[IC] Rise of the Dragon Princess

[Dragon princess]

The kingdom

Princess Dracolia was in the forest for three years, she looked nothing like royalty and she gave nothing that was like royalty. She walked along the forest lines smiling to herself her sword was fused with dragon blood and dragon scales. She had no weapon in her arsenal that she would use unless it was for her life. She walked along the forest leaves never cracked up her, she hears something from a cave and peaks her head in and saw a male drop some scrolls and potions,

“Are you ok?” she asked looking at the dragon her eyes shown with compassion and gentleness in her heart for the dragon. She walked forward slowly and helped pick up the scrolls and gave it to him a smile on her face. She could sense he was a dragon but not one to harm her; she was calm and cool as she saw he was a bit freaked about her sword. She blinked and placed the blade down slowly and put it twenty feet from here.

“I’m not here to harm such a divine creature” She said a smile on her face a eyes glows happily, she gave off a feeling that was very safe she looked at her hands that glows with a dragons fire and smiles softly. She looked back at the dragon. She backed out of the cave slowly.

I am sorry if I startled you, I am Princess DracoliaSaid slowly bowing her head showing respect smiling softly. She looked back at the dragon as her eyes shine that of a dragon as well as she was a half breed at some ways you could say. She looked at the sky that was bright and smiles happily. She closed her eyes softly and opens her hand and her sword came over to her and sheathed itself around her waist. She could speak to dragons, something no dragon had seen before.

Zackery rode through the kingdom near the castle the young male sat on the horse . He looked forward as he sat there thinking about his visions about things he had seen, he had seen the princess and some others. Then what shocked him the most about his dream was she and her fellow team where riding dragons. He shut his eyes and cleared it away and went into the kingdom letting the stable hands take the horse away to be groomed and went to the kingdom library where he could go and study about many powers and some history about the family. He looked through many books, he was annoyed.

[Dlayeth]

A wolf loped through the forest carrying a peculiar sack on his back. He made a sharp turn, ducked under a fallen tree, jumped into a stream, and began running in it. Half a candlemark later he reached a stretch of rock and ran until the rock met dirt. From there he made another turn crawled through a thick bed of brambles, doubled back to the stream, and continued on. After using all the tricks he knew of to get rid of trackers, he made for his home. He jumped high in the air, rapidly shifted into a deer and ran until he made it to a rocky hill. After that, he shifted yet again into a wolf and wormed his way through a small opening and followed the tunnel deep into the earth. It was a steep way down, but the tunnel widened out a quarter of a candlemark in.

The wolf arrived in a large cavern, filled with glowing crystals catching faint light, and cultured moss grew all over the ceiling and floor. Crystalline globes filled with glowing liquids amplified the minute lights within them, basking the cavern in a soft glow. The globes were connected by fine stone tubes and hung high above the floor. With a sigh of relief, Kalinth rose onto his hind legs and shifted one last time into his true form.

Obsidian scales gleamed in the light and they reflected his surroundings like millions of tiny mirrors. Faint iridescent hues blinked in and out as his movements caught the light. Wings black as night darkened the room as they sprouted from his back. As he grew, deadly talons, sharper and more dangerous than a blade shot out from what had been his paws and clicked as they touched the floor. His neck lengthened and his furry face transformed into that of a dragon. His substantial bulk stretched up towards the ceiling as he fanned his wings and settled them into place. Dark eyes filled with a starry night sky took in the room.

"It's so good to be home. I have missed this place sorely."

The midnight dragon rose again on it's hind legs and delicately twisted a relatively small knob. There was a grinding sound as little doors opened up high in the ceiling and let a mixture of water and something else down into the globes. For a moment, the light dimmed as glowing particles swirled about in the globes.

Kalinth looked about his foyer with eyes filled with satisfaction as light suddenly burst out and permeated the foyer.

Now... where did I put those scrolls. Ah, there they are!

Kalinth delicately picked up the tiny bag with two claws and carefully made his way into his library. He fumbled around a bit and then dumped the scrolls out on a relatively small desk. He grimaced a bit as he tried to handle the scrolls with his claws, and then nearly had a heart attack when one of his talons poked a tiny hole in the document.

"My scroll!" He wailed in his head.

He quickly shifted into a smaller form and changed his claws into something more like stubby little fingers.

Alright so this is the document for.... Wait, haven't I seen this before?"

He abruptly turned and without realizing it, his tail knocked a stack of scrolls off a shelf. He turned back to his books and the tip of one wing bumped another shelf and sent a collection of bottles and ointments crashing towards the ground.

"Blast! For the love of Mara!" He exclaimed as he spun around again to clean up the mess.

Thump! Thwack! Crash!

"Oh dear oh dear... No! Not my scrolls! Aieeee! the ointments! Ahhhh! Those tomes I worked so hard to get!"

Kalinth skittered pell-mell around his study as he tried to rescue his scrolls and tomes from the spreading puddle of un-salvageable ointments. He was in such a distressed state of mind he did not at first realize something was out of the ordinary when he first heard the unfamiliar voice in his mind.

"No no! I'm not okay! Hurry! The scrolls! Don't let them touch the ointments! Oh dear me! What a mess!"

Small hands handed him a stack of scrolls. He gratefully took them and dumped them on his desk before...

Wait... hands!?!

Kalinth turned and stumbled back in alarm.

"A human!?! How did a human get in here!?!"

Even worse, this human was carrying a sword. His eyes darted about looking for an escape, but unfortunately, she stood in front of the only exit. He focused on her sword and became very still.

It's okay, it's okay, it hasn't hurt me yet right? Maybe if I stay real still it will leave. Should I play dead? No, it's too late for that. What should I do!?! It won't hurt me right!?!

The human, seeming to understand his fears put its sword down and backed away with its hands up.

Oh no... is this a mage? No no! It can't be! It doesn't have any spell scrolls or funny looking robes, nor does it smell of magic and potions... It can't be a mage... Does this mean it means no harm? Kalinth wondered to himself.

It spoke in a strange language, one that sounded different from the languages he had learned from the elf. If he listened carefully though, he thought he could make out some of the words.

Then came the more surprising part, it spoke in the tongue of dragons. The voice was high and clear and strangely sweet. It invoked a feeling of peace and familiarity and somehow soothed him. Kalinth closed his eyes and took in her scent.

How strange... it smells like humans and dragons.... and... its female!?! I thought females didn't carry swords! Wait that's not the important part. Why is it speaking like a dragon? That shouldn't be possible! No wait, it seems to be expecting something. Oh right human manners um... what did that elf tell me again? Right! Got to serve it tea! I mean her! Not it! This human's a female.

"Pardon my manners, excuse me, please let me by." Kalinth replied as he pushed past her out of the library.

He scrambled about the rooms in search of something.

"Where's that tea? The elf told me! No wait... is this even good still? Maybe I should use... no but maybe that's poison. Oh dear oh dear! What should I do?"

There was the great sound of clattering iron and falling barrels as Kalinth scampered about searching for tea for his guest. After all... the elf said that tea was an absolute necessity for hospitality, and that if he dared forget that when he had guests, he would be committing an abominable breach of etiquette punishable by death among humans. (Side note: Yes, it seems the elf was having fun at Kalinth's expense. I wonder what else this elf has said...)

Finally, Kalinth managed to find a sealed packet of usable tea. He quickly lit a small fire and put a pot of clean water on it to boil. Then he promptly dragged out a small table and chair, set up the tea ware, and frantically went looking for tea snacks. After all, the elf had said that if the tea was made but the tea snacks were forgotten... it was an even worse crime. If he dared forget the tea snacks, he should expect to be skinned alive and have his skin used as a wall hanging.

By the time Kalinth found edible snacks, the tea was ready and so he quickly set up the snacks, poured the tea, put down a little jar of sugar and sat down on his haunches on the other side of the table.

"Pardon me... I hadn't expected guests so it took some time to prepare the tea. I meant no offense. So, ah, what brings you here?"

[Dlayeth]

(oops doublepost)

[Dragon princess]

The princess smiles kindly as the dragon ran around trying to find her something to eat and drink. She would have to say thank you for sure to this dragon. I was walking around till I hears the scrolls fall and I wanted to see who lived out in the middle of the woods. My dear Dragon I do not think I have know of your name. She said smiling and took a sip of tea smiling as it was good, she didn't put sugar into things and for a reason it activated her dragon side and became hyper. She smiles to the dragon softly Must be lonely out here, I'm a loner my kingdom hated me so they kicked me out of the kingdom born with abilities of that of dragons. She said slowly knowing the dragon was thinking of what she was. She looked at her hand as she grew sharp claw like fingers. She retracted them to not scare the poor creature off and smiles gently. She closed her eyes taking in everything with her eyes closed, hearing the sound of animals, birds sang their sweet tones and the deer grazing the grass. She feared her kingdom wrath on dragons, she wanted to help put dragons and her people back together.

[ReaptheMusic]

The Taalunian stared at the ceiling, the stubble of a beard showing on his jaw as his blank eyes remained above. This dank tavern he sat in were full of hushed whispers and hidden daggers, thirsty for blood. The shadows muttered royal and peasant secrets alike to the drunken ears of huntsmen. There was no joy in this tavern tonight, even the maiden singing songs of triumph tainted her melodies with somber apathy. The innskeeper, and bartender of the tavern washed down his counters with bleak joy and the smile that played on his lips was fit only for the lips of a porcelein doll; and twas just as false.
The Taalunian's demanor did not even hold a bleak smile, but parted lips and empty eyes. Although no one seemed to be home, as some regulars would tell you, he simply had talent to block the din of party and the roar of silence out to go to a place as dark as the depths of the sea. Lost in his memories, reliving a pain so quiet and broken that tears did not suffice his tragedy.
His wings, long unused, felt cramped behind his back as he lay against them on the chair. His urge to stretch the wings that deemed him his race was like the thirst of water to a dying man. With a strong blink and a sharp pain in his lower back, the Taalunian stood up to toss some gold coins on the table and leave the lonely tavern. He opened the wooden door to the cold breeze of the autumn. A frost bit as his stubbled cheeks as his hand pulled the door closed behind him. With a glance at his surroundings and to the sign above, declaring the name of the building "Oaks Inn & Tavern," He stretched his massive wings, each individual brown and white feather fanning out, hitting him once more with that painful longing to fly. A groan of pleasure escaped his lips as the blood rushed back through his devices of flight; causing a sharp ache in his head from the suddent blood rush to his brain.
"So, You are a Taalunian?"
The tawny-winged Taalunian looked over at a dark haired man, with a hood cloaking his complete identity.
"Aye?" His eyes narrowed at the dark haired stranger.
"Then you must be the one I'm looking for." As the stranger drew near, the Taalunian could see his crooked yellow teeth and smell the stench of pickled eggs on his breath. The Taalunians eyes narrowed.
"An' why would you be looking for me?" He asked, folding his arms. He already knew the answer.
"You are the best long-range assassin from these slums. No?" Once, this praise would have fluffed his feathers and put a smile on my face. But no longer.
"Aye... so they say."
Without another word, the dark haired man held out a rolled up poster. The Taalunian took the poster quizzically and unrolled it to see a drawing of the former princess of Dracolia. A reward for her head for 20,000 gold.
"Will you take my bounty?" The dark haired man asked. The Taalunian looked up at him, his golden eyes cold. "Will you take my bounty," The man asked again, "And bring back the one you love... Anim Igriik?"

Anim's eyes widened and he looked around as the dark haired man faded away. A Mage? Who knew... He looked back at the bounty and clutched it tightly, his golden eyes darkening. His thoughts retraced the dark-haired man's words.... and he clutched the poster in his hand, crumpling it in his fist.

It's time to go hunting.

[Dlayeth]

"I see, I see..." Kalinth said as he made a mental note about enhancing the library and making his home more sound proof.

"My name? Oh dear, I totally forgot to introduce myself. I apologize for my abysmal manners, it's been far too long since I've had human visitors. I am Kalinth, welcome to my abode Princess Dracolia."

He watched her sip of tea, and it seemed to him that she was enjoying it. He wasn't sure of course, it had been nearly a century since he last had a human to observe. Then she spoke again in his mind. She spoke of loneliness, abandonment, and the loss of a home. She spoke of resentment, personal injustice, and more surprisingly, a power. The power of dragons.

Before his very eyes, she turned her hand into a dragon claw. He paused a moment, and looked at his own claw. They did look quite similar.

"How did you do that!?! Show me again!"

He was not the only dragon who could shapeshift; however, no other dragon had ever mastered shapeshifting into humanoid creatures in their life. Perhaps he had finally found one. One who was not actually a human, but who could become one.

Suddenly, he had a spark of realization.

Wait... princess? The human before him was a princess!?! Weren't princesses supposed to be waiting in castles or something for Knights in shining armor to win their hearts?

But then he thought about it again. If what she said was true, then she had been hated from the moment her powers had been discovered. He couldn't help but be curious about how they had discovered her powers, but realized that it was perhaps best not to ask. Then again, if she was actually a dragon who could become a human... perhaps she was lying? But that was impossible. One could not lie mind to mind.

In other words, she could not be a dragon. Perhaps it was possible that she was half though? But no matter how he thought about it, it did not seem possible for such a pairing to ever produce children. Even if he chose to spend a great deal of time in wolf form, in the end he would still be a dragon, and he could not father a pack of half dragons and wolves. There were too many differences in the creatures for such a pairing to ever produce children.

Then the only explanation was that she was a full-blooded human, but then how did she acquire this power?

It seems he would not be able to discover the answers without more knowledge. After a moment of thought he went back into his study, cursed as he stepped in the spilled ointments, and returned with a rolled up map in his claws. He carefully spread it out on a clean dry surface and then put small round stones on the corners to hold the map in place.

"Where is your kingdom located?"


The piercing sounds of hammer on metal rang out over the village. This early, the village was pretty quiet. Most of the villagers were already hard at work in the fields. Young children ran through the fields helping to pull weeds. The older ones were at home doing chores, in the fields, or hard at work as apprentices.

Alireth was no exception. Her long hair was braided and tucked back in a bun. Alireth had no desire to singe hairs after all. She had a piece of cloth tied over her hair, as an additional preventative measure. Sweat beaded her brow as she focused intently on her work. Recently, business had been slowing down, so this was a perfect time to experiment. She was well-versed in the methods of making wire, so this time she wanted to see if it was possible to make finer works, something more delicate, like bracelets, circlets, or necklaces. She already had designs sketched out for things she thought she might be capable of making. If she was successful, she might be able to earn a good amount of coin for herself.

Those who had only seen her outside of the forge would find her abnormally focused. There was a reason for that: fire is not forgiving. The forge was a dangerous place. Alireth, who had been raised from a young age to look after the forge, knew this well. Fire was beautiful and with its assistance, things were purified and made new, but it was dangerous. Alireth was always cautious. If she found herself getting distracted, she would stop her work and take a break rather than continue on and try to pay attention. Wire was especially dangerous. If the wire broke, the heated metal she was pulling would be flung into her face.

The bells of days end permeated her consciousness. Alireth finished up the last piece she was working on, and then began putting everything away for the night. Over the course of the day, many different experimental pieces were made. Some came out better than others, but that was to be expected. In the end, it was a good day's work. The failed pieces she had made before had already been melted down and cast into ingots for use again later. The ones that were passable, she kept for reference. She would melt them down eventually of course, but for now they would remind her of what worked and what didn't.

Alireth stretched as she walked outside and closed shop for the night. She glanced around and saw someone running towards the village. Immediately she felt some concern, but shoved it away. Instead, she observed her surroundings and searched for signs of others outside the village. She had half a mind to go back into her smithy and take down one of her prized blades, but in the end, opted to just wait for the runner. The man ran up to her puffing and panting and between gasps asked her if she was the blacksmith. At her sign of assent, the man looked relieved.

"Are you Alireth the blade-smith?"

"I am Alireth. What do you need?"

"I have a commission for you."

Alireth suppressed a sigh. Even though she'd done a full day's work, there was more to be done. Perhaps she should have just taken a break and napped all day.

"Alright, let's head to my house and we'll talk more there."

Oh well, tedious work is better than no work at all.

[Dragon princess]

The princess looked at the dragon blinking her eyes slowly, She looked at her hand and redid the same thing making her hand that of a dragon's hand. She looked around slowly, today would be a busy day she would have to go hunt again and get some shelter, she couldn't stay in this dragons home. She finished her tea and saw he had a map and pointed to the valley of where the great god had died those many years ago,

"I live there, well used to" She said sadly looking down she still loved them all very much and wished no dragon to bring harm to the place. She closed her eyes softly and then opens them again.

"I must leave before night draws in my friend, I thank you for the tea and snacks " She said with a loving voice before she slowly got up and slowly walked outside, she looked around the enerance of the cave and then back at the dragon.

I will never tell a human or person of your home my friend I wish you a long life of happiness She said before returning to the forest. She walked along the paths slowly her sword on her back and armor was on yet it made no sound. She walked over to a nice shady spot and sat down tiredly.

[Foster]

The locals of the Oaks Inn and Tavern had indicated the town had a blacksmith of sorts, and Peter was inclined to investigate... Anyone working this late into the night seemed quite dedicated. Aside from the warm glow of the forge, the dull cherry-red of hot iron, there was no light besides the stars and moon that shone outside. The man knew his work-ethic, and Peter respected it by remaining silent until the work was done...

And then she turned.

The locals neglected to mention the blacksmith's young age... or bossom... but he has heard good reviews, so he leaned against a beam and decided to watch this mystery at work awhile longer.

He watched her close-up shop, unseen as some old habits died harder than most -especially the habits that have kept him alive- and chose to keep his distance. He'd heard gossip of her brawling quite well whenever her and a patron came to blows (again with no mention of her being of the fairer sex) and knowledgeable enough to mend wounds as well as armor... But her age... could someone so young could not cope with the hardships of being a partisan-mercenary?

The unspoken question was only given a partial response when a messenger came bearing news of a commission of sorts. The nature of which could be anything, even as simple as making a dozen nails for the kingdom's stables. However, he addressed the woman as a 'blade-smith', and with great haste. Here he had a choice, to either listen to the deal as it happened, or to offer his own services to assist in hopes of learning through building of trust...

Or, he could just wait for the messenger to leave, find a dark alley, and question him in the usual manner.

[Foster]

Und double-postes

[Dlayeth]

:Mhm... Yes yes, have a nice day.: Kalinth muttered as he stared at the map. He was already deep in thought, and though he responded, he hadn't really heard a word. This human princess had pointed out the valley that all dragons knew well. She had come from the home of Azerl, the god of dragons. Did Azerl have anything to do with this human? He could not tell. She had the scent of dragons on her, but not the scent of Azerl. Then again, he had not seen their god in a long time. Just because Azerl had died did not mean his spirit had died as well. He had been holed up in his home most of this time, engrossed in his study. It wouldn't be difficult for something to happen. Perhaps he would have to contact the spirit-walker.

After all, it wasn't like he kept up with world events. Most dragons didn't anyways. Well, most dragons he knew didn't at least, not that he knew many. Perhaps there were other dragons that actually paid attention. It would probably be good to get in contact with other dragons that he knew and trust and pass on the message. He would have to wait until Mirroth came to visit. She would probably be visiting within a sennight. She usually came once a sennight and she had last visited a few days ago. He would have to leave a note to himself for that then.

He drew a stick of charcoal from the fire and began to write a note for himself on his memo wall. At least this way he wouldn't forget it so easily. Besides that he would have to consult texts about that area. He was rather certain he had plenty of documents from the "Flaming Torch Valley." At least he had kept up with the written forms of languages that he had been taught. It would be good if he could find them. Perhaps there was important information from those dispatches and books he had gotten as a wolf. If there wasn't, well, he might well have to raid a caravan or two that might be carrying interesting texts.

Considering the princess's story, she probably wouldn't mind if he did a bit of raiding. Actually, she'd probably be delighted if he razed a city or two to the ground. Not that he had the power to unfortunately. And a well-placed arrow could take him down, just because he was a dragon did not mean he was invincible. Besides, he was a simple shape shifter dragon; it wasn't like he was a fire-shaper or the owner of a powerful fetching gift. Nor did he have the gift of far-seeing or foresight. In the end, his ability was best for escaping and foiling trackers. Ah well, his power had its uses as well. It was quite convenient for him at least.

Squish.

...

:To the nine hells with these ointments!:



Alireth sighed to herself. As expected, the messenger was from the army. Some highborn officer, who had likely been given his position due to his father, wanted her to make him a sword. She could imagine his voice in her head. "I am Blah, son of Count Blahblahblah, descendant of so-and-so, and I must have the best of the best. I do not want a blade from a second-rate blade-smith!" As if there weren't plenty of talented blade-smiths filling the capital and salivating at the chance of having a highborn become their patron.

Personally, Alireth no longer wanted to have much to do with the highborn. Too many of them were interested in acquiring her services at their castles or mansions. Especially after they discovered she was of the more “delicate” sex. It was as if they thought she sold services other than her smithing.

She had no desire to be paraded around by the highborn like a prize broodmare. She had no desire to be "conquered" for that matter. Despite her clear disinterest in this subject, in the capital, young arrogant fools swarmed her like flies. It had gotten to the point where she could no longer work without interruption.

It seems she'd been found again. At least she wasn't the real owner of the blacksmith shop in this town. She had taken up work in her friend's blacksmith shop. People seemed to think she was going to take over her friend’s shop, and her friend had even begun to hint that he was willing to let her take over. It was a pity she'd have to leave soon. At least there were still a couple of apprentices to help her friend around the smithy.

Well, her new move would require coin. So it seemed she had no choice but to take up this job. The money from this would make moving much easier. At least they were willing to pay half up front. “For supplies” they said. As if there was no way she could make decent blades outside of the capital.

For a second, she considered just taking the money and running. However, that would backfire and damage her friends and her reputation. She took the money, so she had taken the job. She’d make that sword for him; she’d make it with the best of her skills, the way she made all of her blades. Then she would leave. She still had a pack animal from last time, so she would not need to negotiate a deal with a horse trader.

Instead she would need supplies and perhaps she would need someone to protect her on her journey. After all, one woman wandering alone was a very tempting target. Perhaps she would join a caravan, but then they would likely tell if asked where she had gone. However, she still needed protection, so perhaps she would join a caravan and travel with it some ways, and then set off on her own.

Then again, she still needed someone to travel with her for that last leg of the journey. For some unknown reason, the image of a man with wings appeared in her head. Rumor had it; he was very skilled in battle. He was also known for accepting any job, so long as there was enough coin. Though she didn’t know him well, she had heard he often frequented the same bar as her friend. Perhaps he would be willing to escort her for that last leg of the trip.

Well, it didn’t matter right now. First she had to finish that sword. Then she would have enough money to hire him, acquire supplies, and have enough left over to start up a shop again in another town. After all, it wasn’t like the money she had from all the smithing she had done in the past had simply evaporated. She had saved it of course.

All her hard-earned coin was saved in a magical box. The mage had explained that it had a “Personal Lock” that would only allow it to be opened by her. If anyone tried to touch her strongbox, they would find themselves burned. The strongbox itself was made carefully with a very complicated lock and a special key. She stored this key in a pouch around her neck, and when it wasn’t around her neck, she always had her eyes on it.

If she lost the key, it was still possible for her to open it due to the magic cast on the strong box. However, she did not wish to lose that extra layer of security, so she made sure to protect her key. These items alone cost her a fortune, but when highborn were trying to “conquer” a maiden, there was much they were willing to give; especially when the coin they used belonged to their father.

Yes, she had felt a tiny twinge of conscience when she first sold some of their gifts, but after remembering the way they behaved she no longer felt anything from her conscience. She belonged to no one. She was not a pet or a curiosity or something to be conquered.

[ReaptheMusic]

Anim sat in the dark woods, resting beside a fire. His hood was up and cloak enshrouded him, his golden eyes searing as they stared into the fire. He had not yet left to hunt for the Princess. There were still a few supplies he recquired, and thus he stayed just on the outskirts of the town hidden in the woods. Beside him his clydsdale mare; Gydra, trotted about restlessly. She wandered around sniffing at the ground for just a simple bit of grass or grain and let out a disgruntled snort when none was to be found. The woods didn't have much growing in them now; and soon the Taalunian Floral nomads would make their way to replenish the life that slowly went out.
Of course their fix would only be temporary. Nothing lasts forever.
Bitterly, Anim rose and went to his sleeping mat where his pack lay. From within he drew a handful of apples. They had been expensive, but it would keep his mare's stomach from growling all night. He went to Gydra to rub his hand down her long snouth and to press a handful of juicy fruits to her mouth. She took them more than willingly, letting out a happy whinnie. Satisfied, the Taalunian left her a pile of apples before moving ahead.
From his back he drew his bow and a single arrow. While it would be easier to pay for meat it was much more convienient and cheaper to slaughter his own kill for the night. He seldom appreciated a fully belly when hunting.

[Foster]

(killing your own horse for the meat? that's pretty mental...)

As the messenger left the blacksmith's abode, Peter followed. The mesenger quickened his pace with more delibrate footsteps through the muddy streets. At first he believed he'd been spotted, but soon enough the chap turned right for the tavern to relieve themselves. In any case, 'ol Pete went around the building to search for a back way in (there was none) before going inside as well.

The ruffian hated these border-taverns... far too likely to meet a familiar face, or get into a brawl and encounter a familiar face with authority to dole-out some swift vengeance... But such were the risks taken in pennance. He made sure his 'mark' for this evening had their tongue well-lubricated.

Once the paige had become a little too well acquainted with the barkeep's betrothed barmaiden, he decided to bail the runt out by claiming the poor kid was his servant, and would be punished accordingly for such a disgraceful act of lewdness. Upon taking things outside, he leveled with the kid, and asked if he'd done what was requested; by making the strong albeit decietful implication of being one of the officer's own men sent to spy on him. It didn't take too much collar-scruffling to get confirmation that yes, the order for a new blade had been placed, half paid for up-front.

That, followed by a few words of advice, such as to lay-off the meade until he'd seen and done something he'd rather forget, and the paige was sent-away on the next caravan; a little to unsteady on their feet to entrust with walking home.

This meant the 'smith would be here longer, and that she was crafting a top-notch blade... not particularily knowing who it was meant for... And with the paige sent-away empty-handed, someone else will have to retrieve it. Best to do-so in person.

Premium blades, now half-off. Could either sell it to their rightful owner for the other half, or pawn it at full-price.