A Rogue, a Guardsman, a Mage, and a Chantry Sister, walk into a bar
Posted on 15 Sep 2020 @ 7:29pm by Mage Kalian Winter & Warrior Martin Josceran & Rogue Cainan Sauvage & Rogue Elinowy Ursulas
3,581 words; about a 18 minute read
Mission:
Prologue
Location: The Raven's Roost Tavern
Timeline: after 'Canticle of Twilight'
Tags: Elinowy, Cainan, Martin, Kalian
Kalian watched open-mouthed from the back of the tavern as Ben's burly friends wasted no time taking down the mugger.
Tessa shoved baby Gabriel into Kalian's arms and set about issuing orders to tie up the thief, send someone to fetch a guard, and generally worked with her husband to return the Raven's Roost tavern to normal.
Some patrons gathered around the bar, offering to buy the two heroes drinks. Two were taking a closer look at the unconscious man on the floor next to the hearth, although Tessa insisted they stay back. Kalian took a tray of empty tankards to the kitchen one-handed and watched the Chantry sister curiously as she re-entered the tavern and sat down next to a bowl of stew that Ben delivered himself.
Kalian approached the Chantry sister's table, still holding his baby nephew. "Good evening, sister."
Elinowy was leaned over her bowl of stew. It was common stew, hearty and flavorful, well pepper full, but she had had much worse. It was quite the blessing from a simple broth soup that she normally expected to receive. Her stomach would be fairly pleased with her tonight. Elinowy considered the fact that she had never gone hungry at the Chantry, even in the worst of times. But her instructions were to take nothing that was not given to her. Beggars can't be choosers. She was quite happy with her unexpected abundance for the evening.
at that point she became aware of the newcomer. Well she had noticed his approach, just hadn't thought he would be stopping at her table. And with a child at that. Ah, another blessing. She found she did this a lot on the road. She never realized so many people were eager for such a humble symbol of the Maker's grace. From her office at the Chantry, they all seemed to be after food, shelter and basic necessities. Now that she had nothing, more people appeared for something so simple. She turned to Kalian her hands already going for the infants forehead.
"What an adorable angel. Treat him with love and kindness and the Maker may provide for you as well." she said the words she had used hundreds of times, but still with a softness of real compassion.
"Thank you for your blessing, sister," said Kalian sincerely. He'd seen the worst of Jader during the blight and appreciated the gesture on Gabriel's behalf even if the Chantry didn't extend blessing on people like him. He was pretty sure he hadn't seen this Chantry sister before, and although curiosity urged him to ask how she had managed to manipulate that mugger into walking right into his just demise, he couldn't think of a polite way to bring it up. "I'm Kalian, and this is my nephew Gabriel. Are you new to Jader, Sister… uh…?" He raised an eyebrow, hoping she'd fill in her name.
Elinowy icy blue eyes looked at the man and she smiled pleasantly. "It is my pleasure to meet you Kalian and Gabriel. I am Sister Elinowy. I am new to Jadar. My Chantry is in Bette Noir far to the West. I am on a spiritual journey that has brought me to your fair city. As you have a small child in a Tavern, am I correct to assume you are the owner or employed here?"
Kalian pretended not to notice the reproachful phrasing of the sister's question, and gazed into little Gabby's face with undisguised adoration. The baby definitely looked like a much younger and cuter version of his father, but with his mother's dark eyes. "The Raven's Roost is a family business. My sister and her husband manage it, and I help wherever I can." He gave her a charming smile, about to compliment Elinowy – the prettiest Chantry sister he'd ever met - but he was interrupted by the arrival of a city guardsman.
Cainan passed through the Raven's Roost door, and was immediately met with the smells and sounds of the place; there was a heady, hoppy scent in the air from the ale, which agreed with him; the unconscious body lying near the door and directly in his way was a ringing endorsement. It was certainly livelier than the Rose, with a commotion clearly having happened recently. The bouncers looked at him oddly, as he looked from them to the body on the floor, and then gingerly stepped over the lout and walked over to the bar.
In stark contrast to the rough entrance, there was a family man carrying a child talking to a Chantry sister at one of the tables, amusing him greatly. He wondered what the sister had made of the commotion, and as he looked around at the barmaids, he resigned himself to potentially hitting on her later. Religious types were either completely virginal or absolute fiends in the bedroom, and it was always fun finding out; it was like rolling dice on how the night would go - a roll of 1-4 was the standard prudish sister who could not countenance a liaison of any kind; 5 was the sister who would regret it in the morning and a roll of 6 was the jackpot - the sister exterior with a lady of the evening just waiting to emerge.
He sat at the bar and ordered an ale from the barkeep, a woman who was, from the look she gave him, most definitely married. She bore a striking resemblance to the family man - a brother, perhaps? Cainan politely thanked her for the ale and passed the coin over the bar, deciding not to flirt with her; he had just arrived, and the last thing he needed was a fight with the bouncers, her husband and potentially her brother, too. It was a shame; she was the height he liked and her dark skin was a much less common sight in Jader. But there was a fine line between flirting and lechery, and he knew which side of it he chose to sit. She placed the tankard down in front of him with a polite smile, and he took a moment to inhale the aroma. It was gritty, sharp and hoppy, and the clear source of the scent in the air about him. He drank experimentally, then deeper as the taste proved palatable.
Tessa placed a tankard of ale on the bar in front of the nobly dressed gentleman with long, neatly tied back hair, with a practiced proprietor's smile. She cast a concerned glance at her brother, talking to the Chantry sister. How long would it take for a city guard to get there?
The youngster led Martin at a good pace, obviously in a hurry to get his promised reward. They passed a couple of cutthroat-looking alleys, where Martin thought he saw a shadow or two moving, but kept to the bigger street that led to the guildhouses. It wasn't the nicest part of town, nor the worst. The hard-packed earth of the street was strewn with a smattering of cobbled stones to give it a semblance of respectability ; nothing like the fancier district favored by nobles and wealthy merchants, but by far and large better than the dusty alienage streets that became a mudbath anytime it rained a few drops.
"It's there !" The youngster pointed to a heavy wooden sign, painted black, depicting a raven in flight. The door of the tavern, made of heavy oak and intricately carved, was open, allowing light and music to pour out into the dark street.
Raven's Roost. Martin had been there maybe a couple of times in the decade he'd lived in Jader. It wasn't one of his usual haunts, nor of his closest friends, but the place looked decent enough.
He paused on the doorstep to let his eyes get used to the light. A lot of the patrons stopped their conversations when they saw him, or stared more or less discreetly, obviously eager to find out what was going to happen next. Martin's attention was drawn immediately to the burly man who was tied up next to the hearth, with a bump the size of an egg on his balding head. Whoever had neutralized the fellow had been quite enthusiastic about it.
There was a Chantry sister there too, though what role she could have played here was difficult to fathom. Martin couldn't get a good look at her, with her back partly turned against him and her head bowed over a steaming bowl of stew ; but he could tell she was unusually tall and fit for a woman, let alone a Chantry sister. In fact she looked to be a little bit taller than him.
"Someone called for the guard ?" Martin asked, loudly enough to be heard above the low hum of the patrons' chatter.
Ben and Tessa stepped forward as the proprietors, and Kalian joined them. Tessa took the sleeping baby from her brother and addressed Martin. "Thank you for coming so quickly, ser."
Ben gestured to the man on the floor. "This man has robbed several of our customers over the last few nights. A short time ago, he walked right inside with the Chantry sister," he bowed in Elinowy's direction, "and she announced who he was. He drew a knife and we subdued him. And, uh, at least one of my patrons here this evening can identify him as the man that robbed him."
Elinowy listened in on the conversation the guard was having with the victim of the mugger. It occurred to her the man might have tried to assault her to, although he seemed to respect the Chantry. At least he knew she had nothing worth him taking. So he was smart. She almost felt bad at the circumstances that now befell him. But those who chose a life ripe with vice were likely to end up victims of it.
Cainan had been about to engage the barkeeper in some friendly chat when the arrival of the guard caught his attention and took her away from the bar. He turned to watch as they described the Sister's part in apprehending the thief, and he had to be impressed by her; maybe he would roll the dice, after all. She was tall; taller than average, anyhow - almost of a height with Cainan, he guessed; and slim; he often preferred the curvier ladies, and shorter - he liked how they felt curled against him the morning after... but she was attractive, though as many sisters, she looked like she could be an intense woman, if provided enough... stimulus.
Now that could be fun, he thought, smiling into his ale.
Martin approached the sister, who was scraping the last bits of soup from her bowl, and sat in front of her. Now that he got a closer look at her he could see she was fairly attractive, with long red hair - much redder than his. Other than that, and her unusual height, she looked like a perfectly ordinary Chantry sister, clothed modestly and completely unassuming.
"Good evening, sister," he said courteously, in a voice low enough to give them an illusion of privacy. "I'm told you played a key part in apprehending a robber. I'm quite impressed - and intrigued. Would you mind enlightening me as to what exactly happened tonight ?"
Elinowy placed her spoon down in the bowl and turned to the guard with an honest smile. "I really did very little. I was out this evening ministering to the poor. As I wandered into the Alley behind this Tavern I happened upon the man over there." she said pointing to the tied up man. "He had considered robbing me, but upon noticing my robes was kind enough to sheath his knife and merely engage me in conversation. He spoke of his taking money from people in the Tavern and elsewhere. I suggested that he might consider a new line of business as we are here to work together to bring the Maker's blessings back to the world. He agreed to come with me into the Tavern. I immediately inquired of the Bartender if he might have employment for the man, such as security or something that might use his skills for the good of his community. The man panicked, drawing his blade. The Tavernkeeper's men subdued him and then provided this delicious bowl of stew for me. And here we are."
Kalian managed to linger just within earshot, listening in on the guardsman's conversation with Elinowy, while Ben and Tessa resumed serving drinks, and tavern craic gradually resumed. "Impressive," he muttered quietly to himself. "That Chantry sister must be incredibly persuasive."
"Is that so." Martin stared thoughtfully at the sister. After hearing her story he still wasn't sure if she was incredibly naive, ridiculously brave or plain crazy. "It seems... remarkably reckless of you, sister. Your robes may protect you from many things, but not from a knife or a sword."
He paused but she didn't seem fazed. At all. As if she either wasn't aware of the danger she'd been in, or simply didn't care. He looked at her fingers for a hint of nervousness, a twitch, a sign of anxiety. There was nothing. If she was lying about either her circumstances or motivations, she was good at it. The interesting thing was that he'd never seen her before. Jader was not so big, and there weren't so many sisters at the Chantry that he should never have seen her face in a crowd, unless she was fairly new around here.
"May I ask what you were doing in this neighbourhood, so late at night, sister...?" The questioning note at the end of the sentence suggested she might want to give him her name.
While he kept most of his attention on her, he did catch a few glimpses of the man that lingered nearby, clearly eavesdropping on the conversation. The man's dark complexion and curly hair suggested kinship with the family that owned the place, though it might just as well be a coincidence.
Elinowy did not mind the guard's inquiries. She told him how it happened from her perspective, she was not one to bend the truth unless under severe duress. "Elinowy, Sister Elinowy. I was looking for poor and marginalized brothers and sisters to assist as best as I am able. I like to make sure others are fed before seeking anything for myself self. Thus I look for others to help most evenings as darkness falls and desperation sets into people's souls."
Though most of the tavern patrons had returned to their previous entertainment, Kalian noticed a well-dressed man observing the guardsman and Chantry sister's conversation with as much interest as him. As he listened, Kalian's concern grew. Elinowy had done his family a service, and even if her faith in the Maker bordered on delusional, the guard seemed unnecessarily suspicious of her. Plus, the apprehended robber was still decorating the tavern's floor. He chose that moment to interrupt.
"Pardon me. Sister, will you be staying at the chantry?" asked Kalian. If so, she'd need an escort. If not… He should check with Tessa first, but he was pretty sure room 2 was unoccupied. Worst case, he could let her sleep in his bed and he'd sleep on the floor in his father's room. "If not, you can stay here, for tonight."
Martin waited for the sister's reply with interest. He had a feeling he hadn't seen the last of her, and he wasn't sure yet if that was a good thing or a bad thing, but he certainly was curious.
Elinowy looked at Kalian with grateful eyes. "I have no place to rest my head, my journey does not allow me to take shelter with my sisters. May the Maker bless your family for such kindness."
"Sister, if that is not too much trouble I would ask you to come to the station tomorrow so we can take your testimony. It'll be instrumental in this case, as you were the one who brought the suspect here. You can drop by whenever you like, I'll make sure they know to expect you even if I'm not there. Anyway, I will trouble you no further tonight, but please be careful. If you stumble upon a similar situation in the future, I would urge you to call the nearest guard."
E;inowy nodded in acknowledgment to the guard. I will make sure to stop by. I would ask clemency upon the man, he has the potential to change, and should be encouraged accordingly. But I will tell what I have witnessed.
He turned towards the guardsman, who looked to be about his own age, with light brown hair. "I'm Kalian Winter. My sister and her husband run the Raven's Roost Tavern. Do you need any help taking that man to the constabulary, guardsman… Uh, what was your name, ser?"
Martin turned his attention fully to the young man, who apparently really was related to the owners of the tavern, and gave him a courteous nod.
"I'm Martin, Martin Josceran. Pleasure to make your acquaintance, ser Kalian, and thank you for your kind offer. Usually I wouldn't trouble a civilian with this but since I don't have reinforcement... I would appreciate your assistance." This Kalian fellow looked young and fit, and able to handle himself, and the help would come in handy if the prisoner had to be carried or dragged.
The prisoner was still dazed and only half-conscious, which wasn't a surprise considering the blow he'd taken to the head.
"I think we're going to have to help him walk," Martin sighed. He reached for the man's right arm, and waited for Kalian to do the same on the left side.
Kalian took the prisoner's left arm, and together he and Martin managed to heave the heavy man to his feet. He weaved like a drunk, but didn't struggle. Kalian's sister hurried over before they reached the door. "I'm helping Guardsman Josceran take him to the constabulary," said Kalian. "Room 2 is open, right Tessa? I told the Chantry sister she could sleep here tonight."
Tessa scowled, but nodded. "Just for tonight. This is a business, you know Kalian. Try not to forget. And come straight back." She gave him a stern look that meant and don't fly in through your window.
Elinowy watched Kalian talk to his sister and the quick words exchanged by them. "I really don't require a room if you don't have space. A blanket by the hearth would be more than adequate. I could help sweep up after you close for the evening. I am truly blessed by your generosity no matter how small." she said to Tessa.
"Oh, no, Sister. Please disregard my words with my brother, they weren't meant for your ears. Room 2 is indeed empty as Kalian said, and the Raven's Roost welcomes you for the night." Tessa shook her head. "My brother is a generous soul, and I was reminding him of his obligations. Last night Kalian gave the whole contents of his coin pouch to three young Ferelden refugees."
Elinowy smiled at the story. "It sounds like your brother has a good heart, The Maker will bless him for his compassion far more than his losses.
Cainan had been watching the scene unfold with great interest - the crime-fighting Chantry sister, every inch the demure and proper maker-fearing lady but clearly capable enough to bring down the lout by the door.
"An uncommonly generous act," Cainan remarked, looking to the man as he made to help the guardsman. There were interesting characters around these parts, he decided; perhaps he would be back again. He took out some silver coins and passed them to the woman behind the bar. "I'll have another ale, if you would - and something for the Sister, if you would care for some company?" he asked, politely, looking to her, before turning back to the lady behind the bar, adding "Whatever is left can be for the sister's stay; all these acts of charity have me feeling a little self-conscious," he joked, though the money was hardly a sacrifice for him.
Tessa accepted the gentleman's coins with raised eyebrow and a gracious smile. "Thank you, ser," she said, but stopped herself from asking if he was planning to stay in the room with her. His coin covered room and board for the night either way, and the room was equipped with two single beds.
"I am Monsieur Cainan Valentine Sauvage, at your service," he said, to both ladies, bowing his head slightly in a polite gesture.
The sister turned around and looked at the man with a pleasant smile. "Monsieur Sauvage, I am Sister Elinowy Ursulas of the Bette Noire Chantry. Thank you, acts of charity and generosity are smiled on by the Maker, who am I to refuse? I will take a mug of tea if you would. You see, the Maker provides when you react in kindness his blessing multiply. You now have a book room for the night in place of a vagrant woman living off your generosity. You will be remembered." she spoke toward Tess.
"Thank you, sister," said Tessa with head bowed to hide her eye-roll. She began preparing the woman's tea.
"Perhaps we should move out conversation to a table instead of the Bar." she said gesturing to a nearby vacant table.
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