Of Mages and Kings : A Twokinds RP (Open, PM sheet to GMs)

[Baldrek]

Again things seemed to happen at a quicker pace than what Katja could keep up with, she had been about to comply with the strange black robed mage's order to have Thud, or Terry as his name now seemed to be, laid out on a nearby table. However, before she had the chance to even start laying him down, much less remove the bandages and remove the knife, someone had jumped in and with a quick count to three ripped off the bandages and tugged out the knife. It was at this point she had almost snapped in anger at the reckless Basitin that had removed it without even finishing the rest of the treatments preparation, when it came to things like this sufficient preparation could be the key to survival for the injured party after all. But it had turned out that she hardly had the time to get angered by his reckless approach as another healer, this time properly introducing himself as one, had entered the establishment, and before she had managed to assess the person at all she found herself putting pressure on Terry's wound and following the healers instructions. It didn't take the man long to administer his treatment, which seemed to be the same as what the mage from earlier had intended to use, with some added procedures that Katja was all too familiar with from her days with her mentor.

The treatment over and her role again that of a stranger, Katja collected the ripped bandages from the floor and rolled them up, she would throw them away later. Hearing the larger Basitin compliment the healer on his work and also talk to the mage, she decided that even though she had felt angry with the man moments before it all seemed to turn out well in the end, as such she had no reason to act hostile towards him. However, she now had nothing more to do here, the situation was now in good hands and her aid was no longer required, as it was she didn't know any of these people. As such she excused herself with a half-bow towards the healer, Benjamin F. Pierce as his name was, and headed outside to throw away the bloodied bandages before she intended to return to her quarters and wash the blood out of her fur.



As the smaller Human woman introduced herself to her and Jarrod, Dusty looked over to Jarrod to see how he responded to her offer of joining them and replacing her as the guide, not that she minded that last bit, she was after all almost as new to this city as Jarrod was. Seeing as he seemed rather unsure of how to answer the young lass, but not necessarily against it, from what Dusty thought she could read of his body language anyway, as such she thought she might as well make the decision a little bit easier for him, and at the same time spend some of her day with both of these interesting people. So, donning her smile again and taking a step forward towards the woman, she unconsciously leaned forward a little to either appear more friendly, or maybe just to make it easier for Hazel to keep eye contact with her, as she started speaking to her.

"[Glad to meet you Hazel. I'm Maya Durand, but people tend to call me Dusty. And sure, having you show us around sounds like it'd be fun, especially since I'm kinda new to Wreathwood myself, I've only been in town for a few days now.]" Dusty told her while she looked over sideways at Jarrod for a moment to see if he seemed like he decided that he didn't like the idea, but apparently he still seemed to be thinking about it. Turning her attention back towards Hazel she continued. "[But right now I think I'll have to show Jarrod somewhere to grab some food for a reasonable price, you're welcome to tag along of course, it's just at a small eatery about a block or so west of here, since you know the city you might know which one that is better than me. After that we were going to head over to the Academy grounds, since Jarrod wants to see the garden there, but truth be told, I'm not even certain they're open for people who aren't mages, so the park next to it might be the closest one can get to a big garden from what I've heard.]"

Turning her attention to Jarrod once more, since he had yet to voice his own opinion in this whole matter, she figured that she'd ask him. "[So, what do you think Jarrod? Would it be alright for you if she joined us? Since she knows the city she's probably a better guide than me, and she speaks Keidran well too.]"

 

[UnusualStranger]

As Victor gave a small nod to the Keidran who was apparently pleased at his sudden step in as well as Alistair's. Though, he got the odd vibe of dislike as another Keidran, who had been told to put pressure on the wound, had stepped past. Likely they were their bandages that he had hastily torn off as he had no time to wait for slow unwrapping as the wound bled perhaps a bit too much, even with the knife in. Regardless, he was being addressed, and it would be rude to not respond.

"You are welcome, though I cannot claim as much credit as him." Victor said, as he pointed to Alistair as the scene settled down back to its usual atmosphere. There was one thing he liked about cities, it was that often the most destructive or odd thing could happen, and just as quickly people would move onward as if such an event had never happened at all.

"It was something to do with our day. Hasn't been exciting enough, I guess." Victor said wryly, a small grin appearing as he did so.

 

[InkBlot Royalist]

Borta smiled knowingly at the Basitin "You are more than welcome for follow me around for a day then," he chuckled "this is my first time in a city for a year or several and more has happened to me today than the past half a decade put together!"

The old wolf made a snap decision: The two seemed trustworthy enough. It wouldn't do to make enemies, or at least, lose friends. They had helped after all.

"I apologies for my comment earlier by the way, its been a...stressful couple of hours. I'm looking forward to spending the evening by the flame with a pint of something and a hot meal! I trust the two of you will be staying the night?"

 

[Athol]

After Ben had collected his things and headed off, Terry opened an eye. "Thought that old fart'd never leave." He muttered with a chuckle.

... I'm looking forward to spending the evening by the flame with a pint of something and a hot meal! I trust the two of you will be staying the night?"

"Food and drink! Now there's a hell of an idea!" He said louder, sitting up with a groan. Fuck that hurts...well serves me right for losing focus like that. Swinging his feet off the table he stood, surveying the mess. "Well that was a hell of a thing." Looking to the three that where still there he smiled. "I sincerely want to thank you all for saving my furry ass from my own stupidity, and if you ever need anything don't hesitate to ask."

Looking sadly at the blood stained and cut tunic he'd been wearing, he picked it up. Damn, and it was a comfy one. Reaching into an inner pocket he pulled out a fairly fat coin purse. "Now down to business. I'm not naive enough to believe in those 'white knight types who go around helping with no thought of reward...and if you are one of those, you're taking the money anyways." With that he pressed three days pay worth of gold into each of their hands. Looking at the human and basitin he stuck out his hand, and then realizing it was still caked in drying blood, dropped it and grinned. "I'm Terry by the way...anyone know where that other keidran went? I need to thank her too."

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

Alistair was disheartened that his process had been interrupted, leaving the strange man that walked in with all the credit while he was forced to sit on the sidelines and watch opporunity be whisked from his grasp. He feared now that he'd not get to eat a meal this night. Without some level of admiration from the innkeep, the mage doubted very much that he'd have the privilege of preparing his own food.

"...that was a bit rash, but impressive as well."

"Yes, well," Alistair began, clearing his throat a bit. "Let's just be glad he didn't die."

With that mixture, he very well could have, the mage thought, recalling the ingredients that were in the viscous fluid. It was the first time he'd ever intended on using it, though he was glad to see there wasn't any adverse effects. At least none that were noticeable for the time being. He swiftly withdrew his journal and quill before recording the results of the fluid's use.

'Mixture proved to not be poisonous as previously speculated. Grinding Rose Bark, Agrimony, Goldenseal, and Gotu Kola into a pulp immediately before application may have altered the healing properties greatly, though further study will be necessary.'

"My thanks you two, I greatly appreciates your help."

"Yes, of course," Alistair replied, trying to hide his dismay as he quickly stashed away his journal. "It was nothing, really."

"I'm looking forward to spending the evening by the flame with a pint of something and a hot meal! I trust the two of you will be staying the night?"

A meal certainly would be nice, though no doubt I've been robbed of my own by that bumbling doctor who would seem to believe a mixture to be one of healing just because it smells of lavender and sage. Alistair forced a friendly smile as he tried to whisk the thought away. "Yes, although I really can only speak for myself in this matter."

"I sincerely want to thank you all for saving my furry ass from my own stupidity, and if you ever need anything don't hesitate to ask."

Believe you me, your health was only secondary to my true intentions, Alistair though, maintaining his friendly demeanor. Regardless, I doubt one such as yourself could help me with what I need, considering the stir you caused here...

"Now down to business. I'm not naive enough to believe in those 'white knight types who go around helping with no thought of reward...and if you are one of those, you're taking the money anyways."

Quite the fool, this Basitin may be, but a generous fool at that. Alistair nodded at the Basitin thankfully before pocketing the coins. "Well, I certainly admire your largesse."

"I'm Terry by the way...anyone know where that other keidran went? I need to thank her too."

"Well, pleased to meet you," said the mage, more out of politeness than anything else. "Alistair Thorngrave, though just Alistair is quite alright."

 

[RBMidknight]

"[So, what do you think Jarrod? Would it be alright for you if she joined us? Since she knows the city she's probably a better guide than me, and she speaks Keidran well too.]"

Jarrod was a bit too distracted by the mention of mages to answer Dusty right away. He knew what mages were. But he didn't see what being a mage had to do with access to the garden. He really wanted to see the garden though. What if they didn't let him in? What if they did? Jarrod frowned slightly before he nodded in response to Hazel. "[That is fine.]" he said clearly, drawing himself back to the question he'd been asked. And it was. Dusty's explanation put the newcomer Hazel on the same level as Dusty herself which Jarrod liked. And since Hazel had requested to join her being a guide shouldn't require anything of him. He'd been somewhat prepared to be asked for one of those stories again though. Maybe he would still tell one. After eating. Dusty hadn't asked Hazel for her story yet. Jarrod wondered why. "[Welcome.]" he added. He moved neither hand nor waist in the greeting. [Now we can go.]

 

[UnusualStranger]

Victor gave a nod of his head in respect of the seeming somewhat older Keidran. He had obviously been around a few places to talk things up like that, or a good liar. Whatever the case, he at least seemed still excitable like any other Keidran, but friendly all the same.

"You are more than welcome for follow me around for a day then, this is my first time in a city for a year or several and more has happened to me today than the past half a decade put together! I apologies for my comment earlier by the way, its been a...stressful couple of hours. I'm looking forward to spending the evening by the flame with a pint of something and a hot meal! I trust the two of you will be staying the night?"

"No apologies needed. The situation was not exactly the best. I will be staying around, at this inn as well. I imagine you will be doing the same." Victor began, before the fellow who had just been stabbed decided he would jump up and try to be active.

Fool is going to open those wounds and do something permanent if he isn't careful...but the money is worth a brash action, and the rest of the brash actions of the day. At least fate keeps the table fair...

While he would have shook the bloodied hand (the knife having not exactly been clean when he pulled it free), he decided to go along with the obvious...boisterousness of the Basitin for the moment. While it was somewhat odd, he was willing to let it go for now seeing as how he had nearly dropped dead from a simple assault. Victor made mental note of this, just in case, and then brought himself back to the conversation.

".....Terry by the way...anyone know where that other keidran went? I need to thank her too."

"She went to take care of the mess that you made, and probably clean herself up as well. I imagine standing up to bleed everywhere not exactly the brightest of ideas." Victor said, gesturing to the cut that he had just pulled the knife out of, which he had stashed away on his belt for the time being. While he did not worry about blood on his person, having spilled and been spilling enough blood for a long time, he knew better than to do it in front of everyone. He would clean up and see if there was anything significant to the blade later, if to do nothing more than to pass the time while attempting to speak with.....Arryn. Where was she during all this?

 

[Lambi]

Arryn had watched all that had transpired since she came down right after Victor. It looked rather painful when he pulled out the knife, but in the end, the Basitin seemed to be alright. He would need to rest, she'd figure. Or at least he should, since he seemed about ready to get into trouble again. She lightly shook her head and once everything had calmed down, she went over to Victor and Alistair.

"[I assume it went alright?]" she asked them both. She wouldn't have been very useful in aiding the Basitin since she had very little knowledge of taking care of wounds, and even if she would have, it looked like they had been busy anyway. She would have only gotten in the way.

 

[InkBlot Royalist]

Borta was suprised that the Basitin had gone from being on death's door to looking for a meal in the space of a few moments. Basitins never cease to amaze with their constitution.

He smiled at Terry, as the warrior thanked the motly crew around him for their aid. He didn't really want to crowd in, so quickly nipped back from the small gathering, politely excusing himself from the other Basistin and the human. He didn't know if it was wise for the Basitin to drink yet, but he would probably want to anyway, might as well get an ale ready.

At the bar, he ordered a pint, then a smaller one for himself. Keidran were notoriously poor with human spirits, but what was effectivly a life-time of trapseing through taverns had provided Borta with a bit of resistance to alchohol. He reclined casually, sipping at his drink. It had been a very costly day so far. Injuries, enemies, mostly gold. But it had benn worth it.

He couldn't remember the last time he'd had this much fun.

 

[UnusualStranger]

Victor turned, happy to see that Arryn had not wandered off into additional trouble. While he didn't mind it, it had been a day filled with more individuals and actions than he had really planned on. He think he heard something about "alright", so he assumed it was a question.

"It went well enough....." Victor began, only to realize who he was talking to. "[Good enough. Should be calmer now. You OK?]"

She's probably completely fine, you fool. Course, what else were you going to say? Thanks for not wandering off and causing trouble? Shaking such thoughts to the side for the moment, he took another moment to take a look around.

The Keidran who he had been speaking to seemed to actually be getting a drink, which was a surprise to Victor who figured that he wouldn't actually drink. Something else to note about the individuals and....perhaps another opportunity. Now realizing this, he went over to sit next to the Keidran. Gesturing for Arryn to come take a seat on the other side of the Keidran, Victor didn't bother ordering a drink yet, intent on getting things done.

"I am reminded of something. I do not believe I have gotten your name despite our...pleasant meeting. Figure that the particular act we just had fun in is worth noting one another. I am Victor, and over there is Arryn, who...well, honestly some assistance would be appreciated, if you do not mind me asking for a bit." Victor said, not exactly sure how to approach the situation. But it might be better to have a less than jittery Keidran than the mage give him some pointers on Keidran language.

 

[InkBlot Royalist]

When Borta felt presences on either side of him, he thought the thugs had brought re-inforcements briefly! Then the Basitin, who called himself Victor, and the female Keidran, sat down on either side of him.

"How careless of me not to mention my name!" Borta smiled, before extending a hand to the Basitin "My name is Borta, it is pleasing to meet you Victor." He turned and did the same to the female "[And its a pleasure to meet you too my dear!]"

Turning back to Victor, Borta nodded "I'll happily help a friend any way I can. What is it you require?" Borta raised the glass to his lips and sipped at it. He felt uncomfortable having his back turned to Arryn, but he got the feeling that even if he was speaking to both of them, she wouldn't understand much.

 

[Baldrek]

Since Jarrod seemed eager to get going, or at least had seemed eager before Hazel showed up, Dusty just assumed that the same still applied, she decided that it was probably time to get moving. Turning to Hazel she smiled as she suggested it. "[Well, with introductions made I think it might be time to head towards the eatery then? We're kinda a little bit in the way here.]" She remarked as she looked around at the other people in the busy market, it wasn't the best place to have a drawn out conversation. So, to get moving she put one foot in front of the other and began heading towards their first destination, waiting briefly for the two others as they joined her.

Figuring that she might as well find out a bit more about her new acquaintances on the way, Dusty started asking questions as they walked through the cobbled streets and between rows of houses and shops. "[So, Hazel, what do you do here in the city? I thought that you might be a guard or something, but you don't exactly seem like one, or at least that's the feeling I get after speaking a little bit with you.]"



Katja had just thrown away the bloodied remains of the cloth bandages and returned to the front of the inn, having had to enter the alleyway beside it to find somewhere to dispose of the trash. But now that she was again in front of the establishment, the boisterous din of cheerful and slightly inebriated voices trickling out from the windows and the doorway confirming this almost as much as the worn signpost hanging over her head, she noticed a couple of people that were newly arrived on the scene, looking at what she assumed was the remains of the Keidran that had fought with the Basitin earlier. Unsure just who these people were, she had half a mind to retreat back into the tavern and ignore them, until one of them turned her head and noticed her that was. "Hey you! The Keidran with blood all over her! We'd like to have a word with you." She began as she walked over towards Katja, her uniform and breastplate leading Katja to the unmistakeable conclusion that these people weren't just anybody, nor were they thugs, they were members of the guard.

Stopping just a few feet away from her the female Basitin pointed with her thumb over her shoulder at the scene behind her. "We'd like to know everything you observed about this incident, citizen, and don't try to deny your involvement, you have enough fresh blood on you to be a butcher's apprentice."

Katja nodded to her, she would comply, she didn't particularly feel like upsetting the guard when she hadn't even stayed in the city for a full day yet. As such she explained to them what she had witnessed, about how the two assailants, Human and Keidran, had assaulted a male Basitin inside the building behind her, and he had responded by defending himself, the result being obvious. The questions then lead to how she came to be covered in blood, and the answers were presented, she had tried to help the aforementioned Basitin and get him to a doctor, but in the end a doctor showed up at the scene and tended to his wounds. After the explanation was finished, the female guard nodded, seemingly content with the explanation, as it matched what they had heard from some of the other onlookers in the area, as well as what they had heard from the people who first brought the fight to their attention.

"I see, very well, thank you for your cooperation, citizen. We will, of course, need to verify your story with this Dr. Pierce, but you are free to go for now. Or..." She looked Katja over as she pondered something, and nodded briefly to herself as if to confirm a suspicion. "I'd like for you to stay actually, follow me, you'll be dismissed shortly." Receiving a quick nod in response from the Keidran, she turned her attention back to the other guards with her. And after a quick order here and a hand movement there, they had been instructed to sort out the mess and to tend to his accomplice who was supposedly still inside the tavern. But with that out of the way she called for one of the still idle guardsmen and Katja to follow her and made her way inside.

As the guardsmen walked inside the establishment the formerly cheerful voices of the patrons died down to a discontented murmur as they realized that they were being observed by members of the guard, no one being particularly keen on attracting their attention or being singled out to explain the man lying apparently lifeless in one corner of the room where he had been left during the earlier fighting. The female Basitin only had to take one look at his body before her aide walked forward to remove him out into the street, lightening the atmosphere considerably once both he and the body had exited. Of course, it didn't take long for some of the tension to return as the Basitin guard sergeant spoke. "Alright, can anyone involved in this incident step forward? I don't care if you were fighting or helped clean up after the fight, but what I'd like is an explanation here." She narrowed her eyes and looked over at the innkeeper. "Do you have somewhere a bit more private than your common room, sir?" Bill, not exactly one for challenging his odds here, volunteered the backroom of the inn for the job, a bit more 'out of the way', and apparently just what the guard wanted. "Alright, all of you involved meet me out back, we already have an account of what happened so all involved parties would be wise to do as we suggest." At this point she finally changed her serious tone a little and shook her head as if to attempt to lighten her mood a bit. "And don't worry, from what we've heard so far it's just a formality, but even formalities might be worth someones while." And with that little piece of somewhat cryptic reasoning, she retreated to the back room of the inn, where Katja was soon to follow, not being one for keeping the law waiting if she could help it.

 

[Athol]

Thanking Borta once again, Terry took his beer and headed back to his room to get cleaned up and changed. Ditching the soiled clothes and his mail sleeve, he stored his weapons before getting a basin of hot water and cleaning the worst of the drying blood out of his fur. That done, he took a few moments to collect himself; the exertion had made his fresh wound ache.

Dressing in just some plane cloths he made the common room just in time to hear the guard call for all those involved. "[Well fuck.]" He muttered. Entering the room slightly behind Katja he spoke softly to her. "I wanted to thank you for helping save my ass back there. Talk to me after these fools are done, I've got some compensation for you." Turning to the guard he smiled and spoke up. "Hi, I gotta ask are you new? I thought I'd met all of the City Guard by now. I'm Terry by the way, I'm sure my name has come up."

 

[UnusualStranger]

Victor was going to let the fellow know that he needed some translation assistance, but it seemed that it would need to wait now that he would possibly need to slam a few knives into people to get out of here cleanly...

"Seems it will need to wait..." Victor whispered, observing his foes carefully. Well, they were not foes yet, but he knew better than to trust any guardsman in any fashion. Their "request" did not sit nicely with Victor, and he would be damned if he got into any trouble over this particular disaster. But, at the moment he would allow this particular intrusion, if only because it had been a lucky day so far, so perhaps some form of reward or entertainment would come out of this as well.

That... Victor thought to himself, Or a couple of guards are going to die some rather messy deaths this evening, and I'll have to leave. For their sake they better watch themselves.

"Well, old timer, I hope you can put up with either a little or a lot more excitement for the evening. Seems we are not done yet." Victor whispered again to Borta, before turning to Aryn.

"[Stay for moment. Guards, problems, means leave fast.]" Victor managed, hoping that the message was clear enough. While they didn't have much to really go on, he figured he might as well help her as he had been doing most of the day.

 

[Lambi]

"[It's nice to meet you as well. My name's Arryn.]" she introduced herself to the wolf Keidran. She simply sat there, not knowing what to order or even if she should order something. The meat from earlier had been good, but she was feeling a bit hungry. Though that wasn't anything she wouldn't live through. She'd been through longer periods of time without food.

Instead, she just watched at how lively the inn had become now that there wasn't a bleeding Basitin. Although that liveliness died down once some people entered the inn. She had no idea who they were, but she got a sense of authority from them. The female Keidran from earlier who had helped was with them for some reason. One of them said something to the people in the inn, but she didn't understand. Then she seemed to turn her attention to the innkeeper who seemed to point them towards the back of the inn. The female Basitin and female Keidran disappeared there and at least some of the people that got involved with helping the Basitin earlier went there as well.

Victor told her to stay, which she had intended to do. Then he added something about guards and problems which she didn't quite understand. She assumed that by guards he meant the people that had come into the inn with the female Keidran. What problems he meant, she didn't know. But she'd be ready to leave with him if there would be some sort of problem, based on the last thing he said. Maybe in the meanwhile she could talk to the wolf Keidran. Have someone to actually talk to, not just someone who'd need to translate her conversations with Victor. "[What is it that you do? I am a hunter myself. And I didn't catch your name.]" she started, trying to start a conversation with him.

 

[CounterAttack]

"[So, Hazel, what do you do here in the city? I thought that you might be a guard or something, but you don't exactly seem like one, or at least that's the feeling I get after speaking a little bit with you.]"

"[Me? Hmm...]" Hazel mused in answer to Dusty's question, moving a little faster than the other two in order to properly keep up with them. Being short did not help when walking alongside other people. "[Well, I spend my time travelling and looking for work, more than anything. I am a mage, and I seek to improve my abilities in order to help others. I'm okay at healing injuries, but I think I could learn to be better. The Academy is...] oh, what's the word," she grumbled to herself as she tried to recall the proper phrasing.

"[Unhelpful], that's it. [The Academy is unhelpful. They don't have any healers that can teach me.]" Switching between human and Keidran was a little weird, but Hazel was used to it in such a multilingual community.

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

Alistair was busy keeping an eye on the Basitin called Terry, observing to see if any side effects might have been developing slowly as the mage wrote in his journal. He watched as the Basitin hurried upstairs with a drink in hand. Not long after he made his ascent, a handful of guard stepped into the inn and had grasped the attention of nearly every patron in the common room, save for the mage at the bar who was nose-deep in his writings.

No immediate side effects visible, subject seems to be taking well to the mixture Alistair thought as he scrawled on the page. No telling whether or not the paste alone would do harm, will have to wait for another test. Discretion would be necessary of course, no telling what would happen if the subject were to die after appli-

The mage's thought processes were interrupted when the guards spoke loudly, at which he looked up from his journal to see what they were addressing. Apparently they called for everyone involved in the scuffle and the events shortly afterward to congregate in the back room of the inn. This worried him as the possible outcomes ran through his mind. Perhaps this would be the straw that broke the mule's back and end in his banishment from this city. Surely they remembered the previous incidences were complete accidents, even the second time he inadvertently spilled an extraordinarily powerful, concentrated sleep-inducer into a well when collecting water he needed to attempt to dilute the mixture. He nervously rapped his fingertips on his journal before adjusting his pack as comfortably as he could and following the guards sheepishly.

 

[Baldrek]

The Basitin guard sergeant watched as people filed into the back room of the inn, which she realized was a little bit on the small side as the last of the people made their way inside. Looking over the assembled she nodded in agreement with her decision, it seemed like doing it this way might indeed have been for the best, or better than telling the entire inn and anyone with ears in the immediate vicinity.

As she was sure that everyone involved was inside the room she closed the door shut and started to address them. "Alright people, probably contrary to your belief we're not going to cause more of a stir about the fight that took place here. In fact, as far as we're concerned, that case is closed, there will be some follow up work from us, but no charges will be pressed towards any involved parties." She started out saying, keeping a serious expression on her face as she talked. "We would however like to remind you that it is always preferable to bring such situations to the attention of the guard, preferably before we have to help clean up any bodies, I hope that's understood by all."

She pulled a scroll of paper from her belt as she continued to talk, unfurling it and taking a look at it as she surveyed some of the assembled in the room. "Truth be told we were already on our way here before any reports about the fighting reached our ears, but decided to clear that up before getting started on our real purpose here. Namely finding able bodied men and women and extending an offer if we deem them suitable." She cleared her throat as she took another look at the paper in her hands. "The guard needs the help of any mercenaries, sell swords, investigators or hirelings for a continued investigation where normal guard personnel cannot be of any help due to their official affiliation with the authorities. Payment will be offered on a job by job basis, with a partial payment up front and the rest payed on completion of the assignment, in some cases a bonus may be included. Any and all interested parties will need to report to the nearest guard post, though we discourage heading to the post in the dock area, they've got enough on their plate at this moment."

Rolling up the scroll again she looked at the other people in the room while she put it back in her belt. "If any of you feel the sudden need to help out the guard and fill up your purses while you're at it you can report to the guard post near the eastern market tomorrow, and it'd be appreciated if you'd not spread this information about to everyone, we prefer not having to turn away undeserving applicants. Any and all questions will also be handled at the post. And that's it, you're free to go about your business, citizens." She ended her little 'speech' with a short nod and by opening the door, heading back out and walking for the door of the inn to help sort out the mess and get the guards onwards to their next assignment.



Katja listened intently during the guard sergeant's speech, she had expected a sort of reprimand and checking through each persons individual recollection of events and the like, not a call for sell swords. Still, to her it didn't seem to bad... She had the option of helping the city, in a lawful and orderly way she supposed, and earn a few gold, which she didn't often have the option of doing seeing as her skill set was a bit limited and since she was almost always on the move. As the sergeant dismissed the people she headed out of the crowded back room and back into the inn, heading for her old table. She thought she might have a word with the injured Basitin from before, especially since he had whispered something to her before they had entered the room, but she hadn't caught what he had said, sadly.



"[Unhelpful], that's it. [The Academy is unhelpful. They don't have any healers that can teach me.]"

"[Oh? I got the impression that the academy had teachers for most types of magic, but that eh... Most cannot afford them unless they get sponsored by someone, or are wealthy. I'm pretty new though, and magic isn't something I'm familiar with.]" Dusty told Hazel as they continued on their way, she occasionally looked over at Jarrod to make sure that he was following them, at first she had thought that he would perhaps like to join in on the conversation, but maybe he was just as comfortable listening? It kinda seemed that way.

"[But you're a mage, and a healer? That sounds exciting, I heard it's really difficult and tedious to learn though, so you must be very good at studying and keeping your head cool then? At least that's what the few mages I've met say are important if you want to be one.]" She started talking away with Hazel, clearly exited about getting to talk to a young mage now that she was more or less certain that Jarrod was doing fine, something that even her tail stated more or less clearly as it picked up speed a little from its lazy swaying back and forth.

 

[UnusualStranger]

As Victor stepped back into the other room with the others, he found the situation becoming very....odd. All them together, in here? IF they attempted anything, there would be a lot of dead guard, and maybe one of them being in trouble. It was then that the true instance of the visit became known. They were looking for volunteers for something. Which was odd in itself, as he never considered the guard to be quite that...secretive.

What are they playing at? There is a lot more going on that they are not telling us, and I'm willing to bet it has nothing to do with the damned scroll. But, that is something that would require morning planning, not this evening. Too alert, and watching out for things like me. Most likely anyways.

"Well, that was...interesting." Victor said, breaking the silence as he made his way out of the room and back over to where Aryn was sitting patiently, seeming slightly confused but overall just fine.


"[Might make trouble tomorrow. Will see.]" Victor explained as best he could to Aryn as he sat down next to her. It suddenly dawned on him how awkward it was since he had been doing probably the most communication he had done in a while that wasn't professional with someone who he hardly knew, of female variety, of wild variety, and simply for no other reason than being nearby. The realization was probably worth looking over later, but for now, he figured just sitting back enjoying the rare company was good enough.

 

[RBMidknight]

Jarrod followed the animatedly talking Dusty as she talked with Hazel. Hazel the human female mage who seemed utterly at ease stating her status and profession.

[How many mages are there in this city?] Jarrod wondered. In Arroy there were only a handful of self-proclaimed mages. People that made a living off of their abilities. There was an friend of his, a gardener, who possessed some mage abilities but he didn't call himself a mage only a very blessed gardener. Or sometimes a 'green thumb' when the younger garden visitors asked.

There was still conversation going on so Jarrod took it upon himself to walk a bit further ahead and see where the eating place might be. There weren't as many people here so it was only a minute until he spotted what had to be it. A large wooden sign hung above a large wooden door that was propped open with two horseshoes. The paint on the sign was so worn the name was hard to read. Most of the space below the name was dominated by a bird Jarrod didn't recognize. He did however recognize the smell of food coming from the open door. Whatever was cooking smelled delicious.

Jarrod stepped inside and immediately blinked at the dimly lit interior. The inside of the building was smaller than he expected but the place appeared clean and uncrowded. A sturdy looking staircase was immediately to his left. Jarrod assumed upstairs were the rooms to rent. He'd spent a lot of time in rented rooms himself before finding a more comfortable place to stay. A middle-aged human female with an apron wrapped around her waist stood behind the front counter straight ahead. As Jarrod took a step fowards he noticed the dining area off to the right. Metal rattled in the distant kitchen area, where the food smells were the strongest.

"Come in, come in." Upon seeing Jarrod the woman gestured briskly. "If you're needing a room it's 20 silver for the day and night. If you're here to eat go ahead and take a seat and one of my boys will be with you right quick. Oh, and just call me Mum. I'm the one you talk to if there's any trouble."

"Thank you." Jarrod gave a respectful nod to the assumed owner before drifting towards the closest table. Like the other tables in the dining area it was wooden and aged with nicks and dents from a history of customers and utensils. The only decoration was a small lantern, unlit, in the center of the table. Jarrod took his seat carefully - shuffling a bit until his tail and the axe still on his back weren't in the way.