DreamLyrics™ Play-by-Post Forums Fantasy SKT: The Storm King's Thunder 3W - Two Paths Diverged Near the Evermoors

DM

Aubric joins the elf that walked in. They had talked earlier and the elf promised to return in the morning and he did, as promised. The night before he had tried to buy off Rory's "information" with a gold coin. Then, moments later, Sindar saunters over.

"Sure. Have a seat," he says.

Sindar

He sets down his plate and takes a seat. He digs into his second helping while allowing them to continue whatever conversation had started. He didn't want to interrupt, but he did want to be a part of the information gathering.

Arus

He recognises the high elf joined by Aubric and Sindar. A fellow by the name of Berris who'd done business with the Lionshield Coster in the past. As far as Arus had ascertained, discreet, under the counter business involving information. The last time Arus saw Berris in Yartar, the Coster had handed off a scroll to the elf.

Sindar seems to know Berris too, perhaps better than Arus. No-one Arus would rather trust to obtain information from an information broker than the Supreme Sindar, the bard has a rare way with people. Mischievous but genuine, rather like a dolphin.

So the paladin ensures he's sat facing the elf's table, able to casually regard its goings-on as he takes in the room. If Sindar needs backup, whether declarations or defenestrations, Arus will be there for his comrade.

Berris

The elf, a high elf, notices Arus sitting, facing and staring his way. With a half grin and a wink, he acknowledges the Triton, who's aquamarine tinged skin makes him stand out. He looks at Sindar and Aubric in succession and says, "He's with you, eh? If I recall, which I typically do, his name is Arus, isn't it?"

Aubric

Really, no conversation has started yet, other than Aubric's mention of last night's conversation. But the cleric begins as the mention of cookies didn't prompt any reply. "We're going to be traveling onward soon, and you mentioned information we might find useful," he says. "Critically so," he adds with a grin.

Sindar

"Yes, he is a companion of mine. We have fought through a couple of tough situations, not the least of which was the Fire Giant we slayed just yesterday."

Berris

One of the servers makes her way over to the table where the elf sit with Sindar and Aubric. She puts a mug of hot tea and a plate of some fruit onto the table and he reaches inside his cloak to pull out a few silver pieces from the purse he keeps there. As he does so both notice a pin he wears there which was otherwise hidden from view.

"Yes. Critical information, I would say. By the way, my name is Berris and you are ...?"

Sindar

His own pin shows as he reaches across the table to offer to shake Berris's hand. It peeks out just behind the edge of his glove.

Aubric

".... pleased to meet you," Aubric completes the sentence with a smirk. With just long enough of a pause to allow for a groan or eyeroll or chuckle, he answers, "Aubric. And this is Sindar. He's our bard, so sings much better than I do, but I'd say the three of us could be rather harmonic if we tried."

He adds, "Anyway, seems this party has been quite large but we may be splitting up to pursue multiple goals at the same time, so anything that would help us prepare for any threats on the road ahead would be useful."

He concludes, "And of course I'll share what I learned last night from Rory." He intentionally avoids saying the party would share what they learned, of course.

DM

Meanwhile, while the trio shares information with Arus looking on, the remainder of the party finishes their breakfast. The sounds of the market opening outside can be heard, with vendors hawking their wares... perhaps a shopping trip might be a good idea?

Jaliera

"So it is Davroar, Bern, Pavel, Zindra and I making up our group. We should chat about supplies so we can get ourselves organised. We will need to take food. I know we are not short of hunters by any means but it does take time so if we can carry some supplies that would be good. I'd like to check out some better armour maybe.. and also replenish my arrows. I'd like to buy a mirror, get some coloured stones and see if there are any magic items available that might be of use. Do we need to get warmer clothing?"

She looks around at the others.

"Do we all have horses? We will need some supplies for them too."

<Bern>

"We should be able to feed them on the road, but a couple of 'treats' might be a good idea", he said with a wink and a grin.

Zhu

"Alright. So Arus, Kriv, Aubric, Sindar and I are the other group, heading first to Olostin's Hold?" She nods at Jaliera's comment about shopping. "Sounds like the market is opening. We wanted to check the shops as well as visit the Blacksmith. Shall we split up or all go together?"

<Bern>

"If we make a list of what we need, it will be easier to make sure we don't miss anything", he offered.

Zhu

"Well, depends on what we see. If there's a magic shop we can get a variety of potions, based on the inventory. If they have permanent items then we really should let everyone look."

She pauses, "How about we just all go? Simpler."

Arus

The triton hasn't spotted the secret link between the three at the table but he does sense there's a bond of sorts, almost as if all three are countrymen.

Similar to the reactions of undersea peoples meeting each other on land. I don't know you but you can breathe water too so you're all right by me.

Now that the three are acquainted and since Berris clearly remembers Arus, there's no point in being standoffish.

He refills his mug with water and salts it to taste, then walks over to join Berris, Sindar and Aubric.

"Mind if I join you gentlemen?"

Upon a positive reception he'll and sit join the conversation.

<Bern>

He shrugs, "then lets go ... if that is all right", he said with a grin.

Sindar

He gives a subtle nod to Berris saying that his friend is welcome for him. But it would depend upon Berri's need for secrecy.

Davroar

They are definitely going into potentially colder climate so he replies to Jaliera, "Definitely get thick gloves and boots. I've seen too many of my tribesmen with missing fingers and toes from cold."

This area is probably warmer on average than his native Narfell, Davroar feels it is best to be prepared for colder weather.

While he is not overly dependent to have a horse because of his wild-shape ability, he still has a horse from the bandits he has been using. He nods in agreement with Jaliera when she mentions supplies for the horses and adds, "Having some feed for the horses would be good to keep them strong and healthy."

Pavel

At Zhu's statement he stands.

"Ready to go when you and Bern are, Zhu."

<Bern>

He stands, ready to go.

Jaliera

She smiles at Davroar's suggestion for boots and gloves and nods, mentally adding them to her list.

"It would be simpler to all go.. and we might be able to negotiate a better discount.. but we are three missing."

She glances at the table of elves and Arus's back as he moves to join them. It would be nice to go together especially as they will part ways soon.

"So can we start anywhere without them or do we wait?"

Zindra
"They're not going where we're going. We have to go to meet someone," she says to Jaliera referring to the three talking to the elf.

"By we I mean Davroar, Bern and I. But since I don't think we could pry you away from Dav (nor would I want to. I think you're good for each other) we're going to need convince the forest to allow you to come with us. It'll be a challenge. You see, the forest is protective of itself and of the one we are to meet. There may be some time where we need to separate from you for a short while. I was thinking, maybe you invite Pavel to join us. You knew him from before, didn't you?"

Berris

"Arus? That is your name, is it not? It's not often I come across a triton in my travels. Yes, have a seat. You worked for Aldis at the Lionshield Coster in Yartar, did you not?"

Jaliera

"Oh.. I didn't realise I might make things difficult. Pavel wants to go in our direction too but I'll confirm with him. At least we could support each other if your 'appointment' won't let us in."

She moves to Pavel and quietly explains the situation.