In reply to Solomon (msg #150):

"I would accompany you today, if that meets your approval?", Felicia asks Solomon, as he prepares to take care of his chosen tasks.

"Hmm?  Would I approve of wandering through town with a lovely and brave woman on my arm?  No.  No, I don't think so.  Of course, that could just be the heat dementia talking," he jests, as he holds out his arm for Felicia to take.

As Raznik walks though the crowds, he finds himself shying away from the touch of people brushing against him. He is clearly afraid, though the fear is not of the people themselves; mixed in with the fear is a look of concern, as if he fears for them instead of for himself. His brown eyes sparkle a little with moistness as he approaches a merchant carrying magical items. He examines the merchant's wares, making a few purchases, before moving on through the crowd. Ahead, he spots Soloman and Felicia, arms linked, but rather than approaching, he hangs back, allowing them their privacy as he quickly makes his way out of the crowded marketplace to the cool sea breeze of the docks.

In the docks he breathes deeply, tasting the salty air and examining the boats. Unnatural contraptions they are, though the majesty and beauty of them is astounding. Before now, his only experience of water going vessels has been the occasional river crossing in the north. He has never seen such things before, and his awe clearly shows on his face. He makes his way to one of the piers, and sits on a mooring situated where the pier joins the land, looking out for any party members that may arrive.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:51, Wed 25 Apr 2012.

Felicia grins at Solomon and slips and arm through the one he offers. "Lead on good sir. I have nothing in particular that I need."

Raznik sits for quite a while at the docks while two more ships make their way into the harbor and throw out mooring lines, as they begin to unload goods and the crew stretches their legs and gets ready for some shore leave. After a while of watching this, he hears the slamming of a door off the the right and a thud as he sees Temnir landing on his face, getting up, and brushing himself off with a huff.

---

As Solomon and Felicia walk through the city arm-in-arm, they get quite a lot of looks in the feline's direction. It even goes so far to having one man carrying a stack of chickens in a crate fall into a bale of hay while not watching his step, causing the chickens to get free and run amok. Not long later, close to the water, the two find a three story building with the telltale sign outside of the local inn. This one is called The Sea Scoundrel.

---

Maeria gets left alone in the street though she can see plenty of stalls that are selling arms and armor and as everybody has quickly found out, if there's something this woman loves, it's something sharp and deadly.

Seeing Temnir emerge face first, Raznik rises and approaches the sorcerer. "I take it they took offence to you. Am I able to help?"

Grinning slowly, she looked around. Cities, noisy, bothersome, who needed them.  But they did have the two things she liked.  Taverns and weapons.  Walking along the stalls, she browsed items, occasionally picking them up and giving them a soft heft, an 'experimental' swing.  She pauses, then takes a quick jog down to the waters edge, before jogging back to the merchants.

She quickly searches for one of the better quality places and grins, waiting for the right time to approach the merchant.  "Good day good sir" she grins "I wish to borrow 5 minutes of your time"

Felicia walks along arm in arm with Solomon and obviously enjoying the attention directed her way. When the man looses his footing (and his chickens) she can't help but break out in giggles. Not really wanting the poor fellow to see her laughing, she turns her face into Solomon's arm till she gets control back.

As they approach the Inn, Felicia asks, "What do you think. Will we be staying the night or do you think, we might get a ship out tonight?"

"After all that walking through the sun and sand, I'm looking forward to at least one night in town before we take to the sea," Solomon replied.

Solomon frowned at the sign of the Sea Scoundrel.  It wasn't exactly the kind of place he was looking for.  Still, he turned and entered.  He approached whoever looked as if they were in charge of the place, "As-Salāmu `Alaykum.  I am Solomon.  My friends and I are seeking refuge for the night.  A private room with clean matresses, free of pests.  Know of where we may find one?"

"Not unless you can find me a way to sink that bastard's ship without getting thrown in jail," Temnir mutters in a tone that halfheartedly suggests a joke. "Since you're here, you might as well come with me to the next captain. See if we can't get a ride by tomorrow without selling our should to get it." He starts walking towards one of the ships that has just made port while Raznik was sitting around.

---

The dwarf looks up from polishing a piece in his stand and raises an eyebrow, "It may end up costin ya, miss," he jokes with a chuckle, "What can I do fer ya?"

---

The innkeeper is a dwarf who looked like he was half asleep at his desk until the two strode up. Almost falling over backwards in his tipped chair, he rights himself and clears his throat, "Ehem, aye we have the finest rooms in town. 'OW many rooms fer you n' yer friends master..So-lo-man," as he dips his quill in ink and enters the name in his ledger, looking up for a response.

"Finest rooms in town you say?" asks Solomon with a wiley look that hides his suspicion.  "Before you take quill to parchment, how 'bout you give us a peek into one of these rooms of yours, Master Dwarf.  Show me your best."  If this was to be Solomon's last day on land for a while, he wanted a decent night's sleep.  The next few nights were likely going to be beyond uncomfortable.  He had been on a ship only once before, and remembers trying to sleep in the rocking, water-logged, rat-filled bowels of its hull.

"And tell me.  Do you often hire out the services of a local bard to entertain your guests in the evenning?"

She puts on her most... winsome grimace, knowing her smiles had a tendency to make people run. She just groaned softly.  "ah hae a question for ye.  Do you happen to deal in magical arms and armaments?" she grins.  "I happen to have a sword, and chain mail, that is of exquisite quality, that happen to be touched by the magi's gifts.  A suit of armor, enchanted to be beyond strong, and defend against the most stout of blows." she smiles softly, grinning.  "And A sword, so forged, that it literally saps the strength of your enemy with each blow you land, making your win inevitable" she smiles. "do such things seem like they would be fine additions to your store?"


IF he agree's, she pulls them out of her backpack... still wet (ran to the waters edge and dunked them in the water to try and get rid of that fresh behir smell), and sets them on the counter.  "I have no need of either, and can use the money for funding a trip."

Raznik follows Temnir, hoping he can be of assistance, though his ability to interact with other people is somewhat limited.

Walking up to one of the ships, Temnir looks up onto the deck to see if he can spot the captain. Short of that he calls out to one of the deckhands, "Hey! You there, crewman! Is the captain of this vessel on board? I wish do discuss business with him." For once, Temnir seems to be acting less rough than usual. Apparently, getting a ship overrides his  condescending tone.

One of the crewmen who was typing off the sails looks down to the two and hollers back, "Aye, 'e be 'ere. 'old on just a mite." He takes a few steps towards the back of the ship and out of sight though both can hear knocking and the man calling out to the captain, "Cap'n Latzu, ya got someone who wants t' discuss business with ya on the dock." After a moment, the man returns to the railing of the ship and motions to the two, "Ya 'ave permission t' come aboard. The cap'n's in 'is quarters."

Before walking up the gangplank, Temnir turns to Raznik and whispers, "Remember, we want safe travel to Heldenburg for as cheap as we can get it. Preferably lodging as well. Don't make any foolish deals." Once on the ship, you can see that there is a door flanked on either side by a staircase that leads up to the helm of the ship. The double-door sports a masterful bas-relief of a muscular sailor with a harpoon, about to throw it at what looks like a kraken though it seems as if it's taken a bit of water damage over the years, no surprise.

Temnir knocks twice and a voice intones, "Enter." The captain's quarters is a literal treasure trove unto itself. At first glance, you would think that it was a pirate that owned this vessel, not a trader. Golden candelabra adorn a large, what appears to be dark wood, desk with ornately carved figureheads on both of the forward legs. Next to the desk is a large selection of maps in a holster as well as a circular wooden orb set into a metal cage with representations of the landmasses of the known world, a rare item indeed. The rest of the room is host to various trophies, from weapons, to animal tophies, to expensive fur rugs and paintings. Looking out the window in the back of the room, however, is the captain.

Turning to face you, a very rough looking dwarf turns to face you. His hat is wide, his coat is long, and his battlescars many. Once again you find yourself thinking more of a pirate than a trader. He motions to two seats in front of his desk which are little more than stools with a small backing to them. "Me crew says ya have business ye'd like t' discuss?"

---

"Well talk be cheap lass, let me have a look at these so called treasures," he says enthusiastically, wringing his hands in anticipation. As Maeria produces both of the items, the dwarf nods slightly. He takes the sword first and turns it over and over, testing the weight and balance and checking the length of the weapon before taking out a small box from underneath his table and opening it to produce three eye-sized gems, red,blue, and green in color. He takes turns holding them to his eye as he looks over it and nods a little more enthusiastically. He then picks up the mail and repeats the process. Putting his kit away and looking up to Maeria, he folds his hands on his table, "I'd be willin t' give ya 1450g fer the sword n' 750g fer the mail. That's a total 2200g miss n' that ain't nothin t' scoff at. D' we 'ave an accord?"

---

Setting the quill back in its bottle, the dwarf moves around the desk and bows, "If it be the best m'lord and lady wants, it will be the best m'lord and lady will get." Before leading you upstairs, he turns and peeks his head into the kitchen and you can hear him call out to someone unseen, "Oi, Karthass! Come n' look after the ledger fer a few." He motions to the stairs at the back of the building, "If you will follow me," and he sets off. As you walk up the stairs, the innkeeper continues to talk, "We do indeed have the local bard in fer performances o' music n' storytellin as well as acrobatics every night at sunset and he usually be present in the bar afterwards fer a while after. Interestin chap." Arriving at the third floor, the innkeeper brings you to the two rooms across from each other at the end of the hall. "These be the finest rooms in the inn, currently unoccupied much t' yer luck. Since the incident at Anvilfall, we been almost filled every night."

Opening the door to one, it seems the dwarf is able to back up his claim. The two beds in the room are made well with feather down comforters and fluffy pillows and has a chest at the foot of both beds. There are two windows that overlook the harbor with a great view of the sunset to the left and between the beds you can get a good view of the street below and part of the town. There is a washbasin, already filled with water, and a mirror on a table in the corner and a coatrack in the other. "The room across the hall be identical t' this. Will this fit yer needs m'lord, m'lady??"

Solomon was impressed, but was careful not to let it show.  He didn't expect to find such accomidations in this place.  Solomon liked to think of himself as a keen negotiator, and started rubbing his chin as if indecisive.  "Hmm...I suppose if we could get a servant to warm the water in the tubs.  And...we are only staying for a single night.  I suppose if the price is fair we can strike a deal." He waits for the dwarf to start haggling a price and to lead them out of the room.  Behind the dwarf's back Solomon grins to Felicia and wiggles his brow.

She nods slowly, as if making a big show of thinking.  She nods for a brief moment, then smiles.  "ah, you'll be able to get a hefty price for these.  I'm sure you could be so leniant as to go 2500 for the two items, seeing as all the work I put into retrieving them items, and even being kind enough to wash the stink of behir gut off them" she grins, settling down for a good haggle.  She was perfectly good for accepting the 2200, but damned if she wasn't going to try her best to get the extra penny out of him. He would be insulted if she didn't try.

Felicia returns his grin and winks at Solomon. She's more than happy to let him haggle for the room pricing. It's not one of her strong points.

Nodding at Temnir's words, Raznik approaches the gangplank, hesitating before taking his first step. Under his breath he mutters, "Unnatural..." before walking on board.

As he walks into the captain's quarters, Raznik is surprised to see all the riches on display. The ostentatious display worries him. This man, clearly so obsessed with his rich possessions, is not a man to be trusted lightly. "We are looking for transport to Heldenburg," he says as the captain turns to look at him.

The captain raises an eye at the summoner, "Heldenburg? As in the Derevaan Heldenburg? What in the hell d' ya want t' go there fer? Nothin' there but some coal mines n' a few gemstones. Not t' mention all the ports be closed from 'ere on north. Damn humans n' their mischief impactin me business routes." Seeing the two humans in front of him, "No offense," he says monotony, waving a hand, obviously saying so just to maintain a courteous nature to the business talk. "Give me the specifics lad, 'ow many am I t' carry? 'Ow am I s'posed t' get ya there when the town don't have a port? When are ya planning on leavin? What are ya willin t' pay me if I do it even with all the cards not in me favor? I'll tell ya now, it won't be cheap." Temnir remains silent, looking to Raznik with a look almost like a master testing his pupil as the captain interrogates him.

---

The merchant dwarf scratches his bearded chin as he thinks over the counter offer for a moment and reexamines the sword another time before turning back to Maeria, "2300. Got t' make a profit off o' it somehow lass. I'm sure ya understand." He looks to her with a smile, obviously enjoying the thrill of the barter and waiting for her acceptance or counter proposal anxiously.

---

The innkeeper nods at the comment about the bathwater and seems to be running numbers through his head at the mention of a deal, "Well m'lord, since ye and yer guests will only be staying a single night, I'll give ya a discounted price since I'll be able t' fill it again quickly after ya leave. Three and five gold pieces per room will get ya them fer the night. Shall I add yer name to the ledger?"

Raznik, suddenly feeling out his depth, looks over at Temnir who is clearly leaving him on his own. "There are five of us as well as stabling for one. Perhaps you could take us nearby. We would be willing to travel the last leg on our own feet if necessary. Why don't you make us an offer, and we will consider it?" He glances back to Temnir, hoping he hadn't blundered.

"FOR TWO ROOMS?!" Solomon said, perhaps too loudly.  He pretended to be offended at such a high price.  "Six gold AND my companions all get an evennings meal.  Unless your refugees from Anvilfall are princes and kings, I'm willing to bet that'll be the best offer you get this evenning."

She grins softly. "Tell you what" she smirks.  "I say 25, you say 23... lets cut the price in the middle, 24, and I'll be on my way, so you can find the right buyer for this stuff, and get your good profit"

The dwarf captain looks at Raznik in open shock, "By Moradin's hairy danglies! Ya want me t' not only carry five deadweights  with me t' a place where I can't make no money but ya want me t' take yer horse with ya?" The captain pauses for a minute wiping the sweat from his brow and producing a intricately carved long-stem pipe which he packs and lights with a quickness telltale of frequent use. "If I'm t' do this foolish mission fer ya, it ain't gonna come cheap. I'm thinkin a thousand gold pieces a head and an extra two hundred fer the one with the stabling as well as ya workin as part o' the crew while yer aboard will cover it. Anythin gained on the way there will be split equal parts among the crew and yerselves and meals will be included and I'll let ya off the ship in rowboats at the coast. N' don't press yer luck. I've half a mind t' throw ya off me ship right now as it is fer even proposing the damn thing. We have a deal?"

Temnir continues to remain silent and is completely devoid of any emotion at the mention of the gold price per head as well as the decline to haggle the price. He just looks sideways to Raznik to see what the young summoner decides on.

---

The dwarf breaks out into a toothy grin, "Ya think like a dwarf, lass. Twenty-four it be." Reaching out a hand to seal the deal, he then goes behind a curtain at the back of his shop and after a minute comes back with three sizable bags, clinking as the dwarf walks. They make a lovely clinking thud as they hit the table, "I be a dwarf o' me word. The money be there. Eight hundred in each bag. May Moradin watch over yer travels," he finishes with polite send-off of the dwarves with a small bow as he grabs the two new pieces of his inventory and goes to arrange them for resale immediately.

---

The innkeeper looks at Solomon with a calculating eye before speaking, "Well m'lord, meals are already included in the fee as are services for wash and stabling. As much as ye and yer kin can eat n' drink fer these two rooms in fact. The patrons 'ere may not be princes or kings but they be dwarves n' they will pay fer quality rooms n' service. The price stands. What say ya?" You can tell the dwarf is a little irate about the comment about the Anvilfall refugees but he does a pretty good job at keeping his demeanor professional and calm, more than can be said for many dwarves.

Nodding she slaps hands with him, grinning.  Dropping the bags into her backpack with no clink of landing,she smiles, then turns looking around lost.  Great, where was it her companions had said they were going?  Right. Docks.

Turning around 2 or 3 times the confused woman just starts to go towards the dock looking for her estranged companions.

Solomon didn't like losing, but he felt as if he just did.  He tilted his head to the side resigned to his fate.  He even let out a laugh to lighten his mood.  "I've never once won an arguement with a dwarf.  Your pride and stubborness make you worthy foes.  Consider the deal struck."  While Solomon was hoping to strike a better deal he didn't want to offend anyone.  As they reached the desk Solomn set down two stacks of eight gold coins.  "I'm trusting you to be a good and honorable man.  Take these extra coins as payment for any refugees who perhaps cannot normally pay for room and board and see that they are seen to such."