Seeing that his comrades had no need of his involvement, Lysandros returned his attention to the fair lady that sat opposite him. " It seems that in order for a man to ear your favor, he must travel a far distance, storm the stronghold of some barbarian King, slay said Warrior King in battle, then return your bauble to you."

 Lysandros had to chuckle, in response to her words. He took a drink of wine before he spoke again. "By the Gods, my Lady. I must say, your favor must be a most impressive thing indeed. The task you set, is worthy of a Goddess's favor." He sttok another sip of wine.

Itylus took out his purse with the silver he carried from its hiding place among his clothing and paid the smiling waitress his share of the drinks. He nodded silently at Arthanos' words though he still felt guilty about the situation and then followed him towards Doria and the others. While they spoke he looked around the room, first to check on Lysandros and Dysis, and then on the Orkos and his companions.

Doria places her trident close as she sits down.

"If I recall they depend on one river for trade North of here with access to the sea for merchants and foreign trade, at least by sea, is that true?," she asks clearly planning something and not good regarding the Northerners.

The woman gives him a mocking look in response. "I did warn you I had expensive tastes, did I not? I have been honest with you. Of course, if you are too afraid to face Gunthur and prove yourself valiant in deed, then I understand. The barbarians are fearsome in battle and it is reasonable to fear death and entering the realm of Hades so far from your home." she then waves away a waitress that was approaching with the round that Arathanos and Itylus had purchased for the tavern patrons. She takes another drink of her wine. "I do thank you for the wine. I wish you the best of luck in your travels in the north, oh Lysandros the treasure-seeker." she says, a note of finality in her voice.



Itylus sees his companions in conversation. Lysandros with the woman in red, and Dysis with the twins. He could not hear their conversations though it appeared nothing was wrong. As for the Orkos and the men it sat with they were clearly enjoying the beverages brought to them, though they did look in the group's direction from time to time. Of course, that wasn't unusual given the incident had just happened which they like everybody else present had been witness to. As to what their feelings or conversation was on it Itylus was unable to discern.

Arthanos frowns slightly at Doria's words.

"I don't know for sure, but don't do anything rashly. Affecting the river or ocean will possibly hurt others, and may not even affect those who tried to grab you." he remarks. "And we may need the support of the locals to complete our business. Wait till we find what we came for and then see how you feel about them."

"Northerners are Northerners, one must pay for insulting a nymph, not that I would do so if they were in my home island and did that my wrath would have been clear, appeased however with offerings to my father and gifts to me. So perhaps I shouldn't be so harsh the sooner we get the item and withdraw to the ocean to go home the better. Getting aboard a ship should be easy any captain would give a right arm for one of my kind on board.," Doria replied her lover making her feel better.

"Doria, I have to agree with Arthanos, I have to problem with vengeance on those that attacked you but just as those barbarians attacked you, that other one I was talking too didn't. He might not have been friendly but we all have bad days but he didn't attack us, so why should we harm him or his family?"

In reply to Maze Master (msg # 80):

 Lysandros returned her smile. "I am not alone in this place,dear Lady. I would have to discuss this matter with my companions, then we shall see."

She leaned backed in her chair some, smiled faintly.

"You are not wrong in those perceptions.  I did come here with yonder group and, indeed, we are not here merely to sight see.  I suppose you could say we are people not unlike those whom you have probably worked for.   In particular, we're seeking a certain artifact. And, someone familiar with the region might be valuable to us.  More so if they could handle themselves in possibly dangerous situations."   She glanced between the two.

"I'd say your sister's vocation is fairly plain, Efimia. What is it that you do, if you don't mind my asking?"

Efimia laughs slightly. "Hah well yes, my dear sister has chosen to study war and battle under Ares and has been my ever vilgliant protector for as long as we have lived. As for I?" she halts a moment but Efimia takes notice of Dysis' symbol of Persephone that she wears openly. "Well you don't seem like the sort that would be frightened off by talk of magic yes?" she adds "Lets say that I have been blessed by Hecate, and that can be an advantage for many employers." she gives a slight bow of her head to indicate modesty with regard to her gifts.

Myrine speaks "So, a Hyperborean artifact? Could be interesting..." she continues. "Not our usual line of work to find artifacts. Usually it's escort or otherwise an advisory kind of job to an enterprising trader or local King, but we do know the lay of this land and the routes better then most. Natives here don't tend to go too far from home, unless it's for battle."

Efimia jumps in "We are presently without employers at this time so we would be willing to entertain an offer, if that is what you are suggesting?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:07, Fri 24 June 2016.

Itylus gives Arthanos a slight nudge. "Feeling like giving a second try to the Orkos and his buddies?"

"We may as well...they may be more open to talking after all that..." Arthanos remarks, then gestures for Itylus to take the lead.

In reply to Aleta (msg # 83):

"I just want to get to a bed with my lover, forget these dirty men for awhile, maaybe it will temper my mood. We Nymphs like the more fickle gods and goddesses tend to be vengeful creatures when wronged. But tend to forget things with good wine and other diversions and my Aleta is a fine diversion is she not?," she said kissing her afterwards.

"I was thinking we should save our coin and buy a ship we could make  god living at sea and I prefer that for obvious reasons.," Doria added.

Itylus nodded to Arthanos. "Yes, hopefully the drinks payed with our coin will raise their mood and make them more talkative with us". He then walked towards the table were the Orkos and his friends were enjoying their beverages.

Itylus and Arthanos take their leave of the rest of the party (save for Dysis and Lysandros, of course, who were already engaged in their own conversations). The nobleman and hunter approach the table of the locals who drank with an Orkoï.

As they approached, the humans and the Orkoï look at them, raising their glasses in appreciation. The human that had very briefly addressed them prior to the incident with Doria greets them. "We thank you for the drinks, strangers." he says in the same accented Minean. "And we saw what you did for your companion." he says, now addressing Itylus, though his eyes crossed over to Arthanos while he spoke. "No doubt you have made some enemies now, but better enemies who respect your abilities then those who do not."

He raises a mug to the two and says something in his own language. "[Language unknown: I ofess omewitardall onshouhouastsan. Ter ndeom ughnteers ilith Art weons mentee premenvor weol.]"

---

The merchant that Eurenomes had been speaking with approached him now as he sat with Doria and Aleta.

"I beg your pardon." he states as he approaches, bowing his head to the priest, as then does the same gesture of respect to the nymph and thief. He addresses Eurenomes first. "I did not realize you traveled with such unusual company, oh speaker of swift-footed Hermes." he states. "I was wondering whether, my lady the nymph, might hear my plea?" He turns to Doria, and then proffers the box of gemstones that he had shown Eurenomes earlier, and plucks from the box a rather sea-green gemstone. It was a lovely orb and he let it lay gently in his outstretched hand.

He explains. "Given your, ah, unique nature, my lady, you no doubt can more easily be seen and speak with your fellow nymphs?" He continues. "There is a community of such river nymphs to the north, but they shy away from mortals such as myself. I wish to give them this particular stone as a gift to honor them and to open a dialogue, but I have been entirely unsuccessful. If you would be willing to carry my gift and deliver it with my message I would be eternally grateful." He pauses, awaiting Doria's response.

"If its an honorable accord I will go see them, but its not my realm, I would be a guest. But I wanted to meet others of my sisters so am inclined to do as you wish. We nymphs can be fickle to mortals and we also enjoy pretty things. In return for my help you will need to make a sacrifice to the gods and goddesses we nymphs honor of sweet herbs and wine poured onto a simple stone alter if your audience is agreed to. You wrong them then you wrong me.," Doria replied simply not finding the request unreasonable.

"Well, it is what I am considering. And your particular devotion and practice doesn't bother me, personally. But, I would need to broach this with my companions.  Hiring assistance is something we would decide upon as a group.   Have you had experience against things that aren't human?  We have ended up with some unusual adversaries, in the past..."   

Arthanos walks over, but lets Itylus take the lead. He figures the Orkus would probably be more impressed with Itylus' actions then his words. He stands, quietly just to Itylus' side as the main speaks, then waits for Itylus to respond.

Itylus bowed his head at the greeting of the barbarian man, and then replied to his comment. "Indeed, that seems to be the case, though I'd rather have avoided making enemies at all. However I did what I had to do." he then gestured towards Arthanos. "Thankfuly, with the intervention of my comrade, we were able to avoid any bloodshed. That wouldn't have been a good omen for our journey."

He then touched one of the empty chairs around the table and made a motion to sit. "Would you mind if we took a sit? We noticed our Nymph friend isn't the only... interesting character on the room tonight." he looked towards the Orkos. "I and my friend are a little bit curious about your companion."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:03, Wed 29 June 2016.

At this the woman in red nods, and then stands up. "If you do as I ask, then return to Aegir's and leave a message with Aegir himself. Tell him simply that 'flame has touched the cold hands.' and hand him the heirloom. He will let me know and in due course I would show you my appreciation." she bows her head. "The evening grows late now and I must retire. Good hunting to you, Lysandros."



"Of course, my lady." says the merchant. "My travels will keep me near Aegir's for some time still. If they agree to meet with me then I shall do as you ask." He hands the stone to Doria. "Until then I entrust you with the gem. It is a rarity, just as your people are, and I hope they will appreciate its meaning." he inclines his head in gratitude and goes to depart.



They both nod. "Of course." says Efimia. "We are in no rush, feel free to discuss the possibility with your companions." she then adds "We do have some experience against non-humans. Some Harpies, Minotaurs... Nothing truly exotic or unnatural such as a shade or other undead though." She gives a crooked grin. "Though the possibility of doing so would be of a professional interest."



The Orkos snorts and the barbarians laugh in response. "Never seen an Orkos, before, stranger?" says the man that had been speaking. "Impressive warriors, especially against the Amazons. This one here is Mugarod. Introduce yourself, why don't you?" He says to the Orkos.

Mugarod nods and gives a toothy smile, showing his sharp canine teeth. When he speaks it is a guttural sound and harsh to the ears. "Aye, I am Mugarod. Formerly a captain and clan leader, now an exile." He gestures to his companions "Are you an exile too, stranger?" he asks.

"What is your name and how can I get word to you merchant.," Doria says putting the gem somewhere safe.

Eurenomes, who had been watching the exchange between the merchant and the nymphs now spoke up. "I am happy to assist my friend with her task but I would be grateful if you could help in turn. Could you by any chance produce a letter of introduction to anyone of the lords and ladies you have dealt with?"

"In these lands, my name is 'Knarr the Blue', fair lady." the merchant says in response. "A message could be sent to me here at Aegir's. I shall be in the area for the next several weeks. I expect that it wouldn't take you that long to relay my request to your kin and have me informed of your success."

Hearing Eurenomes request Knarr laughs. "You've been in the three cities too long, my friend." he grins "There are no lords or ladies in the North. In Hyperborea there are kings. Tell you what, there is a king I am on friendly terms with by name of Gunthur." he continues "He does not read, nor do many Barbarians, but if you tell him that I vouch for you then he will render you aid." Knarr hands Eurenomes a small flat gem which sparkles in the light. "Give Gunthur this stone as a tribute. He will know then that you speak truly."

"Pleased to meet you Mugarod, I am Itylus, a hunter from the Helicon Mountains." he replied. "I am not an exile but I also have been traveling far away from my homeland for some time now." he paused for a moment, looking at the Orkos. "If you don't take offense, may I ask why where you exiled, Mugarod?"

Mugarod nods slowly as he listens to Itylus. Upon hearing the question posed to him his face scrunches up as though he was pained at recalling the memory. It is a few long seconds, but then he speaks. "Age." he says in response. "A young pup challenged my leadership of my clan and beat me in battle, but dishonored me sparing my life and setting me free to live, but without clan or family name, only my given name which shall be scattered to the winds on my death." He smiles at the hunter. "That, Itylus, is why I am exiled."

Mugarod casts his glance to Arthanos and then back to Itylus "I have given you my story. What is yours, and his?" he says, pointing towards Arthanos.