Baer 3rd, 4288: 64 Days in the mortal realm
We finally are in Hommlet. With the warning that Soap gave us yesterday, and knowing how we had a nac for attracting trouble, Rekka suggested we each had a password. Isaac: would talk negatively about the weather, Jessica: ‘The play is coming along nicely, I hope the weather holds', Cortanna will knock on the door then place her hand on her weapon handle, Rekka: will knock on the wrong door and loudly call out one of our names, and for me: a series of 3 questions and answers (Heironious? Hate the guy. Erythnul? Hate him too. And your sister is? Dead.) It was our hope that if something were to happen, we’d know if someone wasn’t who they were.
Hommlet is quite a pleasant place. Not as grand as Sardik, but it was still busy with life. As we walked the road Isaac took off into a shop with 3 golden ball on the front. The rest of us decided to locate an Inn before splitting up further. We came to one that had a lovely maid painted on the sign.
“Welcome!” we heard. There on the front porch was a man whom I'm not ashamed to consider as being the epitome of a stereo typical drunk, “To the besht playsh fer a good jrink and a good wensh and a good many other things a man could want!" he slurred heavily, "Alo-me ter introdush mishelf. Am Elmo, am the brother of the guy wiv dark hair who's nevuh been around sinsh lasht yer whan he went ter work fer that won guy over thar-ish," Elmo rambled on, waving his hand vaguely towards the distant mountains. Not sure if he meant his brother worked in the mountain or if he worked in one of the cities beyond.
“And am the son of the old folksh who are my ma an pa who yoush shuld call-” His voice faltered as his face turned a vibrant shade of green. The next few moments were spent with his head in a bush as he vomited. Yep, I thought, he was, well is, drunk. He then straightened up and marched over to Rekka, who happened to be the closest, and he planted a slobbery kiss on her cheek and insist we pay him a visit some time.
“Plesh come an I'll givesh you a jrink uv the shtrong shtuff an my pa will be happy fer me ter havesh frendsh that aren't clay bottlesh an mead...an my ma might naht cry hershelf ter shleep over Otish an hish leaving hom-” And Elmo was back to retching in the bushes. This time when he finished he then took off, stumbling and talking to trees.
I already disliked the taste of any alcoholic beverage, but that was another prime example of why I didn’t have an appreciation for it.
The four of us girls went into the building. It was quite quaint. The foyer opened up to a large dining room, with a few doors leading into, presumably, the kitchens and perhaps some assembly rooms. A staircase in the corner led up to the rooms marked by a sign next to them. A number of pretty young women scuttled about the busy dining room, serving the many guests. A man and woman stand behind the counter were overseeing it all with observant but gentle eyes. Upon seeing my party enter, they nod to a young man standing on the side of the bar nearest us and he hurried over. He had an odd look about him. He was wearing over sized gloves and goggles.
“Welcome to The Welcoming Wench!” he proclaimed with a bow. I was a little surprised by the grandiose of him welcoming us. He gave us a rundown of the place; they have nice rooms, standard rooms, and listed the services provided by the young wenches and serving boys (like himself). We each chose to get our own rooms, which made me happy since I’d be able to have a place to get away from everyone if I needed to. Pretty soon we all were left to our own devices. I decided to ask the serving boy if he knew of where I could find a few things like the money exchanger, magical items, and blacksmith. The boy kindly listed off the various locations in great detail so I couldn’t miss them.
With that, I went outside to Raæin. I got him settled in the stable before telling him my plans and that I would come visit him once I was all done. My plan was to use my circlet's powers to full effect. To avoid drawing attention to the wealth I had, I would disguise myself. There were many building with alleyways. in which I could duck into one, make sure it was clear of people, then quickly disguising myself. I would then wait a few minutes so those out on the main road would have time to pass before I reentered, acting as though nothing had happened to me.
My first disguise I chose to use was to shrink myself just a little and make my black hair brown, cropped just above my shoulders. Point my ears to make me look like an elf and dulled my eye color to a dark brown. I altered my nose just enough and add freckles across it and my cheeks in case someone very observant happen to catch on that I shared the same face shape with my disguises. I finished up by changing the colors of my outfit to a white top with a leather wrap and black boots.
I reentered the main road and from what I observed, no one seemed to take a second glance. I walk into the money exchanger, noting the sign of the three golden balls. Sure enough as I step in, I see Isaac finish talking. I smiled in my head knowing he wouldn’t know it was me. He then turned and left, clearly looking into my eyes, only to look away quickly and hurry on past.
“Hi,” I said as I entered. I came to a halt, wide eyed, at the sight of a man in chain mail holding a sword and crossbow with two dogs at his feet.
“He’s there to prevent theft,” the exchanger told me. She looked to be on the latter end of 50, and seemed pleasant, “The name’s Nira, how may I help you?”
“I have some treasure that needs to be counted, what is your service fee?”
“5%,” Nira replied.
“And I know that notes are used within town, however if I need to, will I be able to take with me all of my unused wealth in the form of currency?”
Nira smiled, “Of course. Shall we begin?”
“Yes, but roughly how long do you think it’d take for you to count this?” I asked, placing my Havardsack on the counter. She looked in and seemed to be impressed.
“Just a few moments really,” the exchanger said, pulling down a set of scales. After a few minutes, she wrote down the total. 126,672 gold pieces. I definitely had enough to buy everything I would like to get from here and then have more room to put more treasure in from the sinkhole tomorrow.
“Quite a sum you got there,” Nira said. I gave a nervous smile, but then remembered that she didn’t really know who I was.
“I guess one can’t start saving for retirement too young right?” I quickly replied. Nira looked at me quizzically and I figured I best get going. I made sure I had my notes, subtracting 5% of the sum since that was Nira’s portion. A thought came to me that I ought to get a set of scales and make some business out of fee’s for appraising and counting treasure.
I ducked into a different ally and once more made sure I was alone. I shrunk myself again to 5’ 4”, made my hair long and blond with bright blue eyes, removing the freckles. I then changed the color of my clothes to a pale green shirt with a light brown leather wrap,
After waiting a few more minutes, I then continued on to this tower a ways up the road. The server boy had mentioned this tower was under reconstruction, and sure enough it held that appearance. Earth was dug into and stone were scattered about. He also said I was to look for Rufus and Burne. Once to the sight I inquired about them. I was directed to the main door of the tower, where a pair of men (one tall and lanky, the other short and powerfully built) stood overseeing the project.
“Hi,” I said, feeling hopeful about getting some new items, “ I was told you two are Rufus and Burne?”
“I’m Rufus,” the short, but strong looking man said, “And this here is Burne,” he said, nudging his tall and scrawny counterpart.
“How do you do?” Burne said, rubbing his side.
“Excellent. I was told that you two could help me with some magic items I’d like to purchase,” I began to say. Rufus laughed as soon as I said ‘magic items.’
"I might have known! One band of misfits leaves, and another comes in on their heels."
Burne, scowled at him, "Never mind him," he said, "He's never had much of a mind for magic. Only for steel. As to your request, as you can see we're in the middle of a little, ah, remodeling so-"
"Remodeling?" Rufus interrupted, "The idiot blew up most of our castle with his experiments."
"Yes, thank you, Rufus," Burne stated, though the scowl couldn't quite cover his smile. It was obvious that these two were old friends and a simple matter of a blown up castle would not threaten that friendship. Quite possibly this will give them something to laugh about around the fire.
"Like I was saying, we've had some setbacks recently and my wares are currently in storage while we rebuild. It should only take a fortnight for things to get settled enough for me to be back and ready for business."
Rufus chuckled and then muttered, "Truth is he keeps his stock in a pocket dimension, and his prize chicken who holds the key to said pocket dimension, was last seen shooting across the sky at high velocity, trailing smoke and debris. Looked right like a shooting star,” Rufus roared with laughter, smacking Burne on the shoulder.
Burne grimaced. "Y-yes," he admitted, "But it shouldn't take more than a fortnight for me to find her, and then we'll be back to business. The explosion won't have been enough to harm her, so all we need to do is find the statues…” Burne suddenly gave me a curious look.
"Look, uh, what’s your name?” Burned asked me.
“Araja,” I automatically. Part of me wonders if I ought to have used an alias.
“Araja, as you can see we're quite busy with things here, and I can't really be off looking for Henny, but if you're really interested in seeing my wares, keep an eye out for statues in the forest. That'll be the sign that Henny's in that area. If you find such a place, come let me know and I should be able to take it from there. I must warn you, Henny doesn't like strangers and she's more than capable of handling herself, so don't try to catch her if you see her. Just tell her Burne will be by to get her and to stay put. She'll understand.”
The hairs on the back of my neck perked. I was not pleased by the idea of possibly getting turned into a statue. I was most certain that that was what the chicken would do if I went looking for the statues in the middle of the woods. But then again, it wasn't like I had to catch her. I just had to find the statues before I turn into one right? I felt that would be quite reasonable and simple enough, but I decided to check with Burnes about the ability of his ‘chicken.’
“So all I need to do is find the statues and tell you where they are so you can find her? Will I turn to stone if I accidentally see her?”
“Oh no,” Burnes told me, “She is quite trained and wouldn’t do that unless you tried to catch her.”
“Okay, I’ll do it then.” With that I turned on me heels to head back to Raæin. As I turned, I saw Isaac. Knowing that Rufus and Burne weren’t exactly open for business, I decided I would let him in on the request that was asked of me. As I drew closer to him, I said in passing, “The weather looks quite terrible today doesn’t it?”
Isaac looked at me with questioning eyes. It was weird looking at him rather than down upon him, but it was almost funny seeing how unaware he was that it was me.
“Can I help you?” he asked.
“Actually you can,” I said. I linked my arm around one of his, feeling a little nervous by my boldness, “Could you show me to the Inn?” Isaac looked at me more intently, realization suddenly dawned on him.
“Why yes, it’s this way,” Isaac said before giving the tower one last glance. After a few steps I then began to feel very ill. Like, exhausted beyond belief. It was strange.
“You okay Araja?” Isaac asked. I figured he knew it was me, but I still whipped my head up, “It’s your magical aura,” Isaac quickly added.
“Ah,” I exhailed, “Well I was going to ask if you’d help me look for Burne’s chicken, Henny, but I suddenly feel... ill? I don't know. Probably a little sleep will help. Since it seemed you were headed to the tower, there isn’t any business at the moment, that is until I tell Burne the location of Henny,” I explained. I then told Isaac I could get to the Inn myself. With that I once more ducked into an ally and went back to my ‘before death’ look. It felt kind of weird to suddenly see everything from 6’ 2” again, but that feeling quickly subsided as the tiredness overwhelmed me once more.
I made it back to the Inn and rested for a little bit. When I woke, there was still some lingering tiredness. I decided to go down stairs to see if anyone was out in the dining hall. As I descended down the stairs I caught sight of Isaac and Cortanna returning. They caught sight of me as well to which I went all the way down stairs so I could talk to Cortanna alone. I had been meaning to apologize to her since Podunk's destruction about how I treated her. Conveniently Isaac, as well and Rekka and Jessica who I hadn't noticed downstairs, began to head up the way I came.
“Hey Cortanna,” I said as she started to pass, “Can we talk real quick?” She looked nervous but was kind enough to stay. Once the others cleared I continued, “I’ve been meaning to apologize about how I’ve treated you since the boy incident. That was unfair of me to hold such an assumption, especially seeing how hurt you were from it,” I sincerely said. Cortanna seemed surprised by my words, like either she never thought I would apologize or she was surprised I was apologizing for that. Either way, I definitely felt somewhat better making it known to her I was sorry for judging her character off of an honest mistake.
“Thanks Araja, that was considerate of you,” Cortanna said with a touch of gratitude in her voice, but then it turned to a more haunting tone as she continued, “I never thought when leaving my family and Podunk that I’d become a murderer… I suppose that’s life.” She then hurried up the stairs without another word. I knew her last statement wasn’t directed at me, it truly sounded more of a thought of how she felt about what had become of her life since leaving home. I know I could relate...
All of us were in the Inn and we gathered in Cortanna’s room. It was cozy to say the least. This time when I saw Rekka I realized she had cut her hair short. I was curious by the change. It looked nice enough, but it was sudden… I suppose if she had told people, I wouldn’t have been on that list of those to inform of her decision.
“Your hair looks nice Rekka,” I said honestly, “Why the new do?”
“It was time for a change,” she said matter-of-factly.
I then mentioned my day, talking about the task I’ve been asked to do for Burne and add that an added security measure for myself would be if they saw me disguised and I approach them, I’ll flash my true eye color.
“Whoa, you’re disguising yourself? Aren’t you supposed to be good?” Rekka asked. I looked at her with a look that I could only hope expressed how odd her question was. Of course I was good. Why would disguising myself even remotely come across bad? Sure it’s sneaky from an outside perspective, but I’m part of this party. It should be clear why I was doing that. To keep a low profile on us. It’s not like I question her when she sneaked or walked around invisible invisible like.
“Of course I’m good. Why would disguising myself be bad?”
Rekka gave me a look of ‘she’s an idiot’ before turning her attention to Isaac, “So are we still on for Sardik tomorrow?”
“Rekka! What is wrong with me disguising myself? I’m trying to keep a low profile while out buying some needed items,” I snapped out before Isaac could respond.
“Just as long as you’re not ducking into an ally to do these disguise changes, I suppose you’re just fine. Otherwise people are going to notice someone walking around looking like one person only to walk out of an ally looking like someone different, which will draw a lot of attention.”
I pursed my lips together. It was like she had been following me or something. I was making sure those ally’s were clear of people let alone waiting for the busy street to move on to avoid any one person from catching on. Oh how I wanted to smack that smug face of hers! Then again, maybe I’m just mad at her for pointing out my own stupidity. But was it really? This was a busy city. I’m most certain that I had been cautious all day. Yet, what if she was right?
As I came around, I could hear Isaac answering Rekka’s question.
“Araja has a chicken she’s got to find and it sounded like she wanted me to help her with that. So we can go around noon,” Isaac said.
“No, you can both go. I’ll stay behind. I should be just fine taking care of the chicken. I was hoping to do it today, but I'm not feeling quite myself. By the way, Jessica, do you know of any chicken like creatures that could turn things to stone?” I asked, knowing I probably wasn’t going to get an answer. Once Isaac began to go one about his day, mentioning something about getting a letter at St. Cuthbert, and Jessica remaining silent, I decided to take my leave.
“Where you going?” Cortanna asked.
“I just remembered I hadn't eaten all day," which was true, "I’m going down stairs to get a bite to eat.” I mostly just wanted to be alone until my bitter mood passed.
“Didn’t you get one of those Dwarven rings?” Rekka asked.
“Yes, but the continual taste of mead in my mouth is very unpleasant,” I then headed out of the room with Isaac loudly retelling about the frescoes at St. Cuthbert after me. I wandered down stairs, got a meager meal that apparently came with the price of the room. I also asked for a carrot before going out to the stables to be with Raæin.
“Hey, Raæin. Sorry I didn’t come back right when I was done browsing around the town. Would you like a carrot?” I offered. Raæin accepted the treat. I then sat down in the hay and began to journal. To be honest, being there with Raæin was very pleasant. Like I couldn’t help but feel happy. It was very peaceful and this gloom that I let overcome me seemed to disappear.
“By the way Raæin,” I said, my thoughts suddenly being interrupted by another odd thought for Raæin, “Is there anything you think you might need or want? Help with grooming? Protection? I type of food that is particularly pleasant to you?” As I asked that question, I kind of felt foolish for even suggesting my ideas. Raæin was a Unicorn! The cares of this world probably meant nothing to him, especially the material things that one would get a typical horse... I hoped he didn’t think I’m trying to make him a pet. I just want to treat him like a friend since I felt he was my only ally- well, Isaac too since our little conversation yesterday evening. But still, Raæin was the first to really make me feel like there is good still in me.
“Um,” Raæin, in his deep and earthly tone, began, “I suppose some barding and protections from demons, or other evil things that might make it through my own powers, would be of use. Other than that, I’m fine Araja.”
If that was all he could think of, I would be sure to get the best. Perhaps the Blacksmith had some mythril barding, if they have mythril.
After a time I decided to go back in. I worried that maybe one of them, Isaac actually, would suddenly worry about my lack of return. I'd hate for any of them to start searching for me if it came to that. Once back in the room, I learned that Isaac had gotten an important letter but didn’t divulge on it’s contents. Gideon, who apparently showed up while I was out, informed us that a Temple of Evil, that was supposedly destroyed, was now ready to be completely sealed. Apparently he was the one in charge of that task, which meant we'd all help. I, however, thought we needed to take more time gearing ourselves up for handling Lupik.
“I feel like I don’t know you any more,” Rekka said. It wasn’t so much out of malice of accusation, but rather confusion.
“Did you ever know me?" I muttered, "Besides, as one might say: marks, and werewolves and evil, OH MY!" I said moskingly, "It seems awfully convenient that we showed up and now we're the ones they want to save the day. From what it sounds like, nothing has happened yet. Granted, it's not like I want to ignore it, it's just there's nothing about it that resonates in me as something that has to happen now,” which was true. From what Gideon said, today happened to be the day that the magic in the temple was able to be sealed? It seemed unrealistic.
“Plus,” I continued since there was more to my lack of motivation to do something about this problem, “is this something just the priest knows about? What if we go in there and fail in sealing this temple? Hello Podunk again right? I just want to be cautious without getting the town's folk paranoid about us. I really would like to not have misfortune follow us, yet on the other hand avoiding the temple will probably not bode well for the town's people too.”
There were faint murmurs of agreement. Rekka muses about how she thought we’re a cursed group. As I thought about it, I’ve been cast out, Rekka and Brier were marked, Isaac’s on a second chance, Gideon, if I remember correctly, from past mistakes was only allowed to where his vestiture and is continually under the scrutiny of St. Cuthbert and Raæin somehow was caught and tortured in Hell... I think Cortanna and Jessica (though she is a werewolf) are the only ones of us who doesn’t have the God’s directly impacting their life. Eh, Raæin too, but again, with his lack of memory to what his life was before hand, what was it that led him to being caught and a rigorous attempt at corrupting him made?
No wonder this group wa so prone to misfortune.
It was settled after a bit of discussion that we’d continue on with our previous plans. Isaac and Rekka to Sardik, though they may pay the temple a visit just to scout it out. Cortanna will be off for a week to take care of some dragon hide. Jessica and Gideon, well I’m not sure what they’ll be up to, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they asked around about the temple to see what they could learn about it.
As for me, well I’ll be having a mini celebration of my sister’s birthday tomorrow. I'll also take care of Henny and hopefully getting some barding made for Raæin.
