Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Tiefling-Aasimar
13 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by argiirate on Sept 16, 2022 5:09:23 GMT -5
It was good to be home. Argi Irate, a native of the Ash Lands, squinted in the afternoon sun. The town square was just as they remembered it: chaotic, yet predictable to those who knew it. This was one of the few times of the year that the citizens of Darkveil could go out and about with no repercussions: Count Mallock's birthday.
The goons and rogues, who usually possessed the lands even during daytime, had been driven away by the Count's forces. The town square was decked out in dark splendour - obsidian furniture, glowing rock sculptures, and heaps and heaps of food covered the central hold of the city. Hawkers marched freely, announcing obscenely high prices, and children ran brazenly between stalls.
It was exactly the kind of atmosphere that generated the hottest gossip and most scorching opinions - did people like the Count's celebration? Did anybody think it was pointless? Where could one get the best, cheapest, lava jewellery? Argi didn't exactly care for trivial talk. They were, however, eager to gauge the latest political buzz in the Ash Lands.
They weren't exactly a famous writer, so there was no risk of rousing suspicion. All they had to do was spot the perfect candidate for conversation, and reel them in...
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
Renown
Enter your message here...
38 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Finley on Sept 16, 2022 9:26:39 GMT -5
“Clean of feather, valiant of eye.”
The black-clothed man leaned in close to Finley and exhaled smoke into his face.
“Your work is smooth, just how the Boss likes it, but you refused...”
“W-well, er, I’m b-busy, you see…”
“Don’t sweat it, you have potential, if you ever need friends, we’re available.”
Finley looked down at the rudimentary business card in his hands, with the words, “Father Fethlum’s Chemicals”
Finley sighed and put the card into his pocket. He rubbed his eyes and wiped his face of the smoke, and hurried out of the shadowy alleyway.
At first, he had simply come to Darkveil looking for an alchemical ingredient exclusive to the Ash Lands. Then one thing led to another, and he ended up doing business with the crime gangs of Darkveil.
It was a one time thing, in exchange for his sought-after ingredient, he would craft a few potions of enhanced speed for them. A fair trade, and they even paid him handsomely too.
Overall the whole ordear left a bad taste in his mouth, and the Solars in his bag felt heavier than ever.
He walked along the festive and noisy streets, feeling quite down.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Tiefling-Aasimar
13 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by argiirate on Sept 16, 2022 10:37:48 GMT -5
Argi wandered around aimlessly, munching snacks every now and then. Why isn't anything HAPPENING, he thought. But then, business was always slow in the early hours of the Count's galas. And it was even worse with the bouts of loneliness that came with being a nomadic bard.
It all happened rather slowly. Argi wasn't watching their steps, and the other guy came out of nowhere too. For two visibly distracted people, they startled quite easily.
Argi overshadowed the kid by at least a head or two, despite being pretty short themself. The Aviankin's tools and pouches clattered onto the floor, some rolling away.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there!" Argi hastily apologised and began helping the stranger pick up his stuff. Nobody paid much attention to the scene; passersby simply gave the two people a wide berth and moved on with their day.
The Aviankin was clearly some sort of academic assistant, so Argi tried to do the least they could to make up for possibly damaging his goods. "Do you have any master you need to get to, young scholar?" they asked. "I do hope I didn't disturb any of those potions you've got there."
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
25
Renown
Half Elf
All over the world!
124 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by River on Sept 20, 2022 23:49:22 GMT -5
River wiped the sweat from her forehead as she strolled along the town square. Damn Darkveil heat, she thought. She had been here in Darkveil a few days looking for her cousin Calloway. Not that he was her “real” cousin. In the troupe she had traveled with most of her life, if you weren’t actual blood kin, everyone was considered either your ‘cousin’, your ‘Uncle’, or your ‘Auntie’. River had no idea who her actual family was. Her found family was a group of misfits who had banded together to form their own community. The Marauding Minstrels were a traveling minstrel troupe, providing entertainment wherever they went. The troupe had taken in orphans, street urchins, and other castoffs, giving them a home and skills for survival. Calloway and she had been close chums during their childhood, often causing mischief roaming the streets of the villages their troupe visited, and she was looking forward to meeting up with him again here in Darkveil where he was supposed to be performing with his current acrobatic troupe. Count Mallock’s birthday celebration provided a perfect venue for Calloway and his antics. The town square buzzed with activity. Artists hawked their creations, and musicians played their songs with relish. This was definitely Calloway’s kind of place. It was hers as well.
River began humming along with a particularly lively ditty a group of musicians were playing. Without a thought, she moved over to them and began harmonizing in a clear alto. The lute player smiled at her, and encouraged her to continue. River sang with gusto, expelling all of her cares and worries in the joy of music. When the song ended, River thanked them for their graciousness, and left them to continue her stroll around the square. River stopped to browse through a stack of cloth remnants at one of the stalls, particularly interested in the one with the forest green pattern that matched the color of her hair perfectly. Her attention was diverted when two passersby bumped into each other causing one to drop an assortment of items onto the ground. A runaway tool of some sort came rolling towards River, stopping when it came upon her boot clad foot. River reached down and picked up the strange tool, and walked over to where the young aviankin and tiefling stood. “ I believe this is yours,” River said, handing the aviankin the tool. “ Hate to have you lose that.” She laughed. “ Although I have no idea what it's for.” “Besides dropping your valuables, have you been enjoying the festivities?” she said with a grin. “I’m River, by the way.”
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Tiefling-Aasimar
13 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by argiirate on Sept 21, 2022 6:02:11 GMT -5
The kid just sort of shuffled in silence. He seemed spooked by something. River seemed pleasant enough, so Argi smiled back. "Thanks for the help. I'm Argi, the one that knocked down the poor lad."
River was really pretty, Argi observed idly. And in the corner of his eye, he could see the Aviankin looking more uncomfortable by the second. You and me both, he thought. He cleared his throat after he realised that River was looking at him expectantly. His social skills really were rusty.
"So what brings you here, River? Apart from the huge feast, I mean." Argi cringed internally and tried to pass it off with a laugh. He began to walk as he talked, so they could be led away from the young Aviankin. There was little harm in having a stroll with a non-Ashlander in public on the most secure day of the year, he decided.
At worst, she'd try to rob him of his notes, and at best, she'd prove to be the most interesting visitor Argi had seen all day.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
25
Renown
Half Elf
All over the world!
124 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by River on Sept 22, 2022 10:55:43 GMT -5
River frowned as the tiefling who had introduced themselves as Argi led them away from the young aviankin. Not one to interfere with others’ decisions or motivations, River shrugged, assuming the boy would be able to take care of himself.
“Feasts on this scale are not usually my thing,” River said with a soft chuckle. “A little too ostentatious for my taste actually. But I do enjoy the artists and showmen. I’m here hoping to find an old friend who is supposed to be part of the entertainment during the birthday celebration. An acrobatic troupe.” Looking around, River added, “I don’t see them here anywhere though. Perhaps they are not slated to appear until the big extravaganza later this evening.”
River glanced at the tiefling half-breed at her side. “You’re a local, aren’t you? My kind of half-breed stands out here as an obvious non-Ashlander or ‘outlander’ as they say. I spent most of my youth in Moonglade, but I’ve traveled all over and consider myself a citizen of the world.”
River paused, a melancholy expression flashing across her face. “As a bit of a nomad, it’s hard to say where I belong.” Sheepish that she had shared even such a small piece of herself, she smiled and added, “But it’s always enjoyable to meet new people. Good to meet you, Argi. What is your plan on this fine day?”
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Tiefling-Aasimar
13 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by argiirate on Sept 23, 2022 8:27:05 GMT -5
So River was observant. Well, that was fine; conversations were two-way streets, after all. Her flair for language, performer friend, and nomadic lifestyle all pointed towards her being an entertainer herself. Argi felt slightly guilty about his first thought being that she'd be an ideal interviewee, but hey, he had to earn his own bread, right? Plus, he sort of wanted to know what a Moonglader thought of the Ashlands.
"I didn't exactly have plans, per se," said Argi. "I mean, I roam around, too, so I'm just enjoying my hometown for today." He kicked a small pebble aside.
After walking some time in that typical strangers' uncertain silence, Argi asked, "I don't know the performers' schedule, but I could help you find your friend - what with me being a local and all," he tried to go for a helpful smile (his friend always told him it looked unnerving. whatever.), and added: "Do you know which area he could be in? I mean, if you've been here before, that is..."
Argi really wondered how he had gotten this far as a writer. Some communication skills, he had. At least River didn't look uncomfortable.
Hang on... she said she was new, but she could be anything as far he was concerned. Local, my foot, he thought. A couple of years away from this place and I've already forgotten that the town square is never a hundred percent safe.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
25
Renown
Half Elf
All over the world!
124 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by River on Sept 26, 2022 9:19:18 GMT -5
River noticed that Argi seemed a bit uncomfortable. Understandable when meeting new people here in Darkveil City. One never knew who to trust. River smiled warmly at Argi, attempting to ease their mind. “I’m not worried about digging deep to find Calloway. He’ll show up when he does.”
She gestured at the flurry of activity around them. “There’s always something of interest that grabs my attention. I quite enjoyed singing with a group of minstrels earlier.” As they walked, several merchants shouted out at them to come and see their wares. “Unfortunately shopping is definitely off my list today. I’ve found the prices quite inflated. Count Mallock’s birthday celebration is obviously geared toward a higher class clientele than when I’ve visited in the past. Keeping the riff raff out, eh?” River shook her head at the arrogance and entitlement, not surprised in the least. Count Mallock was notorious for ignoring the needs of the lower classes that lived and worked here in the city.
“Should we find a place to sit and watch? My favorite pastime, watching people. I craft stories about them for my songs.” River laughed. “My imagination probably adds a whole new level of zaniness to their lives, but I find it fun.”
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Tiefling-Aasimar
13 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by argiirate on Sept 28, 2022 0:47:25 GMT -5
"That sounds nice. Eating and gossiping, the two basic needs across species," Argi smiled. They found themself nodding along to River's words about Count Mallock and the price situation. Something about her inflection put them at ease, unwise though that may be. Besides, they were in public. What could go wrong?
"I'm not the perceptive kind, unfortunately. You could hand me a mirror and I still couldn't guess a thing about the person I saw in there," which. Yikes. Argi had the bad habit of making jokes that hit on just the wrong side of too sincere. Sue them, were trying to be friendly, okay?
"Anyway! Whom do you wanna brew a backstory for first? Bonus points if I know the person and you get it right," suggested Argi.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
25
Renown
Half Elf
All over the world!
124 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by River on Sept 28, 2022 15:12:26 GMT -5
River led them to a bench at the edge of the square under a large shade tree. As soon as she sat down, River pulled out her lute and began to strum. “Ok. Let’s see,” she said, her gaze roaming the streets while her fingers moved across the frets. “That one over there. The stout dragonkin with the dark cloak. Kind of reminds me of someone I encountered recently who could use a cloak like that to vanish in a puff of smoke.”
She laughed. “Looking at that bloke though, I doubt he has any kind of magick. Watch how he stumbles. My guess is that he’s all alone and feeling lonely. Thinks drinking will cure his woes. Not so sure I’d want to write a song about him. Too forlorn for my taste.” River glanced at Argi, and asked, “You know him?”
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Tiefling-Aasimar
13 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by argiirate on Sept 30, 2022 21:26:07 GMT -5
"No, actually. But you're probably right. How strange for someone to come all the way to Darkveil just to get drunk and wallow in their misery." Seeing River's lute, Argi grinned.
"I once had a friend in Moonglade, he had a mighty blade," they began - well, not quite singing,they were quite out-of-tune. But the rhyme was in their head now.
"I once had a friend in Moonglade, he had a mighty blade, He always drank some ale and kept some in his pocket in the day. We always meet in Darkveil, drink and keep the mighty pain away."
Okay, so Argi had to squeeze some syllables here and there to make the words fit. Whatever, at least they were bonding over strangers. They quickly whipped out their notebook and scribbled the rhyme down even as River watched. Generally, they didn't write when they had company, but it was worth it to keep the rhyme with them forever.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
25
Renown
Half Elf
All over the world!
124 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by River on Oct 3, 2022 14:28:36 GMT -5
River kept the beat as Argi sang. Their singing might not have been the best River had heard but she appreciated the effort. Music was a balm, a necessary solace, and River believed that everyone had it in them. They need only reach down and pull it out.
River’s gaze wandered as Argi wrote in their notebook. The square was getting more crowded as more townspeople arrived to join the festivities. Food was plentiful and minstrels and acrobats roamed the causeway. Acrobats? River mused, straining to see if Calloway was present among the gymnasts prancing along. She smiled having caught a glimpse of orange hair pulled up in a high ponytail on one of the performers.
River straightened to get a better look, placing her lute beside her on the bench. “I think I see my friend,” she exclaimed. “I would know that orange hair anywhere.” As she watched, the acrobats moved closer. Cartwheeling a few meters away was her cousin Calloway. Mid-flip he stopped and stared directly at her. “River,” he called. And without a moment’s hesitation, the tall, lanky half-elf left the procession and strode toward River, a broad grin on his face.
“You came,” he said in greeting, pulling River out of her seat and giving her a big hug. “It’s been too long, little one,” he said, playfully ruffling her hair.
“Little one?” River scoffed, laughter bubbling up. “I can’t believe you still call me that.” With a glance at Argi, River remembered her manners. “Argi, this is my missing friend, Calloway. Calloway, this is my new friend, Argi.”
Calloway bowed deeply, his orange ponytail flopping forward. “Good to meet you,” he said, flipping his hair back across his shoulder as he straightened to his full height. “Missing? How was I missing? I’ve been busy down at the fighting pits, entertaining the crazies down there.” He sighed, looking around at the sparkling clean square, uncommonly free of riffraff. “Good to be back to civilization.”
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Tiefling-Aasimar
13 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by argiirate on Oct 5, 2022 4:31:38 GMT -5
"If you can call it that," piped up Argi, feeling a sudden surge of confidence in the presence of two sociable people.
"If there's food and song, and nobody having a go at anyone, I call that a party," shot back Calloway. His eyebrows wiggled slightly every time he smiled, and Argi couldn't help but fixate their stare onto his forehead. Well, they had to look up anyway, given how much taller the two elves were.
"I was just talking to River about the newcomers in Darkveil, Calloway. I haven't seen you here before, either, are you from Moonglade too?"
Before Calloway could reply, Argi rushed over their own words. "Actually, I would love to chat with the both of you - River here has already proved to be quite entertaining - if you don't mind, I would love to chat more with the both of you when you're less busy, another day and place perhaps, about your experiences in the places you've visited. I forgot to mention this to River here, but I'm a writer. A piece about the differences in performance culture in Charon would be exquisite."
He had said this in a bit of a rush. Calloway's mouth was still pursed in a comical O. Oh dear, had Argi overstepped in her zeal to write some fresh material?
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
25
Renown
Half Elf
All over the world!
124 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by River on Oct 10, 2022 21:45:08 GMT -5
River gave Argi a warm smile, appreciating their enthusiasm and spontaneity in manner. And they were a writer! “Differences in performance culture?” River repeated with a chuckle. “I’m sure you could get this guy...” she playfully punched Calloway on the arm “...to pontificate for hours about the numerous troupes he’s been a part of.”
Suddenly River frowned, recalling Calloway’s earlier words. “Wait. …You were in the fighting pits? Are you nuts?” Calloway stiffened and for a brief moment unease flashed in his eyes. As quick as a wink, his expression transformed back into his performer’s mask.
“It’s all in a day’s work as you know, my little River,” he stated with a grin. “Entertain the crazies and they leave you in peace.” Or stalk you brazenly, Cal River retorted silently, keeping her thoughts to herself. Calloway didn’t need her mothering him. It was way past time for that. “You do you,” River said, waving a hand dismissively.
Calloway shrugged and turned to Argi. “So you write? Treatises or what? I mean, from what you said, you sound like some kind of scholar.”
River pulled out her journal, holding it up for Argi to see. “I write too. Mostly those made-up stories I told you about earlier. It’s all part of the recipe for a good song. So, Argi, can you tell us what you’re writing about right now?”
|
|