"Now you listen to me boy, take these tankards over to that table right there." The Barkeep gestured with a stubby thumb, gabbing towards a table near the north-east side of the establishment, nearest the stage and furthest from the bar. The man's voice was quite loud, and due to the rowdy atmosphere, the added gesture was more than appreciated. "They've been waiting long enough for their mead and look well passed pissed-off, go and make 'em happy if you could, lad." The Barkeep laid a hearty, fatherly slap of encouragement upon the young boy's shoulder, causing him to teeter unsteadily for the briefest of moments before regaining some semblance of balance. Doing as he was told, the boy latched either small hand around the thick, angled cut of the metal beer tankards. Filled to the brim with well over a pint of alcohol, the busboy gripped two in each hand, starting off towards the destination previously indicated to him by the Barkeep.
Tonight was a rather industrious evening, the busiest that Cormear had been privy to in a long while. Under normal circumstances, food and drink would have been tended to by the three to four waitresses working the floor on this particular evening. However, the crowd was thick and each of the young women were doing their best just to keep up with the overbearing and unruly patrons orders. The Bartender had spent little time in enlisting the of help of Cormear to lend a hand during this heightened activity, choosing to remove the boy from his usual place behind the beveled lip of the enormous, soap-stone, bathtub-like sink located in the back of the kitchen and behind closed doors.
The tavern was packed tight with well over fifty patrons, each parched and ravenous after a long day's worth of hard work. The air with heavy, thick with the musky-stench of accumulated body odor and halitosis, the scent of various smoking weeds wafting throughout. The conversation was varied and cantankerous, making it rather difficult to concentrate on any one palaver in particular, at least for any extended period of time. There was laughing, squealing, swearing, coughing, belching and other noises of bodily function in ample amounts. The slamming of fists and beer tankards upon the varied surfaces throughout the tavern, echoed, reverberating against the establishments walls. Silverware clattered on the tin of the dishes and every so often one could hear the smattering of dishes tossed about absentmindedly upon wood-planks of the tavern floor.
Cormear slowly traversed the distance between the bar and table previously indicated by the Barkeep. He had difficulty navigating around the thick crowds that had perched themselves in pockets around the tables, waiting for a seat to become available. One or two times he had to dodge a flippant hand, an absentminded patron or a waitress carrying a large tray of food. However, within due time, he found himself laying a tankard each in front of one of the four men that surrounded the table. The mugs still quite full with beer, one or two of the tankards frothy contents sloshing over the side.
None of the four men that occupied the table said a single word to the young boy, they simply starred. This reaction was not out of the ordinary in a place such the Drunken Rat. Quite to the contrary; like most establishments in Marn, the tavern often drew in a crowd of various races, each with their own personalities and temperaments. One would have been foolish to believe anything contrary to the truth and what was plainly standing before their eyes. Cormear was more appreciative of the simple fact that the men's expression's were not that of disgust or displeasure; simply a resigned neutrality. Only having to wait another moment, Cormear grinned towards each, a jovial and youthful grin, one that produced payment from each man, for the cost of their alcoholic beverage.
Taking each coin, Cormear disappeared into the crowd once more and returned to the bar. Once behind the large, wooden bench, the Gnome caught the attention of the Barkeep who smiled down at the short-statured young man. "Coin?" The portly, middle-aged man inquired, extending a hand towards Cormear expectantly.
Nodding, Cormear removed the coins from his petticoat pocket and placed them upon the thick, calloused palm of the Barkeeps extended right hand. The coin twinkled in the man's eye, drawing out a lust-filled grin that only made the man appear as more of a glutton than he already was. "Good boy, now get back into the kitchen and get those dishes done!" He bellowed prior to turning on a heal and heading towards the opposite side of the bar.
Without saying a word, Cormear did as he was told and disappeared from the bar and into the kitchen through the large, wooden door that swung in either direction. The noise was subdued behind the walls of the small canteen and Cormear found solace and a welcomed reprieve resuming the comfortable role of his duties as busboy. With any luck, he would be able to spend the remainder of the evening held up washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen; however, something inside of him nagged at the prospect he would be delivering many more tankards filled with mead before the night ended.
The Drunken Rat
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Cormear Torin
- Outsider
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 10:11 pm
- Name: Cormear Torin
- Race: Gnome
The Drunken Rat
Last edited by Cormear Torin on Mon Dec 08, 2008 3:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
mischiefmaker 
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Cormear Torin
- Outsider
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 10:11 pm
- Name: Cormear Torin
- Race: Gnome
Re: The Drunken Rat
It wasn't that he disliked his job, by no means was that the case. In all actuality, he quite enjoyed the many hours devoted to the Drunken Rat; he looked forward to each evening when the opportunity to return to the tavern surfaced. Yes, it was true that the job responsibilities were rather tedious and menial, at best, and the pay was hardly worth noting; in fact, if he had any semblance of a mature intelligence, as well as any respect for himself, he would never have entertained the notion of working in such an establishment. Yet, Comear would gladly exchange those attributes of the job for the singular chance to watch and observe the varied clientele the tavern tended to magnetically draw in through its doors. And he often did just that.
The word "clientele" was used as a rather loose term at best, an all too generous of a word enhancer if you will. Clientele, patrons, customers ... in reality, these words did little to convey what form of populace actually frequented the officious pit-hole of a tavern. Truth-be-told, these individuals were nothing more than bastards, thieves, mercenaries, swine and whatever other flavor of negative-character the world was able to produce. The affinity for inexpensive and pungent alcohol, in tandem with the talentless entertainment and cheap hookers, was strong, and often drew in an "interesting" lot of individuals on a nightly basis ... "interesting" being the optimum word here.
No, this environment was certainly not a healthy one for a child. But to Cormear, each person who walked through the door of the Drunken Rat was worth watching. And he did, observing rather closely, scrupulously taking into account every conceivable detail, even the most minuscule and the unimportant. He would linger in the shadows, clearing a table or sweeping the floor, and from under the nest of mop-top brown hair, he would diligently watch, selecting one or two individuals at a time, mentally noting the obsolete and trivial.
The most interesting of character's were those patrons who frequented the tavern late in the evening. Considered regular customers by all rights, these individuals usually were a band of travelers or those of the City Guard who had just finished their respective shifts, looking to wind down and absorb a bit of the evenings lingering excitement. Cormear enjoyed watching the latter of the above the most, why this was the case, he could not yet know or understand ... however, something about the City Guard drew him in.
To his own detriment, Cormear had appeared to have caught the eye of one specific individual of the City Guard, one who had developed a particular fancy to the Gnome-boy. Cormear had yet to identify whether this new found liking was that of an inappropriate nature or one orientated in a fatherly-manner. Whatever the case, Cormear was still testing the waters, weary of playing too hard and fast into the man's misplaced affections. And that was just what the man displayed, misplaced affections; whether the gesture was that of a soft whisper in the ear, or a passing touch upon the boys shoulder in the most gentle of ways, the man seemed relentless in his attempt to garner any affectionate response from Cormear ... who did very little to enable the man's behavior.
This "behavior", which never outwardly appeared to insinuate a gross impropriety, had caught the attention of the Barkeep, who simply warned Cormear to remain vigilant and careful with those he associated with. Cormear usually nodded, dismissing the Barkeeps warning. If there was one attribute of Cormear's personality that remained ever constant, it was that of vigilance. He often threw caution to the wind and, under normal circumstances, he would have played upon the man's affections, hoping to better observe the man's varied behavior or even reveling in the attention. Yet, something was oddly queer about the man, and it instilled a tinge of fear Cormear had yet to appropriately identify.
As the hour grew late at the Drunken Rat, the general activity in the bar area was starting to slow down and die away. Only a smattering of patrons remained, most of which were seated at the bar, with only a few dispersed at a few tables and/or booths. The evening's entertainment, that of a tone-deaf poet, had long-since finished; the young man having been booed from the stage earlier in the evening (which was probably for the best, considering that several of the more "aggressive" of the tavern's occupants had wanted to slit the man's throat). The conversation had died down to dull whisper and there was hardly any noise besides an occasional shuffle of the boot or a belch or two.
Contrary to his normal behavior, Cormear had busied himself with clearing the tables and cleaning up around the tavern. And because of such, he had yet to take-in the remaining populace.
He had just finished wiping down the last of the tables, clearing the dishes and mopping down the chairs before pushing them in around the beveled edge of the hardwood corners. He had swept the remains from under the table and discarded the dirt and crumbs when a peculiar feeling pulled at the inside of his stomach ... almost as if he, himself, were being watched at this very moment.
Casting a curious glance over either shoulder, he did not notice anyone paying him any form of attention. Shrugging, he gathered the tub full of empty tankards, gripping it with his left hand and balancing it upon the bony protrusion of his hip, while he carried away the broom and dustpan in the other hand.
As he approached the kitchen, the Barkeep appeared and helped the boy into the back room, lending a hand by carrying the heavy tub of drinking mugs.
The two didn't exchange any words with one another, as it was very rare that Cormear said anything to anybody at all ... preferring such. Instead, the boy nodded up towards the man who, in turn, gently patted the boys head, ruffling the supple locks of brown, curly hair.
"Go ahead and finish up those dishes and then you can head on home for the evening ... see me before you go and I'll pay you." The Barkeep said gently, his masculine baritone voice friendly, yet fatigued. The man stretched his arms above his portly body before yawning, the busy evening having apparently taken its affect on the much older man.
Cormear nodded before turning back to the soap-stone washing basin, his attention intent on completing the task at hand.
The word "clientele" was used as a rather loose term at best, an all too generous of a word enhancer if you will. Clientele, patrons, customers ... in reality, these words did little to convey what form of populace actually frequented the officious pit-hole of a tavern. Truth-be-told, these individuals were nothing more than bastards, thieves, mercenaries, swine and whatever other flavor of negative-character the world was able to produce. The affinity for inexpensive and pungent alcohol, in tandem with the talentless entertainment and cheap hookers, was strong, and often drew in an "interesting" lot of individuals on a nightly basis ... "interesting" being the optimum word here.
No, this environment was certainly not a healthy one for a child. But to Cormear, each person who walked through the door of the Drunken Rat was worth watching. And he did, observing rather closely, scrupulously taking into account every conceivable detail, even the most minuscule and the unimportant. He would linger in the shadows, clearing a table or sweeping the floor, and from under the nest of mop-top brown hair, he would diligently watch, selecting one or two individuals at a time, mentally noting the obsolete and trivial.
The most interesting of character's were those patrons who frequented the tavern late in the evening. Considered regular customers by all rights, these individuals usually were a band of travelers or those of the City Guard who had just finished their respective shifts, looking to wind down and absorb a bit of the evenings lingering excitement. Cormear enjoyed watching the latter of the above the most, why this was the case, he could not yet know or understand ... however, something about the City Guard drew him in.
To his own detriment, Cormear had appeared to have caught the eye of one specific individual of the City Guard, one who had developed a particular fancy to the Gnome-boy. Cormear had yet to identify whether this new found liking was that of an inappropriate nature or one orientated in a fatherly-manner. Whatever the case, Cormear was still testing the waters, weary of playing too hard and fast into the man's misplaced affections. And that was just what the man displayed, misplaced affections; whether the gesture was that of a soft whisper in the ear, or a passing touch upon the boys shoulder in the most gentle of ways, the man seemed relentless in his attempt to garner any affectionate response from Cormear ... who did very little to enable the man's behavior.
This "behavior", which never outwardly appeared to insinuate a gross impropriety, had caught the attention of the Barkeep, who simply warned Cormear to remain vigilant and careful with those he associated with. Cormear usually nodded, dismissing the Barkeeps warning. If there was one attribute of Cormear's personality that remained ever constant, it was that of vigilance. He often threw caution to the wind and, under normal circumstances, he would have played upon the man's affections, hoping to better observe the man's varied behavior or even reveling in the attention. Yet, something was oddly queer about the man, and it instilled a tinge of fear Cormear had yet to appropriately identify.
As the hour grew late at the Drunken Rat, the general activity in the bar area was starting to slow down and die away. Only a smattering of patrons remained, most of which were seated at the bar, with only a few dispersed at a few tables and/or booths. The evening's entertainment, that of a tone-deaf poet, had long-since finished; the young man having been booed from the stage earlier in the evening (which was probably for the best, considering that several of the more "aggressive" of the tavern's occupants had wanted to slit the man's throat). The conversation had died down to dull whisper and there was hardly any noise besides an occasional shuffle of the boot or a belch or two.
Contrary to his normal behavior, Cormear had busied himself with clearing the tables and cleaning up around the tavern. And because of such, he had yet to take-in the remaining populace.
He had just finished wiping down the last of the tables, clearing the dishes and mopping down the chairs before pushing them in around the beveled edge of the hardwood corners. He had swept the remains from under the table and discarded the dirt and crumbs when a peculiar feeling pulled at the inside of his stomach ... almost as if he, himself, were being watched at this very moment.
Casting a curious glance over either shoulder, he did not notice anyone paying him any form of attention. Shrugging, he gathered the tub full of empty tankards, gripping it with his left hand and balancing it upon the bony protrusion of his hip, while he carried away the broom and dustpan in the other hand.
As he approached the kitchen, the Barkeep appeared and helped the boy into the back room, lending a hand by carrying the heavy tub of drinking mugs.
The two didn't exchange any words with one another, as it was very rare that Cormear said anything to anybody at all ... preferring such. Instead, the boy nodded up towards the man who, in turn, gently patted the boys head, ruffling the supple locks of brown, curly hair.
"Go ahead and finish up those dishes and then you can head on home for the evening ... see me before you go and I'll pay you." The Barkeep said gently, his masculine baritone voice friendly, yet fatigued. The man stretched his arms above his portly body before yawning, the busy evening having apparently taken its affect on the much older man.
Cormear nodded before turning back to the soap-stone washing basin, his attention intent on completing the task at hand.
mischiefmaker
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Theo
- Outsider
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2008 3:04 am
- Name: Theo Kendall
- Race: Half Elf - Half Human
Re: The Drunken Rat
It wasn’t particularly warm outside and the cool night breeze didn’t seem to be helping too much. Theo had been slowly making his way down Main Street towards the Drunken Rat when he ran into a large crowd of people apparently heading home for the night. The run down tavern came into view as he picked his way through the crowd.
Through one of the large open windows he could see that the majority of the crowd had left the tavern by this point of the night. Some of the other regulars were already in their respective seats. He pushed open the large wooden door, hoping to take his usual seat at the bar right next to the entrance to the kitchen.
“Just another night, I’ll take the usual” Theo said as he dropped down onto the stool at the bar. He let out a long frustrated sigh as he leaned his head back to clear his thoughts. The days were passing with increasing swiftness and he had yet to learn anything new from his trips to the tavern or the shanty town. Nothing new had surfaced concerning the underground and Theo was beginning to question whether or not he would ever hear more about it.
Quickly shaking it off Theo took a glance around the room. A few of the rowdy drunks were left, apparently causing problems with the poet who had been removed from the stage earlier in the night, but the majority of the seats filled were occupied by usual patrons. Theo knew many of them by face; however he had never bothered to learn their names. He never came to the Drunken Rat with the intention to talk to anyone. He was just another regular who wanted a quiet drink and time to listen to the world around him.
It was almost an unwritten law between their types. Each evening they would acknowledge each others presence, but never with words. A simple nod or the briefest wave of a hand was all it took for them to be recognized as one of the usual clientele. And that’s where it ended.
Theo heard the barkeep yelling from the other end of the bar. The night was apparently more interesting than Theo had been expecting. Whether a patron was trying to skip out on his bill or was just causing a problem, the barkeep seemed to be fairly occupied at the moment. He was normally good at being patient, however with his current frustrations he just wanted to drown the day in a few drinks.
A quick four foot blur brushed past Theo and caught his eye as he recognized the barkeeps apprentice running past with a stack of dishes.
“Cormear! The barkeep seems a might busy. Would you mind getting me a pint?”
Theo relaxed a bit in his seat, closed his eyes and listened to the commotion around the room, waiting for any sign of an interesting conversation worth listening in on while he waited for his drink.
Through one of the large open windows he could see that the majority of the crowd had left the tavern by this point of the night. Some of the other regulars were already in their respective seats. He pushed open the large wooden door, hoping to take his usual seat at the bar right next to the entrance to the kitchen.
“Just another night, I’ll take the usual” Theo said as he dropped down onto the stool at the bar. He let out a long frustrated sigh as he leaned his head back to clear his thoughts. The days were passing with increasing swiftness and he had yet to learn anything new from his trips to the tavern or the shanty town. Nothing new had surfaced concerning the underground and Theo was beginning to question whether or not he would ever hear more about it.
Quickly shaking it off Theo took a glance around the room. A few of the rowdy drunks were left, apparently causing problems with the poet who had been removed from the stage earlier in the night, but the majority of the seats filled were occupied by usual patrons. Theo knew many of them by face; however he had never bothered to learn their names. He never came to the Drunken Rat with the intention to talk to anyone. He was just another regular who wanted a quiet drink and time to listen to the world around him.
It was almost an unwritten law between their types. Each evening they would acknowledge each others presence, but never with words. A simple nod or the briefest wave of a hand was all it took for them to be recognized as one of the usual clientele. And that’s where it ended.
Theo heard the barkeep yelling from the other end of the bar. The night was apparently more interesting than Theo had been expecting. Whether a patron was trying to skip out on his bill or was just causing a problem, the barkeep seemed to be fairly occupied at the moment. He was normally good at being patient, however with his current frustrations he just wanted to drown the day in a few drinks.
A quick four foot blur brushed past Theo and caught his eye as he recognized the barkeeps apprentice running past with a stack of dishes.
“Cormear! The barkeep seems a might busy. Would you mind getting me a pint?”
Theo relaxed a bit in his seat, closed his eyes and listened to the commotion around the room, waiting for any sign of an interesting conversation worth listening in on while he waited for his drink.
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Cormear Torin
- Outsider
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 10:11 pm
- Name: Cormear Torin
- Race: Gnome
Re: The Drunken Rat
Cormear's hearing was keen enough to note the deep masculine tone of a familiar voice, ultimately halting the rapidness of a hasty retreat from behind the bar. Stopping just short of the kitchen door, ice-blue colored orbs flickered to the last seat positioned at the very end of the bar, washing over the recognizable features of a familiar face, one of the taverns recently inducted regulars.Theo wrote:“Cormear! The barkeep seems a might busy. Would you mind getting me a pint?”
"Hi Theo," the boy said simply, acknowledging the man's presence. In response to the earlier made request, Cormear discarded the tub full of dirty dishes, silver and drinking-ware on a corner of empty counter space and turned towards the wooden kegs full of the taverns home brewed mead. Stealing a final glance in the direction towards the end of the bar, Cormear was relieved to discover that the Barkeep had done a sufficient job in diffusing a situation that had rapidly escalated in a very short period of time. Under normal circumstances, the Barkeep was rather suitable at dealing diplomatically with the tavern's rough-neck type clientele, their affinity for bar-like antics of drunken behavior and especially their general lack of memory when it came time to pay for the numerous drink and food consumed throughout the duration of the evening. This particular situation would have been more than easily resolved had Cormear not compounded the situation by stealthily ensuring the shifty patron did not leave so easily if he were to attempt to depart without paying.
Giggling to himself as a mischievous grin drew up either corner of pert, peach-colored lips, Cormear climbed atop the lower, inlet bar-counter and retrieved a pint-sized metal tankard. Leaning over a bit, he drew the lip of the tankard under the kegs spicket and eased the nozzle out just enough to allow the ale to pour into the metal drinking accoutrement. Holding the tankard at an angle, as he had viewed the Barkeep doing numerous times before, the boy was able to fill the mug with the beverage while maintaining a very light head of foam once the pour was complete.
Turning towards Theo, Cormear stepped over to the man and discarded the tankard in front of him, "here you are." He said through a stifled chuckle, the Gnome couldn't deny how pleased he was of himself at the current moment in time.
mischiefmaker
-
Theo
- Outsider
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2008 3:04 am
- Name: Theo Kendall
- Race: Half Elf - Half Human
Re: The Drunken Rat
Theo took a hold of the pint as it was past towards him. Just a pint or two he thought to himself as he took the first sip, knowing full well that he probably would be having a few more than that over the span of the night. He enjoyed his time at the Drunken Rat, however he was beginning to lose his sense of moderation and was indulging a bit too much sometimes.
He took another sip and reached deep into the pocket of his coat scrounging around for a few of the small coins that had been lost there with the assorted crumbs and notes he had left for himself. Fishing out a few of the small coins Theo tossed them on the table towards Cormear, paying for his drink and leaving quite a substantial tip.
"Thanks for the help kid"
He took another long sip and began to study the room around him. Hoping one of the patrons would stand out as someone worth listening to, but things weren't looking promising this evening. Something didn't feel right about the evening, and he wasn't quite sure what it was.
A few of the old timers sat in a corner discussing recent crime in the city with a member of the guard who had just finished his shift. Something about rampant crime in the streets and the phrase "back in my day" hit Theo with a humorous tone. He thought of his fathers stories about having to walk uphill 5 miles both ways to school. Back in my day.
He let out a quiet chuckle before his mind wandered back to what had been the last story his father imparted to him. Instantly he felt the weight of the loss of his family and the familiar sting of hatred flow into his thoughts. He downed what little was left in his tankard before slamming it back down on the table.
"Another pint down this way"
He watched as the barkeep poured another tankard full of ale and walked it down to Theo's end of the bar. After throwing down the payment for his drink Theo went back to concentrating on the room around him.
All of a sudden it hit him. Theo recognized what had seemed off about the patronage of this specific night. A face he was familiar with sat in a booth with several others people, resting upon the table was a piece of paper, something that looked like notes or a map. Theo didn't want to impose himself into the conversation, no matter how comfortable he felt in Arevus's presence.
The three other faces sitting around the table looked to be a rough bunch. the grizzled looks on their faces were only enhanced by what seemed to be a heated discussion concerning the papers on the table.
"Hey, kid." Theo shouted towards the kitchen, hoping to get the attention of Cormear. "I need you to do something for me. come here, quick."
Theo took another long sip from his ale. Hopefully this would work he thought to himself. he dug into his pocket for a few more coins, silently wondering where all his money had gone.
Better make the best use of it. he thought as he waited for Cormear to come back out of the kitchen.
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Cormear Torin
- Outsider
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 10:11 pm
- Name: Cormear Torin
- Race: Gnome
Re: The Drunken Rat
Having discarded the dirty tableware in the sink prior to returning to the bar area of the tavern, Cormear had heard the voice of Theo beccon for his assistance once more. Cormear new very little about this man, in all respects; past, present and future. He didn't often say much and generally kept to himself. From what the boy had observed thus far, Theo's only remarkable talant was not that of good conversation, but the consumption of ale. It was a very well developed skill and affinity ... of which, Theo did remarkably well and with very little effort. Yet, that singular attribute was common among many of the patrons who frequented the tavern, so much so that the boy was certain there were actually one or two others that could certainly put Theo to shame, or at least drown in the alcohol while trying.Theo wrote:"Hey, kid." Theo shouted towards the kitchen, hoping to get the attention of Cormear. "I need you to do something for me. Come here, quick."
Approaching the otherside of the bar, to where Theo was currently seated, Cormear reached up and tugged at the hem of the man's outerware, making his presence known with a jovial grin and the roundest of radient blue-colored eyes.
mischiefmaker
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Theo
- Outsider
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2008 3:04 am
- Name: Theo Kendall
- Race: Half Elf - Half Human
Re: The Drunken Rat
Watching Cormear carry out his duties was always an interesting sight. Theo couldn't help but think about why a kid was working in a place like The Drunken Rat. He found it hard to distinguish Cormear's age at times too, it may have been the effects of the ale catching up with him, but a few drinks into the night and Theo found himself wondering if Comear was a human child or an adult halfling.
Theo took a long drought from his drink, slamming the empty tankard down on the table as he finished. The affects of the ale were slowly creeping up on him. At about the same time Theo decided that worrying about the halfling's age was not an important topic at the present moment.
Lost in his thoughts about the empty drink in front of him, Theo hardly managed to notice the beaming face of the young Barkeep assistant looking up at him, tugging gently on his coat.
With a slight shake of his head Theo remembered why he had called Cormear over in the first place. He could still see the elderly elf was still locked in an intense discussion at his table over the same set of papers. On the other side of the room several guards were still discussing life in the city as they had obviously just been released from their shift.
Theo knew that with the guards present he would have to be very careful with what he did next.
"Hello Cormear" he said as he placed a hand on each of the young halfling's shoulders. "I need to you pay very close attention to what I am about to say." The words flowed like music each time he opened his mouth to speak. Theo was weaving a small spell into his words; with minor variations in tone and pitch of his words, Theo crafted a spell of trust and agreement. "the elderly elf in the corner over there, he and his associates are arguing over several pieces of paper." Theo hoped this would work, not being able to practice his skill much made it difficult to know if he would get desired outcome from each attempt. Though he was hoping that the young age of Cormear would make such a spell easier to sneak past him. However, it wasn't uncommon for someone to resist the effect, whether they realize it was someone using magic, or just a feeling of the altered thought and suggestions not being quite right.
"I need you to find out as much as you can about what they are saying. Names, places, anything you can. Now go, discover these things for me."
Theo finished the last phrase with an emphasis in the spell, hoping that the strength at the end would impose a sense of urgency on the task to the young halfling.
As he finished he released Cormear, and looked back towards the guard. Good he thought to himself. It doesnt look like they saw a thing
Though he was still nervous about the whole thing.
'Oh" he said a last comment to Cormear "Get me another ale while your at it."
Theo took a long drought from his drink, slamming the empty tankard down on the table as he finished. The affects of the ale were slowly creeping up on him. At about the same time Theo decided that worrying about the halfling's age was not an important topic at the present moment.
Lost in his thoughts about the empty drink in front of him, Theo hardly managed to notice the beaming face of the young Barkeep assistant looking up at him, tugging gently on his coat.
With a slight shake of his head Theo remembered why he had called Cormear over in the first place. He could still see the elderly elf was still locked in an intense discussion at his table over the same set of papers. On the other side of the room several guards were still discussing life in the city as they had obviously just been released from their shift.
Theo knew that with the guards present he would have to be very careful with what he did next.
"Hello Cormear" he said as he placed a hand on each of the young halfling's shoulders. "I need to you pay very close attention to what I am about to say." The words flowed like music each time he opened his mouth to speak. Theo was weaving a small spell into his words; with minor variations in tone and pitch of his words, Theo crafted a spell of trust and agreement. "the elderly elf in the corner over there, he and his associates are arguing over several pieces of paper." Theo hoped this would work, not being able to practice his skill much made it difficult to know if he would get desired outcome from each attempt. Though he was hoping that the young age of Cormear would make such a spell easier to sneak past him. However, it wasn't uncommon for someone to resist the effect, whether they realize it was someone using magic, or just a feeling of the altered thought and suggestions not being quite right.
"I need you to find out as much as you can about what they are saying. Names, places, anything you can. Now go, discover these things for me."
Theo finished the last phrase with an emphasis in the spell, hoping that the strength at the end would impose a sense of urgency on the task to the young halfling.
As he finished he released Cormear, and looked back towards the guard. Good he thought to himself. It doesnt look like they saw a thing
Though he was still nervous about the whole thing.
'Oh" he said a last comment to Cormear "Get me another ale while your at it."
Re: The Drunken Rat
((Ooc: The demons that Talion sees and hears are hallucinations caused by his mental illness and other people can't hear or see them.))
Lost, tired and more then a little annoyed, Talion had been wondering the streets for hours. To make matters worse, he was to more closer to finding any of his precious herb then he was before he came to the city. As it was, it would not be long before he ran out and would have to turn to other means of gathering magic. The plant had been his referred choice it was easier, it was purer, it didn't fight back and try to kill him. The only major downside to the plant was the withdrawals that came during extended periods without the drug.
Shaking fingers found their way again to the pouch on his belt that held his pipe. Between thumb and index finger, he gently caressed the old wooden pipe. Had it truly been almost a day since last he put the pipe to his mouth and sucked in the sweet taste of the plant? Tempted as he was to pull it out of it's protective pouch and enjoy in a good long smoke, he told himself that he must wait. He needed to put it off as long as he could, he needed to make it last.
As his hand found its way out of the pouch and back to the walking stick, he continued on his way limping down the road. It was getting late, the roads that earlier had been packed with people now were deserted. The stick made a low thud noise each time it hit the cobbled road, i sounding much louder now that the streets were empty. He would have continued down the street passing the rundown looking old tavern but there was something about it that seemed to draw him in.
With a shrug of his shoulders, he hobbled over to the door and made his way in.
The dimly lit room smelled of ale an unwashed bodies. He didn't know how people were able to live like that, did they not care that they smelled utterly foul?
Only about a dozen or so patrons sat within the establishment at this hour. The bartender seemed to glance up, from the counter, at his arrival before quickly turning back to his work. With a shake of his head, he made his way over to the bar. Taking a seat upon a stool he watched an exchange of words take place between a man, who seemed to have characteristics of an elf but was clearly not from the Island, and a short boy, maybe a halfling.
He ignored the bartender for the moment as he continued to watch the pair. Something about them had captured his attention, at first he was not sure why, their words were not all that interesting to listen to.
"That's not really a wise thought..." The demon who had been silent up to this part spoke up.
He didn't have to care what the demon had to say, he was too caught up in the moment to fully realize what he was about to do.
Lost, tired and more then a little annoyed, Talion had been wondering the streets for hours. To make matters worse, he was to more closer to finding any of his precious herb then he was before he came to the city. As it was, it would not be long before he ran out and would have to turn to other means of gathering magic. The plant had been his referred choice it was easier, it was purer, it didn't fight back and try to kill him. The only major downside to the plant was the withdrawals that came during extended periods without the drug.
Shaking fingers found their way again to the pouch on his belt that held his pipe. Between thumb and index finger, he gently caressed the old wooden pipe. Had it truly been almost a day since last he put the pipe to his mouth and sucked in the sweet taste of the plant? Tempted as he was to pull it out of it's protective pouch and enjoy in a good long smoke, he told himself that he must wait. He needed to put it off as long as he could, he needed to make it last.
As his hand found its way out of the pouch and back to the walking stick, he continued on his way limping down the road. It was getting late, the roads that earlier had been packed with people now were deserted. The stick made a low thud noise each time it hit the cobbled road, i sounding much louder now that the streets were empty. He would have continued down the street passing the rundown looking old tavern but there was something about it that seemed to draw him in.
With a shrug of his shoulders, he hobbled over to the door and made his way in.
The dimly lit room smelled of ale an unwashed bodies. He didn't know how people were able to live like that, did they not care that they smelled utterly foul?
Only about a dozen or so patrons sat within the establishment at this hour. The bartender seemed to glance up, from the counter, at his arrival before quickly turning back to his work. With a shake of his head, he made his way over to the bar. Taking a seat upon a stool he watched an exchange of words take place between a man, who seemed to have characteristics of an elf but was clearly not from the Island, and a short boy, maybe a halfling.
He ignored the bartender for the moment as he continued to watch the pair. Something about them had captured his attention, at first he was not sure why, their words were not all that interesting to listen to.
"the elderly elf in the corner over there, he and his associates are arguing over several pieces of paper."
Then he felt it, the slight tingling feel of magic in the air. It was woven into the man's words. As he took a deep breath, Talion could almost feel the magic enter his lungs. It was both invigorating and left him craving more. If only, he thought as he reached out with his hand."I need you to find out as much as you can about what they are saying. Names, places, anything you can. Now go, discover these things for me."
"That's not really a wise thought..." The demon who had been silent up to this part spoke up.
He didn't have to care what the demon had to say, he was too caught up in the moment to fully realize what he was about to do.
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Theo
- Outsider
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2008 3:04 am
- Name: Theo Kendall
- Race: Half Elf - Half Human
Re: The Drunken Rat
He watched as Cormear went about finishing his previous tasks.
Damn!, it must not have worked. he thought to himself as Cormear seemed to be too distracted with his previously assigned tasks.
Theo spun in his seat, preparing to watch Arevus and his cohorts more closely, hoping to steal some piece of knowledge from this side of the room. He was still missing a drink, Corm hadn't even brought that around yet. He looked down the length of the bar and noticed that many of the patrons had begun to file out for the night.
As he turned back towards Arevus something caught his eye at the bar. An elf had just walked, well, hobbled into the tavern, sat down the bar and was staring intently in Theo's direction.
He took a quick glimpse around him and noticed there wasn't anyone else near him. By the time he turned back towards the elf, its arm was stretched out towards him with a lusting look in his eyes.
Damn!, it must not have worked. he thought to himself as Cormear seemed to be too distracted with his previously assigned tasks.
Theo spun in his seat, preparing to watch Arevus and his cohorts more closely, hoping to steal some piece of knowledge from this side of the room. He was still missing a drink, Corm hadn't even brought that around yet. He looked down the length of the bar and noticed that many of the patrons had begun to file out for the night.
As he turned back towards Arevus something caught his eye at the bar. An elf had just walked, well, hobbled into the tavern, sat down the bar and was staring intently in Theo's direction.
He took a quick glimpse around him and noticed there wasn't anyone else near him. By the time he turned back towards the elf, its arm was stretched out towards him with a lusting look in his eyes.
Re: The Drunken Rat
"You stupid fool" The demonic lizard hissed at him. It crawled along the bar, standing between Talion and Theo. Scales of purple-black mixed with green flashed in anger as Talion had let himself be caught.
His hand froze in mid-air as he met eyes with the half-elf. Not sure whether he should continue with his action or retract his hand. As his fingers began to shake again, he slowly and painfully lowered his hand to his lap. Still keeping his eyes on the man in front of him, he cursed the lizard.
"Shut it ya foul mouthed demon"
Sniffing the air once more, he inhaled the last bits of magic that hung around the half-elf. It numbed the inside of his nose, while traveling up to his brain, there it danced about sending temporary waves of pleasure throughout his body. Just enough to relieve some of the muscle tension and soreness he was suffering through as the withdrawals got worse.
"I'd recognize that smell anywhere. I know what you are and what you are doing. Question is do they?" His eyes had now fully changed back to there natural green color, sparkling with that look so instinctual to crazy men as he tilted his head in the direction of the table where the guards sat.
His hand froze in mid-air as he met eyes with the half-elf. Not sure whether he should continue with his action or retract his hand. As his fingers began to shake again, he slowly and painfully lowered his hand to his lap. Still keeping his eyes on the man in front of him, he cursed the lizard.
"Shut it ya foul mouthed demon"
Sniffing the air once more, he inhaled the last bits of magic that hung around the half-elf. It numbed the inside of his nose, while traveling up to his brain, there it danced about sending temporary waves of pleasure throughout his body. Just enough to relieve some of the muscle tension and soreness he was suffering through as the withdrawals got worse.
"I'd recognize that smell anywhere. I know what you are and what you are doing. Question is do they?" His eyes had now fully changed back to there natural green color, sparkling with that look so instinctual to crazy men as he tilted his head in the direction of the table where the guards sat.
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Theo
- Outsider
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2008 3:04 am
- Name: Theo Kendall
- Race: Half Elf - Half Human
Re: The Drunken Rat
Theo gazed at the elf intently... He lowered his hand slowly as Theo watched, though quickly things became a little more strange.
Theo took another glance around the bar... Maybe the ale was hitting him harder than he thought. There was no one around them, let alone a demon to argue with. There is something not quite right with this one. He thought to himself.
He watched as the elf slowly sniffed the air.
Theo glanced at the guards and knew that somehow this elf had noticed what he was doing. A jolt of terror ran through his body. He couldn't possibly be turned in for this... what evidence was there.
"Recognize what?" Theo said, as he began to shudder nervously. "Im not sure I know what you are talking about, and I don't take too kindly to accusations."
He fumbled in his pocket, making sure his knife was still there. Hopefully I wont have to use this he thought to himself.
"Now if you will excuse me, I want to continue to sit back and enjoy my drinks this evening."
He turned back towards the bar, failing to hide his concern over the incident.
"Barkeep!" he said in a strained voice "Can I have another ale down here?"
Theo watched the barkeep pour him an ale and walk if down to his end of the bar. Cormear came slowly out of the kitchen, and slowly made his way to the door to leave the Drunken Rat. All Theo could do was stare intently at the picture on the wall in front of him, hoping the elf wouldn't keep on him.
But he knew that wasn't likely.
"Shut it ya foul mouthed demon"
Theo took another glance around the bar... Maybe the ale was hitting him harder than he thought. There was no one around them, let alone a demon to argue with. There is something not quite right with this one. He thought to himself.
He watched as the elf slowly sniffed the air.
I'd recognize that smell anywhere. I know what you are and what you are doing. Question is do they?
Theo glanced at the guards and knew that somehow this elf had noticed what he was doing. A jolt of terror ran through his body. He couldn't possibly be turned in for this... what evidence was there.
"Recognize what?" Theo said, as he began to shudder nervously. "Im not sure I know what you are talking about, and I don't take too kindly to accusations."
He fumbled in his pocket, making sure his knife was still there. Hopefully I wont have to use this he thought to himself.
"Now if you will excuse me, I want to continue to sit back and enjoy my drinks this evening."
He turned back towards the bar, failing to hide his concern over the incident.
"Barkeep!" he said in a strained voice "Can I have another ale down here?"
Theo watched the barkeep pour him an ale and walk if down to his end of the bar. Cormear came slowly out of the kitchen, and slowly made his way to the door to leave the Drunken Rat. All Theo could do was stare intently at the picture on the wall in front of him, hoping the elf wouldn't keep on him.
But he knew that wasn't likely.
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Tsaikatlaua
- Citizen
- Posts: 72
- Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2008 5:39 am
- Name: Tsai
- Race: gods-blessed human
Re: The Drunken Rat
Tsaikatlaua brushed into the tavern lightly. The only true disturbance were the traces of wind caused by the opeing and closing door of the Rat. What a horrible name for a place, she thought as she moved easily, with an animal's grace, to the bar. Why would anyone in sound mind name a tavern after a drunken rat? Uncivilized mainlanders.
She murmured quietly for a drink, a glass of wine. That seemed to be the only thing these cold-weatherers could do right--make some rather lovely wine. She passed over a few Bishani to pay and took a sip, tasting the deep red liquid in her mouth and loving it.
Her attention was swiftly caught by a couple of men sitting near to her at the bar. The tension between them she could sense, almost taste it. She resisted the urge to flick out her tongue and scent at the air. It was hard to get used to her new abilities, but easy enough to squash non-human wants. The animals came and went as she called for them.
She slid over a few seats at the bar, shoving the wineglass with one bronzy-gold hand along the smooth wood. The elf seemed deranged, the other man confused and hiding something. Tsaikatlaua hid a smile. Perfect. If she could gently win them to her cause, there was no telling what these two could do to help her.
She formed words in her mind first, the language of the region still strange for her. Her accent was something that put the listener in mind of warm places, steamy jungles, otherworldlyness... different than most mainlanders would have ever hoped to hear. "I help not but catch piece of you talking. I myself is new to this land," she looked down, the picture of innocent shyness. "Calm you both, please. You might perhaps speak me of your world?"
There. Hopefully that would both quiet the escalating situation and get her a few answers.
She murmured quietly for a drink, a glass of wine. That seemed to be the only thing these cold-weatherers could do right--make some rather lovely wine. She passed over a few Bishani to pay and took a sip, tasting the deep red liquid in her mouth and loving it.
Her attention was swiftly caught by a couple of men sitting near to her at the bar. The tension between them she could sense, almost taste it. She resisted the urge to flick out her tongue and scent at the air. It was hard to get used to her new abilities, but easy enough to squash non-human wants. The animals came and went as she called for them.
She slid over a few seats at the bar, shoving the wineglass with one bronzy-gold hand along the smooth wood. The elf seemed deranged, the other man confused and hiding something. Tsaikatlaua hid a smile. Perfect. If she could gently win them to her cause, there was no telling what these two could do to help her.
She formed words in her mind first, the language of the region still strange for her. Her accent was something that put the listener in mind of warm places, steamy jungles, otherworldlyness... different than most mainlanders would have ever hoped to hear. "I help not but catch piece of you talking. I myself is new to this land," she looked down, the picture of innocent shyness. "Calm you both, please. You might perhaps speak me of your world?"
There. Hopefully that would both quiet the escalating situation and get her a few answers.
don't even think about stealing from me.
Re: The Drunken Rat
Sticking its tongue out, the lizard had sensed the magic too. The thick heavy energy that hung in the air, its sweet smelling essence escaped this man as the words had flowed from his mouth. It was as if he wove them into his speech. With magic as his thread and with himself as the loom, out came the words like a well made blanket. That was just what he was trying to do, cover the minds of others with his magic and introduce his own thoughts into their heads.
Had he not spent a good part of his life training his own magical abilities, Talion may not of picked up on this trick. True the Half-elf had used little magic in attempt to persuade the gnome. Then the fact that his little spell had failed, meant that he wasn't very skilled in the art. The guards most likely hadn't even noticed the small display of magic but it did make a good threat, one that might even lead him to getting what he wanted.
Leaning in closer so he could whisper to the half-elf. "I know what you are and what you can do...I can do it too only better."
Looking over to the guards real quick before turning back to the stranger, he held a one shaking hand inside of the other. With a wide smile on his face he let a few bolts of purple-black lightening dance about on his finger tips of a moment before they disappeared.
"If you would be willing to help me...I might be able to teach you how to do that too"
He would have let the little display go on farther if it had not been for the interruption of a female voice.
Had he not spent a good part of his life training his own magical abilities, Talion may not of picked up on this trick. True the Half-elf had used little magic in attempt to persuade the gnome. Then the fact that his little spell had failed, meant that he wasn't very skilled in the art. The guards most likely hadn't even noticed the small display of magic but it did make a good threat, one that might even lead him to getting what he wanted.
This guy was trying to play it off as if he had done nothing but Talion wasn't going to let him get away with that."Recognize what?"
"I'm not sure I know what you are talking about, and I don't take too kindly to accusations."
Leaning in closer so he could whisper to the half-elf. "I know what you are and what you can do...I can do it too only better."
Looking over to the guards real quick before turning back to the stranger, he held a one shaking hand inside of the other. With a wide smile on his face he let a few bolts of purple-black lightening dance about on his finger tips of a moment before they disappeared.
"If you would be willing to help me...I might be able to teach you how to do that too"
He would have let the little display go on farther if it had not been for the interruption of a female voice.
What was that supposed to mean? Speak to me of your world? Talion just sat there unresponsive as he too was a foreigner and knew not how to answer the woman."I help not but catch piece of you talking. I myself is new to this land, Calm you both, please. You might perhaps speak me of your world?"
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Theo
- Outsider
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2008 3:04 am
- Name: Theo Kendall
- Race: Half Elf - Half Human
Re: The Drunken Rat
I know what you are and what you can do...I can do it too only better.
You have got to be kidding me Theo thought to himself as he tried to drown out this elf sitting next to him.
The noise in the tavern was still roaring and it was obvious that no one could over hear their conversation. his fingers ran over the handle of the knife that was in his pocket. Maybe a threat could get him out of this mess.
He slowly began to pull the knife out of his pocket, but as he turned omething made him stop before he could brandish the small blade. Bolts of purple-black lightening seemed to jump out of the elfs fingers, and thats when Theo finally understood what the elf was saying.
If you would be willing to help me...I might be able to teach you how to do that too
Now this is looking like a worthwhile prospect. Theo let go of the knife, letting it fall back deep into his pocket.
"Alright" he said "what is it that you..."
Theo fell silent before completing his sentence. A small voice had interupted their conversation, leading him back to his troubling thoughts of being discovered. It was too soon for him to end up in trouble for his actions, he would need to be more cautious in the future.
I help not but catch piece of you talking. I myself is new to this land, Calm you both, please. You might perhaps speak me of your world?
Looking at the small, graceful person before him, Theo wasnt sure just how to respond. Obviously puzzled, he scratched his head before trying to formulate a reply.
"Uh... There is no trouble here... but, What can I help you with."
A devilish grinned formed across his face. In front of him was a girl who obviously was new to this area and wearing a lot of gold.
Somehow he thought, This could work out to my advantage
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Tsaikatlaua
- Citizen
- Posts: 72
- Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2008 5:39 am
- Name: Tsai
- Race: gods-blessed human
Re: The Drunken Rat
Tsaikatlaua returned the man's smile, still acting the shy girl. It wasn't all that hard for her to act so--she'd not been held in very high esteem at home, at least before the change. Now, or rather just before she'd left, she'd been almost god-like... but of course she had been. She was blessed by the gods.
Pulling her thoughts back to the present Tsaikatlaua chose her next words. "I am newer to this land, as you can likely see. My name is Tsaikatlaua." Her name would be very hard for any mainlander to pronounce, Tsaikatlaua knew, so she added quickly, "Call me Kat. It easy to say than Tsaikatlaua."
She played with one of the golden bracelets encircling her arm idly, then took a sip of her wine. She aimed another smile at the duo. "What are the duo of you called?"
Pulling her thoughts back to the present Tsaikatlaua chose her next words. "I am newer to this land, as you can likely see. My name is Tsaikatlaua." Her name would be very hard for any mainlander to pronounce, Tsaikatlaua knew, so she added quickly, "Call me Kat. It easy to say than Tsaikatlaua."
She played with one of the golden bracelets encircling her arm idly, then took a sip of her wine. She aimed another smile at the duo. "What are the duo of you called?"
don't even think about stealing from me.