You are a jerk for naming it Odin's Fine Provisions and Sporting Goods, but I'll roll with it. ;)
Beranhond was the first in the door, and he was immediately taken aback by the amount of items that packed the room. he could barely get past the door before having to step to the right to get around what looked to be a large orange tent. Beyond that, he spotted a large variety of ropes and cords, and beyond that an assortment of balls of all shapes, sizes, and colors. He saw several that he had no idea what they were for. He kept on looking around the room and saw an array of sticks in different lengths and thicknesses, and beyond that...
His inspection of the room was interrupted when his gaze alit upon a very large man with grayish skin and black hair. He was sitting at a small table about 5 feet away wearing a pair of goggles and squinting at a very small woven ball that he appeared to be stitching. The sight was rather comical, as his long arms and broad shoulders seemed to wrap around his table to bring the small object up to about 6 inches from his face. He was wearing a rather nondescript craftsman's tunic and trousers except that the crest from the sign outside was proudly embroidered on the left breast. He was concentrating very closely on the ball, and his tongue was sticking out as he moved his gargantuan hands in a very delicate stitch.
As Beranhond eyed the man, the others entered the room. The man sewed two more stitches, exhaled heavily, retrieved his tongue, and set the ball down. He wiped his brow on his long sleeve, and brought the goggles up to rest on his forehead. It was obvious from the rings around his eyes he'd been working on the stitching for some time.
Standing up to his full height, he made eye contact with Beranhond and bowed, somewhat too formally, "Hello my fine lady and gentlemen. What can I help you with today? Are you interested in a bit of sport? Perhaps you would like to requisition a custom May Pole? Or are you in of some other bit of provisions? Whatever you're looking for, I'm sure you've come to the right place."
Friday, January 22, 2016
38 comments:
The following tags added to your comments will allow you to format your comments: (Remove the spaces within the < > for the formatting to work)
To italicize text, surround desired italics text with < i> and < /i>.
To create bold text, surround desired bold text with < b> and < /b>.
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Evelaen grinned moving around the room and examining all the numerous objects.
ReplyDelete"I enjoy this place." She said excitedly picking up a long stick. "Do you also sell more, entertaining, sporting goods?" She said grabbing a piece of rope and appraising it.
Beranhond glanced over grinning despite himself. "I suspect that any place that has anything to do with Violet also has items of that nature."
Bernahond turned back to face the man and bowed slightly.
"We are looking for a woman named Violet. She sent word to us to find her here."
Odin laughed at Evelaen's question, "If there is something you would like that we do not have on stock, we can make it or find it for you." He added with pride, "Most of this stock you see I made myself."
ReplyDeleteAnd to Beranhond, he added, "I must assume that you are the esteemed Palin Ethelred Beranhond? If so, that would make your companions the mighty pirate Darvin Amblecrown and the traveling monk Talathel Braegan. It gives me great pleasure to make your acquaintance." To Elevaen he added, "I regret that I do not recognize you from the lady Violet's description."
He continued, "The Lady Violet is upstairs. I'm sure she'll be down shortly. She watches the door very closely for friends and foe alike."
And with that, a door in the back right corner of the room burst open and Violet rushed into the room, moving quickly but with a slight, noticeable limp.
ReplyDelete"You've returned! It's about time! I was getting soooo bored here! No offense, Odin"
Darvin had been quite distracted by all the extremely well-made fishing rods that were displayed in the store. He'd missed most of what Odin had said but was taken out of his trance by Violet slamming the door open.
ReplyDelete"How could you get bored here?" Darvin inquired, "Look at all this great fishing stuff."
He turned to Odin, "Do you happen to sell Power Bait?"
Violet's hair was shorter than it had been when they'd last seen her, and wss rather short, tapering down from the back of her head, where it barely came down to the top of her neck to the front, where it feel to her collar bones.
ReplyDeleteShe wore a black peasant shirt that trailed down over her hips and had a hint of lace at the cuffs and the hem. Her pants were dark leather, and the left leg seemed to be strapped with leather cords for much of the length. There were several pockets on the right leg of various shapes and sizes, some obviously packed full.
Odin responded to Darvin, "Power Bait? I believe I know that term."
ReplyDeleteHe walked over to the cabinet next to the fishing poles and dug around for a second before coming up with a small ceramic jar. "This jar of magic bait of trout catching +1 was made last year, but it will last for another nine if you don't open the jar."
"That's stuff!" Darvin excalimed, "Beranhond, we need some of this. Also, probably a couple of these rods."
ReplyDeleteHe turned and looked at Beranhond expectedly.
Evelaen smiled to Odin, "I might need some custom work done. This guy," she said pointing to Beranhond "wanted to travel left most of my sporting goods back home. As for my name I am Evelaen, mistress of the third rank, servant of light. Or something like that. I really just prefer Evelaen or Eva."
ReplyDelete"you are right though, I am Beranhond. Former Paladin of Torm, former prophet of Narath, and currently wandering cleric and war lord of the redemptorists."
At that moment he saw violet and bowed politely.
"my apologies for our lateness Violet."
"I think we'll need bigger poles and bait at sea Darvin."
ReplyDeleteEvelaen smiled at "you look as radiant as ever Violet. Your new leg seems to be working quite well too." She said appraising the straps. "Is that Odin's work? If so I'll have even more work for you!"
ReplyDeleteViolet grinned broadly at Evelaen's appraisal, "Well, Odin made the pants, yes. The leather wrap is more a product of the requirements of my synthetic leg."
ReplyDeleteShe paused for a moment, "Oh! Beranhond! I found the location of the map! But you may not like where it is." She bit her pinky, looking for all the world like a little kid that was embarrassed to be caught with a hand in the cookie jar.
Point of clarification: Though Violet's leg is wrapped in a leather cord, it is not styled with buckles to look intentionally restrictive or strapped on, but looks more like she took a leather cord and wrapped the leg over and over again, kind of like she was wanting to make sure it stayed together. If it was a "fleshy" leg, it would be very uncomfortable...
ReplyDeleteBeranhind groaned, "well, that's ok, the Lady Narath is in hoc and needs some overhaul, so we aren't really going anywhere in a hurry."
ReplyDelete"Great, that gives Odin some time to make me some of those wonderfully strappy leather pants."
Beranhond continued as if deliberately avoiding that topic. "Go ahead and key Mt know where it is, our captain will probably have something to add any the location." He turned to Darvin. "You were planning on remaining as Captain I assume?"
"Who else would be the captain? I have spent 3 long years looking after the Lady and I'm not about to turn her over to someone else," said Darvin incredously.
ReplyDelete"Perfect. I assumed as such, and I have no interest in the post. I'll gladly reassume my position."
ReplyDelete"Well, you have so many you enjoy..." Evelaen said coily while examining several of the travel dresses in the corner of the shop.
"My position as quartermaster." Beranhond continued, only a slight blush finding his cheeks.
There is a quiet but distinct jingle of the bell as the door opens, and Johan steps forward. He first spies the towering stature of Odin, and opens his mouth to greet him when he catches sight of the customers. The greeting dies in his throat, and he lets out a muttered "Oh shit." He looks between Beranhond and Darvin, hands kept carefully and unaggressively at his sides as his mind quickly tallies possible hasty escape routes.
ReplyDeleteReposting for Whittaker: Oh posting fun a phone...
ReplyDelete"Welcome Johan, feel free to make yourself comfortable. Odin apparently (not strategy) made sure to have to windows covered for privacy. It should be plenty comfortable for you to behave naturally and without fear of the sun."
Reposting for Austin in the right blog post
ReplyDeleteJohan was surprised by the generous gesture, and gave Odin a small smile and nod. He pulled off the wide-brimmed hat and hung it up on a hook along with his traveling cloak. Looking around, he rolled his shoulder before leaning against one of the central posts for the shop.
"I heard there might be some treasure to be had. Any room for an additional blade?" He smiled, but still his eyes scanned between the attendees.
Talathel wandered about the store. Hr had gone so long without much more than his staff, and found the selection to be slightly overwhelming. He also found himself in the conundrum of not having money. If they would remain in Baldurs Gate for a while, he could maybe find a job. If not, well, that would be taken care of...somehow. Surely, Captain Darvin would understand how he had pushed away material goods in the pursuit of his god.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, as he watched the half elf marvel at fishing rods, perhaps not...
Darvin stared in dismay at Johan. The last thing Darvin remembered of Candlekeep was Johan flying across room in the heat of battle. The half-elf had never seen a vampire before but he had heard stories, and one of the things he heard was how fast vampires could move when the wanted too. Darvin had never been able to shake that image and long suspected that Johan's true identity was vampiric. There was nothing to shake that feeling now, with Johan being covered from head to toe on a hot day. Darvin was convinced of it. Johan had to be a vampire.
ReplyDelete"Your timing is impeccable, Johan. Violet was just about to tell us where to find the map," Darvin replied to Johan's question. He was suspicious though, for his old friend's timing seemed far too convenient.
"Superb; Glad to see you're doing well, Darvin. It's been a while." He smiles, the expression somewhat flat as he tries to ascertain Darvin's reaction.
ReplyDeletePerception +11. Rolled 15. 26 vs, I dunno, Diplomacy? This is presuming Darvin is trying to hide his reaction instead of openly displaying disgust.
He turned to look towards Violet and nod. "Far be it from me to interrupt, please continue."
As Nym pushed open the shop door, she crammed the crumpled paper into her pocket, and, flashing a big smile, began saying, "Madam Tora Mim told me..." Her sentence died on her lips upon seeing all her companions from several years ago in the shop.
ReplyDelete<"What the fuck?!"> she exclaimed in Elvish, before backing out and closing the shop door. "<"I... they're... Darvin... Herbs?> she muttered confused to no one in particular as she stared at the closed shop door.
Evelaen was looking carefully through the implement cloth in admiration.
ReplyDelete"This Odin knows how to design dresses that combine fashion and utility!" She thought to herself. "So many wonderful places to hide potions, scrolls, staffs, and wonderful straps, and style, and..." She thought picking through a rich red dress that she was deciding whether to purchase as soon as possible. She looked over at Beranhond and her eyes ran over his rich blue eyes, the stern look on his face, the long unkempt hair. She bit her lip trying to hold back those fresh feelings of romance that Beranhond caused to flame in her heart. She was especially enjoying how in charge Beranhond was trying to be at the moment. She knew that he had taken a lot of steps to get his old adventuring crew together, but she knew that he wasn't expecting everyone to arrive so neatly. He was worried that Darvin would be too far gone and that Talathel had found some kind of peace far beyond the edge of the world. Fortunately for him they both appeared on time in some odd mixture of fate. No, what was he called it, a divine plan that he had only glimpsed once in the past. Johan's arrival wasn't expected at all as Beranhond had wondered if the vampire hunters might have caught up to him.
"Madam Tora..." A voice began and Evelaen turned to look at the entry door. An attractive wise, but youthful, half-elf was standing in a plain dress at the entrance and Evelaen recognized her right away from the various stories that Beranhond had shared.
"What the "?"" Nym said, Evelaen's Elvish being too formal to recognize the last word that she suspected was quite colloquial."
The rest of the room turned to look at the door in surprise. Johan's arrival might have been a surprise, but the look on Beranhond and Darvin's face suggested that they never expected this. There was a moment of silence as Beranhond and Darvin caught one another's eyes, Violet looking even a bit surprised.
"Guys, why don't you keep talking and I'll go chat with her. I think I have a better idea of what she's going through."
Beranhond nodded and Evelaen stepped out of the shop.
She said in her best, though antiquated and bookish Elvish. She said flashing her warm brown eyes.
Apparently not all of that message was sent...
ReplyDeleteEvelaen stepped out of the shop and noticed Nym standing there with a look of surprised. She bowed slightly.
< To friend of my lover greetings I offer. Apologize I must for my bookish Elvish. Surprised you must be, and such a thing is unsurprising itself. Can I talk with you a moment? > She said in her best, though bookish Elvish as she smiled and flashed her warm brown eyes.
Nym's mind was racing with confused half thoughts as Evelaen stepped out of the shop. Nym looked the human woman up and down as she spoke finding herself surprised that Beranhond had lovers. Not that it didn't make sense, she thought, but she'd always thought of him as a chaste priest.
ReplyDeleteNym replied, "Your Elvish is excellent, but we can speak Common if you prefer." She glanced to her animals patiently waiting a few yards away. "Please forgive my language," said Nym, smiling. "I was expecting to buy herbs and return home. My name is Nym, and I'm from the High Forest." She offered her hand to the human, continuing enthusiastically, "Are you too a follower of Narath then? Where are you from? How long have you known Beranhond? I last saw him three years ago here in Baldur's Gate. This city has a weird way of sucking people back, you know? Have you been here before? I'd recommend visiting the Silver Marches if you can; it's very nice. It is best in fall, in my opinion, but spring is a close second. If you make it to Silverymoon, I can recommend some great sight seeing spots..." Nym, realizing she was falling into her usual pattern of talking when nervous, cleared her throat, and finished, "Well, perhaps I should just start with 'Hello, my name is Nym, and I'm from the High Forest." She smiled brightly at the human.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Nym, I'm Evelaen from the Sea of Falling Stars, mistress of the Third Rank, yadda, yadda..." She said smiling. "To answer your questions in order..." She said looking to the right and recalling the questions.
ReplyDelete"I'm not a follower of Narath, Beranhond doesn't really talk about her much now as she's been gone from communication. I've known him ever since they had to flee Candlekeep. I met him while he and his party were seeking shelter near my husband and my keep. Yes, I was married at one point, arranged marriage, awful situation, sat inside a keep all day. You don't want to hear about that. I've never been to Baldur's Gate, but Beranhond talks about it as a focal point of Divine Energy or something. I suspect that he's just making that up, but I don't quite understand divine energy as I'm a sorceress and focus on the arcane magiks. I'd love to see silverymoon, though I'd like to brush up on my elvish." She said matching the breadth, speed, and timbre of Nym's serious of questions.
"So, how are you doing seeing all of them?"
"A SORCERESS?!" Nym squeaked with excitement as Evelaen mentioned her abilities, prancing a bit in place.
ReplyDeleteWhen she finished answering Nym's questions, Nym cocked her head to the side like a bird, replying, "Most people don't remember from start to finish all my questions when I get going." Her smile faded and brow furrowed as she looked past Evelaen toward the shop door.
"I suppose I'm alright... I honestly didn't think I'd ever see any of them again." She sighed, shifting, "They all look worse for the wear as well. I guess I had imagined Darvin and Talathel would sail off into adventure, whoring and drinking happily ever after. I thought Beranhond would have his own temple to Narath by now... Maybe I just imagined them thus because I couldn't bare it otherwise, though."
Nym stared toward the sea in thought for a moment before turning back and continuing, "The last time they saw me, I was worse for the ware, though, so it's only fair they return the favor." She gave Evelaen a half hearted smile and shrugged.
"Well, they've had some rough times, and I think Beranhond's been looking for happiness in this life rather than the next. Darvin... I don't know too much about what he has done, but the idea of a treasure hunt seems to have awakened his spirit. Anyway, there might be some awkwardness, and it might be a bit unexpected, but are you ready to go and greet them all. Beranhond will truly be pleased as he expected tracking everyone down to take months, not three hours and one location."
ReplyDeleteNym nodded that she was ready to go back into the shop. As she followed Evelaen in, she asked, "Why was Beranhond trying to track us down?"
ReplyDelete"It's a long story, but the short version is because there's good that still needs to be done in the world and Kilink, which I think is the name, hadn't yet finished any of what it started." Evelaen turned and opened the door, letting Nym enter first before following behind.
ReplyDelete"Alright Violet, I can't imagine there is anyone else who could possibly show up, so why don't you tell everyone where the treasure map is located?"
Talathel watched the proceedings. He could not believe that all these people that he had shared adventures with were back in this little place. He almost took offense to Nym's whoring comment, but he remembered his past self. How out of touch with the teachings of Kalael he had been.
ReplyDeleteNot that Kalael had forbidden the taking of a lover. But, still, that version of him could never have found his god.
"And what of you Nym? I would have thought someone of your cunning and talents would have left this measely port town in the dust. What has sucked you back?"
Darvin looked at Beranhond after Nym and Eva stepped out, "Well, this has officially gotten very weird, very quickly."
ReplyDeleteDarvin looked at Beranhond after Nym and Eva stepped out, "Well, this has officially gotten very weird, very quickly."
ReplyDelete"yes, but when have things in our life ever been normal? Odin and Violet perhaps this should turn into a dinner meeting instead?"
ReplyDelete(time for a new post, this one is super lengthy)
Before moving on, Darvin suggests they have the dinner meeting on the Lady Narath. "I know lot of places that deliver!" He said enthusiastically.
ReplyDeleteDon't get to feisty, Talathel, Nym and Eva were outside where you couldn't hear about your assumed whoring!
ReplyDeleteAs an elf, don't I have exceptional hearing? Haha, my bad.
ReplyDelete(Scratch above comment)
Talathel sizes up the new arrivals. He isn't sure what to make of Johan. He did not trust those who would conceal their appearance.
He wandered around the store more, trying to remember if Baldurs Gate had a library.
I'll be posting a new post shortly.
ReplyDeleteFor Talathel's knowledge, there's a workable library, but it's not amazing.