The companions rode into the stabling yard of the River Cross Inn and dismounted. They stretched their legs from the long ride and saw about the securing of their horses to the hitching posts that were abundant in the yard, for there appeared to be no stable hand.
"Quaint looking place," said Edrahil as he looked about. He was becoming very accustomed to the world of Men and had begun to appreciate their skills at architecture. It was certainly not on the calibur of his Elven kin, but still the place looked warm and inviting. Only the backdrop despoiled the image for over the river could be seen the large encampment of Harizän the Easterling, and there appeared to be some activity going on. A large crowd was gathered there, sitting in a large circle spectating some form of entertainment.
Edrahil averted his eyes from their enemy and went about unpacking the few things he needed from his horse. He unhooked his sword and slung it over his back using his belt like a baldric, and checked to make sure Silturma was also close at hand. He tied down the flaps on his saddlebags to make it difficult to pilfer any items off his horse and then went to join his friends.
The River Cross was a wooden structure that sat atop a stone and mortar foundation - large stones that surely came from the river. There were shuttered windows that had framed panes of glass along a long, covered front porch. Rocking chairs sat vacant on the porch for the few patrons that wished to sit outside to smoke, chat, or just enjoy the out of doors. The building was two storys and thin slates shingled the roof. The grounds were well-kempt and the front door was open, inviting any to enter.
The Company stepped inside and were immediately assaulted with the smell of lunch or dinner being prepared. The common room of the inn was empty for the most part, save a few travelers that sat about. The patrons were merchants to be sure who either stepped away from their trades to take lunch, or were wealthy enough to have servants handle the business while they relaxed and enjoyed the town's comforts.
A tall, young man with sand-coloured hair smiled at Durgil as he came from a back room, the kitchen maybe, and saw his new guests.
"Welcome to my home!" he said walking up and extending his hand. "I am Crolm. Can I seat you for some lunch, or will you be needing accomodations?"
Nain answered, "I've got a pony out there that will be in need of some apples soon or he's apt to become quite cranky."
Crolm's face twisted into a scowl, "Was that boy not out there? He is a lazy lob indeed... probably sleeping in the barn! I will see your steeds are taken care of. Now, what can I do for you?"
[OOC:] Actions and / or Dialogue?
Durgil takes the man's hand with vigor and a pleasant smile. "We have it on good authority that this is the place to be in Ilanin. Lunch, yes, and I think it is safe to say that we'll need some rooms for at least the night....maybe longer," he said, looking at his friends. "Mind the palfrey, she can be a little tempermental... think she's a queen, she does."
Galudir nearly collapses in a great sigh of relief as the innkeeper greeted them. Moving forward, the rogue reaches into his coin pouch and nudges Durgil a bit to the side as he hands the innkeeper a gold piece. "Listen here my good host, I will take the finest room you have. I need a warm bath prepared and a large bed, overly stuff with goose down, send your man to go fetch some more geese if you must. I do not know what sort of food you are accustomed to around here, but I want the very best of it. And be sure to keep the wine flowing." Galudir's request came at such a fast pace he needed a deep breath to recover. He turned back to the company, a beaming smile on his face. After the months of travel and fighting, the rogue was finally able to enjoy even the meager luxuries an inn could provide.
Ignoring Thermon's breathless requests to the slack-jawed host, Dirnhael surveyed the interior of the inn, looking at the denizens more than the architecture.
He admitted to himself that he looked forward to a mug of ale and a hearty meal, once he was certain that things were safe enough.
In this town, their motley party would certainly attract some attention.
Two Dunedain nobles (if Dirnhael counted himself - and he most certainly did not), one Eothraim, a Dwarf, an Elf, and one - at the moment, at least - addled rogue intent on spoiling himself? They'd only attract more glances if they had landed on winged steeds!
When they were seated, he took the chair with its back to the wall - if there was to be trouble, he wanted to see it coming.
Then Dirnhael finally took a deep breath, and allowed himself a moment to relax and enjoy the company of his friends.
Nain waited for a moment as the men talked. He was not terribly suprised by Thermon's request but was a little disgusted by his display. On the other hand some roast goose and a keg of beer sounded pretty good right now. He decided he'd go out and make sure that the boy was taking care of Jethro properly and take a look about the place.
"Take care to add a pint or two to that order, I'll be outside."
He stepped out the door, walked over to his pack and pulled the pipe and some week from his saddlebags. He leaned against the side of the house while he waited for the boy and smoked, looking at the village and it's people as they walked by.
[OOC:] Nikitas, is your gold piece (GP) intended to set up the whole Company, or is it only for Galudir's comforts?
If the former, what is the setup? One room each? You guys bunking together, a couple to a room? And how many nights?
Let me know so I can reply for Crolm. Thanks!
Fengel sat next to Dirnhael, also wanting to be ready if trouble presented itself. He however could not relax. Just the thought of the enemy of his people being so close, and hopefully Gleowyn, made him all the more anxious. "I think that we should sleep at least two to a room, especially after what happened at the Three Tears." He stated to Dirnhael. Then he addressed Edrahil, "While we wait for our meal could you survey the camp. I am curious as to the cheering that we have heard since our arrival."
[OOC:] Costs for the River Cross Inn:
Lodging: Fine room - 1 sp; Ordinary room - 75 cp; Bath 50 cp
Food and Drink:
Ale (mug) - 15 cp
Wine, glass (Dorwinion) - 50 cp
Meal, fine - 1 sp + 25 cp
Meal, ordinary - 65 cp
Pipeweed, pouch - 2 sp
Money breakdown:
1 Gold piece (GP) = 4 gp or 4 SP or 16 sp or 1600 cp*
1 Gold penny (gp) = 1 SP or 4 sp or 400 cp*
1 Silver piece (SP) = 1 gp or 4 sp or 400 cp*
1 Silver penny (sp) = 100 cp*
* copper penny
So, to accomodate everyone, two to a room (except Galudir that seems to want his own), will cost 3 sp and 25 cp for 1 night. The baths will cost 3 sp for the company and to feed the group an ordinary lunch, dinner, then breakfast will be 11 sp and 70 cp (this does not include beverages).
Total 17 sp and 95 cp, or the 1 GP that Galudir paid plus 1 sp and 95 cp (or just 2 sp)... I still need to know the generosity of Galudir.
Durgil smirks at his companion's desire for a few creature comforts so long denied on their road. "Since I believe you'd like your privacy with that, too, Thermon, I'll take care of the rooms, two more if you please, if you can fit three in one, sir." He hands over 2 sp for the other two rooms. "They can get their own meals... I swear the big guy has two stomachs," he says in a mocking conspiratorial tone behind his hand.
[OOC:] I am going to pull everyone's post into an ordered time with this post.
Durgil's compliments made Crolm's smile widen and the innkeeper returned the vigorous handshake, "Well you have heard correctly! Why don't you all find a place to make yourselves comfortable and I will see about preparing some rooms."
[Galudir's post here]
Crolm looked down at the shiny gold coin in his hand and knew he dealt with more than mere vagabonds. He decided to be even more cordial in hopes of making the travelers' stay as profitable as he could. "My good sir, the River Cross has some of the finest rooms in town and we pride ourselves on our bolsters. You need not worry about needing more down, you will find your sleep quite comfortable. I will send my wife Anna to prepare a tub for you whils't I get ready the rooms and then your meal. I will also see about getting that boy to tend your horses."
Crolm ended his comment with a wink and a nod in Durgil's direction.
[Durgil's second post re: paying for the other rooms along with Nain's]
Two more silver shoved in his hand, Crolm began to scurry to his tasks. "As you will good sir! I will have your rooms ready in a short time. Please, make yourself comfortable in the common room and I will return in a few moments. I'll pull those mugs right away Master Dwarf!"
And that is what Crolm did, he ran first to the kegs and pulled five mugs of ale - ale that had been brewed up north along Long Lake. Second, he uncorked a bottle of Dorwinion wine and brought the lot over on a wooden tray that also held a loaf of brown bread and a small crock of whipped butter with a knife sticking out.
"Make yourselves comfortable," he repeated and ran off to see to his other tasks while Nain made his way to the yard. "The first round is on the house!"
Dirnhael and Fengel sat down with their thoughts, finding the table they desired that allowed a full view of the room. Edrahil, Durgil and Galudir joined them and they talked quietly. With Fengel's suggestion, Edrahil excused himself taking a glass of the sweet Dorwinion wine and went to join Nain. The Elf stood there while the craftsman rambled on about trading of fine wares, his pipe clenched in his teeth. Although he listened, Edrahil's eyes looked across the river to watch the Easterlings and see what they entertained themselves with.
Every now and then, the crowd would separate enough to make visible the inner ring and the Sindar could see a hulk of a man, bare-chested brawling with one or two smaller framed men. It did not take much to realize that the leader of the east men was entertaining his ranks and he was having an easy time with his opponents. Edrahil hoped that those that Harizän fought were there of their own choice and not poor captives that were being subjected to the brutal match. He knew in his heart that it was the latter.
Edrahil told Nain all that he saw in full detail. As they stood there, a young, well-dressed fellow walked up carrying a lute. "Well this is something I haven't seen in Ilanin in most my life! An Elf and a Dwarf standing on the River Cross porch!"
Inside the common room, one patron was also quite interested in the manner of the Company. A rotund merchant with soup stains upon his linen shirt turned to the men, "Well you are all a strange sight. I recognize one of the plains-people* sure enough, but men of Gondor too! And an Elf and Dwarf! I am Denn and I hale from the small town of Dale. You must tell me your tale! What brings you all the way here to Ilanin?"
[OOC:] *plains-people, he means Fengel
OCC: Yeah, Thermon/Galudir intends to use that 1 GP for himself. Sorry for the delay.
[OOC:] Okay, thanks Nikitas.
- That being said, due to the finery that Galudir is buying himself, it will cost him a total of 5 sp and 95 cp (or 6 sp) out of the Gold Piece, leaving 10 sp.
- Galudir bought a fine room (1 night), bath, fine meal (lunch, dinner and breakfast), and a bottle of wine.
- The rest of the Company need to pay 14 sp and 25 cp (of which Durgil has paid 2 sp)
- The Company will have bought two ordinary rooms (1 night), bath for each, and ordinary meal for each (lunch, dinner, and breakfast), but no beverages are included in the price
Durgil deducted his silver pennies, but how are you guys splitting the remaining cost (12 sp and 25 cp)?
[Edit:] Fengel has paid with another gold piece... there will be change back but we'll see what you guys consume.
Not only were these Fengel's friends, but they had offered there lives to aid his people so he felt the obligation to offer them some comfort. And so he paid the cost of the rooms and food for his friends and added enough sp to cover any drink that they might desire.
As the merchant attempted to make small talk with the Company, Crolm returned with another crock that had a wooden spoon poking from it. Inside was a warm concoction of beef, potatoes and carrots, seasoned just right with the local herbs. Everyone was handed a wooden plate and took turns scooping out their lunch and buttering the bread.
On the porch, Edrahil's attention was drawn to the youth and he smiled, "Then this must be a momentous time for you in your short span of years."
"You have no idea master Elf!" replied the apparent minstrel.
"I am Edrahil," said the Sindar, "and this is my companion, Nain."
"You two are traveling together as well!?" The young man looked shocked, "You must have wonderful tales to tell - both new and old. I am in search of such great tales and would be honoured if you would share some of your time and knowlege."
"So that you may spin them into some exaggerated yarn, I am sure..." laughed Edrahil.
"I am Rojen and I make my keep with my voice and my lute. I am here to see if the River Cross will lend me their room, so I will hopefully be here all evening and will have time to speak with you." Rojen surrendered with a smile, "And yes... a tale, small or tall, always brings in the greater coin when it is the latter."
Edrahil nodded back, "Well good minstrel, we will be here at least for the evening and so you may sit and chat with me when the time avails itself. But for now, I must see to my own business. Nain I am going back in to speak with our friends."
Rojen followed the direction that Edrahil had been staring, "Oh, them. Aye... not a good lot there. Its been most of thirty-six months since they arrived and naught but ill has come of it."
Nain grunted at the youth's statement and Edrahil looked to his friend. "The lad may prove useful," was the unspoken thought between the two.
Edrahil followed the minstrel into the inn and each went his own way, but both knew they'd be speaking again. Dirnhael smiled as the Sindar entered the common room, "Come take some food, Edrahil."
The Elf sat down and commenced reporting all he had seen as he filled a plate.
[OOC:] Actions - and / or - Dialogue?
"This is a good place, we were able to get a commanding view of the Easterlngs without even having to leave the inn," remarks Durgil. He ate as fast as the food was put in front of him, but decided not to gorge himself. That caused one to be tired and slow the reasctions -- being so close to the enemy, it wouldn't be prudent.
OOC: I posted the other day shortly after the minstrel appeared but it seems to have vanished. Oh well.
IC: Nain stands and taps out his pipe.
"Aye, I smell a dinner and keg. Come visit us in an hour or so after the beer's begun to flow and I expect that we'll both hear a tale or two."
He turned and headed inside after his elf friend to order a decent meal and libation.
Quote from: Stefan on Jul 30, 2007, 09:04 AMOOC: I posted the other day shortly after the minstrel appeared but it seems to have vanished. Oh well.
Quote from: merchant DennInside the common room, one patron was also quite interested in the manner of the Company. A rotund merchant with soup stains upon his linen shirt turned to the men, "Well you are all a strange sight. I recognize one of the plains-people* sure enough, but men of Gondor too! And an Elf and Dwarf! I am Denn and I hale from the small town of Dale. You must tell me your tale! What brings you all the way here to Ilanin?"
[OOC:] Hey Stefan, I don't know what happened to it either! :( Is there anything that Nain would have said to the minstrel that would be good to get into the dialogue? Let me know...
As far as the other quote, did you guys (Fengel, Dirnhael, Durgil, Galudir) have any interest in talking to the inquisitive merchant? He addressed the group when Nain and Edrahil were still outside. I will move on the story with my next post otherwise.
Edrahil nodded at Durgil as the Company once again sat together and dined, "Aye... we are quite fortunate. I will ask our host to see if one of the rooms we have acquired can be on the second floor at the east end of the inn."
At the far end of the common room, the young minstrel had set up his lute and spread out a series of parchments on a rickety looking stand. Edrahil watched the youth as he slowly tuned his instrument.
"T'would seem that Crolm has opened his room to one of the local entertainers. The boy seems to know a little about the Easterlings... I suggest we earn his trust."
Galudir took the initiative and distracted the merchant asking about the company's business as the others concerned themselves with the matter of the Easterlings. With a booming voice and wide gestures, Galudir addressed the man sitting at the nearby table, "You would think so good burgher, but the truth is, as my father would say, that all sorts come out on the road. Necessity is the mother of all fellowship, at least that's so these days. My name is Thermon by the way, a vagabond by trade, if you can call that a trade." Galudir paused only just enough to chuckle at his own joke, but then continued to blather on. "Well what can I say about our little band here. There's Dirnhael and Durgil, they are a respectable sort of men from Arthedain. That other one there is a local; I'm not quite sure how we picked him up." Galudir pointed at Fengel but didn't offer his name out of caution. "Those two fellows coming back in now, Nain the Dwarf and Edrahil the Elf, they seek out their own purposes that I freely confess are alien to me. What can be known of the minds of tunnel diggers and tree fondlers, am I right? Ah, but I have been neglectful, who are you good sir and what sort of business occupies your time?" Galudir attempted to dazzle the merchant with words, offering as little as possible, while hopefully drawing little attention to the band. Hide in plain sight was his tutor's motto; a silent, cloaked, figure in a dark corner, Galdur had learned, is far more suspicious than a boisterous group enjoying a good meal and drink in the middle of a room.
Dirnhael listened intently to Thermon's banter.
As a man uncomfortable in most social situations, Dirnhael was always relieved to see that between Durgil's flowery formality and Thermon's silver tongue, he often had little need to do more than listen.
That, at least, he was good at.
OOC: I'm sure it was something witty as Nain is always the life of the party, but it was early last Friday and I can barely remember what I had for breakfast this morning. Sorry :(
"Though it would do to correct a minor error, my friend Dirnhael and I come from Gondor by way of Arthedain, no more... visiting cousins you see," said Durgil, looking crossways at Dirnhael and then back to Thermon saying with his gaze that no more truth need be uttered than required while in unfriendly lands.
Denn gave a great guffaw at the lively rogue's greeting and a gleam of pleasure sparkled in his eye. The merchant replied back to Galudir's comments with many a - "To true, to true!", or an, "I know what you mean!". The information revealed about Dirnhael and Durgil brought a look of wonder to the man's face, even when it had been corrected by Durgil, but still the merchant gave a long, "Oooh!"
"I've never made such a long journey to the great kingdoms of the south or the legendary realms of the west! And here you find yourselves on the very rim of what you might call civilization," Denn laughed. "Must have been necessity indeed to bring such a fellowship together and to have come so far."
The heavy set man turned his chair to sit facing the Company's table and he tried to wedge himself into the group. Setting his wine bottle on their table after he had filled his own glass, "I am Denn as I said earlier and I am from the town of Dale to the north. We are not unaccustomed to dealing with Elven-folk, or the Dwarves and so I am familiar with their strange oddities. I am a cooper by trade but have grown my business beyond the making of barrels! I now deal primarily with what they contain. I sojourn down to Ilanin at the mid of each season to load up on the Dorwinion vintners' fine craft and bear it back to Dale. From there I make a lucrative trade with the Elves of Greenwood, the Dwarves of the Iron Hills and my own folk."
A look of self-pride shone on the merchant's face as if he were pleased with all he had accomplished in his life - by his weight and seeming carelessness, it looked like he was over-enjoying the fruits of his labor.
Edrahil spoke, "I am not sure it is us who may be called odd, but I have never been to the Elven Realm in Greenwood - you have traveled there?"
"No, no!" laughed the merchant, "Your folk come to Dale and trade... the realm of the Elves is closed to us."
Nain also was clouded with a bit of confusion. He had not heard of any of his kin or any of the other houses that had made a home in the Iron Hills.
The man's words peaked Nain's curiousity when he mentioned trading in the contents of his barrels. Nain could claim some small skill in brewing and found it interesting, though it was more of a hobby than anything. The mention of Dwarves in Dale was something of a shock and he asked the man with one eyebrow raised.
"Dwarves you say? I don't recall any kin of mine living so far from the Iron Hills, by what name do these Dwarves call themselves?"
Quote from: Stefan on Aug 02, 2007, 09:34 AM"Dwarves you say? I don't recall any kin of mine living so far from the Iron Hills, by what name do these Dwarves call themselves?"
"Did I say
'living in Dale'?" Denn looked surprised, but then smiled. "No my good Dwarf - your folk live
in the Iron Hills. At least a small expedition of them do - that is what they call it. And what name? Well my contact is Finli (and a few others) who comes into Dale on a monthly basis for various supplies, including my wine!"
[OOC:]Outside information for players (not for character knowledge) - The Iron Hills were not formerly settled until about 2500 T.A., well after the fall of Khazad-dûm. This and the quote below being said, I am assuming for our story and time period that the Dwarves would still send out small campaigns or expeditions to investigate the worth of a geological formation. This could be how Thror knew to lead his people to Erebor.
Quote from: Encyclopedia of ArdaA people of the Dwarves belonging to the clan of the Longbeards, otherwise known as Durin's Folk. About half a millennium before the War of the Ring, the Dwarves of this clan dwelt in the northern Grey Mountains, but they were greatly troubled by dragons in that region. After King Dáin I was slain by one of these dragons, his surviving sons led an exodus into the east. Dáin's elder son Thrór recreated the Kingdom under the Mountain at Erebor, while his younger brother Grór led a part of the people further into the east, to settle among the Iron Hills.
It seems that the two related peoples remained on friendly terms with one another. Years later, when Thrór's descendant Thorin Oakenshield sent to the Iron Hills for aid in restoring Erebor, Grór's grandson Dáin Ironfoot (named after his illustrious ancestor Dáin I) sent many armoured Dwarves. As events developed, the Dwarves of the Iron Hills proved crucial in winning the ensuing Battle of Five Armies. Thorin died in that battle, and with him the royal line of Thrór. Through his ancestor Grór, the Kingship of Durin's Folk then fell on Dáin. As Dáin II, he removed from the Iron Hills, and re-established a kingdom under the Lonely Mountain.
[OOC:] I see Paul has been on daily, but I am not sure if he has been unable to post for some reason (technical problem?). In any case, I am going to post for Fengel. If this is not the case Paul, and you do not want to have Fengel speak right now... let me know.
It was Fengel who spoke next and ire filled his every word. He had been indifferent about the merchant's label of he and his folk, but the sheer pleasure the man exuded due to his and the town's mercantile success had flared the embers within his heart.
"And I suppose that you turn a blind-eye to the trade of men, women and children within the confines of this town," he hissed. "Or do you applaud your fellow merchants no matter the fare?"
The question caused everyone at the table to stop, and side glance towards the other, wondering if trouble may have just been stirred. Denn looked hard at Fengel, wondering if the man joked. His jovial mood quailed, he answered, "I assure you good sir that neither I nor any of my fellow merchants practice in the trade or purchase of slaves. It is an outlawed practice by the mayor of this fair city, but if you mean to imply that I would do such a thing, then my interest in conversing here is done."
Fengel stood his ground, "You sit here and pride your achievements and tell me you know nothing of the treatment of my folk to the south and west at the hands of the Easterlings? In fact the very Easterling that resides along the shores of this city?"
"T'would seem you are misguided if you believe that the folk of Ilanin have any alliance with the wain-riders that are encamped on the eastern shore. My understanding from the local talk is that the city has been pressuring them to move on by forbidding them encampment on the western side of the Carnen. The mayor has also squeezed off any resupply to their stores, though there are a few traders that have less of a conscience." Denn finalized, "But still, the Easterlings are strong and we are not at war with them... and so, they may camp where they will."
He forcefully stated his last words and slid his chair back meaning to separate from the group - offended as he was. Edrahil interceded feeling that there was more to be gained by talking to this merchant, "Denn... forgive us. Forgive Fengel. If you knew the hardships his folk have faced due to the presence of the Easterlings, you might understand. Fengel has lost his home, his sister, and it is all tied to Harizän."
"So that is why you are here?" The question left them all speechless again. It came down now to trust. Did they trust this stranger? Essentially, it didn't matter anymore.
"We are here to help Fengel find his sister," said the Elf. "Though the practice is forbidden, have you heard anything of the Éothraim-folk being brought here and forced over the river as prisoners or slaves?"
A smile broadened on the merchant's face, "Well if you needed help... why didn't you just ask me! I personally know nothing of it but if you don't mind me making some quiet inquiries, I may be able to learn something. There has been no open transportation of prisoners across the river here in Ilanin."
Fengel breathed in deep and quelled his temper, "I'd appreciate any help you may be able to provide, but I beg you to keep this secret for my sister's life may be in your hands."
Denn became serious once more, "On my honour I will help if I can." He then grabbed his bottle of wine and filled all available cups, "Come let us make a toast to our alliance!"
In the background, the minstrel began to play and sing a song of strange lands far away.
[OOC:] Actions - and/or - Dialogue?
Dirnhael vowed silently to cut the man down himself if he was lying; but perhaps they had found an ally, and Dirnhael would keep an open mind. But what concerned the Dunedan was "why".
He decided to find out the answer.
"What compels you to help us," he asked sternly. "Your offer is appreciated, of course, but what advantage does helping us get you? Is it coin you seek? Protection? Why risk yourself for strangers?"
He locked eyes with the man; trying to gauge the measure of the merchant.
OOC:Sorry, I have been keeping up I just haven't had time for a thought. I have become the new Youth Pastor at my church which is a full time position and I will be quite busy transitioning. I will continue to post though. Thanks Doug for posting for me, you pretty much have Fengel pegged.
Nain thought for a moment taking a large drink from his tankard then setting it down and scratching his beard.
"I don't know that I've ever met Finli. Humph, another place i'll need to visit to meet long lost kin. "
And he took another drink emptying the cup. Then shouting to the bartender.
"Another round!"
Quote from: sdrotar on Aug 03, 2007, 10:36 PMDirnhael vowed silently to cut the man down himself if he was lying; but perhaps they had found an ally, and Dirnhael would keep an open mind. But what concerned the Dunadan was "why".
He decided to find out the answer.
"What compels you to help us," he asked sternly. "Your offer is appreciated, of course, but what advantage does helping us get you? Is it coin you seek? Protection? Why risk yourself for strangers?"
He locked eyes with the man; trying to gauge the measure of the merchant.
Their eyes locked, Denn also took measure of the man before him. "Your road must have been harrowing indeed if it has eroded your trust and belief in others to now think that a man may only do something to help for the betterment of his own pocket."
The merchant's smile was gone and he was very serious, "If you prefer that I make no inquiries on your behalf, then I won't and will go on my way, but if you would like help from an honest man, then it is offered. Besides, whose to say that my pocket will not be bettered with the removal of the east men and their bullying ways here? So maybe it is selfishness... I prefer seeing it as one man helping another and mutually benefiting."
He took a pull of wine, "So tell me, would you like my unrecompensed aid or do we chalk this up as a happy meet and then go on our way. In either case, it would now seem that you still need to trust me."
Quote from: tomcat on Aug 06, 2007, 12:28 PM
Quote from: sdrotar on Aug 03, 2007, 10:36 PMDirnhael vowed silently to cut the man down himself if he was lying; but perhaps they had found an ally, and Dirnhael would keep an open mind. But what concerned the Dunadan was "why".
He decided to find out the answer.
"What compels you to help us," he asked sternly. "Your offer is appreciated, of course, but what advantage does helping us get you? Is it coin you seek? Protection? Why risk yourself for strangers?"
He locked eyes with the man; trying to gauge the measure of the merchant.
Their eyes locked, Denn also took measure of the man before him. "Your road must have been harrowing indeed if it has eroded your trust and belief in others to now think that a man may only do something to help for the betterment of his own pocket."
The merchant's smile was gone and he was very serious, "If you prefer that I make no inquiries on your behalf, then I won't and will go on my way, but if you would like help from an honest man, then it is offered. Besides, whose to say that my pocket will not be bettered with the removal of the east men and their bullying ways here? So maybe it is selfishness... I prefer seeing it as one man helping another and mutually benefiting."
He took a pull of wine, "So tell me, would you like my unrecompensed aid or do we chalk this up as a happy meet and then go on our way. In either case, it would now seem that you still need to trust me."
"There is no question that your days here will be bettered by the removal of the men from the East," said Dirnhael. "Our road has indeed been long, and we have tales that could take minstrels many months to tell. I meant no offense, but our party was once larger than it is today, and I intend to lose no more from our numbers. You are a merchant - a man who lives off the trust of his customers, earned by the quality of his wares. Certainly, you can appreciate a 'buyer' that looks for that quality before committing to a 'sale', no?"
Denn's smile broke out once more, "Aye my friend! I too would be wary of one that bought without question, or didn't look for the quality. I promise you... I have no hidden agendas other than to help one man find his sister."
Quote from: tomcat on Aug 06, 2007, 01:41 PM
Denn's smile broke out once more, "Aye my friend! I too would be wary of one that bought without question, or didn't look for the quality. I promise you... I have no hidden agendas other than to help one man find his sister."
"Then we appreciate any help that you may be able to provide. As you can see, the composition of our company tends to invite more attention than we would often prefer."
Insight:
2d6= 6,4
Perception (+1), Skill Ranks (+3)
10+1+3= 14
[Edit: Because I accidentally kept the previous dice roll from my copy/paste]
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Since the members of the company had taken an interest in the merchant, Galudir gladly turned his attention toward his meal and drink. But when the generous burgher offered to help, Galudir was instantly suspicious. No one, Galudir paused in his line of thought, remembering his recent travels with this company, well, almost no one, would risk life and fortune for the sake of strangers. As Dirnhael conversed with the merchant, Galudir focused his attention and attempted to discern the trader's true motives.
At Dirnhael's acceptance of the merchant's help, Fengel reached out his hand to the man as a sign of his agreement with the accord.
Denn took Fengel's outstretched hand and shook it vigorously causing his jowls to wag as he did. All the while Galudir inspected the merchant and tried to get a read on his intentions.
The rogue was familiar with city life as well as life in desolate regions where men were pitted against nature for survival, and sometimes against one another - even when they were companions. Galudir respected his comrades and the honour that they held before all things; it was the one thing that kept the group as tight knit and reliant as it was, but at times he thought them niave.
This was one of those times.
He saw Denn the merchant as a friendly, good-humoured man who had spent a life growing large on the literal fruits of his labours. He probably had many contacts, even friends, in many places and obviously enjoyed conversation, food and wine. He was not afraid to meet a stranger and divulge personal information or to ask questions that could be considered forward. It was this openess of his character that worried Galudir. The merchant could talk to anyone and reveal the Company and bring danger upon them all. Then again, the man was no fool and did not live this long having such success by making simple mistakes.
It was this dichotomy that created a quandry for Galudir and he wondered if the trust was well placed or his worries unfounded. He decided that he might keep an eye on the merchant's activities until his fears were put to rest.