[Tarlith]-Seven Suns

1. [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #1

   Rhen Volmar staggered into Herolty. Dusty, sweaty, and tired, he looked as though he was in need of refreshment and shade. When he saw the Dirty Tankard alehouse, he decided that this was a place in which he could get both. He disappeared into the doorway.

2. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #2

   Kherbish entered the town at midday with the caravan that he had most recently been traveling with. As he took his leave of the caravan master, a rather portly man with a wandering eye, he seemed to notice a definite air of relief at his departure. The streets were not crowded, as the suns drove most indoors at this time of day, and Kherbish decided to follow their example. He spotted an alehouse, the Dirty Tankard, and headed towards it.

3. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #3

   Ss'kerswihpp Kha'nklun Gi'ndfer sat in one corner of his favorite seedy tavern. The Dirty Tankard was not overly busy this day, so there was ample notice when a human entered, and a half-elf a little afterward.

4. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #4

   Ss'kerswihpp made note of the newcomers, they may be his ticket out of here. Besides, what's the worst that could come from trying to make a few friends? He adjusted his neck-frill to make sure he was presentable, not that a human or half-elf would notice if his colors weren't showing properly, but it was important to him.
   
   Making his way out of the dark corner; he may have been slightly frightening to those who had not seen a Bhuka before. Aware of this, he tried his best to stand up straight and attempted a smile. It came out a little creepy and crooked, but it would do.
   
   He approached the human, and offered his waterskin, "The name's Ss'kerswihpp," He said in his low, goblin-like, voice. "What brings you newcomers," He looked at the Half-Elf as well, "to the Dirty Tankard?"

5. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #5

   Kherbish inclined his head slightly.  "Bhuka."  He'd seen their kind before, and wasn't fond of them; but then, he figured, this one might have a little coin, so there was no hurt in playing nice.  "Only passing through," he murmured in reply.
   
   Passing through was all he could probably manage, judging by the dusty town.  The small tavern - filthy, though not especially - was sparsely populated.  It would be tough to make much coin here, even by subversive means.  "Slow day here, I suppose," he commented, his halting but melodic Maidar accent spilling through.  Perhaps in the evening, when the suns were not quite so hot, more souls might find their way into the bar.
   
   With little interest in the pretentious Bhuka or the exhausted looking man for now, Kherbish muttered an excuse and found a comfortable corner of the bar, pulling his rebab from his sack.  Resting the spike of the stringed instrument on his ankles, he plucked and tuned the strings in the proper Maidar - no, Northern Flats today - octaves.  He dragged his bow across the instrument as his fingers danced on the strings, playing an slow, easy and crowd-pleasing tune.  Perhaps when more folk arrived, he would change into his Maidar clothing to attract the eye of more customers, but for now, he would simply play.

6. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #6

   The few locals seated at the bar gave scant notice to the tune, but the bartender seemed to take a liking to it, whistling off-key under his breath while wiping glasses with a rag.
   "What can I do you for?", he called over to Kherbish and Rhen, "Need a drink?"

7. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #7

   
     Rhen took measure of the figure before him, leaning heavily on the bar to feign fatigue. Sure, he was tired and hungry, but Rhen had spent the last two decades under a scorching sun learning how to conserve his strength. He also realized in that time that even the most innocent of intentions can be a mask for treachery. Better to your cards close than to show your hand, as they say.
     Rhen did, however, stand up straight and accepted the bhuka's canteen. He glanced around the room, taking note of the other patrons. The tavern was sparsely populated. The elf - no, too human for a full blooded elf - sat in a corner plucking some string instrument. As he allowed himself to listen to the tune, he found it strangely soothing, as if his weariness started to disappear.
     His focus snapped back to the bhuka, whose bared teeth behind a misshapen but seemingly sincere smile demanded attention. Rhen's lips touched the cool liquid in the waterskin, and he pretended to take a long sip.
     "Thank you, Ss'ker...", he replied as he handed back the container, and cleared his throat when he couldn't quite repronounce the name.
     "My name is Rhen. Do you always offer drinks to weary strangers?"
   
   

8. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #8

   "I'm just trying to be... Friendly" His smile broadened, showing a few more pointed teeth. "You don't look like those who normally pass through, merchants and the like, and I might be able to use your help."
   
   Ss'kerswihpp wasn't too happy with the way this was going, he may need to wait for the next batch of newcomers to get out of here. He just needed to keep them away from the regulars, they would certainly foil his plans.
   
   "Come, come with me." He tried to lead Rhen to his favorite corner, he gestured to a seat. "Sit, relax. That barkeep has offered you a drink, what do you want? I shall get it for you."

9. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #9

   Kherbish continued the song, keeping his head tilted toward the instrument but his eyes toward the man and the Bhuka.  Something irritated him about their conversation, like something was amiss just outside of his perception.  One of them - perhaps both - was up to something.  The feeling came perhaps from a lifetime of being up to something, and the various number of something the Maidar half-elf expected himself to soon be up to.  As he flowed into the next song, setting the bow aside to pluck the strings into a traditional waltz, he kept a close eye on the two strangers.

10. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #10

    
      Rhen’s eyes unconsciously narrowed at the bhuka’s offer. An invitation to relax is usually a precursor to trouble. Were bhukas always this forward? He hadn’t met any before in his time, but Rhen knew plenty of scoundrels and swindlers whose first tactic was to make a mark as comfortable as possible.
    
      Then again, there’s no harm in hearing him out, Rhen thought. He’d simply stay on his guard. Rhen ordered a mug of local mead, then followed the bhuka to the corner, instinctively keeping one hand on the hilt of his dagger beneath his cloak. Throwing back his hood and removing the scarf from his neck, he sat across from his host, back to the wall.
    
      “I admit, it’s not often one finds such hospitality, at least in my travels. It seems everyone has an angle. But I’m curious; you know nothing of me. What makes you think I can help you?”
    
    
    

11. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #11

    As the waltz played and the two men talked, a tall stranger entered the tavern, looked around for a moment, and then walked over to the barkeeper and started talking quite seriously with him.

12. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #12

    Xanathur of the Wastes wandered idly into Herolty. Seeing nowhere better go, he walked over to the Dirty Tankard tavern. At least it would be out of the sun.

13. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #13

    Xanathur quietly slipped into the tavern, he leaned against the wall. He felt quite comfortable with the feel of his bow and blade slung over his shoulder. His robes had kept off the heat, but the dark and cool of the building was relaxing. He crossed his arms and scanned the room for those who would make trouble. His search yielded little, a few oddities, including an oddly, friendly looking bhuka. He calmly strode to the bar and offered the barkeep a quite dusty silver coin, one of the few he had left. "Give me one of your best" he rasped. He returned to his corner with drink in hand, as he did not always bring out the best in people. He rarely treated with people and they did not always take kindly to him, as he was a loner and had lived as an outcast in the wastelands most of his life.

14. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #14

    The stranger, interrupted by Xanathur's coin, left the bar and walked toward the door. As he was about to leave, the man took a roll of hide out of his satchel and nailed it to the wall beside the door with a sharp rap from his fist on the nail-head. He then walked out of the door.

15. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #15

    Kherbish watched as he played: the man entering the bar and speaking with the keeper, the armed sand-walker's entrance, the first man putting some sort of message near the door.  His interest was piqued, and with few seeming to even bother notice his playing, Kherbish quickly finished the waltz and placed his rebab back into its bag.  "Nökür," he said purposely using the Maidar (it kept town-dweller folk on their toes to hear elven tongues), "I'll take that drink now, if you please."  As he approached the bar, the examined the hide scroll hanging from the wall.

16. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #16

    "Fine, fine", the barkeep smiled widely, "First drink's always on the house, at least when no one's buying them."
    He gave a great laugh at his joke as he pulled a couple of drinks and handed them out; one to Xanathur, ignoring his coin, and the other to Kherbish.
    "So, my musical friend, what brings you to my fine establishment this day?"

17. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #17

    Kherbish tipped his mug in a toast at the barkeep.  "Only seeking a few days of peace before taking to the sands again," he replied before throwing back a swig of the drink.  "Herolty is as fine a place as any to stop.  It has its charms..." he paused and smirked slightly.  "And its troubles, if rumors are true."  He sipped again, letting the innuendo-laden phrase settle in the room; he hadn't heard any actual rumors, but in a town like Herolty, gossip or even the insinuation of it was usually the best source of news.
    
    He glanced at the robed fighter who had entered minutes before.  A true warrior, by the look of him, calm and yet on edge, the tools of his trade casually displayed.  "And you, Nökür," Kherbish asked, purposely turning his back toward the Bhuka and his new companion, "what finds you here?  Repose, or adventure?"

18. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #18

    Xanathur retracted his proffered coin before speaking to the stranger. "A short respite, though adventure would be welcomed. I have not had a chance to use this blade for quite some time. I would greatly appreciate the chance to make some gold" He could barely feel his very light coin pouch resting on his hip. "I think the man who just left may have wanted to say something. At any rate he left a message on the  wall. Perhaps it will lead us on to a quest." He then walks over to read the animal-hide scroll.

19. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #19

    In a scrawling hand, the scroll reads:
    
    Attention! Guards needed for crossing the Aligoni desert! All applicants considered! Pays well! Inquire at the tents of the Merchants' Guild! Ask for Master Amn-Alrhed!

20. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #20

    Ss'kerswihpp seemed distracted by the nailing of a notice and annoyed with the half-elf who apparently wanted nothing to do with him.
    
    "I, uh, yes. I think you can help me, but you're not special. Simply the first newcomer to talk to a Bhuka like me. I mean no harm, I just need to get out of this place and find employment elsewhere." He looked like he wanted to get up and read the scroll. Ss'kerswihpp was very curious, as most Bhuka are.

21. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #21

    Kherbish snickered.  "A quest?  I am no crusader.  I merely need a job."  He quickly read the scroll from behind Xanathur.  "Mm.  Standing under the seven suns for long spells while keeping off nomads and raiders.  A fine job for you, Nökür, though I wonder how much help I would be."  Kherbish didn't forget the rapier at his side, nor the bow and quiver hidden in his pack.  He didn't relish combat much, not unless it was fighting over something interesting like women or money.  If business was slow, he might have to reconsider the proposition, however.

22. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #22

    The barkeep overheard Kherbish's comment and called back, "Those caravans always give good tips to anyone who can play worth spit. You might want to go along just for the coin you could earn of evenings".
    He gave a hearty laugh and went on cleaning his mugs.

23. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #23

    "Well it sounds like a good amount of gold is involved. I'm in for certain. I will pay this merchant Alm-Alhred a visit later this evening, for now I wait" He took a good slurp from his beer mug before returning to his corner and sitting down to watch events unfold.

24. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #24

    "Ah, well spoken, barkeep," Kherbish nodded.  "I do not normally like putting my hide on any caravan that needs guards, but unless you get more customers yourself, I may have to join up!"  He matched the barkeep's laugh.  "Very well, then.  I shall accompany you, perhaps hide behind your blade when need be," he said to the robed warrior.  "They shall speak great things of us, Kherbish the Bard and... What was your name again?"

25. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #25

    "Its Xanathur. How soon would you like to be off on this great adventure?" Xanathur said bowing, though it seemed like more of a flinch. He really needed to work on his people skills.

26. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #26

    
    Rhen digested the bhuka's words for a long moment, watching yet foreign patron enter the bar and discuss an apparent bulletin with the bard. The ranger turned back to his host and offered a sincere, if narrow, smile.
    
    “I think you’re right. I’m already feeling a bit cramped in this town,” Rhen said as he stood and nodded toward the bulletin.
    
    He approached the sign, the duo near the notice apparently finishing introductions, and Rhen gazed past them to read the message.  He grinned and wheeled around to inform the bhuka.
    
    “We’re in luck. A caravan is leaving for the Aligoni, and they need some hired blades. Sound like your kind of ‘employment’?”
    
    
    

27. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #27

    "I like your laugh, Musicman", the barkeep told Kherbish conspiratorially, mightily amused with his nicknaming, "I'll tell ya something though. That fella that came in and I had a word. Seems that the caravan that's advertising is leaving tomorrow. You'd best be moving along if you want to get a spot."

28. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #28

    Xanathur seemed surprised "Why would they wait to put up a post until now? If they are leaving tomorrow they must have just come across a problem. This may prove to be a worthy adventure after all. We must leave at once and catch up with them!"

29. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #29

    Kherbish raised a curious eyebrow.  "Leaving so soon, and only now posting for recruits?  This does not bode well..."  The half-elf shrugged.  "But such is the way of the deserts, no?  Indeed then, my friend Xanathur, let us go to find this caravan."  He glanced over his shoulder, as he stepped toward the door.  The Bhuka and the other man seemed to be taking the same path out of Herolty as he was.  "Let the Bhuka and his friend find their own way to the convoy," he murmured beneath his breath, just loud enough for the Bhuka to perhaps hear.  "If they be worthy, their blades will prove themselves there."

30. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #30

    "Let us hurry on our way, the heat at this time is dreadful. We must make haste if we want to catch them and perhaps an evening meal somewhere cool." Xanathur's desert robe billowed out before him as he stepped once again into the blazing sunlight. He then motioned for Kherbish to follow him.

31. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #31

    Xanathur and Kherbish walked between the motley array of buildings and tents on their way to the largest group of white tents. The Merchants' Guild was a bustling hub of activity, even in the noonday suns. Slightly behind a group of camels, Kherbish noticed a large wooden sign. Painted in golden letters a foot high was:
    The Caravan of Master Amn-Alrhed, purveyor of fine clothes.
    Standing beside the sign was a tall man. Kherbish recognized him as the stranger who had posted the scroll back in the Dirty Tankard.

32. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #32

    "Abughai!" Kherbish called out, trotting jauntily up to the merchant.  "Well met, Abughai Amn-Alrhed."  He gave a slight bow, his arms displayed and palms upward.  "You are seeking guards for your fine caravan, yes?  My Nökür Xanathur here is just such a man, his skill with a blade unmatched.  And I, humble Kherbish, can give entertainment to your weary ears on the journey - Surely, you heard me play in the bar, yes?"

33. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #33

    
    “Come Ss’k. If Amn-Alrhed is posting for hired help this late, then he’s got both trouble and gold.” After securing his hood and scarf, Rhen motioned for the bhuka to follow him out of the tavern and to find the caravan.
    
    

34. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #34

    The ranger and the bhuka found the tents much the same as when Xanathur and Kherbish did. They also saw those two talking with the stranger from the tavern beside a sign proclaiming the tents of Master Amn-Alrhed.
    
    "No, friend", the tall man said to Kherbish, "I am not the great Master. I am but humble Grodul, Amn-Alrhed's personal secretary. If you wish to inquire about the guard positions then I will most happily take you in to see my master, he will be most pleased. As for you, Humble Kherbish, if you can play that well always, I would pay your way with us myself."
    Grodul turned toward the largest pavillion, motioning for the two to follow him.

35. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #35

    Ss'kerswihpp hurried after the three ahead of him, motioning to Rhen to hurry as well.
    "Wait! Wait! We will help you too, Sir! Please won't you wait?"

36. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #36

    "Ah, good", Grodul said, stopping, "The more the better."

37. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #37

    Kherbish smiled coolly at Grodul.  "Very good then, Nökür.  Please lead the way."  He shot back a sly grin at Ss'kerswihpp and Rhen as they rushed up behind him.  "Ah, how pleasant that you have made it!  I hope, for our sakes, that you are more punctual on watch duty."  With an ambiguous wink, he stepped into the doorway.

38. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #38

    
    Rhen smiled as he regarded the half-elf entering the pavillion. The ranger would enjoy this adventure.
    
    "Let's not tarry, Ss'k. We wouldn't want to worry the musican."
    
    His smile faded as the words left his mouth, for a thought occured to him. The half-elf proclaimed himself a bard, and his impromptu companion was obviously a warrior. So what are the bhuka's talents? Rhen thought to ask him, but bit his tongue. Such things usually reveal themselves in time.
    
    

39. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #39

    Grodul led the four of them into the shade of the pavilion. Scattered across rich carpets were plush, richly embroidered pillows. Lounging in the center of the room on the largest of the pillows is a hugely fat merchant. Amn-Alrhed.
    "Ah, welcome guests!" Amn-Alrhed said widely, "Faithful Grodul, are these the guards that I sent you for?"
    "Yes, Master", Grodul replied bowing and touching his forehead in respect, "These are they. This is Xanathur, noble warrior, and his companion, Humble Kherbish, an artist with his instrument. These other two and I have not, as yet, introduced ourselves."

40. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #40

    Taking the cue, Rhen lowered his hood and stepped forward.
    "I am Rhen Volmar, a scout and swordsman," inclining his head slightly, a poor excuse for a bow.
    
    

Archive · All categories · Guildhall