Sabu walked in silence as they made their way to the docks. She kept her eyes open for anything suspicious. Large crowded streets and docks were good places for ambushes and assassination attempts. She took her charge as bodyguard very seriously. A moment of laxity could end her career before it began.

Upon reaching the docks, she maintained her lookout for danger. Never leaving Khalid’s side, she accompanied him to speak to this ‘jungle man’. She smiled at the dwarves before they parted company.

This comment draws a look from Khalid and his responding smile is thoughtful and his eyes look off as if losing their focus for a very brief moment.  Khalid would not be needing the coins where they were going and Sabu would know, by what she heard him tell the boy in parting that his optimism is not completely genuine.

Sachu was bright for a native, and a street urchin before Khalid caught him attempting to pick his pocket that first day in the harbor.  Both of Sachu's parents were lost to the wilds and while he may seem to the boy as a surrogate father, the boy to him is the little brother he never had.

This moment of reflection is brief and prior to him approaching Alexandru.  He is thankful that Sabu remains his shadow.  It speaks well for her competence in the capacity for which she was hired.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:24, Tue 29 May 2007.

Still in recline,Alexandru turned his head to regard the well-to-do man who adressed him.His hazel eyes roamed lazily over each of the city folk before him,taking a bit more time to roam over the female.

The jungle man was of average height so far as anyone could tell,slumped as he was upon the crates and netting.His hair was jet black,worn short and in small dreads.His skin was a deep tan and spoke of the time he spent in the elements.Small,almost imperceptible scars flecked his body, a great one sat prominently upon his right bicep.In his lip hung an obsidian hoop,in his earlobes dangled plugs of bone,and all about the rest of him hung of charms and bangles of earthen production.His leather armor covered only what it needed to and it's decorations were clearly not of this region but hinted at one with a far more illustrious history.A very dark shield lay flat at his side,and although various weapons could be found upon him,he was not an imposing figure.An aura of unfettered lawlessness,confidence,and feralilty radiated from him and yet as he spoke it became apparent he was clearly educated and wellspoken,however brash.

"I am..."He said at last,eyes finaly lifting from the females form."...What's so important that such thoroughbreds as yourselves would leave the safety and luxury of this delightful town and venture into that?"He says,nodding towards the thick jungle.

Assuming the two individuals (Candlewick and Nikolai) will follow Ovi to hear Khalid's proposal, Ovi will turn and return to the group, arriving just in time to hear Alexandru speak.

Thoroughbreds? Heh, he must be talkin' 'bout Muley. He pats the mule affectionaly on the side as he glances at the man, the smile on his face a contrast to his brother's typical glower.

Nikolai gives a halting introduction, but defers to his companion on whether to follow up on the dwarf's offer.

"Ehh," Candlewick peers suspiciously at the dwarf. "What kind of offer?  We're newly arrived at this fine port city, we don't have anything to offer in trade if that's what you are wondering.  Nor are we interested in any womenly companionship for the evening if that's your business."  Candlewick pauses for a moment, a grin underneath his greying beard.  "But if you have some other sort of business, I'm sure my friend and I would be willing for you to buy us a decent tank of ale while we listen."

Ovi responded to the old man before moving over to listen to Alexandru.

Heh, you dun have t' worry. I'll be keepin' the women t' myself and we dun want to trade ya anything, 'cept maybe a bit o' gold for your time and assistance. You'll be havin' speak with my associate 'bout that, though. He gestures toward Khalid. I do know he makes good on buyin' drinks, though. So if you're interested in hearin' him out, step on over...I'm sure he'll make it worth your while.

"Well, can't pass up a chance for a free drink!" Candlewick winks at the dwarf and heads towards Khalid, to see what the fine gentlemen has to offer.

Ovi laughs and pats the man on the arm lightly. Your speakin' my language. Heh.

Khalid gives a thoughtful response to Alexandru's words, brow lifting and a small, toothy smile drawn in by his cheeks.  "A question I have asked myself many times over these past few days.  The answer I would give you is perhaps not the same as those that I have voiced to myself in earnest but in a time such as this, one must lean towards the most practical and immediate resolution, even if means leaving this," gesturing around him at the fairly safe environs of the harbor, "...and venturing forth into that." nodding his head towards the lush jungle vegitation creeping above the far walls.

Noticing the arrival of 2 others, Khalid nods his head to them in greeting.  "It appears I should simply explain myself to a larger audience.  Very well,"

Khalid takes a step back and to the side, closer to the crates where Alexandru rests and gestures for everyone to gather closer.  There is no hint of nervousnous or paranoia in his posturing, the man upon first impression seems as if nothing in the world could phase him.  He does give a look around the dock, corners of his mouth prickling with the ever constant beginnings of a smile and then with eyes and attention shifting between Candlewick, Nikolai and Alexandru... he starts with a slight bow of his head.

"My name is Khalid Ahmed, a native of Calimport but displaced here in this jungle land on family business.  This business has been left in my hands to manage, at the behest of my father, in the wake of my older brother who has not only lost a valuable resource to my family, but also managed to lose his own self and a large portion of our labor as well.  It is imperative I learn what truly happened and the only way that this can be accomplished is for me to simply go out there and see for myself.  Only a fool like my brother would tackle a task such as this without help and this is where you come in.  My family is capable of paying you a stipend of service but these are things that will require more discussion than we have time for.  I realize this is not the greatest approach to a negotiation of business terms, but I am not a businessman, I am a wizard forced into economical dealings for lack of better prospects."

Khalid sweeps an open hand outward as if to indicate that the decision is yours while his other hand produces a bottle of icewine.  Removing the cork, a slight chill of the air escapes from within.  He takes in the sweet smell of it with a sigh of appreciation and then regards the remaining three in anticipation of their response.

OOC: Just passing the time with this post.  Don't let it delay our leaving.  I am leaving out the backdrop so I can ask as we roam through the jungle!

Balrok squints suspiciously at the priest with his one good eye.  "So leddme get dis straight... yu actually 'spect me to believe ur name is Candlewick?  What goblin-lovin' mother of a randy elf wuld go an' name her yungin' after uh candle?  Or du dey jus' call yu that cuz ya got somethin' wrong with ur... wick... if yu know what I mean?  Heh heh heh."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:36, Sun 03 June 2007.

Now, Balrok. You should be nice. Ain't none o' your business whether the man's wick burns or not.

That does get me thinkin'. Candlewick is kinda hard t' shout out in a battle and what not. How 'bout somethin' shorter? Wicky maybe?

Balrok nods, "Aye, that'll be easier tu shout.  Like, 'Wicky, look out, here comes a candle snuffer!'  Heh heh heh."  Balrok's demeanor quickly changes back to serious and intimidating, however, and he resumes giving "Wicky" the evil eye.  "But gud a nickname as dat is--what's ur real name, Wicky?  Gotta keep track of dese things."  (Balrok always wants names--after all, he might know them for trouble, or they might be in the dwarves "Bingo Book" (their list of people who owe the dwarves money but aren't worth a special search).)
This message was last edited by the player at 04:47, Sun 03 June 2007.

Nikolai seems a little intimidated, both by Khalid's flowery language and the dwarfs' coarse banter, so stays silent and sticks close to Candlewick.

However, as the party get to know him better over the short time until departure, he opens up, especially when away from the crowded streets. Under the diffident exterior Nikolai is a loyal companion, who even exhibits a deadpan humour in his more voluable moments.

Sabu stood watching the group as they got to know one another as well as scanning the surroundings for danger. Her vigilance was almost shaken when the dwarves began teasing Candlewick. She had to admit, it was a bizarre name. Perhaps it was a literal translation from another language. In her language her name meant Touched by the Sun. Although she would never introduce herself in such a manner, other cultures did. Candlewick appeared to be Calishite, but she could be wrong.

Testing the waters of communication, she spoke up in Alzhedo.

[Private to Candlewick: If you do not speak Alzhedo, please disregard.]

[Private to Candlewick; Khalid Ahmed: Do not be insulted by the dwarves. It is in their nature to pick on new people, it seems. They are quite well meaning once you get to know them.]

Alexandru sucked at his teeth as he mulled over the wizard's proposition.The druid was perfectly content to continue his wanderings alone and was certainly held no love for mines,especialy human mines as they tended to be more careless with their treatment of the land.Just as he was about to waive a hand in refusal he remembered the ruins,the ones which had thwarted him time and again.Perhaps this motley group could be of some use after all..

"Alright,I'll lead you into the jaws of the wild if your sure your prepared for what's out there.Those of you in metalic armor will soon be cultivating lovely gardens of fungus and rot within your metal shells not to mention be so fatigued and chaffed you'll wish you we're naked,animals AND plants will be licking their chops as they watch you in silence,preserved foodstuffs will spoil quickly in the heat and humidity,there's the wild men and dwarves who might think your skulls an excellent collection to their fetishes,and then there is the Yuan-ti..."he looked each of them in the eye with severity,judging there responses,trying his hardest not to laugh at his frightening depiction of the jungle,however accurate it may be."..Right then,let's be off!"

Balrok is not amused by anyone attempting to scare him; that's his job.  He glares up at Alexandu with his one good eye, the garnet of his eye patch flashing red in the light, one hand fingering his dwarven waraxe.  Leaning forward, he grumbles in a low voice, "You jus' listen here, jungle boy--du day I take off me 'metal' armor is du day dey pry it off me cold, dead corpse, cuz dwarves are built stone tuff.  And ya might have more 'xperience in du jungle, lad, but Ovi an' I been walkin' roads and 'xploren ruins before yur mudder was a gleam in the eye of yur randy grandpappy.  Yur a goblin'-kissen fool if yu think we didn't give no thought 'bout food an' drink (an' we even brought water, too!)."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:31, Mon 04 June 2007.

Ovi jumps in right after Balrok, waving his hand in dismissal at the gruff dwarf. Heh, you'll have t' 'xcuse me brudder. Sometimes he needs me t' translate fer him... Make dat most o' da time. The blonde dwarf glares at Balrok before continuing. What he meant t' say was "We'd be pleas'd t' have yer expertise on dis mission. An' thanks t' my good lookin' an' wise brudder, who made me do some homework, I got me plenty a food an' water.

He looks at his brother and sighs. 'bout da armor... That was da best I could do. He was dis close t' bringing a suit o' full plate to cook himself in. He holds his thumb and forefinger up, each about an inch apart to emphasize his point, then shrugs. He is right 'bout us dwarves bein' stone tough an' all, though. He grins and pats Alexandru on the shoulder. Good t' have ya aboard.

"Ehh, it's a complicated story.  In the end it was a nickname from a misspent youth that has carried over to the present day."   Candlewick gives an uncaring shrug, "But you can call me whatever you like - a name is only important if it has power, and this name does not.  Besides, " he says, giving the dwarven brothers a wink, "I've been called far worse in my life!"

Candlewick nods at the young woman, speaking up in Alzhedo.

"Like you have said, their comments are not intended to be insulting.  I have met numerous dwarves so I am familiar with the ways that they can behave."


OOC: I can't figure out how to do private lines ><.  Oh well.

Balrok squints suspiciously at "Wicky".  "Anyone whose would go an' not give der real name 'prolly has uh reason tu hide it, or I'm a bearded nome.  Der a reason I should be 'spicious of ya, Wicky?"

"I don't know about suspicious, but you can be intimidated if you want.  My dashing good looks drive women wild, and I can drink strong men under the table."

"As for my real name, I think you are a little confused.  In the place where I was raised children have child names - until they reach a certain age at when they choose their adult names.  When I was still a child I was nicknamed 'Candlewick' due to an unfortunate circumstance.  When it came time to choose my adult name, I decided to stick with the nickname - some of the elders were upset, but it was my choice in the end.  So for all purposes, 'Candlewick' is my real name, no matter how humorous you might find it."

"Hear that,Lumpy?"Says Alexandru quietly towards the earth."They named him Candlewick due to an unfortunate circumcision,tradgedy."

Balrok scowls.  "I 'sume ya ain't talkin' tu yur mornin' porri'ge, jungle boy, so who or what's a 'Lumpy'?"

Alexandru laughs at the wording used in the dwarves inquisition and through his chuckles replies.
"You shouldn't assume."

got info...and laughed the whole time