"Well I am at your disposal," Marik said with a warm smile, "and I truly enjoy your company. It's also nice to finally have someone to talk to that can understand what it's like to be a sorcerer. So how long have you been here in Midmarch? Have you had any grand adventures since you've been here?"

"I have only recently arrived in Midmarch with a couple of others who I had met in Stoneclimb.  One of them, Vova, runs around with a peacock and, well, is often drunk, so I'm sure you'll come across him at some point." She paused for a beat, "Probably in a ditch somewhere sleeping off his excesses.  The other, Khora, is a half-orc whom I believe lived further up the Icerime Peaks.  There have been no adventures as yet, grand or otherwise.  And, to be honest," Rana lowered her voice slightly, and shrugged, "I'm not convinced that I'm really cut out to be an adventurer, but, nothing ventured nothing gained I suppose."

Her eyes reconnected with Marik's, "And what of you?  How long have you been in Midmarch? And have you had any grand adventures?"

Berta looks over her shoulder, nodding at her younger brother as she points a finger towards Marik.  "Another of the same, please," she grins.

Lifting the glass with practiced ease, the warrior-woman brings it over to the table where Rana and Marik are deep in discussion, smiling at the handsome young man as she proffers his glass with due ceremony, placing it on the table as she scoops up the empty vessel.

"Food won't be long," she assures the equally attractive woman, "then I'll leave you both in peace."

Winking at the pair, Berta snaps her fingers, causing the glass in her hand to suddenly glow like a torch.  Nodding in satisfaction she heads back to the bar to pass it over to Gedd.

Gedd holds up the glowing glass that Berta handed him, looks closely at it then carries the empty glass back to the table. With due ceremony he recites a mystic phrase then gently taps the glowing glass against Marik's full wineglass, instantly causing that wineglass to glow as well. The ripples on the surface of the wine reflect ripples of light onto the ceiling above the table.

Gedd stares appreciatively at the light display for a moment then looks over at a nearby beam where a black raven is perched in the shadows.

"Do you like that too, duNoir?" he asks the raven.

The raven launches itself off the beam and glides down to land on the table, where it taps the wineglass with its beak, setting off another series of ripples in the wine.

"Very pretty!" the raven agrees. Then with a quick flap of its wings it flies up to land on Gedd's shoulder.

"Oh come now.  That is not at all fair," Win says, as he walks past the table and sees his siblings displays, "You have left the lady at a disadvantage."  Reaching out he adjusts Rana glass slightly, and that too starts to glow brightly.  "That's better." he says with a knowing look at his siblings, before he continues on his way to the stage area and starts to adjust the chairs.

Rana smiled and nodded at Berta, her eyes widening slightly as the other woman caused the glass to glow. She glanced at Marik, an eyebrow raised in query.  However, before she could say anything the large bartender approached with the still glowing glass and made Marik's glass glow as well and then the bird landed on their table and spoke!  Her eyes widened and her jaw drop opened slightly but then her eyes moved to catch Ged's gaze and then the newcomer's gaze as well.

"It certainly adds to the ambience."  She said with a smile and a note of appreciation.  "Thank you."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:17, Wed 06 Jan 2021.

Winnie scowls and grabs two fresh glasses an a bottle of their best wine.  "Sometimes they're like children." She says placing the bottle and glasses on the table.  "Your dinner and drinks are on the house." She says collecting up the glowing glasses and scowling at the siblings once more.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:40, Wed 06 Jan 2021.

Marik smiled, enjoying the little show and nodded in response to Rana's comment. When Winnie came to the table he greeted her with a soft smile, "It's not a problem, who knew we'd get dinner and a show? But in any case, thank you."

As she walks off, he takes the bottle of wine and fills one of the glasses and hands it to Rana, and then fills the other for himself. He then takes a sip, savoring the taste for a moment before putting his glass back down on the table.

"Now, where were we?" He asks with a playful smile. "Ah, yes. How long have I been here? Wow, well a few years now, I arrived shortly after Tusk had been taken from a bandit lord and began its slow march to this wonderful city we now have. As for adventures, I've seen my share," he says with a playful smirk. He takes another sip of wine and continues, "I was a part of the expedition that rid the kobolds of Sootscale of their enemies, a settlement of mites, and negotiated peace with them; this is why I now own exclusive trading rights with Sootscale in perpetuity. I've also traveled East to the Tors of Levenies, the large mountain range to the East. Let's see, we fought a roc, a family of cyclops, and I'm sure some other creatures I can't remember."

He paused to take a breath, and another sip of wine. "And most recently we've traveled out to Varnhold, and even met with a tribe of centaurs. It's all quite exciting, and I'm certain you will prove up to the challenge. Besides, I have found for people like us, it's adventure and conflict that help us grow and better understand our gifts. Unlike wizards, no amount of poring over dusty books will increase our abilities."

Rana wore a quizzical look on her face as the glowing glasses were quickly replaced, whatever was going on with the tavern's owners, it was both amusing and something that was unexpected.
After their glasses were replaced and Marik filled her new glass with more wine, she sat forward, her elbows on the table and attentive to what he was saying.

When Marik finished talking, she sat up, reached for her glass, taking a sip of the wine as she considered her words.  "I'm not sure I have your confidence in my ability, yet, but hopefully that will grow in time.  It sounds like you have done well with your adventures and have seen things that I can only imagine - centaur, a roc and kobolds.  But, peace with Kobolds?  You trust them?  I thought they were evil creatures?  And what kinds of things do kobolds have to trade?"

Marik shrugged, "Kobolds are evil by nature, but honestly these kobolds in particular, the Sootscales, really just want to be left alone. When we first traveled to their home as it were, I had noticed an old sign for a silver mine. In turns out the kobolds had been living in a silver mine for quite some time and nobody was aware. With the help of Pekwik, a kobold I befriended and who now is in my employ, and my chancellor Alanna, we helped the kobolds ensure the mine was safe and then taught them how to mine the silver. In return, I serve as an emissary if you will between them and us 'big folk', and get the benefits of exclusive trade with them."

He takes another sip of his wine and leans back in his chair, "As for confidence, that will come as you better understand, and feel more comfortable with, your gifts. Which is something we can work on together, if you wish. As for my success, fortune favors the bold as they say. I never intended to claim all of the mineral resources in Midmarch, but after setting up the deal with the Sootscales, it just seemed to make sense. You just have to be open to opportunities as they present themselves and use your best judgement."

Rana nodded as Marik expanded on his relationship with the kobolds.  "You are right, Marik.  I suppose kobolds can vary as much as humans, or elves, or dwarves or anyone else.  I should try to remember that.  And I will also try to remember to be open to opportunities if and when they present themselves, as well as, I suppose, recognising that there might be an opportunity where I wouldn't expect to find one."

Whether it was the warmth in the room or the fact that Rana had been drinking with no food in her stomach since lunchtime, she could feel a flush of colour in her cheeks.  "I think I would like to spend more time with you, trying to understand my gifts," she added softly.

Marik smiles and raises his glass in a toast, "That's good to hear, I would like to spend more time with you as well, helping you understand your gifts...or just enjoying your company," he added with a wink as he took a sip from his glass.

He placed his glass back on the table and leaned forward slightly, "So now that you've finally made it to the famed City of Tusk," he says with a big grin, "What are your plans? Do you have any ambitions here? Perhaps open an establishment such as this, or perhaps a library? Or travel across Midmarch seeing its wonders and facing down perilous threats," he finishes with a grin.

The Dragon's bouncer pulls a 'oops' face as Winnie turns away, but that quickly descends into a broad grin at both of her brothers.  "Might be best if we let Winne serve them," she suggests, "I'll go find someone else to annoy !"

So saying, and with a nod and a warm smile to Marik and Rana, Berta swaggers off on her rounds, spotting a card game at a far table that might benefit from her oversight and helpful observations.

Rana felt herself finally relaxing and she smiled at Marik's comment.  She had to admit to herself that she was enjoying Marik's company, even if it was unexpected company.

"I have no plans or ambitions, other than to become the best at what I do.  Owning and running a tavern like this is a lot of hard work and not something I would ever consider doing on my own." Rana paused as she considered Marik's other suggestions.  "A library?  Now that is an interesting thought, especially if I could find books related to Skywatch and magic, however, I don't think I'm ready to settle down that much yet, as I've only just left home to explore the world."

She chuckled to herself then smiled at Marik.  "As far as facing perilous threats, I think I shall start small with minor inconveniences."

As Berta walked by their table, Rana nodded and smiled at the other woman.  It had been slightly odd to see magic used so openly, but, in a way, it was refreshing to know that maybe she, herself, could be slightly less worried about what people would say if they saw her using her own magic.
This message was last updated by the player at 09:22, Thu 07 Jan 2021.

Marik nods, "Oh yes, running a place like this is definitely hard work and not for the faint of heart. I know I wouldn't want to do it. But if you do decide at some point that you'd like to open a library or something else, let me know. I am the Laird of New Dawn, so I can make sure you get some prime real estate," he says with a smile as he reaches for his glass and takes another sip of wine.

"But I would say that for now, not having a plan is a very sound plan," he says with a cheeky grin. "And that was exactly my plan when I first arrived. That way you're open for any opportunity that presents itself, no matter how unexpected it might be."

Rana kept eye contact with Marik as he talked about New Dawn and his thoughts about her plans.

"New Dawn is a lovely name for a town, it conjures up a really pleasant image.  I would love to visit sometime and, if I think of a business venture that would suit me, your offer is very kind." Again the colour rose slightly in her face as she wasn't quite certain what Marik's intentions were likely to mean, if anything.  However, she was enjoying his company so, at the moment, that was the important thing; especially as she did not have any family or friends near-to-hand.  A friend in this new land would be a boon.

"I've never been known for planning too far in advance, if at all," she admitted with a chuckle.  "I tend to see where the wind takes me, as my mam is fond of saying."

Rana took another sip of her wine as she looked to see if her stew might be arriving any time soon as she was now starting to feel a bit more hungry than when she'd arrived.  "So, Marik, I presume you live in New Dawn.  I am still unsure of where things are in Midmarch and was wondering how far away New Dawn is from Tusk."

"Thank you," he said as the complimented the name New Dawn. He'd spent a fairly significant amount of time considering an appropriate name for his capital as it were, and he was happy at least someone appreciated it. "And you are welcome to visit any time. We have a nice Road House there, and I am in the process of building a Fortified Villa where you would be more than welcome...in one of the guest rooms of course," he adds with a slight reddening of his cheeks.

He takes a sip of wine in order to calm his thoughts as he considered her visiting him there, and then continued, "But no, I don't currently live there. I maintain a townhouse here in Tusk where I spend most of my time when I'm not adventuring. I've found that much of what happens in Midmarch is discussed and decided upon here in Tusk so it behooves me to be here. With that being said, once the Villa is complete, I will likely be spending more of my time there. But regardless, by horse it takes somewhere between 8-10 hours to make the trip, so it's not unbearable."

Gedd spotted movement at the doorway from the kitchen, so he headed over to give the serving girl a hand with the plates.

He lingered briefly after the meal was served.

"I hope we didn't upset you at all with that little light show, earlier," he said, eventually. "It's just that we overheard the comment earlier about you two being the only sorcerers in the city. You may be the strongest, particularly Laird Marik, but you are not alone. My brother and sister and I have different skills but I have inherited enough of our mother's gift to call myself a sorcerer too, although my primary skills and training are as a ranger. duNoir is my familiar. If the Roth family can help you with anything in future, you know where to find us. Now, I will let you enjoy your stew while it is still hot."

With that he withdraws and heads back to the bar.

Rana smiled at Gedd as he arrived with her dinner.  "Not bothered at all by the 'light show', Gedd.  It was actually refreshing to see that the use of magic isn't hidden away or something that people are wary of showing.  I'm so new to Tusk that I wouldn't know if everyone here had magic abilities or no one did - it's always good to know that you're not alone with your talents.  Thank you and your family for making me feel welcome.  This place reminds me much of my home."

She waited until Ged had returned to the bar and then Rana returned her attention to Marik.  She smiled and tipped her head at his invitation.  "I think it would be nice to visit New Dawn, and you, at some point when our schedules allow for the time.  I'm not quite sure what I've signed up to, apparently I'm now some interim officer of the Brevic knights, but in fairness a lot of the detail went over my head and seemed quite a lot more formal than things that I've heard about or been around at home."  She coloured slightly at the admission because she didn't want to appear either stupid or too naive.

"It certainly sounds like you have found a place to make a home and a name for yourself, Marik.  I applaud your stick-to-itness.  I have always found it difficult to maintain focus on anything for long periods of time.  But, my da said that when I find what it is I'm supposed to be doing, I'll know it and will stick with it.  Maybe I will find that here in Midmarch or Tusk, or maybe somewhere else in this relatively new land."

She raised her glass to her companion in a silent toast. "Eight to ten hours isn't too bad, depending on the weather, of course.  A nice day out with time for a picnic at lunch." Rana smiled and winked at Marik, surprising herself at her forwardness.  "Definitely must be the wine,' she thought with irony.

She took a spoonful of the stew, blowing gently on it to cool it down slightly before putting it in her mouth.  Rana closed her eyes and a smile adorned her lips as she enjoyed the taste of the stew, and the memories it evoked.  For a moment, she imagined her mam coming out from the kitchen with an apron wrapped around her waist and her hair slightly mussed, it tasted so close to home.  Opening her eyes, she smiled at Marik, "Thank you for the recommendation, this is absolutely perfect!"

Marik nods to Gedd, "I stand corrected. I must admit, I have always been a little jealous of those able to form bonds with a familiar. Thank you for the offer, and the stew," he said with a warm smile.

He then turned his attention to Rana, "Ah yes, the Brevic Knights. I am an officer myself, as are most of the adventurers, lords, and ladies here in Tusk, and Midmarch more generally. For the most part it's just a means to ensure you that your actions within Midmarch are sanctioned by Lord leMaistre and that he can count on your loyalty when it becomes necessary. I wouldn't consider it too much of a burden as long as you are willing to swear the oath to him."

As she mentioned his accomplishments, he thought for a second; that hadn't exactly been his goal when his first set off for Midmarch, but he supposed it was true. "You, know, I suppose I have begun to make a home for myself out here, as surprising as that seems to me. I had originally considered my adventures in Midmarch to simply be a means to an end, but I suppose they have proven to be an end to themselves."

As she raised her glass, he did so as well, "Yes, it's not a long trip, and I think a picnic along the way would be a wonderful idea. I can't imagine any better company to do so with," he added with a smile.

"Yes, the stew here is quite good," he said as he began to dig in himself.

Rana spent a few quiet and comfortable minutes concentrating on her meal, alternating between spoonsful of stew with dunking fresh bread in the bowl until it was full of the tasty gravy.  She paused to take another sip of her wine and then smiled at Marik.

"If I haven't yet said it, or if I forget to say it before the end of the evening, I just want to thank you for your company.  I am thoroughly enjoying myself."

She held his gaze for a few moments longer, then returned her attention to her dinner.

"As am I," Marik said with a smile between bites.

When they'd both finished their dinner and had another glass of wine, he leaned forward slightly in his chair, "Well, I guess I have no other excuses to keep you here any longer," he says with a lopsided smile. "May I walk you home at least?"

Rana took the last bit of her bread and sopped up the last of the stew's gravy, then popped it in her mouth, absently licking a stray bit of the gravy from her thumb.  She was feeling quite content and a small frown briefly crossed her lips when Marik suggested that it was time to call it an evening.  However, the frown disappeared quickly to be replaced with a smile.

"For a moment, I forgot that I wasn't home.  I would be happy for you to accompany me  home, although, sadly, home is just the local barracks at the moment." She added the last with a chuckle.  "In fact, if you walk me back, then I won't have to ask for directions.  Things look different at night and I'm not positive that I could find the most direct route back this evening."

"Well, we couldn't have you getting lost," he says with a smile as he stands and offers her his hand. "It's not far, but if you don't know where you're going, it can be a bit confusing."

Rana picked up her cloak, draping it over her shoulders and closing the clasp, then looked around the room, nodding and smiling at Berta and waving a cheery 'good-bye' to Gedd at the bar.  She placed her hand in Marik's, and let him lead the way out of the tavern.  She paused just outside and looked around, trying to get her bearings, before turning with a sheepish grin to Marik.

"I'm afraid I told a slight fib, Marik.  I could probably find my way back to the barracks as I'm staying at the ones in the Keep," she pointed to the structure that stood above the rest of the town.  "Sorry."