Arrival - Searching - Knowledge

Davriin · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 1:06 pm Post subject: Arrival - Searching - Knowledge

He stands on the bow of the boat as it plunges through the waves towards the harbor. He had paid good money to the captain of the vessel to get him here in good stead, and so far he was happy with the bargain.
The boat pulled up alongside a dock, and he silently thanked the captain by slipping a few extra coins into hsi hand, then stepped off the boat and down to the streets of Cape Salarain.

He stopped once he reached, and sniffed the air heavily. His left hand came up and stroked his chin and palm rubbing his stubbly chin. He glanced left and right then pulled his cloak tighter around his body and headed towards the Dukes mansion.

He stopped a short way before it, allowing him to get a good look but without drawing attention to himself, and he simply waited for a short time, looking at the building, noting all the features. Then suddenly he was on his way again, walking through the lanes towards a tavern. Had anyone been watching him since he docked, they may have wondered how a stranger could find his way around so confidently with no guide.

He pulled the hood of his cloak up as he walked into the tavern and straight to the bar. His right arm leant on the bar, his hand empty one moment, then a gleaming gold piece between his fore and middle fingers. He used it to attract the tenders attention.

"Good day to you" his voice was slightly hoarse. "I require some refreshment, and some information. I believe you may be just the man to provide both"
The gold piece was set on the counter and another appeared almost immediatly in his hand.

Narrator · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 2:56 pm Post subject:

"Greetings Traveller"

The Bartender throws his towel over his shoulder and walks over to Davrinn. He props himself casually onto the bar.

"What can I do for yer?"

Eyes the gold, and suddenly becomes more attentive, standing straight.

"..An what drink do yer want?"
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"Storyline is like a rollercoster. Just sit back and enjoy the ride...and hope you don't fall out."

Davriin · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 3:02 pm Post subject:

He keeps the hood up as he speaks.
"A mug of your finest ale, and something for yourself too if you'll be pleasing."
He carefully placed the second coin down on the counter alongside the first, and returned his arm to where it had been.

"Tell me, who is the main authority in this town. Any Dukes or Duchesses?"

Narrator · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 3:11 pm Post subject:

"Yer too kind, mister."

Pours the stranger a mug, making sure its topped to the full. He places it down on the bartop and begins to make one for himself, talking over the noise.

"Aye, you'll find there's Duke Leto who's never at home an' Duke Kharne. They can be found at that big 'ol castle in the square. Sometimes, they come in 'ere but I couldn't say when they'd be in 'ere next."
_________________
"Storyline is like a rollercoster. Just sit back and enjoy the ride...and hope you don't fall out."

Davriin · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 3:30 pm Post subject:

He takes the drink with a nod of his head and listens carefully.
"Leto you say. What kind of a man is he? Brave and fearless?"

He took some of his drink after he spoke, his left handly idly touching another gold piece in his pocket. He was interested in both Dukes, of course, but surely best to learn about one then the other.

Narrator · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 5:26 pm Post subject:

"Eh? Brave and fearless?"

Chuckles

"Half-wit monkey, if yer ask me, yet I dun know 'im very well. All I do know, is that I ain't seen him do much for the town, see?"

Took the mug of his tankard and helped himself to a generous gulp, beer froth catching in his beard. He wipes it clean with the back of his hand.
_________________
"Storyline is like a rollercoster. Just sit back and enjoy the ride...and hope you don't fall out."

Davriin · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 5:48 pm Post subject:

He makes a mental note of this and continues to drink his drink. He had tasted better in his life, but also tasted worse. He didn't let it show on his face, hidden as it was anyway.

"So more like someone who rules from a distance, rather than mucking in with the commoners. Kharne like that then?"

It was almost not a question.

"And does the Queen stick her nose in around at all?" His eyes glanced around just to see if anyone was visibily listening at their conversation.

Narrator · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 6:16 pm Post subject:

"Kharne? Er...nah, he's around more, me thinks. Although I ain't sayin' Leto ain't like that, but I dun see him. Kharne's the whole reason this damn town got torched by the Dracolich if yer ask me."

Took another generous gulp of ale.

"The Queen?"

Glanced around and leaned in closer.

"Some say she visits these parts in disguise, but as fer official visits, we've had none since the attack. She's thrown money into helping us rebuild, but we ain't had anythin' other than that. Why'd yer ask, stranger?"
_________________
"Storyline is like a rollercoster. Just sit back and enjoy the ride...and hope you don't fall out."

Davriin · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 10:44 pm Post subject:

Once more the man makes mental notes of the information about the Dukes and the Queen, raising an eyebrow at the mention of the town getting torched.

"Why do i ask? I have only recently arrived at these shores; a stranger you may say, and am simply curious to know more about this island."

He finished his drink

"So, tell me about this.. Dracolich and the torching."

He sounded genuinely intrested at this.

Narrator · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 2:14 am Post subject:

Bartender Inhales dramatically.

"Yer had to ask. The Dracolich still exists. Some say he has a human form, an' lives amongst us. Nobody knows why he torched Salarain, but some say its to spite his brother, Kharne who fought him to his death. That was, of course, before he was raised as undead by Rensain Caladore and his necromatic apprentice, Mycheal. Others say its' cos he worked for another, greater foe, a great Demon by the name of SoulReaver. We're not the only ones to get attacked, unfortunately, but we were the first."

Pauses, to continue drinking from his tankard.
_________________
"Storyline is like a rollercoster. Just sit back and enjoy the ride...and hope you don't fall out."

Davriin · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 1:52 pm Post subject:

"What other places did the Dracolich attack?"

He placed another two gold coins on the counter and indicated his empty mug. This was all very interesting and not at all what he was expecting.

Narrator · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 1:58 pm Post subject:

"Eh? Er...He got Draco an' then Grorr. Bloody nuiscence that damn Dracolich. No one's been able to stop him. Suppose next you'll be wantin' to 'ear the myth about him."

Takes the empty tankard and fills it to the brim yet again, placing it back onto the bar top.
_________________
"Storyline is like a rollercoster. Just sit back and enjoy the ride...and hope you don't fall out."

Davriin · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 2:49 pm Post subject:

He nodded, taking the tankard and drinking.

"Myth? You've told me this much, may as well finish the story"

Another gold piece appeared between his fingers and he placed it down on the counter.

Narrator · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 3:01 pm Post subject:

"Alrighty. They say that when the Queen heard that Rensain an' Mycheal had raised the bloody thing, that she decided to use the Dracolich fer her own means. I heard that she had a bastard child she never wanted - god knows who the father was, an' she used the Dracolich to protect the child. Only it worked too well, and the Dracolich would let no one get near him. They say they are bound, or somethin' like it."
_________________
"Storyline is like a rollercoster. Just sit back and enjoy the ride...and hope you don't fall out."

Davriin · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 3:37 pm Post subject:

The hooded man finishes his drink as he listens to the interesting myth.
"I thank you for the drink, and the talk."
He passed one final coin onto the counter and turned to leave, intending to go back outside.

Narrator · Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 1:30 am Post subject:

Nods firmly.

"Alright, no problem"

Watches the traveller leave, curiously."
_________________
"Storyline is like a rollercoster. Just sit back and enjoy the ride...and hope you don't fall out."

Leto · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 1:24 am Post subject:

(Leto entered the tavern, and bumped into Davriin just as he was leaving. His hood was covering his face so that he would not be recognisable.)

"My apologies Stranger."
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Davriin · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 1:41 pm Post subject:

The hooded man wouldn't have recognised the Duke anyway, so it didn't matter ( Razz

), but muttered something under his breath about vagabonds and drunkards.

Leto · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 10:23 pm Post subject:

(Speaking in a soft Quiet tone: )

"Yes, place is full of them isn't it? Perhaps youd like to see a more reputable establishment?"
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Dream as if you will live forever
Live as if you will die tomorrow

Davriin · Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 3:01 pm Post subject:

Never one to pass up the chance to learn more about the goings on in this city, the hooded man nodded, then realised it pobably wouldn't be seen by the stranger in the hoodie. He turned around, head low to avoid light falling on his face and tried to peer into the dark recess of the other mans hood.
"Some where better than here? I would be glad to join you." he paused a moment, idly wondering if maybe this man might be trying to lure him to a dark alley to rob him. Still, nothing ventured and all that.

Leto · Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:20 pm Post subject:

"Excellent. Come, walk with me."

(As they walked out of the Tavern, the stranger would notice that they were heading towards the keep.)

"So tell me, what is your business in the city?"
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Live as if you will die tomorrow

Davriin · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 3:08 pm Post subject:

He realised they were headed towards the Keep, and walked along side his new companion.
"At the moment I have no business. I have only recently arrived on these shores and am looking for employment."
Of course he still had no idea who this man was, but was simply making conversation.

Leto · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:27 pm Post subject:

"Well at least you don't seem to be after trouble, like most of the local wildlife. What sort of employment would you be after? Maybe we can arrange something."

(As they arive at the gates of the keep, a spyhole slides open, examines the men for a moment, and then closes. The doors open for them, and Leto begins to enter.)
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Live as if you will die tomorrow

Davriin · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 3:26 pm Post subject:

Well this was an interesting development. Whoever this man was, he was known by the gatekeeper here. Must be someone with influence, so maybe hoping for a job would get him inside the place and closer to people with real influence.
"I am not a fighter by trade, I much prefer to use my wits and brain. Maybe you know of someone within this city who could use a man such as myself?"

Leto · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 1:12 am Post subject:

(As he listened to the man, he led him upstairs, past some offices and some guards patrolling the halls. He stopped at the door to his own office.)

"The Duke might be able to help you with that one. Come, let's await him."

(He opened the door, and took his seat, motioning for Davriin to take the other.)

"A man of wits you say? Well the pen is mightier than the sword as they say, so lets put that theory to the test. If you answer my question to my satisfaction, then i'll introduce you to the Duke.

If you could be any animal, what would you be, and why?"
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Live as if you will die tomorrow

Davriin · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 2:29 pm Post subject:

The hooded man sat down in the chair and pulled his hood back for the first time, hopefully showing a degree of civility. He listened to the question and thought for a moment.
"Any animal?"
He leaned back slightly in the chair as he ponderd this question.
"I suppose I would have to say the Eagle. Generally I prefer to stay out of danger, watching what happens before finally making my move. Although saying that makes me sound like an attacker, I still prefer defence rather than attack."
His voice was smooth and even, answering the question succinctly. His eyes focused on the man opposite him.

Leto · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 10:23 pm Post subject:

(Leto made no move to remove his own hood as he listened. After he had finished, he nodded approvingly, though it was hard to notice.)

"The eagle....part of my family crest. A very noble animal. You've impressed me stranger."

(He stands up, lowering his own hood and extending his hand)

"I am Duke Leto - one of the two residing guardians of the city."
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Live as if you will die tomorrow

Davriin · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 2:42 pm Post subject:

The unhooded man jumped to his feet at the mention of the man's title, and took the hand. He gave it one quick shake then released it and went to salute, but dropped it half way through the movement.
"Duke Leto. Forgive me. I had no idea."
He hoped he didn't appear as flustered as he sounded

Leto · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 3:28 pm Post subject:

(He laughed out loud at the man's flustered actions)

"Sit down friend. If i wanted formality i'd have made my identity known to you right away. Titles shouldn't separate the respect necessary between people."

(He then sat down again)

"So tell me, what sort of work were you looking for? And please for Grenth's sake, ease up."
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Live as if you will die tomorrow

Davriin · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 4:35 pm Post subject:

He sits down sharply and attempts to relax.
"Well your..." he pauses as he was about to use a title "..sir. I am good with numbers and sums, and sorting paperwork. if that is of any use to you. Otherwise, because i am unknown here, if you could use a spy to find out any gossip for you, perhaps I could be useful to you in that way."