spiral origin

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

"Good evening!" he opened, after closing the door behind him. He hoped he wasn't too late to catch the shopkeeper before they closed for the day.

@wierdw

(in response to Robert) @wierdw

Behind the weathered wooden counter, an aged woman sat roosted like the guardian of a hawk's eyrie. Her silvery-gray hair fluttered gently in the wake of evening air washing in, as her sharp gaze locked onto the man entering. For several moments she remained silent, motionless like a statue save for the pale green of her pupils studying Robert.

"...Evening." She finally spoke in a soft, time-worn voice, her chin lifted toward the visitor. "...You're not one of them. Not entirely, anyway…" The woman mused, her gaze unblinking. "...You've been here before. Yet… your visit this time is unusual." A subtle smile shaped her wrinkled lips, before dissipating all too quickly with a furrow of her brows. "...How may I help you?..."

Meanwhile, huddled in a corner was a mouse of a girl dressed in unassuming cloths, dusting off the shelves with a feather. She snuck a tiny peek at Robert, before quickly returning to her duties.

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

The gray-haired young woman waved to the bar-keeper, a friendly gesture that caught his attention. "Anozer round, bleaze," she called out, her voice clear and confident. "Und pring tvo more peers for mein friends, Kaelara und Zonia. I'll coffer zee tab." She gestured toward her companions.

@Soldat Elf

"Certainly!" the bartender chirped. After refilling Engi's mug to a foaming fullness, he reached toward the others'. However, both Sonia and Kaelara seemed hesitant to indulge further, with Sonia diverting the drink to Jean before standing up to leave. And so, a fresh mug was poured for Jean. The young man had been rather quiet up to now, and the bartender wondered where he was from and the places he may have traveled to. Jean didn't seem entirely dissimilar to himself, after all.

All of the travelers seemed to hail from different places, and seeing them with their foreign customs and conducts roused the wanderlust that had been latently brewing inside the young barman. He'd always been curious about living a life similar to his uncle's – roaming the lands freely, making his home wherever his feet happened to be planted. His father would most certainly disapprove though. He knew about the disagreements his father and uncle often had about lifestyle choices and preferences. Wistfully, he sighed, listening to the strangers discuss their upcoming mission.

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

(in response to Ludwig) @KITCHEN GUN

One silver coin was still a very generous offer for the meal, which the bartender was all too happy to accept with Ludwig's push of the coin forward. "Th-thank you for your patronage, sir!" He enthused with a small bow before pocketing the coin. Who knew that travelers from other lands could bring not only novelty but profitable business too. With enough savings, maybe he'd be able to travel to these distant lands one day.

Ludwig's order of the day's special was soon served, hot and spiced. "We hope you enjoy your meal, sir!" the bartender beamed, feeling the satisfying weight of his pockets. The tavern had received so much extra business that evening, the kitchen was starting to run out of mushrooms and herbs.

--

(in response to Robert) @wierdw

The shopkeeper was aware of the high prices he'd set, and if it wasn't for the fact that Robert looked less outlandish than most visitors did, the prices would have been even higher.

"Ye haven't seen my bargains at their hardest, boy…" He flashed a jesting smirk at Robert before looking down to count the coins, mumbling under his breath. It took him a little while to figure out how many pencils were paid for.

"Right then – the satchel, ledger, and three pencils if I'm not mistaken…" Scooting the goods toward Robert, he looked up with contentment. "Thank ye for yer business. Ye have a good evening now."

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

(in response to Robert) @wierdw

The shopkeeper nodded at Robert, slowly stepping out from behind the counter to fetch the requested items off the shelves. "Ah, it's nothin'. Jus' that, well, I hope they won't be bringin' any trouble with 'em to our peaceful 'lil abode." The man commented as he foraged through the wares. Quietly, he trailed off with a vaguely griping mention of soldiers forcibly occupying the village hall.

Soon he returned with a leather rucksack - dusty but in sound condition, consisting of one large main compartment and several smaller pouches. Placed on the counter alongside it was a leather-bound ledger held closed by an iron buckle, and several charcoal pencils, all with rustic craftsmanship.

Appraising the goods, he mumbled some quick math. "So that's… twenty copper for the backpack, fifteen for the ledger, and two per pencil." He looked to Robert for payment.

–

(in response to Engi) @Soldat Elf

A jumbo bowl of stew was soon brought and placed in front of Engi, the haunch of venison within it so large that a part of it protruded out. Barley bread was served alongside the meal, in addition to a full, foaming mug of alcoholic nectar.

"We hope you enjoy the meal, Miss!..." The barkeep offered an eager smile and a light bow.

–

(in response to Ludwig) @KITCHEN GUN

Indeed, the glimmer of silver coins caught the bartender's eye; such a sight was as rare as the travelers occasionally possessing them. In fact, the last time he had seen such coins was when the missing Lady Miralys had come to stay at the inn.

"--W-welcome!..." The bartender was momentarily stunned, glancing from the coins to the strangely-dressed patron to whom they belonged. "O-of course! - today's special is venison stew with mushrooms. A-and, we don't have any policy against smoking–so feel free to, sir…"

He glanced again at the coins atop the poster, hesitant to retrieve them just yet. "...Sh-shall I return the difference, sir?..." Given that the order only cost a small fraction of the worth of the coins, the bartender didn't dare assume anything.

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

(in response to Sonia) @Mas Bagus

The demoness's eyes on the bartender raised further discomfort in him, but her smile and friendly demeanor were reassuring. Between the captivating crimson of her gaze and the horns framing the top of her head, it was difficult to look away for even a moment.

"U-uhm, y-yeah! Business has been... good!..." The bartender stammered, not totally knowing the difference between 'good business' and otherwise. It was the sort of question his uncle would ask his father when in town; he himself was more used to the locals airing their latest stresses and grievances.

"A lot busier as of lately – with the arrival of the soldiers at first, and now you all!…" He commented with a sheepish smile. "Feels like our little village has become the focus of attention lately… albeit for the wrong reasons. I do hope you all find the poor missing Lady…"

–

(in response to Robert) @wierdw

The sturdy, well-aged gentleman behind the counter assessed Robert for a moment, eyes narrowing. "Yer not a soldier. You one of them outsiders?... Ya look a 'lil familiar, but also a 'lil strange…" The uncertainty in his slow, measured voice seemed to soften at the vague recognition of fellowship in Robert. "...Well, how can I help ya?"

–

(in response to Jean) @Randomness

Wrapped up in conversation, the bartender couldn't offer much more than a simple smile and nod towards Jean. Still, Jean's quiet presence made the bartender feel a tad bit more comfortable in the presence of the others grilling him with questions and queries.

–

(in response to Engi) @Soldat Elf

The striking accent made the bartender blink, nodding slowly as he registered Engi's requests. "R-right, of course... Our biggest room – that would be our large suite…" He confirmed to make sure he was understanding her correctly. "And a full course meal, got it… and booze. We've got plenty of that!" His wide eyes shone with a glint of unease. If she truly was foreign nobility, he dared not accidentally offend her in any way. And though he was curious about her origins, he refrained from asking.

"...The total would be… 35 copper pieces, please!" He chirped with a gracious smile, straightening his posture like a personal attendant. Following payment, her orders would soon be processed and served, and the key to her room presented to her.

–

(in response to Kaelara) @JP

Turning back to Kaelara, the bartender mused for a moment in recollection. "Yes, a knight… her bodyguard, perhaps… they seemed close, and kept to themselves for the most part. His armor… it was light in color, mildly decorated. Not like the soldiers who came here recently. Probably had a more personal role? I can't say I know the first thing about knights or soldiers though."

Scratching his head, he gave her an abashed look, before continuing. "His demeanor… he seemed serious, I suppose. Courteous, but also, concerned?... I don't know…" His expression scrunched as he further tried to assess the mood of a man shrouded in foggy memory. Slowly, he shook his head with uncertainty. "...I'm sorry but I can't remember much more…"

To her follow-up request of a flagon of ale, the bartender relaxed with an accommodating smile. "Of course, coming right up!" He reached for a clean mug and filled it to the brim with bubbling beverage, placing it before Kaelara. "That'll be three coppers, please!"

At the softening of her tone, the bartender could feel himself ease up. His smile turned more natural and a light blush colored his cheeks. "H-happy to be of help, ma'am! If you have any more questions, just let me know!"

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

@KITCHEN GUN Approved, welcome ^^

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

(in response to Engi) @Soldat Elf

The bartender returned a bedazzled nod at the other strange young woman who had entered. Her exotic equipment and attire was yet another wonderment to his eyes. Some suggestion of nobility, perhaps in the way she dressed, made him wonder if he should be addressing her by some elevated title. Not that he had any idea how.

"U-uh, w-welcome!…" he stammered with the offer of a humble smile.

--

(in response to Sonia) @Mas Bagus

"Fiveteen coppers for the room," she said, before placing an additional twelve pieces. "And here, for venison stew, mead, and a loaf of bread. Keep the change!"

"R-right, of course!" The bartender collected the coins, before handing Sonia the key to her room. Arrangements were made for her orders, and would soon be served – the large bowl of venison stew was hot and savory, and the barley loaf lightly spiced with herbs. The aroma of mead had already infused the room, but up close the amber-colored drink packed a headier punch. For the price, the food was fresh and abundant - a perk of small villages out in the midst of nowhere.

"Th-thank you for your patronage, we hope you enjoy your food and stay!" the bartender managed with an awkward bow.

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

(in response to Sonia) @Mas Bagus

The bartender's eyes widened when another newcomer entered and approached the bar to sit down. Immediately his sight fell on the horns protruding from her head. Such was a marvel he had never before seen, and had only heard of in folklore. A small part of him wanted to ask questions, but the better part knew that it would be rather impolite.

"H-hello! W-welcome!..." He peeled his gaze from her horns but could not shake the surprise from his face. Blinking, he was momentarily at a loss for words at her simple question.

"U-uh… erm… y-yes! A vacant room–w-we have!" The bartender stumbled over his words, summoning an anxious smile. "Th-That'll be fifteen coppers for the night, please!"

Meanwhile the rest of the tavern was quick to notice Sonia's presence. From the moment she entered the establishment, its atmosphere seemed to quiet down into a subtle uneasiness, ambient chatter turning to hushed whispers. A mix of fear, awe, and mistrust was shot her way from the locals–even more so than towards the other adventurers, who at least looked human enough. Some, however, such as the bard, did not seem deterred by the novelty of Sonia's appearance, interestedly studying her from afar.

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

(in response to Kaelara) @JP

The young barkeep, whose stature was modest to begin with, seemed to shrink further at Kaelara's intent questioning. He managed a coy smile, hands busying themselves with the cleaning of an already-clean mug.

"N-no, I didn't see her meet with anyone while she was here–other than that knight she had arrived with, of course. No strange visitors, no, nothing of that sort… If anything, she was the strange visitor here."

Meanwhile the bard had noticed Kaelara's curt nod, and the music strummed by his fingers seemed to louden by a slight notch. His song-voice rose to accompany the tune, describing a budding romance between fated lovers.

The barkeep took another moment to ponder Kaelara's inquiries. "Unusual?… I can't say there was anything, no. She just looked, well, determined, I suppose. Maybe that's how nobles typically look? We don't get many of them types around here, I'm afraid..." He gave another coy smile, hoping his answers were satisfactory.

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

@Rekkuza Your character looks great! Approved, welcome aboard :)

Feel free to jump into IC posting as you like~ I'd recommend catching up with what's happened so far, but a summary would be something like: the adventurers have been asking the Captain a variety of questions, getting acquainted with each other and the locale, and figuring out staying arrangements for the night.

Thinking your character could have either quietly stood through the briefing, or been a bit late to the party. Either way, the real expedition wouldn't be starting until dawn of the next day in game. Whichever way you'd like to introduce him should be fine~

If you have any questions, let us know, either here or on Discord ^^