A Life Disturbed: New Directions IC

[Feirgon]

Anne and Ambrose

Kyrfygn (Keerfin) is a fairly busy port town. Not as large as Calmoore or Melise, but those were major hubs of trade and commerce. The people here, by contrast, also seem to be more relaxed. Perhaps it is the warm weather and clear skies, but the two find comfort with people around them. Even if everyone here is a complete stranger.

As the two walk down the street they can see the masts of docked ships appearing out from behind some buildings. Some of these buildings look to be shops while others are obviously residences. On the other side of the street is an inn. It is at this point that both realize how little they have had to eat these past few weeks.


Trine, Xavier, and Roman. You are somewhere in town that you can decide. But wherever you are, you notice two young individuals who look completely out of place. And though the clothes on their backs look torn and tattered, it is the look on their faces that truly expresses that they have been through much.

Introduce your character to the story as you see fit, but have your character drawn to the curiosity that is Ambrose and Anne.

[ArlEammon]

As Roman was busy taking a stroll through the streets and enjoying the quaint little town, he noticed the two emaciated looking folk. He walked up to them. "Good morning sirs." The eccentric gentleman greeted. "I couldn't help but notice that you two gentleman appear quite famished, and I apologize for saying so, but your clothes are just dreadful. If you would take the help from a stranger, I can offer you a good meal." He offered.

[Foxyfelix9]

Trine

Half a block away on the opposite side of the street, Trine watched The Man approach the beggars. Trine rarely showed his emotions on his face. He had never developed the habit. But his hand went to his amulet, a light touch to make sure it was still there. It was a gesture he performed often.

Why had The Man arranged to meet these two? A rich town like this kept its beggars out of sight. Were they even beggars? Or important people in disguise?

Trine decided to keep a close eye on them, and investigate further if he could be assured to not lose track of The Man while he was doing so.

[A Rainy Knight]

Annemarie

Anne sighed as she walked down the street with Ambrose, looking longingly over at the inn.

"Ambrose, I'm hungry~" she said, twiddling her fingers. I feel like I'm going to pass out if I have to cast any more. Working on my slender maidenly figure is fine and everything, but..."

She stopped in her tracks as Roman approached them.

"Whoa!" she said with a grin, leaning forward with her hands clasped behind her back. "Is this fate, or something? I'm starving, and help from a stranger is one of the best kinds~♪ What do you think, Ambrose?"

[ArlEammon]

"I apologize for calling you BOTH gentleman. I guess I didn't quite see you so clearly as I had thought. Would you two like a job, while you are at it?" He asked. He looked to both for an answer, and then looked behind him. "It sounds like there's a nice, soothing song being sung in that building."

[moomoo]

Xavier

Xavier walked out of the docks with a smile on his face.
These people here at Keirfin or however it is called seem to be good trading partners, maybe I should stay here a bit longer.
He thinks to himself as he walks through the streets.
He looks a bit at the shop windows while walking until he sees the inn.
Well, I think I have deserved myself a nice meal.
Upon approaching the inn, he sees a few "colored" figures enter the inn as well.
Hmm, this could get interesting. he thinks as he enters the inn himself.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

"I apologize for calling you BOTH gentleman. I guess I didn't quite see you so clearly as I had thought. Would you two like a job, while you are at it?" He asked. He looked to both for an answer, and then looked behind him. "It sounds like there's a nice, soothing song being sung in that building."
"I certainly wouldn't mind some food. And maybe a good solid bed. We've come a long way. As for work, I'm a capable smith, if that's what you're asking."

[Foxyfelix9]

Trine

Trine moved closer the The Man and the two beggars. He stayed across the street, but was now close enough to overhear their conversation. The male beggar claimed he was a capable smith. He sounded truthful, but it was interesting that he'd somehow still made it to the streets.

They seemed to be heading into a nearby inn for food. He would follow once they were inside, and attempt to get a table nearby. It was a risk, but he was also hungry, and growing impatient with The Man. He'd know soon if The Man was the one he needed or not.

[ArlEammon]

"Gentleman, Gentlewoman, this way. I'll buy you the most expensive rooms available. Eat to your hearts content, but if you should accidentally make a mess of things, I shan't be held accountable." He commented. As he opened the door for the others, he instinctively guarded his clothes and belongings, just then a small, lithe man ran past them, grabbing hold of a pouch that Roman was preparing to bring to the clerk standing at his desk.

Roman grabbed hold of the man and harshly shoved him into the cobbled streets. He was on top of him immediately and knocked the side of his head with a firmly clenched fist, causing the thief to black out. "A harsh necessity I'm afraid. " Roman commented. "But one that just needed to be done." He paused and sighed. "I don't enjoy harming another, but if you let people take advantage of you they may take more than the jewels in your coin pouch, and aim for the taking of the precious stones that dangle between your legs."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

"Solid swing. He's going to be feeling that one in the morning. Care to tell us your name? I'm Ambrose, Ambrose Smith."

Roman knew when someone gave a profession as a name, it meant they were a bastard.

[ArlEammon]

Roman tipped his head and cap in acknowledgement, and winked his eyes for emphasis. He had as much and usually more respect for bastards than common men. He typically loved them more as people. Adversity built character, some times. Nearly always, adversity built strength of some significant kind, and he had met many people who were far more "noble" than aristocrats in the way they lived.

"I know what that means my friend. I hope you don't take offense at this, but I've befriended so many professions as last names that I've come to feel happy more than regretful at hearing that sort of thing. Come in side, I have a little surprise for you." He went back inside the inn. Once they were inside he turned around. "Dear Ambrose Smith, I am Roman. I have no last name at all. I would rather not discuss why at the moment."

[A Rainy Knight]

Annemarie

Once inside the inn, Anne gripped the dusty hems of her skirt and curtsied neatly.

"Pleased to meet you, Mister Roman! I'm Annemarie. I've got a last name, and it's Ackerman!"

Though her long travels had left her looking every bit the beggar girl, the polished red gemstone on her hairclip stood out a bit conspicuously.

[ArlEammon]

"Ackermann? What region is that from dear girl?" He asked politely in his suave upper class voice. He kept his composure, but he looked hungry and straightened his back, putting his hand behind him.

[moomoo]

Upon entering the inn, he sees the three strangers discussing among each others and his eye falls on a red gemstone on the hairclip of the woman.
Hmm, I wonder how much I could get in the capital for that one.
He decides to introduce himself and moves to the group:
Hello there, I am Xavier, a trader on the route, you look to be travelers as well, if I'm not mistaken?
He asks in a cheerful voice as his inquisitive eyes go over all of you.

[Foxyfelix9]

Trine

Trine waited for a few minutes, and went inside. Unfortunately, it seemed that conversation had delayed them from being seated. This was too close. The chances of The Man seeing him were high, and Trine was distinctive. If The Man had glimpsed him before, he would look familiar.

But he couldn't just walk out after walking in. The sound of the door opening twice in succession would draw attention, and then he'd definitely be seen.

Trine walked casually to one side of the room, and turned his back to The Man, staring at the door like he was waiting for someone. He touched his amulet briefly, and waited.

[A Rainy Knight]

Annemarie

Annie scratched her head at Roman's question, and looked a little puzzled.

"That's a good question! I guess that's my parents' name, but I don't know where they're from. Or where they are, for that matter. It's a real mystery!"

She curtsied again, this time to the man introducing himself.

"Pleased to meet you too, Mister Xavier! Yup, we're travelers. And what a journey it's been!"

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Ambrose puts himself somewhat between Annemarie and these strangers. He was concerned they might seek to take advantage of her, and equally concerned she might shoot her mouth off and tell them things that might be better kept secret.

"We're from far away. I hail from a village called Telos, and met Annemarie in the city of Dueggan."

[Foxyfelix9]

Trine

The smith claimed that he was from Telos. If Trine remembered correctly, that village had been destroyed, though he had never gotten details on how. He wondered if the smith had witnessed it. Or perhaps if he was even culpable in it.

What if The Man was not The Man, but merely important because he could lead him to the real Man? What if the smith was that Man?

He took a quick glimpse over his shoulder to reassess the group, hoping they would continue to focus on the merchant and not see.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Ambrose warily shakes both Roman and Xavier's hand.

"Glad to meet you, Xavier. As I said, name's Ambrose Smith. Roman here was just offering us a meal."

[moomoo]

Xavier shakes hands.
Nice to meet you as well, I come from the east, from Faarn. A meal seems like a very good idea. I like to hear more about your voyage. It seems to have been more troublesome than mine.
Xavier replies with a smile.
Let's take a table and order some.
He says as he moves forward to one of the tables.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Ambrose follows and takes a seat.

[Feirgon]

As the four take their seats a waitress walks up and offers wine or ale for drink. Fish stew and grilled fish are the common items available at the inn, but there is also a chicken meal that is a bit more expensive.

[Foxyfelix9]

Trine

Trine takes a seat at a table that isn't next to them, but is close enough that he can hear their conversation.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

"Fish stew for me. After all the work it took to get here, I want something that'll go down and stay down easily."

[moomoo]

Xavier orders fish stew and a glass of ale.
So, what brings you to this side of the world?

[Archpaladin Zousha]

"Bad luck and the anger of a god."

[A Rainy Knight]

Annemarie

"Fish stew for me, too!" Anne said, licking her lips.

She settled back in her chair and listened to Xavier's question. "Well, I left home to go to school, at first. But now I'm here traveling with Ambrose, so it's not all bad!"

[moomoo]

Xavier nods gravely.
Angering a god? That doesn't sound best for business. How can you anger a god?
He replies to Ambrose.

He smiles to AnneMarie:
Real life seems to have been the best school for me, you will probably have learnt more traveling than you would have at school.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

"It helps if the god has a disagreeable nature to begin with." Ambrose replies with a tired smirk.

[Feirgon]

The food arrives hot and the evaporating steam can be seen lifting up from the bowls. The broth is creamy with vegetables and of course, fish. The aroma has a sweetness to it. Even Xavier, a traveled man can appreciate this meal. It is unique to this archipelago and culture. The creaminess of the broth helps tame the sometimes overbearing nature of seafood.

Anne and Ambrose realize that this is the first meal they've had at a table in many weeks.

The waitress puts a mug on the table in front of Xavier and pours some ale into it.

---

When the waitress is done serving the first table, she approaches Trine offering an option of fish stew, grilled fish, or chicken. She also asks if he is interested in wine or ale.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

"Praise to the Mother! I haven't eaten this well in weeks!"

[ArlEammon]

"The people certainly do seem to be able to consume grandiose portions if they serve this to guests, even if they would pay well."

[moomoo]

This is a nice fish stew indeed. So Roman, what brings you here?

[Foxyfelix9]

Trine

Grilled fish and water, please. His voice is low and scratchy, as though it is used only rarely.

[Feirgon]

The waitress looks at Trine for a moment with a quizzical look on her face.

"We generally don't serve water here. Unless you are willing to pay a substantial amount up front or drink salt water, I would suggest you try something else."

She seems a little perturbed, as if Trine should know better than to ask for such a thing.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Ambrose scans around the table and looks at these two men. He wasn't sure why they were being so friendly to complete strangers. Perhaps it was simple generosity, perhaps they had some sort of ulterior motive. He doubted they were followers of the Black God, but at this point, he wasn't sure who to trust anymore. There was so much that was up in the air.

"So...Roman. You said you had a job for us?"

[ArlEammon]

"I'm visiting a nearby city. . . I need guards, or at least COMPANY of some sort to escort us to this settlement so I can make a pretty penny. I've gotten gods knows how many extremely valuable herbs, weather resistant, long lasting crops and preserved meats. In fact, the horses carrying them are said to have pegasi AND unicorn blood. I don't know if it's true, but I do know for a fact they are twice as reliable as oxes and just as fast as a good horse. I would prefer if you did not spook these equine creatures, should you decide to join me, simply because these things have kicked a hole in stone walls without noticing, and thereby nearly emasculated a robber in the process."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

"I see. Fighting is something we're both good at. I'm as good at pounding skulls with my hammer as I am at pounding metal, and I'm no slouch with the sword either. Anne here's a mage, too, so that'll definitely make robbers think twice."

Ambrose munches on the fish while he talks, relaxing a bit more.

[Foxyfelix9]

Trine

Who doesn't drink water? This is ridiculous. Is this land run by drunks? Trine could not believe the server, talking like this to a man his age. When he was as young as she, he paid respect to his elders. The fish stew and any non-alcoholic drink you have then.

[ArlEammon]

"A mage? Are you sure? Mages are extremely rare. I'm not suggesting she's a fake by questioning her, so much as wondering if she's exactly what she appears to be. Mages kind of follow our clans around, at least one per several hundred, but out side our culture it's difficult to acquire nearly as many magic-users as we have."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

"I've watched Anne torch an entire ship's worth of monsters. Her power's real enough. We'd offer a demonstration, but I doubt the inkeeper'd take kindly to his inn being burnt to the ground by magefire." Arnyor sips his ale to let the implication sink in, surprised Anne wasn't her normal chatty self.

[moomoo]

Xavier listens to Roman with great interest while finishing his stew. At the mention of a mage, those of you who paid attention would see that he would stop eating for just a second, with a slight look at Annemarie, before resuming and acting like everything is ok.

[A Rainy Knight]

Annemarie

A real meal... so delicious!

Anne finally looks up from her stew and stops stuffing her face with fish long enough to speak.

"Yup! I'm a fire mage. I've been burning things since I was a little girl, though I've gotten a lot better at not burning things, too. I can show you, if you like, once we're back outside. It's been a while since I really let loose!"

She grins and takes another bite of fish.

"Oh, it's been so long since I had a meal like this... I feel like I'd torch whatever you want if you'd pay me enough to keep eating like this~♪"

[ArlEammon]

Ah, in my clan we call those something like "Sorceress", or maybe "witch", depending on the clan.

[Feirgon]

The waitress returns to Trine with a bowl of fish stew and a reddish-orange liquid in a cup. The scent of the liquid is sweet.

[Foxyfelix9]

Trine

Thank you. Trine eats the stew, but leaves the drink alone for now. He shouldn't have made such a fuss over it. Never get angry with people who serve you food if you want to eat safely.

[Feirgon]

After Anne finishes her meal, she smiles happily and thanks Roman. Though her words make her sound content and sated, her eyes reveal that she could easily eat many more bowls.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

"What is the next step then...boss? I presume you'll want us to start helping you prepare to leave?"

[ArlEammon]

"Yes. Since this is an island, I presume you will have no trouble with sea sickness."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

"Well, yes and no. My armor's enchanted to float, so you won't have to worry about me drowning, but I honestly don't like boats that much. I once got seasick on a calm lake as a boy." Ambrose blushes a bit.

[moomoo]

I'm not much of a fighter myself but I feel quite comfortable on a boat and I know a thing or two about making a pretty penny.
Xavier says with a smile.
I'd like to accompany you, if you would have me.

He knew it was a risk, considering the mage, but he also knew making money was all about risks.