60 réponses à ce sujet

[berelinde]

Plot Post

 

Summary: Kesla pulls the party aside and offers to pay them for checking in on a local family.

 

 

The crowd in The Arbor Inn grows quieter as Rael tunes her instrument. After two weeks of nightly concerts, they no longer listen with rapt attention every time she plucks a string, but the ambient noise drops to tolerable levels in anticipation. The noise level raises again when Haren returns with his bucket and a mop, but you soon have another demand for your attention.

 

"I hate to bother you," Kesla Mullin said anxiously, putting down a pitcher of cool ale, a bottle of local wine, and a basket brimming with warm bread and sliced cheese, "but now that you've met some of my regulars, you may understand why I have to."

 

She cast a glance toward her husband, who was meticulously cleaning the stage, then smoothed the front of her apron and spoke again.

 

"We aren't a big village, as you may have noticed," she continued, "if it isn't the fair season, we don't get more than a dozen faces in here a night... so I notice when some are missing. There's one young man, Keltin, who we've not seen for three nights now. He works at Edred Fuldor's place, just this side of the forest eaves. The only time he missed a night before now was back when he stepped in a groundhog hole and broke his ankle. I can't imagine what's kept him away this long, but with other folks going missing and with poor Rory turning up dead... And Edred's daughter-in-law just had a baby not two weeks ago. I'd sleep a lot better knowing... well, knowing. We aren't rich here, so I can't give you much, but I'd give you a silver apiece to check in on them."

 

 

{Performance: Rael, if you wish to perform, that is considered an Advanced Test. Ordinarily, we might do this over PM, but we'll play the first few encounters/experiences openly as a way to illustrate game mechanics.

 

Advanced Test (See pages 55-57 of the Players' Guide)

 

An advanced test is a series of Basic Tests, specifically Communication(Performance). As with any test, you would roll 3d6 + Ability Score(Communication) + Focus Bonus(Performance). Characters don't begin to gain focuses until they're 2nd level (apart from background benefits), so the Focus Bonus(Performance)=0.

 

Target Number(TN)=13 Challenging

Success Threshold=10

TN Modifier for unsuccessful rolls: +1

 

The Target Number indicates a successful test. Rael has been playing nightly for weeks, so the crowd is becoming jaded. She will have to work harder to win their approval, so the category is "Challenging" which corresponds to a TN of 13.

 

Success Threshold: Unlike Basic Tests where the player rolls once and they're done, Advanced Tests are tests that take place over a period of time. If Rael makes a successful roll, she will have to note the Dragon Die and roll again. If that roll is successful too, she will add the result of that Dragon Die to the first. She will have to keep going until the total of the Dragon Die reaches the Success Threshold, 10. If her roll fails (is less than 13), she will have to start over... with a penalty. Her previous failure has soured the mood of the crowd, so she will have to work harder to win their praise. Before the TN was 13, but now, the TN is 14.

 

Solaas, if you understand all this, please do it (after you agree or decline to help Kesla, please). If you're confused, shoot me a PM and we'll RP it out and then post the result when we're done.

 

Theivery: There are 18 people in the room, including the Mullins. The only stranger in the room who is not a villager is a very tall, very muscular human male. He is both armed and armored, but he is keeping to himself and eating a quiet dinner in a corner. He does not appear to be intoxicated. The inn has 5 sleeping rooms. Pickpocketing is a Basic Test, and the TN varies depending on the target. It's actually an Opposed Test, meaning that your Dexterity(Stealth) roll must be higher than the mark's Perception(Touch) roll. Please tell me how many attempts you will make. If you wish to attempt to pickpocket the Mullins or the inn's only other guest, you may identify them individually, but for any of the other patrons, it will be random. The guest rooms each have different TNs as well. You know which room is the Mullins', but the others will be random.}

Modifié par berelinde, 28 juin 2014 - 04:33 .
forgot to include an NPC

[mysteriouspast]

Rael considered the Kesla's words for a moment. It was strange for a human to ask an elf for anything, rather than demand it. But after two weeks, she supposed the two of them had developed some sort of rapport.

 

That led to the next issue: being paid to check on a laborer. That Kesla was concerned about a regular was not surprising. However, if it were a simple matter, she would have just asked another regular or sent her husband when it was convenient. That could only mean one thing--she expected trouble. 

 

"Why me? I'm just a musician, after all..." she asked as innocently as she could. "Or is there something you're not telling me?"

[berelinde]

 

 

"Why me? I'm just a musician, after all..." she asked as innocently as she could. "Or is there something you're not telling me?"

She laughed, the first genuine, mirthful smile you recall seeing for days.

 

"Oh, honey," she said quietly, "I've been running this inn for fifteen years, and I watched my parents run it before that. Travelers have come and gone, and even out here, we've seen our share. Any elf who can make it this far with spring in her step and not fall prey to highwaymen worse has got to have more going for her than a sweet voice and a pretty face. But your secret's safe with me."

[mysteriouspast]

Rael opened her mouth to argue, but then closed it again, convinced of the futility of contradicting this perceptive woman.

 

"All right," she said neutrally. "But you said one silver apiece, and there's only one of me. Who else did you have in mind?"

[Mahumia]

Bartha eagerly grabs the pitcher and takes a healthy swig, before continuing on her soup. In the meanwhile she keeps looking at Kesla. When Kesla finishes her request, Bartha leans in and sends her a comforting smile. "Sure, I will see if I can find out anything about them. Would you be able to give me a description of Keltin?" She looks up and scans the inn. "Quite a melting pot over here... oh, to come back to our earlier meeting: I don't mind sharing a room: I'm already glad to have a decent roof over my head." Suddenly, her face turns serious. "And what's that about people gone missing?"

[ChachiBobinks]

He was making his way back to the hallway, intending to continue his studies, when Kesla pulled them over. Nothing intrigued him more than a chance to venture out and possibly away from any Templar who might think to keep an eye on him. She had drawn quite a few people near, including practically everyone he had spoken to that day. He wouldn't mind an adventure. It would give him the opportunity to really understand the world outside of the tower.

And, Maker, sliced cheese.

He coyly slipped a piece and watched them with muted interest. No clue why they'd need him (of all people) but he'd serve them nevertheless.

Modifié par Chachi Bobinks, 30 juin 2014 - 05:21 .

[BFace]

Tessa wasn't necessarily interested in music, but since it looked like Laurelin was familiar with the angry elf, she thought it best to give them some privacy to sort out whatever that was.  She stood, tossed enough coin on the table to pay for her meal, Laurelin's and Etienne's, then knelt to pick up her bastard sword from its erstwhile place on the floor beside her chair.

 

She calmly shouldered it, making it clear that she was just carrying it, not brandishing it, and made her way closer to the stage. As she heard Kesla make her offer, she stopped beside the woman and nodded to her.

 

"I can help, too, if you need it."

[mysteriouspast]

"Looks like we have ourselves a search party," Rael observed. "I suppose we should take a look in the morning. Won't be seeing much of anything at this time of night."

 

(Once the stage is clear, she'll do her performance so let me know what I need to roll.

[CuriousArtemis]

Auren pursed his lips together again as his sister chided him.

 

“I know you’re not a child,” he said. “But I’m here to protect you. I can’t do that if you run off without me!”

 

 Nevertheless, since she at least appeared to not be in any eminent danger, he held off chastising her any further. He did however ignore her suggestion to order something to eat and drink as this would require abasing himself before the human owners. They still had plenty of dried meat and fruit upstairs in their room. Besides, his sister rarely cleaned her plate. He could just eat her leftovers.

 

A bottle of wine did sound tantalizing though.

 

He watched warily then as one of the humans eventually stood and left the table. Not long afterward, the other did the same, though not before tossing down a good amount of coin onto the table.

 

His eyes swept the room, studying the remaining patrons. A dwarven woman caught his eye; he’d seen only a handful of dwarven folk in his life, and it was rather astonishing to see one now, and so close, too. It made him miss his own clan and the comforting seclusion of their camp.

 

Near the stage, a woman sat tuning her instrument. Despite everything, he found himself curious to hear a human song. However, before the woman could begin her performance, one of the innkeepers stepped forward.

 

He listened to her words with narrowed eyes. Her sudden request was odd—what shemlen would include a pair of Dalish in her plea for assistance? But even more surprising was the seeming simplicity of the task itself—not to mention the prize offered.

 

Abruptly, he rose out of his seat.

 

“You seek to trick us, shemlen!” he said, glaring at her. “Why not walk down the rode and find this patron of yours yourself? If you’re too lazy to do it, then ask someone else. But who hires a room full of people to check up on one man?”  He narrowed his eyes. “And offers a silver apiece for a bit of good news?”

 

(OOC: I apologize for the length; he's still "noticing" everyone so I promise I will write shorter posts in the future! Also, let me know if his response isn't appropriate. Still getting the hang of rp etiquette!)

[Lorien19]

Laurelin knew that Auren was right,there was definitely something odd about the Innkeeper's request.

But then again the whole situation was odd...
First she and Auren discover the deserted camp,then they hear about bad blood between the Dalish and the locals in Vivinter and now one of them is missing and another one turned out to be dead.

She was now worried,it is more than likely that the locals would blame the Dalish for the murders and disappearances sooner or later,which didn't sit well with her,since the last thing the Dalish would want at this point,is unwanted attention and angry mobs marching at their camp.

She had to find out what really happened,otherwise Keeper Orrel's clan will be in great danger soon enough.
She gave her brother a worried look and stood up abruptly,her eyes now fixed on Kesla."Count me in...I'll help you find that missing patron of yours"she said,her voice being unusually stern and clear.

[berelinde]

Summary: Kesla tells Bartha about the disastrous harvest fair, and describes how three Vintiver inhabitants are missing and a fourth is confirmed dead. She gratefully accepts Tessa's and Laurelin's offers, and explains her generosity to Auren.

 

Bartha['s] face turns serious. "And what's that about people gone missing?"

Kesla's face returns to the expression of concern it has worn these past two weeks.

 

"Then you haven't heard!" she said. "No, of course not, you just arrived. It only seems as if the whole world must know of it because everyone here is terrified."

 

Her gaze circled the room, lingering for a moment upon the stranger near the back before returning to Bartha. She pulled a well-worn chair from a nearby table and sat down in the aisle between Bartha's table and Tessa's.

 

"It started at the fair two weeks ago," she continued. "Coalan got drunk, and decided to pick a fight with one of the Dalish who were in town for the festival. Things got a little heated, but Tarl was able to pull them apart before it came to blows. That ruined the fair for everyone, though, and the Dalish left the next morning. I hadn't even had a chance to give Keeper Orrel the jar of peach marmalade I set aside for him."

 

She paused for a moment to wipe her face with the corner of her apron.

 

"We were all sad that the fair ended on such an unhappy note," she said, "but we thought we were done with it. I hoped that by next year, the whole mess would be forgotten. Haren and I have grown fond of the Keeper over the years, and we missed his annual visit. And that's when things started going... wrong. Jarvis the Potter was finally able to buy some land outside the village. He and his wife, Maira, planted some cuttings from the Fuldors, and Tonlin went over to see if they would winter over well enough, but when she got there, she found them both gone, with the doors wide open and blood on the floor. And then it was Widow Sorrel, and she lived right in town, just behind the Winery. And then Coalan found Rory dead in a field, poor boy. I won't tell you what he found because I don't want to spoil your dinner, but Mother Arda had to do the funeral before anybody else could see what was done to him."

 

The apron went to her cheeks again.

 

"Anyway, some folks are saying that the Dalish put a curse on Vintiver in retribution for Coalan losing his temper," she said. "I don't believe that for a moment, but something is out there, I'm sure of it. That's why Tarl Dale is gone. He went to the bann in the Ruswold for help, but that's two days away, even if he changes horses in Gladden."

 

 

As [Tessa] heard Kesla make her offer, she stopped beside the woman and nodded to her.

 

"I can help, too, if you need it."

 

"I would be most grateful," she said. "The runner who came back from Logerwold to give us word of Tarl's safe arrival said that he would go, too, but my conscience would be easier if the... er... rescue party were larger. Maker knows what's out there."

 

 

"Looks like we have ourselves a search party," Rael observed. "I suppose we should take a look in the morning. Won't be seeing much of anything at this time of night."

 

(Once the stage is clear, she'll do her performance so let me know what I need to roll.

 

"Maker, no!" Kesla squeaks at the prospect of venturing outside the village in the dead of night. "I sweat buckets every time Haran goes to the well!"

 

{You will need to roll a Communication(Perform) Advanced Test. I know I wrote this out already... ah, yes, in the top post.

Performance: Rael, if you wish to perform, that is considered an Advanced Test. Ordinarily, we might do this over PM, but we'll play the first few encounters/experiences openly as a way to illustrate game mechanics.

 

Advanced Test (See pages 55-57 of the Players' Guide)

 

An advanced test is a series of Basic Tests, specifically Communication(Performance). As with any test, you would roll 3d6 + Ability Score(Communication) + Focus Bonus(Performance). Characters don't begin to gain focuses until they're 2nd level (apart from background benefits), so the Focus Bonus(Performance)=0.

 

Target Number(TN)=13 Challenging

Success Threshold=10

TN Modifier for unsuccessful rolls: +1

 

The Target Number indicates a successful test. Rael has been playing nightly for weeks, so the crowd is becoming jaded. She will have to work harder to win their approval, so the category is "Challenging" which corresponds to a TN of 13.

 

Success Threshold: Unlike Basic Tests where the player rolls once and they're done, Advanced Tests are tests that take place over a period of time. If Rael makes a successful roll, she will have to note the Dragon Die and roll again. If that roll is successful too, she will add the result of that Dragon Die to the first. She will have to keep going until the total of the Dragon Die reaches the Success Threshold, 10. If her roll fails (is less than 13), she will have to start over... with a penalty. Her previous failure has soured the mood of the crowd, so she will have to work harder to win their praise. Before the TN was 13, but now, the TN is 14.

 

Solaas, if you understand all this, please do it (after you agree or decline to help Kesla, please). If you're confused, shoot me a PM and we'll RP it out and then post the result when we're done.

 

So, you will need to roll 3d6+Communication Score, making note of your Dragon Die. If you understand the stuff I just quoted, great. If you don't, let's take it to PM so we can post the whole thing when we're done.}

 

 

 

Abruptly, he rose out of his seat.

 

“You seek to trick us, shemlen!” he said, glaring at her. “Why not walk down the rode and find this patron of yours yourself? If you’re too lazy to do it, then ask someone else. But who hires a room full of people to check up on one man?”  He narrowed his eyes. “And offers a silver apiece for a bit of good news?”

 

(OOC: I apologize for the length; he's still "noticing" everyone so I promise I will write shorter posts in the future! Also, let me know if his response isn't appropriate. Still getting the hang of rp etiquette!)

 

Kesla smiled at Auren's words, but it was the anxious smile of someone who has learned that most potential problems can be avoided if one is willing to bend a little.

 

"You're my guest, messere," she said. "I would be a poor host indeed to show you that kind of disrespect. And I did want to go myself. As I said, Faleen just had her baby not two weeks ago - the day after the Eladiel left - and I wanted to check in on her to see how she was getting on. But Haran wouldn't hear of it unless I took both Coalan and Tarl with me, and Tarl's out seeking help from the bann. He's worried I'll end up like poor Rory -"

 

"Don't blame me if I like your innards where they are, my love," the innkeeper said as he passed by on his way to the door. "Wish all of my patrons would do the same. That's the last time I let that one have three bottles in one night."

 

"Ahem," Kesla continued. "Anyway, that's why I'm offering so much. I only wish I could give you more."

 

 

 

She gave her brother a worried look and stood up abruptly,her eyes now fixed on Kesla."Count me in...I'll help you find that missing patron of yours"she said,her voice being unusually stern and clear.

 

"I would be most grateful," Kesla said. "Let me know if there's anything you think you might need. We don't have much in the way of weapons or armor or anything, but we have provisions, and we have a few odds and ends and simples and such."

[ChachiBobinks]

Etienne indulged in his fourth slice of cheese, continuing his watch. Maker, one week of foraging and eating pack food finally paid off. Food was suddenly being handed out left and right! And wine. Sweet voice of Andraste, was he enjoying the wine. Some could be found at the Circle, but he rarely partook. Etienne didn't care for the way it interrupted his focus.

The group's conversation played out like a drama and he enjoyed every second. It was hard for him to really understand the gravity of the situation Kesla described, as he was so out of touch in regards to the issues they faced. It felt more like a story told than someone's reality.

Perhaps he had too much wine.

Add to that the aggression of the Dalish man. And the obvious tension when the woman took a stand and, well, he wished he had brought a blanket so he could properly relax and enjoy the show. Instead, her action inspired some courage in him. He haphazardly drew himself up to stand. "I will gladly assist as well. I can offer protection."

[mysteriouspast]

Once there was a lull in the conversation, Rael took the opportunity to advance onto the stage. Throwing off her dark blue cloak, she positioned herself in the center of the small platform, showing off her performance costume that was a brilliant gold with peacock feathers painstakingly embroidered in teal, emerald, and ultramarine.

 

Though the regular patrons had been entertained by her for many days, they still lowered their voices in anticipation of her songs. A few introductory strums silenced the room and she began her first song. It was a ballad about the third blight, and focused on how the disparate nations or Orlais, Tevinter finally abandoned their differences and worked together for a common goal. Her long, sweet notes, were charming and added to the sense of victory for all of Thedas.

 

Rael waited for the applause to die down, giving a small bow of appreciation, before continuing. Rael’s second song was in honor of the elven hero Garahel, an elf who, according to her song, defeated the dark spawn in the blight almost single-handedly. She kept beat on her lute as she played, in this face-paced, march-like song that centered around Garahel’s almost supernatural bravery and fighting prowess. A final flourish and the song was finished, followed by clapping and approving shouts from the crowd.

 

Her third song was a rousing song of the victory of Maric and Loghaine, who banded together and defeated the Orlesians against almost impossible odds. She sang how their friendship and loyalty was at the center of the victory, and that there is nothing that cannot be accomplished by those who fight together for a common goal. Her final notes left the audience breathless and they erupted into loud applause as she finished. Several viewers loudly demanded an encore, but Rael merely smiled demurely.

 

Satisfied with another successful performance, Rael bowed deeply and stepped off the stage, unable to hide a huge grin on her face.

[berelinde]

The Arbor's patrons pelt the stage with small coins, amounting to 17 copper bits.

 

(XP reward: 25)

 

{5d6 → [3,6,2,5,1] = (17)

Reward for successful performance, in cp}

[Mahumia]

Bartha rubbed her chin and sank deep into thoughts when Kesla stood up to speak to the other visitors of the inn. A raised voice disturbed her, and she looked up and in the direction of the noise. Apparently Kesla had joined a small group, and one man was standing and appeared angry. She raised a brow as she studied the man and his companion. She noticed that Kesla remained calm and directed her attention to the man. 

 

An artist had started a performance. Bartha glanced in the direction of the stage, where an elven woman was signing and playing a lute. She applauded when the song ended, and looked again in the direction of the Dalish elves. The woman was standing too, but she did not appear to join the other in emotion. She scratched her chin when a smirk appeared on her face. After checking her tankard - empty - she stood up and made her way towards the table with the elves. "Greeting both, I noticed that you got a similar request from Kesla, haven't you? Perhaps we can have a look together?" She smiled and reached out her hand. "Bartha, by the way". 

[mysteriouspast]

Rael swiftly scooped up the scattered coppers and placed them in her purse. Free lodgings and some extra money besides--perhaps her luck was finally starting to turn.

 

Scanning the room again, she caught sight of Etienne, who was swaying slightly and nibbling on something or other. His eyes were unfocused, almost glazed over. Maker, did the young mage somehow over indulge? He'd seemed so virtuous earlier, minor flirting aside, and now he had the red cheeks of an inebriate. Rael felt suddenly and oddly protective and walked over to him.

 

"So, what did you think of the show?" she asked, placing her hands on his shoulders to help steady him. 

[ChachiBobinks]

So Etienne wasn't completely, smashingly drunk, but he probably would have slumped over had he stood much longer. The poor thing didn't know his limits. His cheeks were quick to blush anyway, and burned his face under the influence of his sweet beverage. There really was something special about that Viventer wine.

With her hands settled on his shoulders, and nodded as he took his seat once more. "I'd have given you all of my coin, had I brought any with me," he replied quite matter-of-factly. "You know, I don't believe we have music quite like that at the Tower of Magi. Maker, how did you learn how to do that?"

[mysteriouspast]

"My father was a minstrel--quite a famous one, as I understand," Rael said with shining eyes. "I remember I used to sit behind the stages he performed on, out of sight, just to listen to him. My mother would later box my ears for neglecting my chores. But it was worth it, to hear him sing..." her expression suddenly darkened, as though unwanted thoughts had intruded. "Anyway, once he was gone, I took up the profession," she said, her smile more forced than before.

 

Rael sipped her wine and asked, "Don't you have any kind of entertainment in your Circle?"

 

(Looks like Rael and Etienne are at it again... Shall we take this to PM?)

[Lorien19]

Laurelin noticed the dwarven woman approaching,it wasn't the first time she's seen a dwarf though,sometimes she'd venture out of the forest in animal form,just to satisfy her curiosity.
So  she's seen some of the Durgen'len before,children of the stone as her people call them,travelling in the outskirts.Mostly merchants and some times a mercenary or two.
"Greeting both, I noticed that you got a similar request from Kesla, haven't you? Perhaps we can have a look together?" She then smiled and reached out her hand. "Bartha, by the way". 
Laurelin looked nervously at Bartha's hand,it took her a minute to remember what she was supposed to shake it,and so she did.

"Aneth ara(Greetings),I'm Laurelin and this is my brother Auren."Laurelin smiled back and shrugged"Why not,It'll be much safer,if we've got each other's back."

She had a feeling that the situation was far more dire than it seemed to be,but she didn't feel like worrying her companion-to be for no reason,in case her premonition was wrong.

[BFace]

After the performance, at which she found herself tapping her foot, she looked around the room.  She saw the singer talking to Etienne, as he swayed. Tessa wrinkled her nose. Maker, he was drunk.

 

She continued her look around, resting her gaze on the Dalish fellow with the angry look to him. She'd heard the word "shemlen" from elves before, with the same kind of hateful intonation and wondered if the Dalish weren't so different from their city dwelling cousins.

 

Squaring her shoulders and taking a deep breath, Tessa approached the Dalish man with the intent of introducing herself.

[mysteriouspast]

(Etienne and Rael are talking at a table, so we've taken the convo to PM. Let Chachi or me know if you want to approach and/or eavesdrop and we can include you.)

[CuriousArtemis]

Auren found the innkeeper’s response unsatisfactory. He still suspected her and her husband of some manner of trickery, but seeing as how Laurelin had agreed to go, he now had no choice but to accompany her.

 

“I don’t see how this helps us learn anything about Keeper Orrel and the Eladiel Clan,” he muttered to her.

 

He didn’t have a chance to press his point though as the dwarven woman he’d spotted earlier was suddenly approaching them.

 

Both siblings blinked in confusion at the proffered hand, though it was, of course, Laurelin who remembered her etiquette first and shook the woman’s hand. Auren merely stared at her, nodding slightly when his sister introduced him.

 

To be honest, he found dwarves to be a fascinating people—how anyone could stand to live underground like a colony of termites was beyond him!

 

He tensed when he noticed a second woman approaching their table—and this one was no dwarf.

 

He frowned up at Tessa, noting how she carried herself: with a warrior’s confidence, but relaxed, with no intent to harm.

 

“What is it you want, human?” he asked, his voice guarded (as usual).

[BFace]

Tessa wore a carefully neutral expression as she looked down at the elven man. She wondered absently if she should stand back so he wouldn't have to look up, but decided doing that would call *more* attention to their size difference, rather than less. 

 

"I am Tessa." She nodded at Laurelin before going on. "Laurelin has agreed to let me travel with the two of you, for the moment."

 

She shifted her sword from one shoulder to the other, then glanced across the room at Kesla and then back at the elf. "I'm handy to have around and besides, it seems like we're going the same place anyway."

[TreeHuggerHannah]

Tempest wished she'd brought a book. At the time it had seemed like a good idea to leave every volume of her precious collection at home - books were valuable and hard to replace. If one were lost or stolen, it would have been difficult to obtain another copy. Now, though, she was wishing for something to occupy her. It was her third day of sitting idle, something she was not accustomed to. She would have welcomed something, anything to do.

 

Except, of course, talking to the other patrons. A mixture of shyness and fear glued her to her chair in the corner. Her eyes kept darting toward the door, more out of habit than any situation-specific wariness.

 

By now, Tempest had to concede that the man she was here to meet was not going to come. Whether he'd changed his mind or died somewhere out in the wilds, she would probably never know, and there was nothing she could do about it. The helpless feeling nettled her, but she could see no immediate way around it. She couldn't exactly roam the countryside - a mage, no less - asking if anyone had seen the out of work ex-templar she'd been planning to informally "interview" for a job. She'd never even met the man. His life or death shouldn't be any concern of hers. Yet somehow, she couldn't manage to turn off the vague worry, even for a complete stranger.

 

When she had too little to do, she thought too much. She wished again she had one of her books. 

 

The music was a welcome distraction. Tempest loved music, always had. She listened with rapt attention, and when the performance was done, she clapped enthusiastically. It was the first time she'd done anything to draw attention to herself in hours.

 

This sudden lack of self-restraint on her own part seemed to startle Tempest, and she averted her eyes and seemed to draw inward.

 

She didn't like crowds.

 

Tempest decided she would give the man a few more hours, and if he didn't come, she'd leave. She missed her children. She missed the Circle. Surely it was time to go home.

[Mahumia]

Bartha looked back and forth between the two elves when they introduced themselves. "Nice to meet you both. 'Anedera' is a greeting, I guess? Should try to remember that..." She noticed that Auren tensed and diverted his attention to something else. She looked in the direction he was looking at, and noticed the woman approaching the table. 

 

Whilst the warrior introduced herself and spoke to the elves, she looked around the inn once more. She saw a lonely woman she hadn't noticed before. The woman made the impression on her that she was feeling uncomfortable. 

 

The shifting of a sword near her made her shift her attention back to the table. She looked up at the tall woman and reached out her hand. "By the stone, you stand out from the crowd. This group seems to be getting bigger by the minute. Nice to meet you Tessa, my name is Bartha."