[Game Thread] Meseriel's Game (Part 1)

[Spazztick]

A moments hesitation. When Meseriel finishes speaking, the barkeep kept trying to say something back, though all he could find was a stutter. If all eyes weren't on her before, they certainly were now. "W.. wait... uh.." He keeps looking at Kil and then back to Meseriel. All the various expressions would be quite amusing, if she was not surrounded by humans. "Heh. An Elf?" He lets out a faint chuckle, fighting off a form of denial. "I didn't think elves still existed.. or ever really did for that matter. I mean I've heard stories, My grandfather claimed to have met a roaming pair of them once, but he was a bit sick in the mind. He continues to have a problem coping with this news, seeming awfully skeptical. "Oh. My." Kil on the other hand, couldn't have a more excited look on his face. He's visually grinning from ear to ear, impressively white teeth blaring back. "Yelis Ril Messari Kai, Vold'lier Amar." He speaks a butchered version of elvish, mispronouncing the words, but Meseriel knows he was saying something about friend, daylight and meeting. She assumes would assume it was an attempt at a friendly greeting. "I'm sorry if I butchered that, I traded for a book from a Traveling Rover, it was a handwritten translation of the elf tongue, I don't know if it was accurate or not. I have read stories, heard tales of the heroic elves, even the ones most would rather deny... say they're works of fiction they did. I knew elves weren't all evil dark sorcerer's in the old world. Oh I wouldn't have ever dreamed I'd meet an elf, I'll sing songs of this years to come! About the elf who saved my life." He holds his hands to his face, trying to fight off his smile. "In fact don't go anywhere, I'm going to go buy an instrument from the next block over.. I've music to play." It becomes apparent the human rather fancies tunes, as he starts singing on his way out. The barkeep Yuri doesn't hesitate refilling the drink. "Hey Kil, keep your mouth shut out there okay." He shouts as he runs out the door, then turns to Meseriel. "This is a rare treat, though you might want to be careful.. I can't keep the authorities from coming and having words with you, I'll do what I can to keep anybody from causing trouble, but should you need to there's an exit out the back and a trail that leads out into the woods. I don't know how folks are going to take this." All but one of the others in the tavern had stood up, one of them backing away slowly and making his way out the door with a shocked and concerned look on his face. The group of two that had been sitting together drinking, both seem rather confused, but intrigued by the skeptical. "No way. Are you really an elf?" The man next to him looks equally as curious, awaiting an answer. The final man in the room stays in his seat, leather armor and clean shaven, he seems curious but to professional to show it.

[Chchazz88]

I do appreciate that, barkeep, but I had intended to have words with the authorities. After all, a confrontation seems inevitable one way or another, and I'd rather they know from me.
Leaning over her chair, she allows her gaze to shift across the room until it stops on the skeptical man.
"If you don't wish to believe, that is your decision. It would certainly be made easier for me if all men refused to accept my heritage. Imagine how tiring this will become as I have to do this in every city I pass through. Anyway, from what I can tell, there's little difference aside from pointed ears."

[Spazztick]

Apologies Yuri leans back against the back counter, deep in thought for a moment. While the elf responds to the skeptical man. The look on the others face, showing a bit of surprise as he exchanges glances back to his companion. "I mean no offense. Terribly sorry. I imagine that would be rather tiresome, you have my best wishes that others offer you some decent hospitality. I'll leave you to your business." He takes a seat and his friend does the same, glancing back every few moments. The barkeep speaks up now. "Well, if that's your intention, I could take you to the constable personally, have Kil watch the bar for me while I am gone. Should that be what you'd fancy, or if you'd rather I could give you directions to his office."

[Chchazz88]

"I think an escort would be a wonderful idea." Meseriel replies, downing another mug and turning it over to signify that she was done.

[Spazztick]

Through the City. Kil returns a few minutes later, a brand new lute in his hands, smiling broadly as he did so. There's a brief greeting and exchanged agreement made. Kil ends up behind the bar, with another glass of Hearthfire mead, plucking at the instrument and ready to serve folks that ventured in. Old man Yuri goes to the back room, stating he'll return shortly. When he comes back, he's wearing a nice wide brimmed leather hat and a warm winter jacket, which is also made of leather and lined with fur on the inside. In his hand he holds a scarf. "Okay mam, we can head out when you like..." As he finishes stating so, the front door opens up and six men walk in, one of them being the man who bolted out when he heard an elf was in the room. In the center of the group stands a properly dressed man, longsword on his back and a leather vest with the Davinport authority markings on it. He has a clean cut goatee and slicked back brown hair. The other men all hold shields and shortswords, all of them sheathed but with hands resting on hilts. Yuri looks a little concerned, but does a good job hiding it. He finishes wrapping the scarf around his neck as he speaks. "Constable Brigan, what a pleasant surprise... we were just on our way to see you. Saved me the trouble of bearing through this dastardly weather. This here is a visitor from another land, and she was rather hoping to speak with somebody in charge here." He gestures towards Meseriel, allowing her to make her own introduction. He directs some attention to Kil, while the others make their introduction. "A round of ale for the constable and his men, bring them to the large table over there." He gestures at the keg below the counter, one of his regularly served drinks. The constable moves his head from side to side slightly, trying to clearly examine the elf. His personal guard are much less discreet with their actions. "Hmm. Rylock you were not lying, you may go now." He says over his shoulder to the scrawly looking man, who knows that it was not a request. He dips out the door, but not before hearing the constable add two more cents. "Oh and Rylock, Keep your mouth shut, else I'll be taking this up your performance with Terious." No response was needed. He would not speak of what he'd seen. The constable seems to be waiting for the elf to speak first. In the back of the room, the mysterious man shifts in his seat, though he does seem to blend into the surroundings quite well, as he watches everything carefully with a keen eye. The other two go to get up and leave, but a serious look from the constable has them return to their seats.

[Chchazz88]

As the host of men enter, a grim look comes over Meseriel's face. This was not what she had intended. Their meeting was likely to be rocky either way, but that only meant she needed every advantage she could get. In the back of her mind, she recorded the name Rylock.
"I am Meseriel, of the Tothkin. Who might you be?" She says plainly, trying to conceal her thoughts and emotions.

[Spazztick]

Constable Brigan The constable stands there quietly as Meseriel introduces herself, listening very intently and making a point to hold eye contact. When she finishes, he does not hesitate in responding. "The name is John Brigan, or more formally Constable John Brigan. I oversee the security of the city of Davinport." While he's speaking, he steps towards her, still maintaining eye contact. He holds out a hand as an offer to shake hers, a typical human greeting she is familiar with. "Shall we have a seat and some words?" He gestures towards the table already being lined with drinks, as Kil does his best to play bar-keep helper. He moves to the table and pulls out a chair for her, also a kind gesture, though this one used by many races, and moves to the other side to take a seat of his own. He sits up straight, hands resting on the table clasped together and with a leg crossed over the other and calls to the guards. "Close her up for now please gentlemen. There's a nod of acknowledgement, as the four guards go to shut the shutters and latch the door closed, flipping Yuri's open side to closed. He speaks to Yuri right afterwards. "You'll have to pardon me Yuri, but It's best we keep this meeting uninterrupted. You will be compensated for any loss of business, during our time here." The old man gives a shrug and responds. "Not a problem John." Finally his attention goes back to the elven woman and he speaks, tone serious but not aggressive."Now, Miss Meseriel of the Tothkin. Why are you here?"

[Chchazz88]

Meseriel shakes his hand and sits, though she does not carry herself like a lady, rather as a warrior. Once the guards are done securing the building and their drinks are served, she leans forwards with a new intensity in her eyes and begins to speak.
"I'm not sure. This has been the first civilized area I've found so far since I left my home, so I figured I would restock my supplies and see how humans live."

 

Meseriel's hands twist and turn, working the carving knife along the oaken branch. She had never been good at carving, nor much else that had to do with creativity. Her strength was in, well, her strength. Still, the flute was coming along nicely. Soon enough she'd have a working instrument, provided she didn't screw it up.
The village was calm and still around her, everyone going about their daily lives on the sweet summer day. The bright sunlight would have been brutal, had they not had the canopy of fluttering leaves to shield them from it's rays, but it was still hot. Several young children - the next generation - splashed in the babbling creek while their mothers looked on from within their sewing circle.

The sound of two pairs of pounding feet running along the path was the first sign of disturbance. Rothli and Terrial came into sight, panting and with troubled looks. Meseriel stood, letting her arms fall to her sides with the knife and flute in her left hand.
"Why do you run so?" She asks curiously, a note of worry in her tone.
"Humans! A whole band of hunters closing from the east! They mean to strike at the camp!" Terrial answered, brushing her bangs from her eyes.
Meseriel placed the flute and knife on the log she'd been using as a seat and raised her hands to calm the two young scouts.
"Calm down and think. I need you lucid right now. How many and how far off?"
Rothli swallowed and took a deep breath.
"About thirty, I think. Moving at a swift march about a mile away by now. We should have a half hour." He sputters.
Meseriel's gaze darkens and she fingers the hilt of her sword nervously. If they had found the camp, they would be bringing sufficient war machines to destroy it.
"Get everyone to the temple and summon all the warriors to the center of the village. I want everyone armed and ready right now!"
She turned and stepped up onto the log as the two scouts ran in different directions. Projecting her voice, she shouted, "Everyone! I need you to listen right now! We're under attack by humans! They know where the camp is! All those who won't fight, get to the temple where we can protect you!"
As she spoke, the women began to cry out to their children, dropping their needles and running to retrieve those who weren't responding fast enough. Various townsfolk, those people she'd grown up with and known her whole life, began running back and forth in panic, gathering what things they could and hurrying towards the temple. She turned, still fiddling with her handle, and walked towards the central square, leaving the flute and knife behind.

[Spazztick]

(Beautiful flash backs, I had missed the first one. A silly request I'm sure, but can center your spoiler buttons? (For some reason, I tend to miss them rather easily when they're over on the left side, it's not a big deal if you don't, I'll be keeping an eye out for them more.)

A Mostly Private Meeting The constable listens to her response intently, then like many others today, seems at a loss of words for a moment, though his recovery from such is far faster and far smoother than the others. "Not sure. I must say, that was not the answer I was expecting. You are aware, that your race is merely a bed-time story for children, to the majority of humankind? Are you not? The knowledge of your existence to the populace could cause significant unrest. He pauses to let his point be made clear, or for her to add a response and then continues. "That being said, I don't necessarily see it as such a bad thing, folks knowing of your kin. Knowing that other races out there exist that aren't out to kill them and eat their children, like the Orcs, Giants, Goblins and whatever else there is out there. Unfortunately, your chance of location, as I see it was not a choice, may not be the best place to make such an appearance. Davinport has a very delicate balance and structure of late, tossing one extra notion onto an already finicky scale, could create some problems. Not to mention the very real danger you would be putting yourself in. I mean that sincerely, as there are the types here that would just assume put you in chains, load you on a boat and sell you off as a rare-commodity to the highest bidder. While slave trading is not at all permitted anywhere in the north, there are still groups involved in illegal activity, and controlling it on a port city, is not at all easy. While I may be overanalyzing and blowing this slightly out of proportion in some ways, the danger you put yourself in, by revealing your presence openly, I do no exaggerate." He pauses for a longer duration, letting Meseriel speak anything she wished. The others in the building all remained seated, a new round of drinks being brought around to each. The mysterious man waves off the offer of a drink, staying leaning back in his seat watching. After a moment longer, the constable continues speaking. "Procuring you supplies is something I can arrange should you wish it and I can name a few towns and villages that may welcome you a bit more openly, though I can not say that with one hundred percent certainty." The next thing he says, Meseriel is able to note how he delicately chooses the words he speaks. "I could arrange that you have a meeting with one of the Noble Houses of Tul'cadré, our capital city. There is where the rules and laws of this land come from for the most part, though it is also not without it's risk, I can think of a few houses that may be quite interested to make your acquaintance."

[Chchazz88]

Meseriel says nothing the entire time, waiting for him to finish his thoughts. After considering for a long time, she leans back in her chair and merely turn her head to stare directly at the mysterious man. She holds her icy gaze for a solid minute without wavering before returning her attention to the constable.
"I appreciate your assistance and cooperation, but talk is cheap. Are there any... tasks that need doing? Any blights upon the land? You mentioned goblins orcs and giants..."

Stranger Danger Dice Intimidate Check: 1d20+3 (3)+3 Total = 6 (6) Dice Sense Motive Check: 1d20+4 (11)+4 Total = 15 (15)

[Spazztick]

More Talk. When Meseriel turns to stare at the man in the back, he catches her gaze and does not divert his eyes. He simply smiles and nods back at her, his dark brown eyes showing no negative emotions. While he does seem as if he's waiting for something in particular, there's nothing that screams out warning to her. He just remains seated, staring back as his face returns to a more emotionless expression. As Meseriel holds the gaze longer, a chill runs down her spine for just a moment, as she realizes there's something very dangerous behind the mysterious man's eyes. She holds her composer well, returning to the constable and speaking. Constable Brigan holds his hand to his chin, scratching as he thinks and then responds. "Yes I suppose it is, just know I've warned you, men like most are seldom to be trusted. Now. If you're looking for work, I may actually be able to help you with that." The constable stands up and turns to the remaining people in the tavern. "I'm sorry but I'm going to have to ask you all to clear out, Derick will be compensating you for your time held and assured muteness in regards of what you've seen today, best listen to such if you wish to keep any standing within this city." The two men who were anxiously waiting to get out, make for the front door and each receive a small pouch of coins. The mysterious man gets up and shrugs, finishes his drink an walks towards the center of the room, circling around Meseriel where he stops. "Thanks for the drink old man. It's been an interesting day." His voice is calm and collected, full of a level of confidence many men could only dream to have. He tosses a single gold coin across the room to Yuri, it's reflective surface shimmering in the air as the old man catches it. He passes uncomfortably close to Meseriel, chancing only short glance as he passes heading towards the door. When offered his coin from the guard, he doesn't even justify it with a look and lets himself out of the building. The guard shrugs to the constable. Yuri gets a look from the constable and shakes his head, as if saying that Kil is nothing to worry about. Once all but the few are cleared out, then the talking resumes. "I don't know how capable you are, but judging from your demeanor an attire, I'd say fairly well so. We are short of extra bodies to handle anything outside of the city and our main protectorate, House Nesko, has been at odds with our would be Lord of this town, Terious Snipe. Not to mention House Nesko has been dealing with many fronts of late, including several of their lords being involved in likely the largest Orc assault in many years. So yes, Orcs and Giants are involved in that and as far as Iv'e heard since then, the north has been mostly quiet save for the occasional small band. While I'm certain there are those up there that need aid, there are other pressing matters here that we've been unable to deal with ourselves, in a more local sense. Should a private contractor, be interested in helping out, the pay could be substantial and the chance at earning a reputation as reliable, may go a long way, to help ones cause." He obviously enjoys his plays on words, though Meseriel has no problem understanding his exact meanings. "Specifically, about a days march north there's a house at the base of light house. That place, Siegfried's Beacon, aptly named after the gaffer who once owned and worked it, has been inhabited by a small band of bandits. Apparently they find it a worthy den for their ridiculous actions. We sent a squad of a half dozen men there to handle it and unfortunately only one of them was able to return alive. He's on injured leave in the capitol, but he did tell me of what they had faced."

As you're listening and talking, you notice a folded piece of parchment on your lap.

[Chchazz88]

Folding her hands over the note, Meseriel resists the temptation to glance down, instead nodding and saying, "Your bandit problem sounds like something I can likely handle. I'll start there. What was the name of the survivor? I'd like to talk with him before going on the offensive."

[Spazztick]

Constable Brigan "His name is Rodrick, but unfortunately that will be quite difficult, as he's in the capital at the moment. I could send a rider to get him, but that's going to take the better part of a week. He has told me all that he would likely have to tell, if you've got specifics you're looking for?" The constable responds, his hand resting on his mug of ale.

[Chchazz88]

"Yes, I do. First off, it would be handy to know exactly where this group of bandits is, and when I can catch them. After all, they are bandits, they must be raiding somewhere, and that means I can catch them off guard and make things easier for myself. Second, I need to know how many there are. If it comes down to it, I may need another person to cover me at a range with a bow. Have you any skilled in that trade? Third. I need to know how long they've been there and whether or not their comings and goings have become regular. With this information, I'll head out and clear them from the lighthouse when the opportunity comes."
Meseriel says all this unblinkingly, with a very serious, almost distasteful look on her face. It's abundantly clear she has no tolerance for this sort of thing.

[Spazztick]

Constable Brigan The constable seems to think on the question a moment, trying to decide where to start. "As far as my latest updates, they've kept their raiding to a minimal, hitting the road towards Greystone almost solely. So if they're not all at Seigfried's Beacon, then that's probably were you'll find the rest. As for numbers, there were five there on the day that my men tried to assault them. I am told however there could be as many as double that, that being a worst case scenario. Unfortunately I can not spare any of my men and even if I could, I would have to get it approved from Terious and that's not going to happen." At this point Kil speaks up. "I.. I will come with you Miss Meseriel. I am actually quite a good shot with a bow, done a lot of hunting over the years and after all I owe you much. At the very least an extra pair of eyes couldn't hurt right? I mean of course, if you'll have me." He says this reluctantly, but quite confidently. She looks him over and is certain for him to be at all competent in the situation, he'd need to keep his distance, comfortable wearing armor and actually be as good as a shot as he says. The constable gives the man with the stringed instrument a look of surprise, then turns back to Meseriel.