Everwinter (IC)

[ShadowySilence]

Shadows dance across the windows of the modest wooden houses, cast by figures caught in the light of the many crackling hearth-fires as snow falls upon the quiet village of Grinvale. Wolves howl as they prowl the dark pine forests upon the hills to the north and south of the valley, but within the walled village the people are settling down for the night.

The last travelers are allowed in the gate as the sun sets and the dual moons, Loumnous and Umbra, begin their ascent into the starry sky. Among these final arrivals is a young girl carrying with her a greataxe much larger than herself. The people would more than likely have given her many a look had most of them not been already safe and sound within their homes.

The only building with its door still left unlocked is the local tavern, The Wanderer's Way serving the weary travelers within. Grinvale sees its fair share of traffic, being located on a major roadway between the port town of St. Strass, the Capitol of Echbrest, and the many corners of the Kievan Empire. This means the inn always has new faces from day to day, even when the permanent residents of the small mining town change fairly infrequently. Guards begin their nightly rounds, bows ready to strike down any heathenish tribesmen, animals, or whatever else may lurk in the night.

Within the inn a warm hearth fire glows, the heart of the establishment. Sitting within a ring of stones separating the wood flooring from the packed dirt floor of the cooking pit. Over the fire sits an assortment of pots and pokers for cooking all manner of various dishes, although all but a few soup pots now sit empty as the patrons prefer their drinks over food. A group of men and two dwarves sit at a table far to the right, wearing laborers clothing and covered in some sort of dust. At the bar sits a gnome ordering a drink from the rotund barkeep with mutton chops and a bald head that reflects the fire-light. There are other various patrons sitting about, including a mix of elves and half elves at a table near the fire-pit.

[Electrobolt]

Gradak sat in one of the corners of the room as he began to drink down his second mug of ale. Closing his eyes, he began to recollect the events that had transpired that brought him here. He had arrived in this city not too long ago, after having departed from the previous town he had been working in. As a blade-for-hire, he would be looking for work to earn himself some more money. Yet his short temper had gotten the best of him once more, as he attacked the man who had refused payment in a bad location: in a public location with a decent amount of people around to see his temper fly.

After the display of fury he had unleashed, the townsfolk that were around him began to run off as the townsguards walked up and escorted Gradak out of the town. After dusting himself off, he had begun to travel the lands once again in order to find a new location for him to offer his services, which leads to today. Not long ago, he had seen a city in the distance, that city being Grinvale. He saw a new opportunity to get work in this city, so he started hastening his movement as he hurried to reach this new city before dark. Once he entered the town, he had stopped at the inn first, which leads up to now. Gradak opened his eyes again as he took another gulp of his ale, finishing it off.

[Linguz]

Aelith had cared little for the crowd she had come in with. When the guard had pulled her aside to ask about the axe and if she had a permit, she had questioned his logic. One needed a permit to use magic, not to carry around an axe. Nonetheless, she had explained that this was what she was trained in. To fight with larger than normal weapons. Seeing the sun still setting and nothing else to do, she had rested her axe against the wall and stood by the guard's side, keeping him company.

She had told him about how she had gotten lost in the wilds after leaving St. Strass and had been living off what she had brought. She explained that she had come to Kievan to explore the world while she was still young, having completed her duskblade training in a few short years. When the sun had begun to set, she bid him farewell and entered the town. The guard called back to her and told her to go to the The Wanderer's Way, the tavern in town, to find a place to stay.

She did as he told her and went to the tavern. Her axe being carried in her right hand, she opened the door with the left and quickly entered. She looked around the tavern and noticed a pretty rugged dwarf drinking his life away alone in the corner, his eyes closed. SHe saw a battle scar below his right eye, which led her to believe that he was a fighter, among other things like the two weapons by his seat. So you're a fighter, are you? Seeing nobody else that she could interest herself with, she walked over to him and laid the large greataxe on the table before taking one of the seats for herself. "Hello, Mr. Dwarf. You don't mind if a fellow warrior sits with you, do you?." She also called to the barkeep to bring her something to drink.

[Electrobolt]

Gradak noticed the young girl that came in had sat down at the table he was sitting at, and had placed down a rather large greataxe on the same table. *So a little girl like her can wield a weapon normally too large for others, huh?* he thought to himself as he looked at the girl. He noticed her skin was smooth, not like his, black hair, and bright violet eyes, the latter he had not really seen anyone have before. When she spoke out to him, the dwarf simply nodded, replying, "Go ahead, I don't see why not."

[Tegannie]

Lia left the troupe with nothing more than basic supplies, basic weapons, and her lute. And stories. She came to the city to find adventure, or at least paid work. Many of the stories told around the campfire started in taverns and inns, so that's where Lia went to find her adventure.

Walking into the tavern, the large axe caught her eye. Well, those two look interesting, let's see if they'd mind some company.

Lia walked over to the table with the axe and asked, "Mind if I join? I'd love to hear the story behind this axe!

[Linguz]

I posted this once before in the searching thread. I'm posting it again to make sure everyone knows.
http://static.desktopnexus.com/thumbnails/490853-bigthumbnail.jpg
This is basically how Aelith looks, save for the clothing. Axe is like that, though.

Aelith cocked her head and drew the axe slightly closer to her. "Story behind the axe? I don't think I understand. It's just a large axe, a bit on the fancy side, I guess, but nothing too strange. The Trithian Fighter's guild gave it to me before I left, since not many of them could use it and I had expressed that I like it." She returned her head to its normal position as she talked and smiled, noticing the lute the elf carried. "On the other hand, I see you play an instrument. Would that make you a bard?"

[Wolven86]

Darlec walks through the gates as the last rays of sunshine dip over the horizon. Smiling at the guards he begins to stride through the village, his eyes looking around searching for somewhere he could rest. The tavern loomed out of the twilight its open doors and sound from within guaranteed at least some rest.

Stepping through the doorway a tall man enters. His short cropped blonde hair slightly ruffled by an evening breeze and a close trimmed beard surrounding a smiling mouth. His clothing immediately marks him out as one of the faithful, his white surcoat while slightly travel stained bears upon its centre the likeness of a blazing sun.

Immediately upon entering he speaks, My name is Darlec, I am a travelling cleric of Pelor. If any have need of any service I can supply then come and speak to me and I shall help you if I am able.

His eyes set upon the table containing an odd mixed bunch and he walks over. Darlec looks at the three of them before speaking once again though quieter this time, An elf, a dwarf and a child? It's like the start to a bad joke! He smiles, You look like you have a tale to tell I'm sure, mind if I join you?

[Tegannie]

Lia chuckled at girl's response.

"Even a short, simple story is still as story. And yes, I am a bard. My name is Lia, what's yours?"

When the cleric comes to their table, Lia smiles at him, I don't mind if you join us. My name's Lia.

[Linguz]

"My name?" Aelith was about to respond, but she grew distracted by the new presence in the inn. She watched him for a moment before noticing that he was heading their way. After he sat down, she continued, "I'm Aelith. Well, it seems to me that everyone coming in is coming here. Strange, don't you think?" She sat up a little higher, trying to see the barkeep wherever he was, since she had ordered a drink.

[ShadowySilence]

A young half-elf waitress brings the drink to your table without questioning Aelith's age (there isn't really a drinking age in Kievan), and asks "Would you like to pay now, or before you leave ma'am?" Her voice is light and springy, even for such a late hour.

The barkeep can be heard laughing heartily about some unheard comment, most likely coming from the gnome. The gnome at the bar then begins downing another beer, and orders another while some of the dusty looking crowd leave after finishing their drinks.

As they leave a hooded figure enters the inn, his face is wrinkled and his green eyes catch the glint of the hearth-fire in a strange way. They are odd to look at, but not ugly, sort of like cat's eyes in the way they reflect and seem deeper than they first appear. He carries with him an ornate staff and moves slowly, but he does not falter in his step. His long dark brown beard reaches to the middle of his chest, it is scraggly yet not unkempt as it swings with his gait.

He scans the crowd gathered within the inn and lets out a silent sigh, he then proceeds to the barkeep and says something to him, he hands the large man something and receives a response.

The old man nods and then turns, taking a seat at a table near your's.

[Linguz]

Aelith looks at the drink and then at the woman. "Sorry, miss, but do you mind bringing me water? And I'll pay before I leave, please." When the man walked in and gave something to the barkeep, she narrowed her eyes, trying to see what was given.

Spot: [roll0]
Listen: [roll1] (Even though I'd probably need a godly roll to hear...)

[ShadowySilence]

@Aelith
You catch a glimmer off of the objects and immediately recognize the flash of silver pieces, but you also catch sight of a small folded slip of paper along with the silver pieces. You are unable to hear anything they say however, as the general noise of the inn drowns them out.

The woman smiles "Oh not a problem at all ma'am, sorry for bringing you the wrong order. When you are ready to pay just talk to Kardoff, he's the one behind the bar," she motions to the large man. She walks off with the mug and returns with a mug filled with water and places it upon the table in front of Aelith "Can I get anything for anyone else, or are you all good?"

[Linguz]

Aelith took a sip of her water and grabbed her axe off the table. Coins for the stay... or coins for something else? Maybe what was in the note?" She laughed merrily, which would most likely seem strange to everyone seeing as there was no joke or anything that provoked it. "I'm fine, miss. Thank you."

She walked around the table and keeps going, until she reaches the table of the other man, the one with feline eyes. She sat down right there and looked at him. "Mind satisfying a young girl's curiosity? What was in that note you gave him?"

[ShadowySilence]

The waitress nods and waits at the table for the others to answer (leaving if no one wants anything).

The old man lowers his hood and smiles, his long brown hair flows down his back. He then says in a voice surprisingly smooth and powerful for his appearance "Ah, I see you have keen eyes my young friend, among other gifts," he takes a good look at the axe then returns his glance towards her. "I asked my friend who owns this establishment to watch for those who may be able to aid me, and after learning of your skill at spotting my actions I see he was right in mentioning you and your friends. Many would have simply ignored my actions, but you knew to act."

The barkeep himself delivers a glass of wine to the old man and leaves without a word. The man lifts the glass and places it to his lips slowly drinking the dark red liquid. "I've been searching for a long while for a group with the qualities I need, and as many of the old stories say 'Much begins and ends in the inns and waysides of the land,'"

After he finishes speaking he then peers at the liquid, tapping the edge of the glass with his finger, sending ripples throughout.

The group of elves and half-elves have left, and the gnome went upstairs a short time ago looking quite tipsy.

[Electrobolt]

Gradak looked at the crowd that had suddenly pulled itself to the very table he sat at originally, as he listened to what they were saying. He had managed to catch the names of the two ladies that walked up to the table, while he heard the cleric state his name upon entering. "The name's Gradak," was all he said before returning his attention to the waiting waitress. "I'll have one more ale, please. And I'll pay for it now, as well." He then pulled out his coin pouch and reached in for two silver coins. As he was pulling the two coins out, from the corner of his eye, he saw Aelith get up and walk over to a different area. *Where's she off to, I wonder...* he thought before returning his full attention to the waitress, giving her the two silver coins.

[Linguz]

Aelith takes a drink of her water, imitating the man. "I don't believe you. How would the innkeep know about what I can and can't do? And how would he predict that four random strangers would all sit together at the same table? All I know is their names and a bit past that, so I'm not even sure if they're my friends. What makes a friend anyway? Is it knowing you can trust them, or is it just some title that a person assigns as he or she sees fit? Or is it something completely else? Like maybe..." She stopped speaking and took another drink of water. "What do you need aid in? And who are you? Oh! And what about a wife or husband? And kids? And how long did it take for you to grow that beard? And how old are you?"

[Wolven86]

Sitting down, Darlec smiles at the waitress, A glass of wine if you please.

After Aelith stands up and leaves, Darlec grinsWas it something I said? He turns to Lia, A pleasure to meet you my dear, and you also Gradak.

Darlec takes a long look at the two of them. So what brings the both of you to this corner of the land?

[Tegannie]

Lia smiles at the waitress. Water only for me.

To Darlec, Lia responds, Nothing in particular, really. I just grew bored of traveling with the troupe. I came here because adventures tend to start in taverns and inns. How about you?

[Electrobolt]

Gradak waited for Lia to finish her tale before responding to Darlec's question. When Lia finished her story, he said, "I came here looking for a job of sorts. Just like the lady here said, these sort of things usually begin in places like this."

[ShadowySilence]

@People at first table The waitress takes the two silver pieces from Gradak and smiles. She takes the three orders, then returns with the ale, wine, and water "Enjoy, just call me if you need anything else." (those who did not pay yet, it is assumed you will pay before leaving, 2 cp for water, 1 sp for wine).

@Gradak
You hear nothing over the general busy noise of the inn and the speech of your table-mates. The looks of the fair waitress also distract you slightly. :smallwink: (from roll in skype)

@Aelith The man sits patiently still watching his wine as you rattle off question after question. He laughs "One question at a time my young friend. And to answer your question regarding friends, we are all friends here are we not? In a world like this having more friends than enemies is wise, even if you don't know them all that well." He takes another sip from his glass. "Also, the innkeep is an old friend of mine, and lets just say tales of a violet eyed girl with an axe such as your's spreads quite quickly in a place like Kievan. And this is no prediction, the strings of fate tie themselves to one another in strange ways. Sometimes terrible, others great, it is what we do with these strings that makes all the difference. Kardoff is simply one of those strings, as are you, and myself, and all the events in the world. But that is a different topic entirely than I am sure you are interested in listening too." He sips again, letting out a sigh. "To answer your more recent questions, I am without a wife and children, and I am old but don't let that fool you. Age brings with it as many gifts as it does burdens, such as this beard for example." He laughs at what he just said, then takes another sip. "Now on to the most important answers, who I am, and what I need aid in. Well as of now you only need to know me as Griimori, an old man with the concerns of the empire at his heart, and that is where I need aid. There is a plot brewing in the empire, and the dark shadow it has cast has drawn the attention of many including myself. The Grey Coven is planning something, and we believe it may put the very empire itself at risk. Are you perhaps interested in hearing more? He takes another long sip, finishing off the wine, he then places the empty glass on the table.

[Linguz]

Aelith scoots closer and puts the drink on the table. Her eyes are large violet circles as she slowly nods her head. "Yes, please. Who are the Grey Coven? And how do you know this? Are you a wizard? Perhaps a divination specialized wizard?"

[ShadowySilence]

@Aelith The old man smiles "I am glad to see you are interested. The Grey Coven is the strongest and most secretive coven of witches and warlocks in Kievan, and possibly beyond. We do not know how many of them there are exactly, but they work together in a loose sort of coalition with certain members controlling the actions of the others like puppets on strings. The Tharas Tribes, the peoples whom our people have warred with since the earliest days of the empire, revere the Grey Coven. They see them as spirit guides, leaders, and holy men. However we in the empire see them as only one thing... a threat. We have heard rumors and whispers of a possible plan against the empire, even though the truce between the tribes and empire have been in effect for some years now. If this is true we not only need to discover what this plan may be, but how we can stop it. That is where you and your friends come in, I want you to help me discover what the Grey Coven may be planning. And no, I am no wizard believe me, I simply know what to watch for and when to guide the strings with my hand. Before I continue, do you have further questions?"

[Linguz]

"Are you absolutely sure you're not a wizard? You have the look down spot on! Oh, and why exactly should I be worried about your empire's fall? I mean, I come from Trithian. Kievan is only my present home, not one for very long." When she finished, she took another sip of water. The cup was half empty.

[ShadowySilence]

He laughs again and in an amused tone says "Yes, I'm sure I am not a wizard. I think you have it backwards, some wizards simply look the part of old men." As he speaks he pulls a rolled up piece of parchment from a satchel lying on the ground, the parchment is tied with a string. He places it upon the table "I see you also think practically, and yes, you may not have much care for me or my empire, but you may have other desires. Fame, gold, artifacts, chances to prove yourself both in and off the field of battle, foes to best, all of these things may come to you if you so choose to aid me. If you have misunderstood me, I am not in the way of begging for alms. I would pay you for successful completion of my tasks and goals as they come about. We still don't know all there is to know about the Grey Coven, so your aid would be sought when a use for you and your companions is found."

[Linguz]

Aelith reaches for the paper without responding to the old man. If he doesn't move, she opens it up and reads it.

[ShadowySilence]

@Aelith Griimori doesn't move as you grab the paper and pull off the string. As you unravel it you see it is not a document, but instead a map. It appears to be a map of a portion of Kievan, showing some major cities and roads including Grinvale. You see there is a city circled with the name of Norset to the North West of Grinvale.

Griimori says "As you can probably guess from the map, Norset would be your first objective. There have been many cases of missing farm animals and even some Kievans near the area, and other disturbances. Normally an investigator would be sent, and if something were discovered a company would be dispatched from the army, however our need for staying out of the Grey Coven's watch is imperative. Part of the objective is for you to act as though you were not-affiliated with Kievan or an organization like The Zenith, so they do not feel as threatened. Not only that, but these disturbance seem beyond just small-time witchcraft. I'll let you discover what I mean by that on your own however, that is, if you and your friends choose to accept."

[Electrobolt]

Gradak thanked the waitress as he took his ale, beginning to drink it. He looked around after finishing his first gulp of the new mug and sitting it down, wondering if he could see where Aelith had disappeared to. He also decided to listen for anything that might be interesting, even though he may not be able to hear much.

Spot: [roll0]
Listen: [roll1]

[Linguz]

Aelith rolled the map back up and shoved it into her first belt pouch. "As long as you'll reward me, I'm in. And I don't need to pretend anything. I'm not affiliated with Kievan or The Zenith. So, Mr. Wizard, where would we go after solving the case? To find you."

[ShadowySilence]

@Aelith Griimori smiles "Good, and don't worry, you will indeed be rewarded in time. Regardless of how you feel on the matter, let the others know that as well. We can't have them linking your group and myself. And no need to attempt to find me, I will be keeping my eye on you in my own way. A man like myself has many eyes and ears, most of which are not his own. However if there is some form of emergency, or you need to contact me immediately use this signet ring to mark a letter expressly to myself. Every town should have some form of post office or another where you will be able to send the letter." He hands you a silver signet ring with a strange symbol upon the front.

[Linguz]

"Oooh, ring..." Aelith takes it and slips it onto her finger. She nods at what he says, only half paying attention and returns to the group, leaving the half full mug of water on his table, but not the axe, which she still holds. She sits back down at the table, her eyes still transfixed on the ring, and says, "We have a job. Gotta do something or other at some town northwest of here and we'll be paid nicely, or something like that. Some group or other is trying to destroy this kingdom or something and that guy who is a wizard knows what's going on and what to do and stuff so we're helping him out... or something. We'll leave tomorrow morning, or something close to that."

[ShadowySilence]

@Gradak You spot Aelith at the table behind you sitting next to the old man, you see him hand her a ring. You are not able to catch anything they say, but you do know they are talking.

A short time after Aelith returns to her original table the old man leaves the inn, disappearing into the night. The waitress returns to your table and hands Gradak a letter sealed with wax "For you sir, I don't know anything beyond that." She then walks off to attend to the few other remaining patrons.

[Tegannie]

A job? We? Already? Awesome! I'm up for it, when do we leave?
Lia couldn't believe how quickly she found adventure, and all she had to do was sit at a random table.

[Wolven86]

Hang on a second there. Young lady I wouldn't presume to speak for any of the others but I for one would like to know a little bit more about what is entailed before...

Noticing the old man leaving Darlec stands up from his chair and quickly walks over to him.

I don't think the girl was really paying attention to anything you were saying. Perhaps you'd like to come sit with us and explain exactly what it is you want done?

[Electrobolt]

*So a job found us already, huh?* Gradak thought to himself, when he heard what Aelith had said to them. At that moment, the waitress had walked up to him and handed him a letter with a wax seal. Curious as to what the contents could be, he carefully opened the letter, reading what it said.

[ShadowySilence]

@Darlec: By the time you reach the door the old man has slipped away into the night, your yells ring with no answer.

@Gradak: You open the letter to see it is addressed from a man named Griimori, you notice the seal is similar to that of the Kievan royal family's.

"Good day to whomever may be reading this letter,

I have been following the violet eyed girl for a time, she is more important than you may yet know. Your fates are interwoven with her's, and more than the gods are at work in this time of ours'.

Within I shall detail what I need you to accomplish with your companions.

1. Protect the girl, to keep her alive is of the utmost importance.
2. Do not inform the violet eyed girl of the contents of this letter, you will be payed for keeping her safe and unaware of her exact place in the scheme of things.
3. Travel to Norset, which is indicated upon the map I gave the girl. Once there, research the recent goings on. There are rumors of witches and other beasts roaming the land, and they may be a part of a far greater threat at the hands of the Grey Coven (Gradak would know what was earlier described about the Grey Coven, other than that they may be currently planning anything).
4. Report your findings to me through mail by using the ring I provided to the girl, or the one withing this letter. (there is an identical ring withint the envelope). I will also have my eyes on your progress, so I may contact you as well.

~Your new benefactor, Griimori

P.S. The barkeep can tell you more if need be, and do.

P.S.S. The best course of action may be to burn this letter if you are able to remember the information."

[Linguz]

If Gradak looks up from the letter to look at Aelith, or really anyone looks at Aelith, they'd see that she is still admiring the ring.

[Electrobolt]

After reading the letter, Gradak looked up and saw Aelith still admiring the ring. *She's special, huh? Who would have thought...* he thought to himself as he pocketed both the letter and the envelope away for the time being. Taking another gulp of his ale, he looked over to the barkeep. *I'll talk to him soon...* After he sat his mug down, he suggested, "Maybe we should rest up for now, get ourselves ready for tomorrow. That sound like a good idea to you all?"

[Tegannie]

Yeah, Lia says sadly, It's probably best to rest before heading out.

[Wolven86]

Darlec returns to the table, looking more than a little annoyed.

Wait you are all going along with this? You think we should as a group, go somewhere for someone we know nothing about, to achieve something and we don't know what that is?

Darlec cradles his head in one hand.

I'm sorry but I am not doing anything for someone who acts in such a suspicious manner.

[Linguz]

Aelith looked up from the ring and turned her gaze to Darlec. "Weren't you the one that offered your service when you entered? Something about if we have any service that you can supply just ask you and you would. Well, I have a service. We need someone to heal us on this quest."

[Wolven86]

There are many here who can use my aid. You don't know anything about what is required of you, so unless you can give me a compelling reason to trust the word of a suspicious old man I will help the people here as they have need.

[Linguz]

Aelith simply answered, "No. Your no is denied. You're coming with us."

[Tegannie]

Lia erupts in laughter, falling out of her chair. Her laughter turns into small "ow"s as she stands up and sits in her chair. Giggling lightly, she says, "I like you, miss! And you're right, someone who can heal is almost a necessity. I've tried to learn a simple healing spell, but to no avail."

[Wolven86]

Darlec looks at the group incredulously. Why do you need someone to heal you, what are you going to do that is so dangerous? In any case you don't get to decide what I do or do not do and without a compelling reason I'm staying right here.

[Linguz]

Aelith sighed. "You're a traveling cleric, right? Then how about you do your business here, heal people up and help them out, and then come with us." She grew quiet and thought back, to her conversation with the old wizard. "In Norset, among other disturbances, people are going missing. That's what the wizard told me, that he suspects the Grey Coven is doing it as part of a plot against this empire. It's to the northwest. Is that a better reason to go?"

[ShadowySilence]

DM OOC: Darlec- Your character would know about the Grey Coven being a dangerous and secretive group of witches and warlocks at the base level, but would need to roll to know more about them.

[Wolven86]

Darlec smiles.

There that wasn't so hard was it? That is indeed a much better reason to investigate. Once I finish my business here I shall accompany you.

[Tegannie]

Yay, a healer for our adventure! So, when do we start?

[Linguz]

"Weren't you the one that suggested that we rest for the night before continuing?"

[Electrobolt]

Gradak had let a chuckle escape his lips as he heard Lia's cheer for the cleric joining them. When Aelith questioned Lia, asking if she was the one who suggested they get some rest first, he spoke up, "Actually, that would be me who suggested that."

[Linguz]

Aelith turned to the dwarf. "Oh, did you? Okay, then. We'll do as he suggested, get some sleep. Or are you all ready to go now? I can go now."

[Tegannie]

"Now's good for me!"

[Wolven86]

I suggest we rest first before rushing off in the middle of the night.