acrobat could vent his fury at them.

It was a fine day indeed.

* * * *

Goron sat on his heavy chair and watched as visitors streamed into The Height. He stretched his arms and yawned as the warm sun hit his face. Only a few more hours until his watch was over and then he could return to the loving comfort of his family. His shell itched a little and he readjusted his seat as he leaned against the stone of the gate.

“Rain’s a coming,” he heard cry out from above him.

Goron ignored it. Karb believed that he was some sort of weather diviner and had taken to predicting which way the seasons would turn. He was almost uniformly wrong. Goron nodded as he saw the road warden pass, happy to see such a good man keeping the wilds safe for future travellers. Garn was a good man. Goron bounced the thought around for a while before trailing off, the sunlight gently warming his rough and leathery skin.

He awoke as water splashed his face and almost toppled out of his chair. A few of the travellers passing through chuckled as Karb stood there, a guilty bucket in one hand and a lopsided grin on his crooked face. Karb poked his tongue out at him.

“I told you the rain’s a coming,” Karb mocked him. Goron just groaned and began to shake himself dry. His shell was going to be wet for the next few hours.

“Very funny Karb. You caught me,” Goron held up his hands in mock surrender and he could see Karb still wore his shit-eating grin.

“Sleeping on the job, Gory?” Karb wagged his finger and tut-tutted down at the sitting tortoise. “That’s a naughty no-no.”

Goron rolled his eyes at the human that was trying to chastise him. Karb would keep up at this for the rest of the day so Goron just leaned back and let it happen. Karb’s crap would run out eventually.

* * * *

Several different flocks of birds had taken up residence in the lofts and buildings of The Height. There were all sorts: ravens, sparrows, pigeons, ibises, hawks, and more. Some of them had even been trained by the Heightlanders to send messages far afield, although more often than not the birds were just as unreliable and delinquent as all other residents of this town.

A single bird flew through the air, coming upon the city from the east. It was a dove, almost perfectly clean and pristine compared to the mottled and smeared feathers that adorned the other birds. The white dove descended down on the air currents as it reached The Height, returning with news and tidings attached to its leg with string. It made its way towards an Edge Holding, a building that teetered close to the sheer cliffs that descended down to the coiling road that led to The Height. The building was essentially like any other Height Holding, cramped in amongst the rest and made of the simple sandstone and timbers like the other dwellings. It was tiny box that housed people, just like all the rest.

The dove flew down to this simple place and perched on one of the window sills on the second storey. A gentle hand reached out and offered a place for the dove which it gladly accepted. A young woman, a fair and gentle human maiden of no more than twenty, stroked the clean feathers of the dove and cooed softly to it. Her hair was a pale blonde and only just touched her shoulders as she sat back down on her chair by the window. She carefully took the scroll from the dove’s leg and rested it on the table as she broke the wax seal on the letter. The wax seal was brown and cast in the shape of a ship crashing through the waves. The woman unfurled the letter and began to read. Whatever she saw made her sit up in excitement and she licked her lips in anticipation. Exciting times ahead, she thought to herself.

by Comander.c Wed Jul 08, 2015 9:27 pm

Barnabas' attention was dragged to mind of Goldhand, up until yesterday his only real Friend. "I should take you to meet him!" he said with realization.

"Whilst rivers of Gold may be a bit much, he does often have the Mint running fountains of the brilliant molten metal. I expect he may be out on business this time of day, but i could introduce you to his Family. Lady Amilia Goldhand is an impressive authority to behold, but generous to those she likes." Barnabas said "And his young Daughter Bonnie is simply Adorable!" A fond twinkle was in the old Mans Eye. Eidrick had been kind enough to introduce Barnabas to his Family, and so the lonesome Golem had come to think of them as an Adoptive Sister and Niece in their own right.

"Wont you come with me to their Halls?" The idea of his impromptu family growing further greatly exited Barnabas.

by Phia Wed Jul 08, 2015 10:44 pm

"Gladly," Tsura replied stretching "I could use the walk."
The Height always seemed to be changing and getting lost was an amusing pastime. So unlike the dwellings of her kind, which she had not walked among for many seasons, perhaps it was becoming time to return... But for now she was enjoying Barnabas company and took delight in his new culinary discoveries.

"Perhaps we should luncheon with them? Dwarves can do amazing things with meat. And potatoes! They have made some of the most creative potato dishes this side of the great waters!" Tsura exclaimed as she skipped along beside Barnabas.

But perhaps we should do something else other than just eat... I may become fat if we continue like this.

by Popdart5 Fri Jul 10, 2015 10:56 pm

The Height was filled to bursting with character and personality. People from all over the world had journeyed to the chaotic town and started whole new lives in this place. For a town that was barely two centuries old, that was quite an accomplishment in the eyes of most people.

But of course, some people began to worry. Grupo was one of them. He sat on the family rug of his home as one of his grandchildren, a spry and green little hatchling called Wekel, tried to climb over him before his daughter-in-law prised the exuberant child off him. Grupo glanced around at his family home and he smiled as he saw his family enjoying in their life here. It was fortunate that his father had managed to get one of the larger houses in The Height otherwise this family wouldn’t have been possible. A brood of ten hatchlings would not have worked in the cramped and tiny homes that were being built in the Edge Holdings.

Grupo sighed and slowly climbed to his feet as he began to totter past Yig and Fig. The twins were playing a game of keep-away with an old doll and Fig was currently winning the contest as they raced up and down the stairs. He sincerely hoped none of his grandchildren developed fire breathing or else the games would cease quickly.

The front door of his home was a lovely simple elm wood carving, emblematic of the old and original style of The Height. Grupo did not begrudge what had become of the town as he always knew that the laxity and freedom was a major charm of living here. Still, he worried for his grandchildren. He stepped out onto the front step of his home in the Grand Terrace and breathed in the air. It smelt of salt and spices drifting up from the vendors in Quarry Square. Grupo called out to his daughter- in-law that he was going for a stroll and firmly shut the front door. It wouldn’t do to let the children run amok on the streets just yet. They were much too young for that. Grupo smiled at his good fortune to have such wonderful offspring and began carefully walking down the cobblestone towards the Quarry Square.

* * * *

“Oi, Zipo!”

Zippo rolled his eyes as he saw the small frame of his girlfriend fly towards him. Her shocking pink hair contrasted superbly with the forest green blouse and chestnut skirt. Unfortunately it also served to highlight the bright red complexion on her face and the coiling smoke coming out of her ears.

“What is it hun? Can’t you see I’m at work?”

“Oh no, you do not hun me this time buster. What do you have to say for yourself?”

“What are you talking about Jem? Listen, I can’t be caught slacking off again. The boss will have my wings. I’ll talk to you at home. ” As he turned to try and get back to the lifts, he felt a strong hand grasp his leg and pull him back. Jem had latched on to the leg of his trousers and was pulling him back down to the top of the building. Her eyes glittered as tears began to well up in them.

“I know about Rara, Zipo.” Zipo stopped struggling as he settled back down on top of the rug merchant's shop on Upper Honson Street. It was having a closing down sale. Again. “How could you do it to me Zipo?” Jem sobbed as she grabbed at the front of his vest. “I thought you said you loved me.”

“Nah babe, you’ve got it all wrong. There’s nothing between me and Rara. Honest.” It was a lie, pure and simple. Still, Zipo hoped it would be enough to calm her down. Unfortunately…

The slap caught him off guard and left him with a bright red hand imprint on his cheek. Zipo caught her arm and felt the tears splash his hand as he restrained her from further violence. That didn’t stop her foot connecting with his groin and he collapsed to the ground as he cried out in pain. Looked like he’d be shooting fairy dust with Rara tonight.

“Stupid, pig-headed, son of a bitch!” Jem screamed as she laid another foot into his gut. “I hope Rara knows how much a scumbag you are! Because I’m done with you.”

Jem flapped her wings as she took off over The Height skyline, leaving Zipo groaning from the impact of her boot. Fairy love was magical.

by Phia Tue Jul 14, 2015 10:59 am

Humans are such frivolous creatures, flittering from one burst of emotion to the next, barely leaving anytime for others to savour the experience. But Barnabas emotions were deep, all most elemental and solid. When a creature so old finds something new to discover it is a vary thing indeed, but to be able to connect to his newly growing deep excitement made this steady long lasting buzz rich as a fine elvish wine!

Having the buzz forcibly grounded out of her was a nauseating experience but as long as Tsura didn't touch him when attached to the buzz of others she fared well. When connected to his buzz she could touch him with no harsh consequences.

This made her curious... And as they wandered through the Height she began casting minor spells upon Barnaba's being.

"Put right" Tsura muttered in Celtic with a flick of her wrist.

As the spell settled over Barnaba's clothes, the natural fibres smoothed themselves out and neatly rearranged themselves to how Tsura had first arranged them, removing wrinkles and releasing dirt stuck within their weave. But strangely the spell did not affect his little dreadlocks which had escaped their hair ring and were now framing his face.

Tsura frowned and considered a more direct approach.

"Glow bright from within." She demanded again in Celtic as she reached out power humming in her finger tips to grasp Barnaba's bare arm.

For a long moment nothing happened as her magic seems confused before dissipating into nothing, grounded off once again. Tsura sighed deeply. Would this become problematic?

by Comander.c Wed Jul 15, 2015 12:42 am

As Barnabas lead Tsura to the house of Goldhand, he felt a strange sensation as his close seemed to shift all at once. Curious, he listened to Tsura's mumbling, the dialect unfamiliar but his mind still translating the words meaning.

"Glow bright from within." She demanded, and as Tsura reached out to Touch Barnabas' arm he wondered what she might be doing, the idea that she was trying some kind of magic occurring suddenly. But alas, his hopes were dashed as nothing seemed to happen. People were strange, he thought to himself, not for the first time.

"Ahh! Here we are young Lady Tsura."

They had come to large stone house in the center of an open market square. Two stories tall, the house was still broad and squat looking, shaped like a large short and prismatic cylinder, with windows lining the perimeter of the upper stories. There was a large door, easily tall enough for Barnabas but also twice as wide. The doorway was held by two large pillars, made of the same solid stone as the rest of the building, seemingly all of it crafted from a single stone, the only sign that it was not hewed from the mountain being the light colour of the rock.

Barnabas walked up to the front door, his meaty fist knocking loudly three times. He stepped back, smiling broadly at Tsura as he waited for someone to answer. "These are my friends, closest thing i have to a Family. They are used to being greeted Respectfully. I do hope you all get along" His smile was one of imminent anticipation.

After a moment, the doors swing outwards, and the squat curvaceous figure of Amilia Goldhand stood in the door, Hands on hips with a look of perfect confidence writ upon her face. "Well, Well, Well, If it isn't Mr Barnabas." Her face lit up, her wide grin accentuated by the impeccably platted beard as she reached out to embrace the Larger man. "How have you been Deary!"

Barnabas returned the hug, briefly lifting up the smaller Dwarf, whilst taking care not to crush her accidentally. "Lady Goldhand, Always a pleasure. I've Been Fantastic, I Must introduce you to my new companion, The Lady Tsura!" Barnabas gestured broadly presenting the brightly colored figure beside him. "She has been showing me the wonders of the Culinary arts! It so turns out i can eat and Even taste food! Such an adventure!"

by Comander.c Wed Jul 15, 2015 11:11 pm

"It is an Experience to meet you, Lady Goldhand." Tsura said with a flourish and a bow.

Amilia raised an eyebrow at the word Experience, but wrote it off as a cultural thing. "And a pleasure m'Dear i'm sure, Now Come on you two, join me inside for a nice warm Ale." The dwarf gestured for them to follow as she turned and wandered inside. With his bright smile still shining, Barnabas strode after her, with Tsura following shortly after.

When they entered inside they were confronted by a small foyer leading into a long hall leading slightly downwards into the mountain, with doors placed at regular intervals. Off to the right they walked past a group of Dwarves casually wearing armor and playing cards. There was a pile of silver and copper in the center of the table they were betting over, and large bore rifles with axehead bayonets were sitting variably up against chairs or leaning against the wall. "Hey! What'd i tell you lunks! We have racks on the Wall for a reason, so Bloody well use em!" Lady Amilia growled at the group of Dwarves, before smiling politely to the group and continuing on.

The Dwarves were swift to mount their weapons right and propper, one of them running over to courteously close the front door for Tsura.

"Take a seat me' Dearies. Old Goldhand is out on business, but will be back before long. In the meantime make yerselves at home. I'm Off to see to where the young'ins hiding. She would throw a right tantrum if i neglected to mention you dropping by Mr Barnabas." With nothing more Lady Goldhand passed thru another door and was gone, leaving the two sitting around a large stone table in an ostentatious looking lounge room.

Before long, one of the Dwarfs from the entry entered with a Barrel of warmed Ale and some Goblets, setting it up silently before returning to his game of cards in the entry.

"Such wonderful houses, dwarves have, wouldn't you say?" Barnabas said conversationally to Tsura.

by Phia Wed Jul 15, 2015 11:31 pm

"It is well fortified and decorated, I would not wish to fight my way out of here. So I may as well have fun and loss some coin to create good will" Tsura glazed around the Goldhand house critically.

Juggling a purse She approached the group of Dwarves casually playing cards slowly and lithely.

"Greetings boys, can I play?" Slipping back into the common Tsura asked politely.

by Popdart5 Thu Jul 16, 2015 12:50 pm

The colourfully dressed gypsy woman puzzled the Dwarves sitting at the table. Danar glanced at Podo whom looked at Mendel whom nudged Gart. Gart pulled a chair away from the table for the woman and he began to deal her a hand. Podo cleared his throat loudly and asked the woman if she knew how to play Sets. The woman nodded and eagerly took up her hand as she dropped a small purse on the table, clinking slightly as the coins rattled against each other. Mendel’s eyebrows played in that quirky rise and fall that he was fond of while Danar took a long drink of his mug. They all shared a look while the gypsy considered her cards and Danar smirked at them. This will be an easy woman to fleece, he thought to himself.

The woman’s partner, the tall and dirty-faced man whom Amilia was fond of, gently sat down at the table as he waited for little Miss Bonnie. Amilia called out through the house as she went to find her daughter. The little rosy-cheeked cherub of no more than nine winters bounded down the hall towards her mother and was scooped up and nuzzled against her face. Amilia whispered quietly to Bonnie and whatever she said caused the little girl to squeal in delight.

“Barney! Barney!” Bonnie laughed as she latched onto the dirty man’s leg. The man picked her up and sat her on his knee as she bounced with joy. Amilia looked on and smiled as her daughter began to talk about her adventures with her stuffed animal, Udyr the Bear. Barnabas nodded thoughtfully and laughed as Bonnie began telling the tale of how they saved the prince from his tower of blocks.

The Dwarves and the gypsy woman, Tsura, continued their game of Sets while Barnabas and Bonnie caught up. Sets is a relatively simple game but is complex at the same time. It is all about the bluff. Each player has a hand of seven cards and they make the best pairings and groups of cards they can, whether it be numbers or different suits of cards. Numbers won over suits if there were more cards and the higher the number, the stronger the card. Five or more of the same suit was generally a winning hand, regardless of the numbers on the cards. Gart was renowned amongst these Dwarves for being full of troll dung and could not be trusted as far as you could kick him. Danar twirled his chestnut beard in his finger as he considered his hand. It was a decent hand of two queens and three diamonds. The declaration started with the newcomer and Tsura proclaimed she had three sevens. To her right sat Gart whom said he had four clubs. The table continued as Podo stated he had four tens. Mendel booed loudly and threw his cards in, accepting defeat. Danar finished twirling his beard and calmly said he had five diamonds. The woman stared at him and dropped several more coppers into the pile. She called his bluff. Podo scoffed loudly and threw his own coins in. Gart also threw in a few coins, grinning eagerly with that stupid face of his. Danar also ventured in, knowing that he could still win if everyone else was exaggerating their own hands.

The cards were flipped over and Tsura did indeed have three sevens. Danar internally swore as he dropped his useless hand on the table. Gart and Podo were also taken aback, their own hands completely lacklustre compared to the gypsy’s luck. She grinned as she scooped up the coins before dropping some back in the centre. The deck was shuffled and the game continued.

The front door opened quietly as a stout Dwarf with dark blond hair stepped through. Amilia turned to see the man and stepped forward to embrace her husband. Eidrick hugged her warmly before taking off his boots on the welcome mat and closing the door. He turned to see all of the people that were in his house and smiled at little Bonnie perched on Barnabas’ knee. The woman playing cards with his security was someone he didn’t know but Amilia introduced her as Tsura, a friend of Barnabas. Eidrick smiled and welcomed her to his home with a firm handshake.

“So Barnabas,” Eidrick said in his smooth tone of voice he used for friends and family, “I’m afraid I can’t stay for long, I’m as busy as a fly in a manure pile. What brings you and your friend to my home?”

* * * *

A tall, lanky man with thinning black hair balanced a blade on the back of his left hand while he considered the instructions he had received. Old man Goldhand had come to deliver it himself and kept himself concealed in a thick, wolf fur coat. Bregor grinned as he read and then reread the instructions, thinking back to what Goldhand had said.

“There’s a lot of money in this for you, Bregor,” the Dwarf had said. “Find this woman any way you can. The murder in Shadow District is much too convenient. The Matron is involved, I’m sure of it.”

Bregor crumpled up the paper and threw it into the fireplace next to the table. The boys and I are going to be busy, he thought to himself. Never hunted a Soul Eater before.

by Comander.c Tue Sep 01, 2015 12:03 am

"Two reasons old Freind, The first of which was to meet my new companion, The lady Tsura! I have few friends in this town, and it would matter dearly to me for you to all know each-other and be friends in turn." Barnabas indicated the smallish human, who seemed tall but slight compared to the dwarfs.

Noticing that Tsura was in the middle of a hand, Barnabas chose now to broke the other subject. "The other thing..." He said quietly beneath his beard "..Is that There was a rather conspicuous gathering at the Cloudy peak. I mention it only as you were not there as i had expected of you, Given the gathering was of a group of Dwarfs! They were rather animated, Speaking of Gold Beneath the mountain! I found it strange, since they were making some effort to keep quiet, but the patrons under the balcony should have been able to hear the clearly, However no one not up there seemed to notice. Except myself, Who found the whole situation rather odd. You usually taking precautions to keep such matters private lest greedy ner'do'wells get ideas."

Barnabas pulled back form the old Dwarf as the round of the game seemed to finish up, And lady Tsura rose to greet the Master of the House.

by Phia Thu Jan 28, 2016 4:30 pm

Tsura smiled mournfully at Danar, Podo, Mendel and Gart.

"It seems I have been bested boys." Rising to shake the stiffness out of her skirts and bell adorne arms, "No worries, may we share good coin and good times again!"

With a twirl and a wave Tsura made her way back to Barnabas side whom was now conversing with what appeared to be the master of house.

Dwarves were very much creatures of stone and this Master was no different in presence, stout in stature and firm of frame everything about Eidrick the Master dwarf from his smooth tone of voice to his stance gave the impression of a mountain's dignified nature.

"Master Eidrick," Tsura greeted with a flourish and a bow. "You have a warm home, well fortified and weapons worthy of your ancestors legends. This will be remembered as one of my favourite experiences."

Eidrick rose from the large stone table with a booming laugh "What a greeting! I had forgotten how ridiculous the fair folk could be." Voice thick with northern accent Eidrick glanced around the ostentatious looking lounge room "We have done well for ourselves haven't we? Me wife tell me your are friend of our Barnabas, sit and tell me how came to be within my halls this evening, I keen you've not been here before."

Eidrick raised a goblet from the barrel of warmed Ale and passed it to Tsura before pointing her towards a chair.

"I am Tsura, wandering gypsy and culinarily guide of our mutual friend Barnabas. You are correct Master, I have not found myself among Dwarves since the battle of sleepy hollow."

"Aye, a dark time indeed. Which regiment did you fight with?"

"I probably healed half of the Iron Hills keep at one stage or another, Dáin II Ironfoot was a good leader and friend. Forgive us Barnanas for talking of the times before men."

by Comander.c Sat Jan 30, 2016 7:14 pm

Barnabas stroked his beard as he spoke "Please my dear, do not fear to ever stop on my regard! I do love a good story, and other more boring matters can be readdressed after."

Eidrick let out a muffled cough "But perhaps the lady is right, in that we best settle why you are hear, err, so we can um, facilitate a proper environment for good storytelling, of course." The dwarf clicked his fingers, and all the other dwarfs, those not of his family, took heed. "Prepare a mixed feast, all the old clan meals, and a selection of ales!! We will show you the truth you have yet missed of Dwarfish Hospitality!"

The other bearded folk went on to have the house staff make preparations, and Eidrick leaned in conspiratorially "So tell me, My Good Friend, Who was it you heard, and what exactly did they say?..."

Barnabas went on to answer the Dwarfs many questions about the conspicuous gathering, until Eidrick smoothly and suddenly changed the subject to one Barnabus and Tsura's adventures.

The group talked on for many hours, The dwarfs house staff eventually setting up a modest feast for the group, wherein Barnabas was able to taste a variety of Dwarfish delicacies. The children had much fun showing Barnabas their favored foods, and the old Dwarf looked on, his expression one of curiosity at Barabas' new experience, subtly laid over eyes of deeper ponderance.

by Popdart5 Sun Jan 31, 2016 9:54 pm

As the day wore on, the Goldhand home was a buzz of activity. Eidrick's other pressing concerns became moot when he heard Barnabas' words about the meeting. Who were these dwarves? he thought to himself. While his face masked his thoughts, his mind buzzed about the possibilities. As he laughed with mirth at little Bonita showing off the face that she had made with her food, he began to formulate a plan.

"Well that was a fine feast, if I do say so myself," Eidrick boasted to the raucous agreement of the other dwarves. He let the table thumping and mug clanking die down a little before continuing. "I'm afraid though that this is where I must leave. It was a pleasure to meet you Tsura," he nodded at the fey woman, "and a great time to see you again Barnabas. My house is open to you whenever you please so visit again soon for another feast. I must attend to some business but feel free to stay. Amilia will look after you." He winked at his wife and turned to leave the dining hall. His boots and coat still lay by the door and he quickly donned them before ducking out into the street. The shadows had grown long and the afternoon air was quite cool with the wind whistling between the buildings.

Time to deal with some upstarts, Eidrick thought.

by Phia Thu Feb 04, 2016 4:32 pm

Scones burned low as Amilia directed the servants to clear the table. With Eidrick's departure long past, the Goldhand home settled restfully into night.

"Barnabas?"

"Yes, Little one?"

"When was the last time you left the height? You seem well cultured in the ways of many beings. What keeps you here? "

Tsura tilted her head inquisitively, staring at Barnabas as he sat lightly upon his stool still cradling the now sleeping Bonnie in his lap. Barnabas seem almost stone like as he thought deeply before carefully answering.

"I had learnt much about the world from the books of my masters sanctum and furthered that knowledge with the libraries of this height. It has been a year or more since ventured out among the world and since finding the Height I have lacked a reason to leave so far. Why Lady Tsura, are you suggesting a trip? "

Tsura looked so bright amidst the dwarven decor, the fires embers flickering over her short navy vest and teal green blouse, the pulm skirts with yellow and orange scarves draped over her hips lay drawn up on her thighs as she stretched her long legs across many stools. Her eyes gleamed with curiosity and perhaps too much Dwarven ale making her look all the more like the rakish gypsy.

"Perhaps we should go exploring Barnabas! Find this golden river. It has been too long since I have seen something new my friend," Tsura smiled "besides yourself."

"You had best stay away now m'Dear, it's a bloody mess mixing with dwarf business. You wouldn't want to give my Husband the impression you're trying to steal from him now, would you?" Amilia interrupted, the thinly veiled threat lay heavy in the air.

"Why do the mountain born always believe they own the mountains? as if it is a dead thing to be claimed!" Tsura exclaimed. "I was here when this mountain was but a babe among the world, is it so unacceptable that I wish how it has grown? matured? changed under the pressure of life and it's creatures! " voice rising Tsura jumped to her feet, the fire rising as well.

Amilia stood in the fires steady glow eyeing the drunken fair folk warily, Barnabas stroked Bonnie's hair thoughtfully.

"If we did find it, it would make a lovely tale perhaps one I could trade for a new dessert from the Lady Elendress."

Amilia spun raising her eyebrows at him alarmed.

"And we could let Eidrick know, save him some time he could spend here with you." Barnabas hastily added.

"That's a good idea, he did seem awfully busy." Tsura smiled quietly sitting once more. "Perhaps we can even bring back some for little Bonnie here"

"Aye Barnabas, he would like that alot." Amilia face finally soften into a smile, reaching over Tsura she withdrew her mug of ale. "But the Lass gets no more of this now, you hear?"

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