Table for One Options

[Lady Door]

Lu regards the boy with a speculative eye. Glancing over at Ky, she gives her a look then glances around, hoping to convey the message: Keep a look out.
You know, if she had done the practice excercises I gave here when we were younger, she and I could be communicating telepathically right now, but, no... she had to spend her time galavanting around with Edmund.
*grumble, grumble*
Still keeping her money pouch between her and the steed, Lu reached in and pulled out the coppers. Cinching the pouch shut and re-tying it to her belt, Lu scanned the area. Her father had warned her about the thieves in Travar. She was not about to be taken advantage of, well, at least not yet.
Here. Now, about that inn??
Lu turned and followed Quipp as he near bolted down the lane, tugging on her sisters' sleeve as they went, interrupting her rather torrid conversation with a rather scruffy and desirable looking human man.
Not now, Ky!Lu said under her breath.
We are seriously going to have to sort out your priorities, Lu. was Ky's reply.

[fistandantilus4....]

Quipp leads you through the bustling streets of Travar. Soon you're off the main thorough faire, off in to the sides streets that seem to do business with the actual citizens of the city, and not the passing merchants. The gawkers are less present, and the scent of the food has less of an assault-the-nostrils quality to it.

Before long, you up to the stable house entrance of a small, cozy looking in. The botttom floor is stone, built with wooden frame work for the next two floors. The building is built large and sturdy, no doubt to be able to support troll customers as well. It's name reads The Dozing Docket. It's an out of the way sort of place, looking more like the sort of Inn the locals would come to for a drink and an easy night out, and perhaps a stay over if they've had too much.

Quipp quickly approaches the stable boy and whispers into his ear. The boy is elven, likely a year or two younger than Quipp. The sandy haired elf runs back in side, and comes back out followed by a human man. THe man has the look of someone who spends most of time around live stock. A solid belly under a woolen red shirt, hard course arms, and a day past a needed shave seem to desrcibe his character at a glance.

'Ere now Quipp, what business ya' brought in today? 'Ow are ya' ma ladies? Name is Kariburn, and I's is the keeper of stock 'ere at de Docket. Will ye be keepin' them two fine stalions 'ere this evenin'? Our prices are good and our grain is better, that I can assure ya' of.

Kyla turns to Lu whispering quietly in sperethiel Why does everyone here talk like they just fell out of a pirate story?

[Lady Door]

Trying hard not to laugh, Lu bit back a smile and turned to face Kariburn. Lu's Throalic was definitely more court based and nothing like what these people were speaking. She knew she would come across as a traveler, and more likely to be taken advantage of, but there was really nothing for it.

Well met, Kariburn. Yes, we would like to stable our mounts with you for the evening and perhaps more, if that can be arranged. May I inquire as to the cost? And does the cost include a room, if we were so inclined?

[fistandantilus4....]

The price for the two of ya', beds, bath, a good warm meal and drink with it, and lodging for yer animals for the night, t'would be 11 silver pieces, Throalic weight. And be believin' me, ya won't find a better price, 'specially for the qaulity yer gettin'

Kyla I trust these rooms, they are .... private, as well as the baths? I'll not bed or bathe like a communal pig. I've heard you humans do such things.


Kyla would pick this moment to remember more of her vocabulary.

[Lady Door]

In an aside to Ky, Nice, Ky. Very nice.
Ahem... what my sister means to say, sir, is that we would request a private room, as befitting two women traveling unaccompanied. Would that be included in the fare, or would the privacy cost us additional coin?
Lu is making every effort to smile and be gracious, hoping to smooth over any offense her sister may have made.

[fistandantilus4....]

Kariburn makes a rough attempt at a smile. I did assume ye'd be wantin' yer own, and so I gives ya the price fer yer own room. Spots on the commonr room floor be much cheaper, but we don't be doin' much o' that at the Docket 'lest there's a real need. To worries there miss.

Kariburn moves up to take the horses from the pair as if that's settled.

[Lady Door]

Thank you, Kariburn. We will take the room then.
Removing her saddlebags, Lu quickly unpacks Gwyn.
You be a good girl, Gwynoheim.
Thanking Kariburn and the boy again, Lu and Ky enter the "Docket". Coming from a sheltered existence to an actual tavern is a bit of a shock. Even if the "Docket" is an inn on the up an up, the men still give the girls a once over and occasionally the suggestive wink.
I'm starving, Ky. Let's get something to eat.
Ky seemed to be in no real hurry to do anything, except for maybe taking up one or two of the men on whatever indecent proposals they had in mind.
Ah, precious Lu, always thinking with her stomach.
Better then thinking with something else. C'mon Ky.
Hearing a stomach growl, Lu was about to make a comment to Ky about "eating her own words" when she realized that the stomach belonged to Quipp. The boy was so quiet she hadn't even realized he was with them still.
What about you, Quipp? You hungry? Lu knew full good and well that Quipp could probably find his own meal, but Lu nonetheless felt protective of the boy.

[fistandantilus4....]

Quipp smiled Sure am m'lady. And thank you fer the askin'. Take my advice, and go with the fish. You look like types that ain't had a lto of sea food. Stuff's great, and they serve it here with this red stuff!

For a moment, Quipp looked every day of his meager years rather than the street smart young man that had led them to the Docket. Then he was off getting a bar maids attention, and slipping her a copper to get the pair a proper booth in the back. He'd ushered them over and slid over his own chair to the end of it before the maid had even manged to get the glasses cleared and the table wiped down.

Now I know you've got your busy ness to be about, and that you won't be needing my sevices for the bathing, so might as well give me a list of what you'll be needing or who you're needing to see so I can get about to arranging it for ya.

Ky laughed, muttering something about not being able to handle a sword, much less a woman. Her eyes wandered the crowd a bit, perhaps seeing if there was anyone else there that might be up to either challenge. Or perhaps checking for the exits and defensible positions. So times you just never knew with Kyla.

Kyla leaned in to talk quietly to Lu. So what do you think? Shall we start with the ork and the smith like father said, or go to the wizard? Or should we even trust this one? He seems awfully eager to please.

[Lady Door]

In the same low tone as her sister, Lu replies,
I think we should follow fathers' advice and go to the smith and ork first, but it wouldn't hurt to find out a little about them first. That could be where young Quipp comes in handy. We can use him to feel out the people in this town. We can keep it general at first, until we know if we can fully trust him. What do you think?
Turning to face Quipp, Lu smiles. Very well, Quipp. The fish it will be. Would you be kind enough to order for us? Enjoy your meal, and then we'll discuss what we will be needing from you. Deal?

Throughout the meal, Lu regards Quipp and the rest of the patrons of the bar out of the corner of her eye. I wonder what Ky would do if she knew I was afraid. We're new here. We know nothing of this kind of society. The only people we have ever known we knew our entire lives. I should have listed more to Aunt. Perhaps, I would have a better idea of what to say or do. Father used to say that fear was useful. It showed you where weakness lay within you. It helped you to find that weakness and turn it to strength. I thought that there was a certain wisdom in that... but, now that I'm facing the fear.. I find it much easier said then done.

[fistandantilus4....]

The food arrives after none to long. Throughout th quiet wait, Kyla continues scanning the crowd. THe crowd spends some time scanning back as well. Apparently they dont' get a lot of identical elven twins in armor in this place.

Quipp however seems right at home ,and goes in to his fish with a vengence, ahving half of it finished before you're very far at ll in to yours. The boy finally slows down 3/4 of the way through and enjoys the last scraps.

The food is as good as advertised. The red stuff adds a sharp tang that clears the sinuses nicely, and the fresh fish tastes like nothing you'veever had before. It has a very peculiar smell although not in an unp[leasant was. Simply unfamiliar.

Kyla leans forward after finishing her meal. I say we send Quipp out then and hit our baths. I smell like that damn horse.*sniff* you aren't much better. After a nice hot bath, we check these people out, see what the kid can find anyway. Do we split up and take father's faster? No offense, but sometimes your "thinking things through" kinda slows me down.

[Lady Door]

Shaking her head at her twins' coarse tongue, Lu couldn't help but laugh and think ruefully that Aunt Orelinde' would have had her hide had she said something like that back at home.
Very well, Ky. Quipp, we're going to go upstairs and freshen up from our journey. I do have a job for you. Find the village smith, Bodar, announce our plans to visit, introduce us. Luthilien and Kylatien Calaelen come from Kaer Vendroll, daughters of Valandil Calaelen. Can you remember all of that? Good. Now, this next part is the truly important part. After you announce us, find an out of the way spot that affords you a good view of the smithy. Watch Bodar. After an hour, return to us... but be discreet. Tell me if Bodar left, if he sent any messages, and if he did I want to know to who. Can you do this, Quipp?

[fistandantilus4....]

'Course I can miss. Anythin' else?

[Lady Door]

Carry out that task, and we will see about the others. Thank you, Quipp. You may go.
Okay, Ky... show me to this bath. I would love to get out of these clothes.Lu holds out her hand to Ky, smiling... stopping short when she realizes that an entire bar full of men are now looking at the two twins.
Ah...um.Blush.

[fistandantilus4....]

The men don't stop looking until you're up the stairs. Realistically, they're probably still looking and hoping.

The bath is better than advertised. Actual water baths were a luxury that as rarely offered in the kaer. Even though your father's elementalist abilities gave him the oppurtunity to create them, it was one that was rarely used for lounging. "Waste " he called it. Water was the requirement for life in the kaer, and not to be wasted lightly. Usually it was one bucket poured into another with holes. Enough to keep celan and keep away disease, but certainly not enough for disease. Father called "communal baths" a "wich's brew" for disease. HE siad that humans didn't know the right way to do it, that the water had to be heated properly or kept moving by current.

KyDo you ever sit around in the bath and wonder about father's craziness? I mean why he used to be such an ork head about us taking them and actually having the time to enjoy them?

Kyla blew up some of the bubles from her hand. Who ever heard of such a thing? bubbles in the bath.... it was nice.

After the bath came the requisite lounging on the beds in warm towels, which was mostly for putting off the lenghty hair combing.
Ky:[COLOR=salmon]Lounging was very important you know. Father said that elven princesses used to do it all the time, so we'd best preactice at it. Maybe some day, we too could be "uselss lounge abouts". Wouldn't that be nice...

A small knock at the door was either going to be the serving maid with the scented oils Kyla had requested, or Quipp coming back with news. Kyla would probably wnat to bet on it.

KylaSilver piece says it's the maid.

[Lady Door]

Lu just rolled her eyes. She had learned long ago that her sister would bet on anything under the sun, and possibly over it. Lu had also learned that her sister was almost always right. Her ability to keep a small savings had greatly increased after that little life lesson.
Either way, you should cover yourself. Otherwise, we could start a scandal.As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Lu knew she had said the wrong thing.
A scandal? Oh really... ?Lu didn't think it possible, but Ky contorted her body into the most salacious position she could think of while technically still lounging.
Lu snorted and went to answer the door, towel wrapped around and tucked in around her breasts. Opening the door a crack, she looked into the hallway.

[fistandantilus4....]

It was Quipp. Apparently the boy ahd a sharp eye because they both went wide.

Then they both quickly came up, dead set on Lu's.

Ummmm....

Never would have thought him to be at a loss for words...

Ummm... The smith! Bodar ... he uhh... He says he'll be waitin' for ya' .. uh.. whenever you're.. ready. He jsut stayed aroudn his shop and kept orkin'. Didn't go no where. Anything else I can ... uh.. do for ya?

A giggle came from inside the room. Ky was (hopefully) gettimg dressed.

[Lady Door]

In fact, I do have something for you...and no, don't look so hopeful. It has nothing to do with Ky. I need you to find out all you can about an ork Named Gars. He has a rather nasty reputation so I need you to be quiet and be careful. I need him watched without him knowing he's being watched. I want to know where he lives, where he goes, what he does, and most importantly, what equipment he carries. Can you do all of this?
From everything her father had told her about Gars, she was hesitant to send one as young as Quipp out to search him out. But, under the circumstances, she really had no choice. Besides, she had a gut feeling that Quipp could see himself through just about anything.
Do what I ask of you, and there's another silver for the day in it for you.

[fistandantilus4....]

Ummm... not to be speaking aginst you miss, but doing all that, well, it'll atke a bit more than a day, and more than a silver. 15 at least. The way you talk, this 'Gars' is a dangerous ork, and dangerous orks, well, they cost more than a dangerous human or dwarf for one. Spying on some smit hthat sits in his forge, well that's easy. Following orks around, that's dangerous even if yer friends with 'em.

[Lady Door]

Very well, 15 silver. But, I want details. I'll pay you 7 silver now, the rest upon completion of the task. If the report is lacking, so will the rest of your pay. If that does not suit you, very well, we will part ways and we will find someone else and you can find work more suited to your tastes. What do you think?

[fistandantilus4....]

I can do that. might take a day or two though. ya know, the two of you look around the city liek you're fresh off the farm, but ya got some smarts up there. Word o' advice, don't gawk so much at the buildings when ya' go out ta' deal with folks. They'll always over charge ya.

Quipp holds out his hand for the seven silver peices. He seems well aware that ther'e very little chance that you haveit hidden in your bath robe, but he's willing to wait.

I'll have ta check in with ya in the morning. An orks likely to be out drinkin most o' the night. 'Specially if he ain't a city ork. And he don't sound like one.

[Lady Door]

With a half smile, Lu holds up a finger, indicating "one moment" then shuts the door. Ky is fast asleep on one of the beds, lying on her stomach, naked as the day she was born.
Figures.
Lu soon returns to the door with the seven shining coins in hand. Opening it, she blocks Quipp's view of the room.
Thank you for the advice. Here's your silver. Now go. I'll expect to see you for breakfast.
As Quipp darts away, the maid rounds the corner holding a small wooden tray of scented oils. Lu suddenly feels the tension she's held in her muscles. I'm not cut out for this. When did I become the negotiator? Oh, right... when it became clear that Ky can't open her mouth without insulting someone. The meeting with the ork should go over real well. *sigh*

[Lady Door]

Several minutes later, Lu was dressed and ready to go. She eyed the tray of oils longingly, feeling the stiffness in her muscles begging for relief. No time. Not now, anyway. The sooner this is done, the sooner I can be done worrying about Amrod.
Ky was still stretched out on the bed, snoring softly. Several attempts to wake her had gone unheeded. Either she was really, REALLY asleep or she had greatly improved upon her fake sleeping technique. Either way, Lu needed to go. Just great. Now what do I do? Ergh. I'll leave a note.
Taking a piece of parchment from her bag, Lu wrote out out a short note:
Ky, you were fast asleep. The days' exertion must have finally caught up with you. I've gone on to question the Weaponsmith. If I'm not back soon, come looking for me. Love, Lu
Lu tucked the letter into the tray of oils, surely the first place Ky would look once she awoke. Dressed in her armor over her traveling wear, sword at her side and hair braided and hanging down her back, she knew she would stand out somewhat. Viewing her reflection in the mirror, Lu pulled her elfweave cloak around her. At least, it hid the armor, if not the sword. It would have to do.
Lu opened the door and slipped out, locking it behind her. Walking down into the bustling common room below, Lu stopped for directions to the Weaponsmith's shop before stepping out onto the street.

[fistandantilus4....]

It doesn't take long to find the shop of Bodar the Smith, once you start asking in the proper places. His shop is away from mosto f the hustle and bstle of the city, deep in the Tradesman's district. It's a small two story affair, probably an apartment on top. The shop it's self has a front door and a side yard where the forge is. The shop door's lower half is closed, the top open. The sign simply reads "Bodars' Arms" in dwarven. The open air forge to the side is alive with activity. A stout dwarf is hard at work in the forge, apparently putting the finishing touches on a fine looking battle axe. There are a trio of apprentices moving about the shopping putting away, or caring for tools, and keeping everything in roper order.

Bodar him self is an average sized dwarf. His head is shaved off the top, and he wears no beard. His chest is bare, except for a heavy leather apron. He's likely in his middle years. From the look of his shop and forge, he's a very orderly dwarf.

[Lady Door]

Seeing the neatness and order of the shop, Lu congratulates herself silently for sending word of her arrival beforehand. Someone of such an efficent mind probably appreciates the notice.
Approaching the forge, Lu makes her way to what she assumes is the office. Speaking to the earnest young (it's so hard to tell age with dwarves)clerk, Lu requests to speak with Bodar. Lu then turns and sits upon a chair, waiting.

[fistandantilus4....]

The dwarf running the shops opens the door and sows Lu into a side office between the shop and the forge it's self. Apparently this is where the smith lieks to handle his business.

Within five minutes Bodar himself comes in to the office. He takes a good thirty seconds to look Lu ver, apparently taking his measure of her. He certainly has a very exacting eye.

You must be one of the Calaelen ladies. I was told to expect you. You would be here about the shield then. I've got a few minutes. I'd be happy to tell you what I saw about the situation and the ork carrying it. Such a waste if you ask me. Shield's going to use, doing it's job. Such a thing shouldn't sit on a mantle. But it's always been my belief that everything has it's place, and that shield doesn't belong with that skorcher. So what can I tell you?