[Game Thread] Solo RP: The Tale of Dr. Thorrel Warzick

[TheDrakemund]

"Horians, so called 'children abandoned by the gods,' are referred to as 'great dragon-slayers' in the old legends." Vadimas touched his black eye tenderly. "That, however, is obviously a time long past, and we have fallen far, leaving few of us left. Perhaps you've heard of the priestesses of Lycia, famed for their beauty and nothing else?"

[ThatMusicWriter]

"Well," I said, "At least you have an honorable history. So, is there anything I can do for you? If you desire my services, my prices are reasonable. You can ask the alchemist in town; I knocked a third of the price off of some Alchemists' Fire I sold him."

[TheDrakemund]

"Speaking plainly," Vadimas shifted uncomfortably, "I'm only in immediate need of a travelling companion. I've heard the snowscapes are dangerous to travel alone as winter draws near."

[ThatMusicWriter]

I shrugged. "Well," I said, "if you can pay me a reasonable amount, which from the look of your expensive, if soiled, clothing is certainly a possibility..." I extended my hand. "... then when do we start."

[TheDrakemund]

Vadimas eagerly took your hand. "Five to six gold a day with paid for lodgings and meals? I can pay more if this won't suffice."

[ThatMusicWriter]

I smiled. "No, that will be quite sufficient. I can be ready to leave as soon as you like."

[TheDrakemund]

"Good, good." Vadimas smiled back before he reached in the pocket of his robe-like coat and pulled out a bizarre item. It was a pendant of sorts, painted with the same writing on his arms and hands. Touching it to his lips, he stared at the flames in thought for a moment. "Then we will go now, so I may avoid another most brutal encounter with the guards." He stood, pocketed the piece, and looked to you. "Would that be alright, or must you supply yourself before leaving?" The Horian picked up his bag that had been somewhat hidden under the bench and slung it across his shoulder.

[ThatMusicWriter]

"I do not need any supplies," I said. "Just give me one moment." And so I walked up to the innkeep at the makeshift tavern.
"Excuse me, sir," I said, passing five silver pieces over the counter. "If a young urchin boy named Sam comes in looking for a 'Thorrel Warzick,' tell him I had to leave town, and..." I paused for a moment. "Tell him that I think his father would be proud of him." And with that, I returned to Vadimas.
"OK, I am ready to go."

[TheDrakemund]

Sleepily, the innkeep took the money and went back to napping.

Vadimas smiled, "Then let us go get our horses." He started for the door.

[ThatMusicWriter]

I followed him. "Let us get moving."

[TheDrakemund]

"Of course," he then began guiding you down the street and towards the edge of town, marked by a stable. "At first I was unsure if you were that young boy's puppeteer, but it's good to know it isn't so."

[ThatMusicWriter]

I smiled. "He needed the money, and I was curious," I said. "And it seems to have garnered me a profitable venture."

[TheDrakemund]

"I was not referring to his task of searching for me. I caught his greedy little hand in my pocket when he 'silently' approached me, you see." Vadimas gave you a smile that failed to reach his eyes. "Children, such as he, who are starved and then offered plentiful food--or coin in this case--will take and take well past the appropriate or required amount given the chance to do so. After they are satisfied with that taste of riches and what they brought, said children may then suffer from an expedited growth in ambition or hunger for wealth. We've used this much to our advantage, you and I, though I likely more than you." As the both of you neared the stabled, two horses were led out--with some difficulty--by a rather small person who was none other than Sam.

[ThatMusicWriter]

"I do not especially care," I replied; "he required assistance, and so I gave it." And with that, I walked to the boy. "Well, I just seem to keep running into you," I said with a grin.

[TheDrakemund]

You hear Vadimas chuckle as he follows.

"Yeah, I guess..." Sam stared at the ground awkwardly as he held the reins of the horses.