A Kingdom's Fate (Rp): Ended.

[Slycne]

It feels good to be back. Vik'nar thought to himself as he passed among the various vendors looking for items to take his fancy to prepare. I guess it hasn't really been that long, what has it been about a week? He inspected a bundle of peppers. Their spicy aroma hinted at the flavor they could produce. He paid the vendor and told him where he could deliver them. How can so much happen in such a short time, hmmm these mushrooms also look good. He called back the vendor to add the mushrooms to the order before moving on.

His mind drifted among the events thus far as he selected a cut of tuna almost as large as he was. Spotting a foreman tossing flanks of meat from a wagon onto a cart, the meat making the dull thud of flesh hitting a hard surface. Right mental note, remember to stop falling. Vik'nar stopped by a favorite butcher of his, greeting him warmly they idly chat for a few minutes before the man convinces him to purchase some Herelden sausage and some freshly butchered chicken to round out his meal plans.

It wasn't until he was headed back to the restaurant when he spots his prize, fresh strawberries packed in ice to preserve them from the journey from Wesburg.

---

Hashi'shin and Sons, the name had been passed down. It was quite odd now seeing as Vik'nar was his father's only son, uncles he had a plenty though - and thus the origin of the restaurant's name. Despite it's location and owners, patrons of all races and stature would grace it's tables. Most would simply explain it was that good. Vik'nar spent the remainder of the afternoon prepare his meal. A mushroom and barely soup, steamed fish with simply lemon-butter and salt, chicken stuffed with peppers and sausage and desert was a simple spongecake with strawberries and cream. He made available a wide variety of drinks - strong dwarven ale from Wurden, a deep red wine pressed from wild grapes and berries of Flemworth, a spiced mulled wine should the night begin to chill and another batch of the coffee he'd prepared in Swaere.

He decided at the last minute that it might be best to serve the meal in his own home rather than even a private room, and he informed the staff to direct them there. He turned down the two other guest rooms he had himself, preparing them for if someone should wish to retire here. His last matter of business was to bathe and change into some new clothes. With that last matter finished, he went to Landon's room to inform him others should be arriving soon and returned to the kitchen to oversee a few last minutes preparations.

He smiled as Ellondra was directed through the kitchen towards the house. "Glad you could make it."

 

[The Zango]

Ra'ive was quite simply in paradise, he lay on a soft mattress and could see the outline of Ai'dral... Or was it Gabriel or even Yollara? It didn't matter, he'd soon know who it was because she was walking towards him, teasing him with her slow approach.

It was Ellondra!!

Before he could ask what she was doing here and in full plate armour she began to deliver short, sharp kicks to his side.

Ra'ive snapped back into conciousness and found that the kicking was real. He panicked, rolled quickly out of the way and moved to draw his claws when he noticed his mystery assailant was just small, scruffy and scared child.

"A...Are you Ra'ive?" mumbled the terrified boy, Ra'ive nodded in response and the child hurriedly informed him of Vik'nar's request before running off back towards the city.

------------------------------------------------------

'You shouldn't be doing this, are you some kind of amateur?'

'Be quiet'

'Maybe the invitation wasn't from Vik'nar at all? Maybe brother is waiting for us, laughing at your stupidity'

"I SAID BE QUIET!"

Ra'ive became very aware that many people were had stopped what they were doing and were now watching the masked man yelling to himself in the middle of the street.

He ducked, quickly into a back alley and cursed himself for attracting so much attention. He wondered whether it would be best to just return to his camp, he'd most likely make an arse out of himself if he were to join them.

'I've come this far and dammit if that meal doesn't sound tempting'

He sucked in a lung full of air to calm his racing heart and continued making his was slowly and cautiously towards Vik'nar's house. All the slinking around would make him late but he would atleast be safe, hopefully.

 

[Lambi]

Landon thanked Vik'nar for telling him the others might be arriving soon, then closed the door again. He thought it would be a good idea to wash himself, so he headed to the washroom. After a few minutes and after drying himself, he was clean and put his clothes back on.

After having gone back to his room to check on if he needed anything, he left the room and was directed to Vik'nar's house. He saw Ellondra had arrived and so, he walked up to her and greeted her.

"Good afternoon, my dear Ellondra." He then turned to Vik'nar. "I must say, I am quite excited about this meal. I can not say I have ever had a meal prepared by a Sever-Elf. Except that time when we were in Swaere."

 

[Cinnonym]

"Landon," she gave the Knight a quick nod, "...Vik'nar. You have a lovely home."

Where she stepped she tread carefully, as though the image of the place was delicate and could be broken. She was distracted in absorbing the details of it... Pleasantly surprised by the warmth it held. Yes, she was cataloging the experience; looking just about everywhere but at the sever elf himself.

 

[Slycne]

"Would 'ither of you care for something to drink while we wait to see who else arrives?" Looking back and forth between the two of them. "I have a dwarven ale from Wurden, a red wine pressed from wild grapes and berries of Flemworth, a hot spiced mulled wine and more of the coffee you sampled in Swaere." While he helped himself to a mug of the coffee. He didn't normally drink coffee before an evening meal, but the smell had assaulted him so that he decided he must surrender to it. It was especially warm and earthy now that it included a hint of something it hadn't in Swaere, a fair splashing of wood cask aged whiskey.

"I'd be happy to make available anything else you might desire though."

 

[Lambi]

"I would like to have a glass of the red wine, if it is not too much of a problem."

Landon wasn't much for drinking, but he couldn't pass up such an opportunity. Smiling at the Sever-Elf, he looked around. The inside still intrigued him, such beauty it held was unbelievable. It was more the kind of subtle beauty in Landon's mind.

 

[Jav3lin]

As the hour turned closer to dusk, midday was still at hand.
People started walking more briskly toward their homes and merchants closed up their booths and stalls.
Children were scattered by the coming of mothers and soon turned to their home.

The sun was still high in the sky, but the clouds were slowly turning orange as it was about to start its descent.

As the streets emptied however, there came an unusual sound.
A sound of over a dozen of wheels being pushed into gravel.

As the sound increased, several caravans and over two dozen of people, both riding the caravans or walking besides them, entered Herelden.

They looked of poverty and smelled foul, like they had not bathed in months.
Amongst them was also another strange looking caravan, almost at the back of the horde.
Riding it were labormen by the looks of things, and followed were they by over four dozen carriages and horses pulling lumber into the city.

Construction was obviously under way, and something was scattering crowds away from Wesburg.

 

[The Zango]

Ra'ive had been observing the building for about an hour now and had seen little other than the occasional sign of movement inside. He steeled himself and approached the front door, normally he would have preferred to enter through the back but the enemy would likely anticipate that.

He stood by the front door, shifted his weight so that he could spring upon whoever opened the door should they be unfamiliar or hostile and knocked heavily on the door

 

[Slycne]

Vik'nar handed Landon a glass of the wine. The sever-elves actually preferred to drink their red wines chilled, but either in respect of his guests or having fallen in disfavor of that tradition Vik'nar had not served it as such.

With the knock at the door Vik'nar briefly entertained the idea of asking Landon to get it, leaving him a fleeting moment of time alone with Ellondra to speak his mind again, but the lady sergeant seemed to be drinking in her surrounding and possibly avoiding him at the same time. Better to just leave her be for the moment, besides wouldn't want such a fine meal to go to waste on upset minds. "If you'll both excuse me."

"Ra'ive, I was most unsure if you would come or not. Please, come in." Vik'nar was trying to greet the elf warmly, something put the other elf on edge being in the city areas of Herelden prompting him to sleep outside the city gate.

"I fear this may be all choosing to attend, no matter more for us." His eyes lighting up a bit. He ushered them to a small dining room. A cozy hearth fire crackled in the corner illuminating the room. Once they were all seated he brought in the first coarse. A heated granite slab was placed in the center of the table and drizzled in olive oil. Loaves of bread that were just the tiniest bit undercooked were set on the slab to soak up the heat, filling the room with the smell of freshly cooked bread. Then wide brimmed bowls of mushroom-barely soup were set before everyone.

The process with the bread was repeated again, but this time an assortment of fine cheeses and fruits were brought to the table by Vik'nar as well. They were selected to be paired with the steamed tuna that was covered in little more than lemon-butter and salt. The fish was accompanied by steamed carrots with a cinnamon glaze.

A third time he repeated the bread making, explaining that it was one of the customs the restaurant was most known for. The small game chickens had been roasting for most of the day. The flavor of the hot peppers and sausage soaking into the meat.

When they had quite nearly had their fill he cleared the table and brought in the desert. "Not only did I luck out finding the strawberries today, but my father had just so happened to prepare and chill some spongecake the night before." While setting a dish of spongecake with strawberries and cream before everyone, he took a bite and let his tongue happily soak in the flavor. The cream almost smoothed the sweet bite of the strawberries into the spongecake which itself practically melted on the fork, let alone in your mouth.

Returning to business. "Landon, would you take offence if I shared what we learned from my cousin earlier today with others? I think their insights might be valuable in this matter."

 

[Lambi]

Landon took a small sip of the wine, careful not to drink too much of it at once. It was almost heavenly, he thought.

He turned to Vik'nar after having enjoyed the many wonderful meals they had been brought. The smell alone was almost enough to fill his stomach, it was that good.

"If it will help me find those who murdered my father, then I take no offense."

 

[Slycne]

"After we first met Landon in Swaere on a whim I set my network working to see in The Guild was involved with slaying his father. And it seems my suspicions were correct, although all they were able to glean was confirmation and that only the Headmasters know the client. My gut tells me that this might be related to our missions and the threat to the East, but I have not made the connection as of yet." He sat back to allow the others to process the information.

 

[Cinnonym]

Ellondra's eyes were almost as wide as her plate when the first of the meal was brought in; she was amazed to be treated to such decadence. There was hardly the time for conversation between courses, and she made certain to have at least a taste of everything. The savory flavors of the soup and meats warmed her from the inside out more than the wine could've. The dessert was perhaps the most dangerous of the entire meal: if it was anything like the pecan tart, she could only assume that taking one bite would mean she wouldn't be able to stop.

She put her fork down and poured herself a cup of the coffee instead.

"After we first met Landon in Swaere on a whim I set my network working to see in The Guild was involved with slaying his father. And it seems my suspicions were correct, although all they were able to glean was confirmation and that only the Headmasters know the client. My gut tells me that this might be related to our missions and the threat to the East, but I have not made the connection as of yet."

"My apologies, Landon, I'd not known." Ellondra held the cup tightly, enjoying the heat against her palms, "The surest way to determine parallels is to continue with the task at hand; I hold little doubt that your justice will be carried out."

 

[Lambi]

"You do not need to apologize, Ellondra. Not many people knew of my father." Landon had himself a few more bites of the dessert before sitting back in his chair, stuffed with all the delicious food. He took a few more sips of the wine he still had, then placed the glass on the table.

"That was some of the most delicious food I have ever tasted, Vik'nar. If I had a castle or led a country I would hire you as my personal cook."

 

[The Zango]

Ra'ive laid down his fork and leant back into the chair, that was the best meal he'd had in years, decades even. Even with the irritation his mask caused, had done nothing to mar his enjoyment of the meal and now he sat in his chair, sipping the wine though the small trap door in his mask.

"The Guild you say? I've had...Run-ins with them." he said slowly, he trusted the people present but was still reluctant to share his tale.

'What are you doing? You know nothing about these people!'

Ra'ive tried to ignore the thoughts going through his head, whilst shifting, noticeably disturbed in his chair. After a moment he took a deep breath, settled and contained with slight reluctance in his voice and posture.

"Vik'nar, if you are looking to lock horns with the Guild then you have my services, free of charge and I have information that may prove useful, if you wish to hear it. It may not lead to any information about your father Landon, but it is information on our enemies nonetheless"

He took a sip of wine and drummed his fingers lightly on the table, awaiting a response.

Spoiler: OoC

I apologise for the avatar, I was picked to be the Nukie in Nuke my avatar. I hope it doesn't lower the tone of the thread

 

[Slycne]

"Thanks Landon, I'll keep that in mind. San'tar always says I'm better behind the stove than skulking in the shadows." He refilled his and Ellondra's mugs with more coffee and topped of Landon and Rai've's glasses of wine.

"I think Ellondra may have found the right in this." She's cut through the situation just as finely and skilfully as if she'd used that falchion of hers. He thought to himself. "We may best learn more by moving forward with our mission, and while The Guild is calculating and meticulous - they are also slow to act. This new threat in Tartungen seems a bit more pressing." He took a drink of the coffee, letting the warmth of it wash over him. He waited to see if anyone else thought their was credence to that logic before continuing.

"Perhaps though, with whatever your information is Rai've. We could set things in motion while we are away." Vik'nar took notice that Rai've was either going through withdrawal from one of his recreations or something was visibly unnerving him.

 

[The Zango]

"Well before we go perhaps you could have your man check a couple names? One is a Wesburg man named Jecques and the other.." Ra'ive trailed off and tried to swallow the lump that had formed in his throat.

"The other is a Herelden, probably a lieutenant by now, he's called Se'ide Ter'sal"

Ra'ive spoke with obvious hesitation, he was almost scared to find his brother alive. Scared of the things he would do, of what he was capable of. He took a large gulp of his wine.

"I used to know of many Guild safe-houses but many have been shut down or re-located in the past 40 years. The only one still in use is due north from here, near Mungen. Perhaps we could stop by on our return from Tortugen?"

Spoiler: OoC

Btw Ra'ive hasn't told anyone his last name yet has he? If he has then you can just forget he mentioned his brothers last name, he wants it to remain a secret from the others

 

[Slycne]

Vik'nar was most curious about Rai've's prior dealing with The Guild, but now did not seem the time to bring it up. The elf was nervous enough as is without sharing his past.

"Yeah I can have him look into a few names and see what he can dig up. And I don't see why we couldn't swing by Mungen on our way back, baring any emergencies requiring a swift return. Any objections?" We turned to the other two seated at the table.

Vik'nar raised his mug. "A toast then my friends. To a quick successful mission and our safe return."

---

As the hour was starting to grow later, Vik'nar addressed Ellondra and Rai've. "I have two spare guest rooms available if you haven't made other arrangements." He knew they had, but he still wanted to be hospitable and perhaps something may have changed. The thought of fresh coffee and a good breakfast alone might break a lesser will. Perhaps Rai've's nerves might have settled being around friends and Ellondra... well she was being difficult to read. She'd shown up, but she'd avoided making eye contact most of the night.

I really should speak to her before we leave town. If she doesn't accept the room offer I'll have to meet her at the inn the kid mentioned she was staying at.

 

[Cinnonym]

The Sergeant stood as the meal concluded. Such heavy conversation she'd not expected out of the group which in Swaere had been so disastrously distracted if not sorely injured... Even Ra'ive was lucid enough to express concern. Serious business, indeed. What had been for her a distant and surreal threat was quickly becoming substantial.

Ellondra looked up when she was spoken to, less than attentive, "Apologies, I've already left my mount in the charge of the Inn. Regrettably it appears I'll miss breakfast." The two sentences were the extent of her ability to look at the Sever-Elf directly. "I shall be at the western gate at dawn, and I'm certain I'll not be kept waiting. Goodnight to you all." She paused at the door, seeming to have forgotten something; she added, flustered, "Supper exceeded excellence." And then she left.

 

[Lambi]

Landon stood up and stretched. He was stuffed and needed to rest before they'd go on their quest. He walked up to Vik'nar and placed his hand on his shoulder, then said "I thank you for the meal and information you and your cousin were able to gather. But now I must rest. I will see you all in the morning."

He walked to the guest room he had been provided with and closed the door. He hadn't been provided with a key, but he didn't worry. He lay down on the bed in his light clothes and looked at the ceiling for a few moments before sleep hit him and he entered the dreamland.

 

[Slycne]

Vik'nar cleaned up the table and helped settle his guests before leaving the house. He couldn't even recall the last time he'd entertained like that, it was quite invigorating and helped steel his nerve for what was to come. He grabbed what remained of the strawberries he hadn't used and a bit of cream as he headed out the door.

The boy he had sent with the message earlier had let him know which inn, and a few gold in the night clerks pocket got him the room number. While taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door. It was late, but hopefully not to late as to have woken her.