Aleta stood back with Doria and listened to the men.

 Lysandros leaned over and attempted to kiss the most charming lady that say opposite him.Being of the Noble class,and having a certain skill with the ladies, of course he assumed she would wants his attentions.

The woman in red allows Lysandros to kiss her, though she does not reciprocate the kiss.

Her lips are cold to the touch of kiss.

After Lysandros draws back she gently but firmly pushes away from him and goes to depart the inn.

Arthanos continued to remain quite as Itylus spoke. He was ready to offer support if needed, but still felt that Itylus had a better chance at this time then him of getting the Orkus onside.

" Lady, your departure is perhaps premature. I did not deny your task, I only bespoke of having to speak with my companions about the matter. If you depart now, it is with empty hands, where if you tarry, you might have your wish." Said Lysandros, with his usual winning smile.

After chatting a bit longer with the two women, Dysis arose to go speak with the rest of the group.   On her way back, she could not help but notice Itylus engaged in conversation with the Orkos, with Arthanos standing nearby.

Unable to help being curious about this dialog, she stopped close enough to listen, with a ready excuse as to why she did, if anyone asked.   Simply waiting to speak with her companions, once they were finished...

Aleta looks around to see what other groups are in here.

"I see," said Itylus "unfortunately, age eventually catches us all. And when it does not many keep showing us the same respect that once they did." after a brief pause he asked, suddenly with a sharp look in his eyes. "So, I assume that now you are looking for a way to restore what you can of your honor?"

"As for my history it is simple too. My hometown was destroyed by a cult of demon-lovers. They used their dark magic to deceive and then to sacrifice many of the people of the town to one of their Lords." though Itylus said this in a matter-of-fact way, there was a somber tone to his voice and a dangerous light in his eyes. "I was a simple hunter, used to hunt beasts and some monsters. I could do nothing against the supernatural forces that night. So, my town burned."

"After that I left, both in a quest to hunt down the evil cultists and in a quest to learn how to fight the supernatural."

Itylus said nothing about Arthanos' history, leaving to him the decision of whether to share it or not.

"You have my thanks Knarr," Eurenomes said, gratefully taking the gem and slipping it into his belt pouch. "May swift moving Hermes watch over you and your endeavours."

The young priest looked around with interest, moving a shade closer to Itylus so he could hear what was being said with the Orkos.

Mugarod listened to Itylus' story attentively. He gives a heavy nod at the end. "You too have lost your tribe." he says thoughtfully. "Though you have found purpose to life. That is something I do not have." he adds "Honor cannot be restored. I am just a weapon now." he gestures to his Hyperborean companions. "I earn some small coin and food with my friends here in raids though they have made peace with their enemy so I shall soon be out of work." he raised his mug. "Which is why we drink, to celebrate our victory."

Mugarod casts a glance to the others in the party, as well as to the silent Arthanos before turning his attention back to Itylus. "Good luck in your quest, Itylus. I hope we do not meet on the battlefield."

Standing with Doria, and seeing the merchant and then Eurenomes depart from that small gathering, Aleta casts a look over the other patrons in the tavern. Perhaps unsuprisingly, many were still watching them, though they were polite enough to not make an overt show of it.

Gambling was still occurring, tests of skill and might and the such as they had seen before when entering. A musician, a young Shepard boy by the look of him, was now playing a flute and providing some entertainment, and earning a copper piece here or there as he played. Otherwise there wasn't anything overly fascinating or unique about the small groups of people that ate and drank together. Unlike the great cities, there did not seem to be that seedy element that was attractive to thieves. Or at least, she wasn't able to recognize that element here this evening.

The  woman in red gives him an odd look that could be best described as a mixture of annoyance and bemusement. "I do not wait for words." she replies. "If you choose to perform the task I have mentioned, you will let me know if your success in the method I have told you. If you and your companions decline, then I shall find another worthy of my favor." She gives a slight curtesy. "You were interesting company, but I have tarried too long this evening. I shall see you again, young treasure hunter, should you decide to accomplish what I have asked."

This said, the woman in red leaves the inn, leaving those other patrons nearby to look over at Lydandros with interest. A few of the men chuckle, and an old woman shakes her head with disapproval. "Another twig on the fire." she states.

 Lysandros could not decide which he liked better. Watching the Lady in Red approach or depart. That question had vexed the greatest minds of men since the beginning of time.

 When the men laughed, the young Noble was not offended, this was not the first time a woman had denied herself the glory of Lysandros's charms. The old woman's remark amused him, He turned to the older woman and offered her a winning smile of pearly white teeth. " My dear Lady, there is no need for your jealously, I shall now romance you,as you have never been before. Just because you are a beauty in her winter, does not mean that I do not find that season without merit. The Gods have graced you with an inner beauty that time and age cannot diminish. Allow me to offer that beauty homage."

  He went to one knee before her and took her hand in his and kissed it.

Itylus pondered for a moment on Mugarod's words, and then said "Well, as a matter of fact... I was thinking we should meet on the battlefield... On the same side of it to be more precise." Itylus turned towards Arthanos. "Don't you agree Arthanos? You and Lysandros certainly could do with some help in the front line."

Perhaps predictability, the old woman laughs with delight as do the nearby men who watch this display. One of them comments jokingly "Friends! Lock up your grandmothers! The southerners have come to steal them away."

Another one of the men calls out to one of the serving wenches. "Aegir's coldest brew for the madman! His lust is so inflamed by the red woman that it has to be quenched!" Somebody else adds "Aye! Some of the Gods' brew will knock him back to his senses." It is not long after that a cold tankard is practically shoved into Lysandros' hands.

The old woman shakes her head and pats his hand. "Young twig, don't worry. You are not the first foreigner to get close to the fire."

Mugarod's expression takes that of curiosity. "For many seasons now I have fought alongside the Northmen and have learned much, even though I am but an old chief. To travel and fight alongside Southerners such as you and your companion has a certain appeal."

He gives a slight nod to where Arthanos stands silently and then casts his gaze back to Itylus. "If you and your party will allow one such as I to travel with you, then I shall be your weapon and strike as you see fit. If not, then I will wish you good hunting in your quest, Itylus."

In reply to Maze Master (msg # 117):

 The situation was amusing the young nobleman. And if the others thought him mad to pay tribute to an old woman, let them have their say. And it was only known by the gods, now, but this old woman might have made the red haired one look like a sow, in the bloom of her prime. He sat down next to the old woman,and smiled to her.

 " I am Lysandros of a place you could care less about, my lady. If you can stand my company, I would offer to buy you a drink,and toast your birth right of womanhood."

 The Noble raised the tankard towards those the general crowd, a gesture of thanks for the drink.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:19, Wed 10 Aug 2016.

Aleta sat back, sipping her drink. She thought they would be leaving soon.

Doria seemed a bit ... sad ... she was quiet only holding Aleta's hand ,"I miss the ocean its home, and I'm not of much help on land."

Aleta looks at Doria "I know what you mean. I can't wait till we are on the move again.

Seeing that Arthanos didn't wish to discuss the matter there, Itylus nodded towards the Orkoi. "Very well, Murgarod. I shall discuss the matter with my companions and tomorrow morning I'll tell you their decision." He rose. "And now if you excuse us, gentleman, I think we'll take our leave. Enjoy your drinks and have a good night. I hope we see each other again tomorrow"

Eurenomes wrapped his blue chlamys around him, mindful of the fact they'd be heading out into the icy wastes soon, and that unlike some people he could mention he would be venturing without a boon companion.

Arthanos shook his head suddenly, the heat and after surge of adrenaline having caused him to zone out. Itylus standing bought his attention back to the situation and he realized he was expected to have replied.

"My apologies Murgarod. The weather here is more draining then I had initially realised." Glancing at Itylus, he then continued "It would be very helpful to have someone traveling with us who knows the region and has skill in fighting in this terrain." standing to join Itylus, he then nodded towards the barbarian. "We thank you for your time."

After the walked away, Arthanos speaks to Itylus. "I am sorry, I sorta drifted off there...he seems like he could be useful, but I am not sure what the others will say. Do you think it is worth trying to get them to decide tonight or to wait until the morning?"

At Arthanos' apology the hunter smiled "It's alright Arthanos, I know the feeling. Today's journey was quite wearing and we are all exausted." Then, thinking about the nobleman's question he replied. "Hmmm, I am not sure neither. Let's just meet up with them for now and then we'll see."

Dysis approached Itylus and Arthanos at that juncture.    She spoke:

"Well, my vote is that we acquire the service of that Orkoi."  She smiled somewhat darkly.   "I think I like him. I overheard some of the conversation; I can identify with the change in life fortunes he has suffered. And, his presence alone might be enough to send off some who would think to trifle with us."    She paused, then added-

"On that note, I'd also like to acquire the service of the pair of sisters I've been speaking to.  They know this region, are familiar with the people.  And, we'd acquire another skilled warrior, as well as...well, how do I put this in the best manner possible?...a witch."   She placed a consoling hand on Itylus' shoulder, knowing how he felt about practitioners of the darker arts.

"Look at it this way, Itylus...she reveres Hecate. With your worship of Artemis, mine of Persephone, we'd have the complete trinity of moon goddesses. How could that be a bad thing-?"