The man smiled at Millys query with a calm demeanor to him.
"Simply put, the location of Vitrolle is ideal. We are near water, and near a major trade route. We can get produce ourselves due to this; fruitful lands and with the ongoing trade and halts from many travelers, we can acquire many things or establish deals that allow us to prosper beyond our means otherwise. Keep in mind we have the passes to the east and many dwarven strongholds nearby. We have done well for ourselves."

The man nodded and took a glass with Jareik.
"Oh cheers, that would be great! This is imported aswell, up north, tangy and fruitful!"


Elsewhere, Cecla preparing for being cleansed and patched up noticed a curious sound. Below. Or rather across and below. As if someone moved under the dorm, from west to east. A muffled sound followed, but the initial thought of someone halting and watching them was replaced by a more concerning....what is happening below. Judging by the sound, it came from or around, below perhaps the city hall, heavily guarded at first glance.
As she smelled the bath, Cecla noticed a curious soap but also flowery smell, that was sharp. Not a botanist the smell was curious to her at least.

Jareik grinned and sipped aswell.

The explanation made sense, dwarves nearby for security and a continual trade of people to fleece gold from, win-win for everyone involved.

Maybe Gille is just acting up from being between four walls. We're being watched alright, watched in how to best win over our crowns with a smile that is.

"Can't tell where from it's from, guessing one of the Osters. Thakfully one doesn't need to know their wine to enjoy them!" he said taking another swig.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:42, Fri 22 Dec 2023.

Etain gets to work gently scrubbing the wounds, sloughing off dead skin and using the water to rinse any debris that's inside. Etain follows Cecla's hand movements and takes her axe from its loop and places the beard on the edge of tub for easy access but should anyone be watching she shifts a little to make it seem like it was just in her way as she moved. [Language unknown: "Ck e et pre?"] she asks while making it seem like she isn't concerned by anything.

The elf nodded to himself as the group made their way into the relative safety of the inn.  Time for introductions would come later, when there were fewer eyes about.

For the moment, Arkamir's priority was finding out who the red-haired man was, as well as discovering his interest in the new arrivals.  So, rather than rushing into the inn, Arkamir drifted along with the through, keeping an eye out for anyone with whom he'd shared a drink.  Or at least anyone with a slightly less guarded face.

When he found what seemed like a likely target, he wandered over toward them nodding and giving a standard bland greeting and how-do-you do.  As he was about to move on, he asked, off-handedly, "Who's the guy with the fiery hair and eyes?"

Milly nodded in agreement as the man spoke. "That is quite remarkable. I suppose the only downsides may be the occasional raid from the foul or some savage creature plaguing the wild, like those trolls we felled. But that, to an extent, is true of most places in one way or another back in the Empire. I, for one, am happy that such a prosperous haven exists along the road. For all we know, we are visiting an early for of the Altdorf of the South."

Milly tapped her chin. "I can certainly say that life seems easier here than back home. Say, Helmuth, were you born and raised here? Or did you come seeking your fortunes from elsewhere? What about the townsfolk?"

Gille could not shake the feeling of unease. Instead of joining the others, he kept an watchful eye, looking for anything unusual.
He wished there had been more time to practice with his daggers. His bow was useless inside and he was not skillful enough with the daggers to be sure he would not hit innocent bystanders.

[Language unknown: "Evanpr hisicaany... Ri of Le onsardter st. Trforo al nope onnane, cech, urdipate mo ch formo... Eraaresanwitast el vermi whe ill wersheort ss ainthupro p houonstha ce wilvireve a cami is waouli ers acur ichas se stick aihat ou plast."] the Dwarf replied with a deepening frown as she kept her shoulders squared in the anticipation that dignity was going to have to give way to decisive action. Which didn't help to lessen any of the pain from the varied acid burns along her limbs but she wasn't going to complain about that if being ready meant the difference between a chance and guaranteed problems.

"Best to keep our wits about us but that doesn't change much." Cecla concluded with a switch to the common tongue for Marie's benefit. There was a note of urgency just to ensure they closed ranks as soon as they could and be ready for whatever problem her gut was telling her was on the horizon.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:31, Sat 23 Dec 2023.

[Language unknown: "Esbe wiaric eraandcon ekalnc, iltr u oread ugheauati k. Omentirea il elast onshisant, ecul ateureent u are."] She tells Marie to keep her in the loop

A humble man turned and eyed Arkamir with caution at first but then a slight smile.
"That be the good Ernst Helmuth. Strong leader, of noble descent in Middenheim and ever since arriving and turning the place around - I got here afterwards - have seen it flourish and grow. People listen to him and are rightfully enthralled by his presence. He is also very friendly, you should go say hello yourself!"
The man continued his drink and chatted around, leaving Arkamir to himself for now.

In the board room, the sound faded, but those attuned noticed a loud thud and something heavily dropping, with a slight whimper.
Whatever it was, was beneath them and lead under them - but they were merely bystanders and not involved for now.

As Etain touched the water, she felt curious - as if her head was heavy and dazed, just briefly. Applying the watery substance to Marie, makes her feel much the same. Like a quick, strong, drunk feeling, that in mere seconds vanish.

----------------------
Elsewhere Ernst enlightened the group as more and more people turned in for the night, leaving few within a span of half an hours time.
"I grew up far from here. Son of a noble house in Middenheim. Never settled with me. Good education and so, but never felt any challenge nor effort in my days.
Myself ending here is more of a tale, but in short, an old friend, I studied with entailed this location, on his travels. Place was rundown, abandoned and in need of repair, aid, effort and focus. It gave me great joy and excitement and through means and connections I build this town slowly - sparking interest and well...here we are some time later. Dull detailing yes, but thats how it went. Fortune favored us and the rest was negotiation. I am by no means born for this, but I had an ambition and thoughts and have built my own future and legacy...and that makes me eager for more."

With the odd sensation of the water washing over her and the noises she heard she drops the cloth she was using and the soap and says in Khazalid and then Breton "I don't like this, something is off about this place, we should suit back up." as she moves and takes the axe and keeps it in hand. If she gets an acknowledgement she will say in as normal of a tone as she can, "Okay, once your done its my turn" in case anyone is listening.

Arkamir nodded along as the passerby spoke.  His ears perked when the man used the word "enthrall".  Perhaps it was just a mortal explanation for common When he concluded, he thanked for his time and assured him that he certainly would make introductions when the time seemed to be convenient for everyone.

He, of course, did not intend to do so immediately.  He remained apart and considered the winds as a possible reason for his unease in the town, and endeavored to see if there were wisps of the winds cycling through the area.  Later, when there were fewer people around, he took a moment to examine the winds' relation to Ernst - to see whether he had the favor of some in one way or another.



22:45, Today: Arkamir Ran-Helethel rolled 9 -- 6 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 76.  Magic Sense on the Area (what winds are blowing strongly).

22:46, Today: Arkamir Ran-Helethel rolled 18 -- 5 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 76.  Magic Sense on the Ernst (does he have magical effects going on).
This message was last edited by the player at 04:35, Sun 31 Dec 2023.

The dwarf, knowing how a voice can carry, said nothing and simply nodded when she had Etain's eye for a moment. The dropping of the wash clothe and soap said all that she needed to know in the moment. So she looked to what supplies she had on hand to tend to the last of her injuries before looking to her equipment. There wasn't anything she could really do to keep the arranging of her kit quiet but tried to time it so that it might sound... natural to anyone who may have been watching. It seemed like they were right on their way to trading the trolls for a siege of unseen enemies and the Runesmith's apprentice couldn't decide if she wouldn't have rather been back with the trolls.

They were brutes and simple at the least.

There was a faint hint in the air, very brief and faint.
The taste and smell was curious - Arkamir felt a sensation of being uplifted, empowered and oddly unable to control his emotions and feelings, and urges. Just briefly, but it threw him off.
Ernst himself was void - but experience had shown that this did not mean anything. He could be free of the winds or unable to yield it - the magic had to be used not long ago to linger. For now, Ernst had no link to anything, aside from being a charming man with a strong desire to please his guests.
But the area had remnants - close by - of something that would disturb the senses obviously. But what it came from was unclear.

 Marie swooned for a second, before shaking her head violently and fully coming back to herself. There was something in the water, in addition to there being some unseen audience beneath them. So back to the neat pile of clothes and armor that she had just struggled to escape. It seems the Lady was not going to grant her the mercy of cleanliness or relaxation from her injuries. the little amount of water that she had been plied with made putting back on some of her grimy clothes much more difficult, despite their need for haste. The socks and breeches especially fought her. The bloodstained tunic and gambeson went on easier however. And the hauberk was going to clearly need some oiling soon, but it was easier donning than doffing. The gauntlets and vampraces, not to mention the surcoat, helped everything stay where it was supposed too. And finally, placing her great helm upon her head, she looked like the bloodied and battered knight that she was.

"Let us meet these unseen foes..." she growled, ready to do violence.

Arkamir continued to observe quietly.  The group that had come into town were relatively known quantities... to him.  Ernst, however, he was unsure of and so wanted to take his time for a while longer.  Perhaps the man was just a good-hearted noble as he portrayed himself to be.  If he was, nothing was likely to be lost by not meeting with him now.  Otherwise, no need for him to know about Arkamir just yet.

Etain helps both Marie and Cecla to armour up then readies the axe in a high grip, near the axehead for closer fighting and nods to the others thats she's ready for whatever happens next, whether that involved violence or not.

As Marie, Etain and Cecla venture outside into the streets near the town hall, they notice that the otherwise sharp eyes and careful guards for the time being are..gone. The otherwise guarded and enclosed entrance to the halls are open or at least not protected.
As you walk out you hear further mumbling and dragging feet beneath you. Faint but present. Leading to the very hall in question.

Across the street, the otherwise emptying in has all but Ernst left who remains out of courtesy but makes hints of wanting to turn in for the night.
Turning, he downed his wine, smiled and bowed his head.
"I have little else for now good people- Unless I can assist with further, I will let you turn in, and I will do the same; let the good folk running the inn also get a chance to get some shuteye."
In a curious moment Arkamir notices something...new.

Etain let the axe slip down her grip to a proper fashion and says to the others "I think I want my shield, we should head to the cart, check Josette and perhaps we call the others out here, we were attacked by trolls only a few miles from here and there are no guards and something odd in the water, this sits very ill with me."

Jareik nodded and listened to the conversation between the wizard and the villager whilst continuing to enjoy his drink in mostly silence, raising his eyebrow when Ersent dropped he was the son of middenheim nobility.
He would have asked why anyone would give that life up but Ernst's detailing of how he rebuilt the town and turned it into what it was today was a satisfaction he could understand. Perhaps he should consider it as a retirement plan for himself.

"Aye, cheers for the stories, interesting to hear how this place propped up. Have a good night."

He stretched a bit and yawned. "Wonder how the others are getting on with their bathing?" he said half jokingly to Milly and Gille as he stood up, ready to leave and get some shut eye.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:42, Fri 26 Jan.

"Aye, stinks worse than the trolls. Too many things don't line up." Cecla offered with a nod of agreement towards Etain, the dwarf's own guard not lowering more than it had to as she took a proper scan of their surroundings for a hint of any kind of life. No guards, no bustle, nothing even at this hour stood out as far too odd after everything else and had her suspecting all manner of unnatural and foul play.

"Let's be quick about it though. Don't want to test fate any more than we have to. Goin' to be another night of watch rotations till we can get underway again." the Runesmith's Apprentice added with grim dedication to the notion that nothing was going to go right tonight... and more than a little bitterness that any semblance of a chance to lower her guard was long flown from it's proverbial cage.

Gille had been on edge the whole evening, peering into every shadow an listening to hear the silence that befell often at tables with those who were discussing private things.
Yet nothing had happened and a seed of regret of not touching the wine had seeped in.

When Jareik proposed to call it the night, Gille sighted.
He was more then ready to sleep as well. When mentioning the women who went off to take a bath he frowned.
"Shouldn't they've been back already?" he asked?

Jareik shrugged and waved dismissively with a wave of an armored hand. "How long does it usually take to get cleaned from a troll puke shower?"

But fine, its costed nothing to indulge the archer.
"We can knock on the door but if they ask for volunteers to help with the cleanup, I'm making a tactical withdrawal."

Arkamir's eyes narrowed at what he saw, and he made a mental note of it.  Then he smiled to himself as the suspicious noble finally seemed to be departing.  Unfortunately, the noble had now drawn his more immediate concern, and so his plan to speak with the adventuring group was delayed for what seemed like the fortieth time in as many days.

Arkamir watched Ernst to see where he would go once he left the inn.

OOC:
Whoever is in the "bathroom" - feel free to leave whenever, all on you, and vice versa.

Ernst ventured outside, took a breath of fresh air and stretched.
Eyeing around as if to secure he was not followed, he ventured inside the town hall and steer slightly right, his footsteps were heard heading downwards. A small voice was heard as he vocalized concern about the lack of control at the door. However Arkamir would have to head inside to learn and hear more and be hasty about it!