[Tarlith]-Seven Suns

1. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #41

   (OOC: Bump... Where's Pieh?)

2. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #42

   "And I am Ss'kerswihpp, at your service." He said with an excited nodding of his head.
   
   "My bow and swift blade will amaze you, yes, and protect you, for sure!"

3. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #43

   "Very good!", the obese man said happily, "Here are the terms. It will be dangerous. I cannot guarantee that anyone will survive. Each guard who gets to the other side with us will receive one percent of the price that our goods bring. Anything that you get from raiders or bandits along the way you can keep. Agreed?"

4. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #44

   "How do we know the worth of your goods? Are we to wait and receive only copper? The great danger of this mission makes it seem more reasonable to get a better fare. Maybe you can survive without us hmm?

5. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #45

   "I have stated my terms", Amn-Alrhed said evenly, "You may take them or leave them. As to my goods, they are fine quality and will sell for quite a penny at the end of the journey."

6. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #46

   Kherbish gave a deep nod after a few moments.  "It is a pleasure to serve, Abughai Amn-Alrhed," he replied.  "I gladly accept your offer." 
   
   He'd seen these types before: non-committal, concerned only with money and experts at keeping their wealth protected.  The obese trader was smarter than he looked, and had likely weighed the odds carefully already.  The cargo was expensive enough to send a guard and pay with the profits, but cheap enough to risk a double-crossing by hired blades paid only one hundredth of the caravan's worth.  Kherbish weighed the risks too: Herolty wasn't worth his time, and even ignoble swordplay with bandits was better than hanging around strumming without a high-paying audience.  Besides, if things got too hairy, he could always convince the bandits that he'd be more valuable as their musician than their prey and have his own life spared.

7. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #47

   "That is most generous of you, yes, well worth the trip, and the danger, I am sure." Ss'kerswihpp nodded a few more times before falling into silent awe at the size of this man, for where Ss'kerswihpp was thin and light this man was enormous and apparently quite heavy. He must eat well, Ss'kerswihpp thought.

8. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #48

   "Good, good!", Amn-Alrhed said, "This is surely good news! All four of you will have to stay to dine with me. And in the morning, we will set out. If there is anything you need to do in town, I suggest you finish it tonight."

9. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

   #49

   "Have it your way, kind sir. I will take your offer and also a great meal I am certain. I promise by my blade your goods will reach their destination. Then we all shall share in the wealth!

10. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #50

    Rhen thanked the merchant for his generosity. The ranger didn't know the quality of the man's goods, though a quick look around suggested a fairly successful enterprise. One percent didn't sound like much, but Rhen wasn't in it for the gold. He glanced about to find Grodul. Approaching the man, he held his arms out, palms open, and smiled warmly.
    "As your master suggested, there are a few items I would like to acquire before the day's end. I don't suppose his goods include weaponry, hm? If not, I'd like to know when I should expect dinner to be served, so as not to appear rude if I venture into town and return late.
    "On another note, I assume your master has crossed the Aligoni before; how else would he know to take such precautions, and give such a stern warning? I'm curious, what sort of obstacles has he encountered on his journey?"
    
    
    

11. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #51

    "No, I'm afraid Master Amn-Alrhed's goods do not include such things, but I have an acquaintance in the tents that you can see over there", he gestured towards some tents nearby, "Just ask for Armeni and tell him that I sent you. On the subject of dinner, I would arrive at sundown, that will give you enough time to get to the table.
    "Unfortunately, the last time the my master crossed the Aligoni was before I joined his staff. The most I know is tales that I have been told. Apparently, there were quite a few run-ins with desert bandits, and a few have, in their less-sober moments, hinted at more... interesting things."

12. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #52

    Kherbish's left eyebrow perked up.  "Interesting things?  You must tell me, Nökür."  He smiled widely.  "I a man that enjoys a tale.  Perhaps I can entertain you tonight, Abughai," he addressed Amn-Alrhed, "with a ballad or two.  I have all that I am gathered here; I've no need to wander Herolty tonight."

13. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #53

    "Good, good", Amn-Alrhed said to Kherbish, "And perhaps I'll tell you a fine tale about those 'interesting things' after dinner."

14. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #54

    Ss'kerswihpp wanted nothing more to do with the scum of Herolty. He thought it would be best to start his duties of protection right away. So, drawing his rapier, he took a stand just inside the shade of the pavilion.
    
    "I will protect the master," He said, looking back with a pointy-toothed smile, "No harm happens here, yes, I make sure!"

15. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #55

    OOC: Sorry for my absence, gents. School's kickin' my butt...
    
    
    
    The ranger used the momentary distraction to slip out of Amn-Alrhed's tent, and make his way over to Armeni. Rhen thought to ask Grodul's master himself if he carried weaponry among his wares, to be sure his servant wasn't lying, but it wouldn't make sense for him to so openly recommend another merchant with his employer within earshot.
    Entering the tents Grodul had indicated, Rhen scanned the room to find this Armeni, and glanced about to find what his inventory was lacking. He needed a particular weapon that he didn't use often. The ranger's preferred weapon of choice was the short sword at his hip. The well-balanced blade, a non-descript and rather ragged-looking thing, save for an expertly cut green gem layed into the pommel, had kept him alive during his years in the wild, and he wielded the weapon with exceptional skill. It was only recently he had acquired another short sword, this one slightly lighter and fresh off the forge, to complement the first. He was steadily learning to wield both at once, and soon he would incorperate the new sword into his style.
    But he had lost his longbow during an encounter with a particularly disgruntled sandworm, and Rhen had a feeling he'd need a ranged weapon on this trek. He hoped Armeni had what he was looking for.
    
    

16. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #56

    The interior of the tent was lavish, if not so much so as that of Amn-Alrhed. Several men in desert robes stood talking in one corner while a short, slight servant waited on them.
    Seeing Rhen enter, he hurried over and said, "Ah, welcome, good sir, to my master's tents. What can I, humble as my position be, do for one such as yourself?"
    He shifted as he talked from one foot to another, forward and then back, constantly moving.

17. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #57

    "I am an acquaintance of Grodul, of Master Amn-Alrhed. I was told I could find weaponry within your master's tents. Tell me, would your master have any sturdy bows among his wares?"
    

18. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #58

    "Why, any friend of Grodul's is welcome!", the man breaks into a wide grin, "My master most certainly has what you are looking for. Wait but a moment and I will return with what you seek."
    The man hurries off toward another entrance and returns in a moment with a armful of unstrung bows. He deposits them on a low table and motions Rhen over to him.
    "I am sure that you will find my master's wares most satisfactory."
    
    On the table are as follows: 1 longbow, 1 composite longbow, 1 shortbow, 1 composite shortbow. As for prices, ask and it shall be given.

19. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #59

    As the shifty man returned, Rhen's eyes immediately settled on the composite longbow, noting the material from which it was created. After the servent placed the items before him, the ranger pretended to peruse the other items, then thoroughly tested the biggest and strongest bow, bending the arms as far as he could.
    "How much for this one?" Rhen asked, then, after a moment of thought, or rather a whim, added," and the small one there?" (refering to the standand, non-composite shortbow).
    
    

20. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #60

    The small man looked quickly at Rhen, then calmed himself.
    "The great bow is of a type that is very hard to come by, and is most expensive. But, seeing as you are a friend of Grodul's, I will cut you a special deal. You may have the bow for a mere fifty pieces of gold. Also", his eyes shift quickly towards Rhen, almost fearfully, "I will give you the small one as a bonus. What say you?"

21. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #61

    "I see why Grodul recommended your master. He is very generous." Rhen's smile faded into a slightly pained face. "But I can only pay half of what you ask." He sighs, and adds," I'd sleep easier this night* knowing I could defend Grodul and his master using this bow."
    
    
    
    *OOC: Are there nights in a world with seven suns?
    
    
    

22. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #62

    "Well", the man said, hesitantly, "I really shouldn't take the price any lower, but, seeing as you are a friend of Grodul's, and it would be a shame to lose him before he can pay his debts, I will give you the bow for what you have. Provided, that is, that you take the small one as well."
    
    OOC:Yes, the suns rise and set at roughly the same time.

23. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #63

    Rhen thought it odd that the merchant would insist on giving away merchandise, even after lowering the price, but the ranger wasn't about to complain. He bowed low.
    "You are most gracious. You've got yourself a loyal customer." He fished through his tunic and withdrew two platinum and five gold pieces.
    "I'll also need some arrows." He picked up the shortbow and examined it, wondering what reason the merchant wanted to be rid of it. Perhaps he could report more items sold to his master, or simply wanted to maintain the prior offer. Rhen just wanted to make sure he wasn't receiving a faulty bow.
    
    

24. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #64

    "Why, yes", the man said, "How careless of me to forget arrows."
    He hurried back out of the tent. He was back in a moment with two quivers, one small and one large, filled with feathered shafts, "These should be adequate for each of your new weapons. A mere gold piece for the two of them."
    
    While he was gone, Rhen's quick examination of the bow revealed nothing out of the ordinary.

25. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #65

    "Of course, sir."
    After handing over another piece of gold, Rhen placed both quivers and the unstrung shortbow in his sack, and slung it and the longbow over his shoulder.
    "Thanks again. Know that I won't forget your generosity." He bowed again, and turned to leave.
    
    
    
    Outside the tent, he noted the height of the suns, and decided to test his purchases before heading back to his employer. He started down the main road out of town, just to the outskirts where he could test the range and accuracy of the bows.
    
    
    
    Nocking an arrow on his newly strung longbow, Rhen set his sights on the horizon, and pulled the great bow back as far as he could. Contrary to the conventional tendency, the left-handed warrior held the bow with his left hand and pulled with his right. He loosed the shaft, taking careful note of the arc and distance of the projectile. Turning to a patch of brush within the weapon's range, he set another arrow on the bow, took aim, and fired. He tried to aim as flat as possible so as not to damage his projectiles and be able to retrieve them later. It wasn't necessary, as he was firing into the soft sand.
    
    
    
    After switching to the shortbow and similiarily loosing some practice shots, he collected his arrows. He secured his unstrung shortbow and cloth-capped, small quiver to the sheath of the short sword strapped across his back. Fitting the larger quiver to his left hip, Rhen grinned as he completed his arsenal. His child-like smirk quickly dissolved as the first of the great suns descended beneath the horizon. An awful revelation dawning on him, the ranger scooped up his belongings and dashed across the soft sand to the road, the town, and his employer.
    
    

26. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #66

    Once Rhen arrived breathless at Amn-Alrhed's tents, everyone was gathered. Grodul smiled and clapped his hands. An elderly servant came in and, after a short converse with Grodul, left. A moment later he returned with a pitcher and large silver basin.
    Amn-Alrhed struggled to get his fat body up from the cushions and, wth help from Grodul, eventually managed it. He then walked over to the servant and took from him the pitcher and basin.
    "It is customary", he said, moving toward his guests, "in my house for the host to pour the water for washing before a meal. I will do so".
    He set the basin on the ground in the center of the tent and held up the pitcher expectantly.

27. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #67

    Not waiting on ceremony, the sand-covered ranger stood beside Amn-Alrhed and held his hands over the basin.
    
    

28. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #68

    Amn-Alrhed poured water over Rhen's hands int the basin.
    "Now, friend, please be seated", he gestured at a pile of cushions beside a low table.

29. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #69

    Despite his disheveled appearance, Rhen had no trouble plopping down among the plush pillows. He would enjoy a full and hearty meal after months in the dry desert.
    
    

30. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #70

    Once all had washed their hands, Amn-Alrhed handed the pitcher to the same elderly servant as before.
    "Now, let us feast", he unceremoniously dropped himself at one end of the table.
    
    The food was good and overly plentiful. There were huge portions of meat and cooked vegetables. The wines were fine and heady.
    After he had eaten his full and his guests seemed satisfied, Anm-Alrhed spoke to Kherbish, "You promised us a song, this evening, friend. I would much like to hear what we will have to live with during our journey."

31. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #71

    (OOC: Sorry for the delay.  RL tends to take over near the end of the school year.)
    
    Kherbish smiled.  "Of course, Abughai," he said with a nod.  The bard rose, gesturing for his instrument to one of the servants.  "There is a story, my friends," he said as he tuned the four strings, "of a traveler called Kamar, a man of Shelath, who journeyed across the Old Lands in search of great wealth.  When he came upon the Cliffs of Ajouz, whose steep faces alone are said to cause madness, it is there that his adventure truly began..."  He slowly dragged the bow across the rhebab's strings, making a low and mournful sound before plucking at the strings, singing with a throaty voice of the Hero of Shelath.
    
    (OOC: More to follow, feel free to converse during the song.)

32. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #72

    Amn-Alrhed sat back and listened, but his face displayed no emotions. His servants in the tent said little as they cleared what was left of dinner.
    
    As the haunting music sang out of the tent and into the cold desert night, heads rose from the sand to listen for a moment, and then returned to the soil. All save one. A single dark form began to creep closer to the source of the sound.

33. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #73

    After a long day's trek, weariness had finally caught up to Rhen as he lounged in the merchant's pillows. His body wanted to take advantage of the respite from the harsh wind and blistering suns, and simply collapse in the soft cushions. His eyes drooping, sleep threatened to overtake him.
    Rhen snapped his eyes wide. To fall asleep during the bard's performance would be plain rude, and his employer might think he wouldn't be able to keep a watch. Pushing aside his exhaustion, the ranger focused on the story. There would be time for rest.
    
    

34. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #74

    "So, will we discuss our venture? Where exactly will we be going in this godforsaken desert and more importantly when are we leaving? These details must be pinned down  before we waste away the night. Although the pillows are soft and the performance is pleasant."

35. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #75

    "Yes, yes, tell us when and what." Ss'kerswihpp  babbled eagerly.
    "Food was good, but now business, yes?" He watched the group while idly picking meat from his teeth.

36. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #76

    Amn-Alrhed sat up from a slight drowse and shook himself awake, "Fine questions, my friends. As to where we are going, that is easily answered. We are crossing the great Aligoni, arriving after about a four to six week journey in the great trading port Tamon-Jal. When we are leaving is tomorrow, at first light, if possible. However", the fat merchant's face grew slightly harder, "we will be having a few... guests along with us, and they might not be as punctual as I would like."

37. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #77

    Rhen said nothing, allowing himself to savor a sip of the wine. He was content to listen, but silently wished their dinner would end so he could retire for the night. As a wanderer, a month-long trek across the desert didn't worry Rhen, but then again, he'd enjoy a good night's rest in a warm bed.
    
    

38. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #78

    Xanathur awoke from a daze. He must have nodded off, he glanced around to see if anyone had anything more to say. He cleared his throat before adressing the merchant. "Perhaps if all our business is concluded we may all return to our residence to rest for the coming journey." He smiled slightly at Alm-Alrhed.

39. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #79

    "Ah, of course", the merchant struggled to his feet and bowed, "We will meet tomorrow to begin our journey. Until then, friends..."
    He trailed off and stepped out of the tent.

40. Re: [Tarlith]-Seven Suns

    #80

    "Until later" With an awkward bow Xanathur stepped out of the tent and returned to the inn he had visited earlier. He paid for his stay with the coins he had and drifted slowly to sleep.
    

Archive · All categories · Guildhall