Who You Gonna Call?
Posted on 19 Oct 2022 @ 10:11pm by Mage Kalian Winter & Warrior Rhiannon Cadash & Warrior Katya Charbonnet (Shar-bon-ay) & Warrior Skeld & Rogue Elinowy Ursulas & Rogue Nazri Arisant & Mage Atria Jain
5,973 words; about a 30 minute read
Mission:
Hall of the Phantom Shadow
Location: Raven's Roost Tavern
Timeline: Bloomingtide 6th
Jader was finally returning to normal now that the Summerday festival was over until next year. Out-of-town visitors had gone home, transitory vendors had shut down their stalls, the streets had been mostly cleaned of litter, and the children were back in school. If a town could go on a week-long binge, suffer an excruciating hangover, and recover with a couple of days' rest and a questionable promise not to do it again, that was the current state of Jader.
Monday evenings were usually slow at the Raven's Roost tavern, and Kalian's sister Tessa had agreed to allow Kalian to invite his friends to gather there for the evening. The common room was filled with the delicious aroma of the whole chickens Cook had roasted for the occasion, accompanied by savory root vegetables, and fresh bread. All of it waited in the kitchen, ready to serve once everyone was there, along with the tavern's signature ale.
Kalian expected Katya, Elinowy, Atria, his new friend Nazri, and of course Rhiannon. He wondered if he should say something about his and Rhiannon's relationship to his other friends, but surely they already knew. Martin was unfortunately busy, with the arrest of Guard Captain Landry and four guardsmen the city guard was short-handed.
Rhi had been busy all day helping out with the mine. She had left the day before and spent the night. She wanted to make sure that things were progressing. Once she was satisfied she left early the next day to make sure she was back in the city so she could meet with everyone that night.
With all that had happened the previous week, Rhiannon was happy that things had worked out. Though what she was most happy about was finding Kalian. She wasn't sure where their relationship was going but she knew where she wanted it to be. Their picnic the other day was something that she would never forget.
She had made her way early to the Ravens Roost for two reasons. Well, she told herself it was two, one because she liked to arrive early and the second was to see Kalian. When in truth it was to spend time with Kalian before everyone else showed up.
Rhi made her way in and could smell the food. As good as she was at cooking, Cook out did herself. She spotted Kalian coming out of the kitchen. "‘Ibinê." (my gem) She made her way to him, hugs him, and looks up ready for a kiss.
It was becoming second nature for Kalian to drop to one knee in Rhiannon's presence, and gaze up into those intriguing, crimson eyes of hers. He pressed his lips to hers, in what started as a lighthearted peck, but lengthened into a long passionate kiss. Finally, he broke it off reluctantly and got to his feet with a look of chagrin. "I'll be holding that thought," he said huskily, "everyone else will be here soon."
Rhi had started to become accustomed to Kalian getting down on one knee to kiss her. She honestly thought it was very sweet and it really showed how much he cared about her. This kiss though was a little different. There seemed to be more passion in it. Which she definitely found more exciting and she returned in kind. When they broke she had to take a few calming breaths. Damn this human can kiss, she thought to herself. Out of the very few humans, she had ever kissed let alone anything else with, Kalian was way more forward, direct. Almost dwarf-like. Which she found both fascinating and very attractive. For her most dwarf men were too brash, too opinionated, and too gruff. There were a few that had the qualities that Kalian had yet there was more to him than just that. What it was she couldn't place it yet. And right now, as she looked up at him, her thoughts running wild with what she wanted to do to him when they were alone, her eyes gleamed that bright crimson red, and that wicked mischievous grin rose up. "Oh, I will hold you to that my Ibinê."
Sister Elinowy stood outside the Raven's Roost, watching the sun finish its descent towards the West. As the great fiery ball came close to touching the horizon she began her practiced ritual movements and began the night's song:
"Then did I see the world spread before me,
Sky-reaching mountains arrayed as a crown,
Kingdoms like jewels, glistering gemstones
Strung 'cross the earth as a necklace of pearl.
"All this is yours," spake the World-Maker.
"Join Me in heaven and sorrow no more."
"World-making Glory," I cried out in sorrow,
"How shall your children apology make?
We have forgotten, in ignorance stumbling,
Only a Light in this darken'd time breaks.
Call to Your children, teach us Your greatness.
What has been forgotten has not yet been lost."
As the completion of the evening's Chant and her routine through the prescribed movements came to an end, the blanket of night had begun to fall upon Jader. The end of another day. A time to rest, be refreshed, and reflect with sisters and family. Elinowy looked at the Roost, its humble walls had become a bit of a home since arriving in Jader. It brought comfort, curiously more than the Chantry walls. Pulling her hood back atop of her flowing red hair, she turned and walked toward the Inn.
Nazri had been out most of the day hunting. He hadn't had much luck, a pair of rabbits was all he'd mustered. He'd almost had a deer but something had spooked him. He'd gotten back to the Raven's Roost where he had taken a bath and changed his clothes. Charcoal gray pants and a black tunic, made of silk. and soft leather boots that rose to his knee.
He heard the commotion and smelled the aroma from the stairwell, and by the time he stepped inside the common room, he was starving.
Rhi had heard that there was a Qunari in town. Had seen him down by the docks and knew that he was staying at the Ravens Roost though had not met him yet. So when he stepped into the common room she was not surprised. She gave him a nod and a smile.
Kalian greeted Nazri, noticing how the qunari had taken some care with his appearance after being away all day. "Nazri, I am happy you're joining this little soiree." He squeezed Rhi's hand. "This is Rhiannon. She's my, uh…" Kalian was at a loss for words. girlfriend seemed a bit juvenile for what she was to him. But luckily Katya arrived and interrupted his looming blunder.
Katya aka Lady Katya Charbonnet approached the Raven's Roost. It seemed like a second home almost. Kalian and the rest of her friends hung out here. The last week seemed like an age ago. So much had happened in so short a time. Because of all that happened they had formed a bond. She smiled as she entered. Of course, the first one she saw was kalian, her old friend. "Kalian, old friend. How are you?" she sniffed the air. "Mmm, I do love your sister's cooking. If she were single, by Andraste I would pursue her and romance her with everything I got!" She reached out her hand to him.
Kalian clasped Katya's arm in a warrior's grip. "Thank you for coming, Katya. Cook actually did most of the food preparation. I helped – under her supervision, you'll be relieved to hear."
"Rhiannon. Wonderful to see you again. How fares your mother? I hope nothing adverse happened to her because of Isouda's lies?" she held out her hand to Rhiannon
Rhiannon had given Elinowy a hug when the Sister had come in. It was good to see that she did not have any effects of the poison left behind. Her attention was then drawn to Katya as she entered. The woman was a force to be reckoned with. Fun as well.
"No, no issues. My mother and the Night's Kiss have a sterling reputation. And with all that has happened, we now have an exclusive contract."
"That is wonderful news! And well deserved! Even I know of the Night's Kiss's reputation! I am quite pleased to hear that Rhiannon!" Katya said with a big smile. Indeed the Night's Kiss was a very well-known ship and she was pleased that no damage to the Ship's rep or that of the crew had been affected! Besides Rhiannon was her friend!
She saw the scarlet-tressed sister. "Fair Elinowy always a sight for my eyes." Katya took Elinowy's hand and kissed it.
From beneath the scarlet hood, she got a flash from the serene blue eyes of the sister. "May the Maker bless you for your affection to his call."
"I admit a great affection for the Chantry. Mother Giselle in particular!"
Then Katya saw the qunari. "Kalian who is our guest?"
Elinowy turned in the direction Katya was looking and literally gasped as she saw a full qunari standing there. "By the Maker..."
Kalian stepped closer to Elinowy, and put his hand on her shoulder, a gesture he hoped would be reassuring. Before he could answer Katya's question, Nazri spoke up himself.
The qunari bowed, in his best imitation of a human, "I am Nazri Arisant," he said with a smile extending his hand. Who are you?"
"Well met ser. I am Lady Katya Charbonnet! Mercenary, adventurer, and purser of lovely ladies! So what brings you to the Roost?"
The corners of the horned being quirked up as he stood to his full height. "A woman who speaks their mind. I like that. I too am a mercenary of sorts. I hunt those that deserve to be hunted. I've come here seeking truth."
"Truth can be good. I myself seek to protect those who can not protect themselves or whom I want to protect."
"Nazri, I'd like you to meet my dear friend, Chantry Sister Elinowy," said Kalian. "You may have heard her singing outside."
Elinowy was taken a little aback to speak to the creature. She had never seen a true Qunari. She had met heretics spreading their godless teaching they called Qun. But those had been converts to these false teachings. The Chantry had made it clear the Qun was dangerous, undermining the Chant of Light and the Maker's Will in Thedas. She fought to keep a serene face as she gracefully stood. "What brings you so far from your lands?" she inquired of the creature. She knew the Revered Mother would be most interested in these exchanges.
Nazri was pretty good at reading people's body language and picking up on their facial expressions, and he noticed a small tic in the Sister's face when he was introduced. But he couldn't read minds, so he put it off as being his imagination, or perhaps some issue unrelated to him.
Now he was the one trying to keep his expression serene, or at least neutral. "I chose to keep those things to myself, but suffice it to say, I'm not going back there."
Kalian cleared his throat. "I'll serve dinner in just a moment, I'm expecting one more person." It was not a private party; the tavern was open for business. But as he looked around it suddenly occurred to Kalian that maybe he should have warned Atria that he'd invited a qunari. Or maybe he should have warned Nazri that one of the friends he'd invited was from Tevinter. He was just about to take Nazri aside when the door opened and his Tevinter friend walked through the door. "Atria," he called out. "It's good to see you."
Right on time. The Tevinter woman did her usual greeting towards Kalian, a sort of reverse nod where she lifted her chin in acknowledgment accompanied by a confident smile. Tonight, she wore a long-sleeved mid-calved length dress, brown and practical, and probably a bit more cloth than was strictly needed for summertime but Atria considered Orlais colder than the locals did. Despite the common look, she walked without any of the demure reserve all too commonly found among female citizens of the nation. Broad shoulders, strong arms, and a posture indicative of military life suggested her real profession, despite the lack of weapons. And, of course, she was noticeably darker in complexion than the average Orlesian.
"Kalian," she called back as she crossed the tavern floor. "And you. Quite the little crew you have here. I think I've seen most of you aro-" at which point that telltale Tevinter accent stalled as she spotted the Qunari in the room.
Atria came to a complete stop and took several fast, sharp breaths, her eyes abruptly wide in reaction. She almost wobbled where she stood before finally, with visible effort, she drew her composure back in. Casting her eyes about, her gaze settled back on Nazri. "Fasta vass. Right. Wasn't expecting to see a Vashoth here. Any more of you lads about? No? Just you then?"
Nazri turned towards the new arrival. He was, by now, accustomed to the look he received from her, it was a far too common thing, but it still made him feel unwelcomed. There was nothing he could do about it though, so continued to his stoic façade.
"There are not more of us," he said in a flat tone. "There is just me."
Not the friendliest response but then Atria wasn't feeling friendly either so she could hardly blame him. That's when she noticed where he stood, part of the people gathered near Kalian. She'd never seen one of the Qunari mingling with those not of the Qun. But he was known to these people. Known to Kalian in particular. The two were close to each other as if they'd just been talking prior to her arrival.
Atria's eyes narrowed. Then she forced a smile. "Never seen one of your people by themselves before. But then you're not, are you? Kalian," she said, changing who she addressed while not taking her eyes off of Nazri. "Why don't you introduce us?"
Sister Elinowy was relieved someone else was concerned at a Qunari being so far from its area. At least the Tevinter Imperium still knew who its enemies were. She watched as the woman gestured to be introduced. this should be interesting.
"Of course. Right. Uh, introductions. This is Nazri, a peaceful visitor to Jader and a guest at the Raven's Roost," said Kalian, nervously. Andraste's flaming knickers, he really should have warned his mutual friends. "And this is Atria, who has made her home in Jader for the last, well, several years." Kalian gave a dramatic shrug and pointed to himself. "And as you all know, I'm Kalian. Your foolish friend who invited you all, without any forethought to your... uh... well your different backgrounds, I guess." At least he hadn't invited any Templars...
Peaceful visitor, eh? Atria stopped staring at Nazri long enough to give Kalian a good look. It helped, surprisingly. Just...not looking at the Qunari reduced her tension by an order of magnitude. It'd been years since the front, yet just the sight of those horns had brought it all back. But that wasn't Kalian's fault or the fault of his friends and, if she were incredibly charitable, it wasn't Nazri's fault either. Probably. Well, maybe.
"Atria. Welcome to our little group. Katya Charbonnet. Nice to meet you!"
Meeting someone else, someone not quite so triggering, was a welcome relief. "Katya, I think I've seen you around," Atria returned with a good effort at a smile. "Nice to meet you too."
Rhiannon watched the exchange between the two newcomers. This could get ugly quickly if either of the two decided it was in their best interest to relieve the other of their life.
After a quick tense moment, Rhi took her hand off the hilt of one of her hidden blades. The Tevinter woman seemed to take the Qunari in stride, as he took the Tevinter woman in stride as well. Looking around she smiled and spoke. "Well, the mention of food has gotten my stomach a rumbling. I smell a great feast has been prepared by the cook and my Ibinê. So let us sit, eat, drink and enjoy the company of friends." With that, she steps forward and looks to both Atria and Nazri, "Why don't you both join me? I have many many questions for the both of you." She smiles at the both of them as she gestured to two seats with one in the middle. Her smile is warm and genuine.
Kalian relaxed marginally and gave Rhiannon a grateful smile. "Indeed, we wouldn't want to disappoint Cook by not eating the food she has prepared. I count each of you my friends, and I would be honored if we could all sit down together and share a meal."
"Well said old friend. I am hungry!" said Katya.
The qunari had been careful to keep his hands well away from his sword and hadn't bothered to bring his bow. He knew the reputation his people had. He knew that in many cases it was deserved, he knew because he'd been a victim of their collective ire. He had also been on the receiving end of others' judgment of him, simply because of something he had no control over. So he had learned to be careful. He didn't want trouble.
As Rhiannon spoke he sensed some of the friction in the air subside. "I would be delighted," he said as he took a step toward her.
The same seemed true for Atria as well. Rhi's invitation was another pleasant de-escalation. These were friends, people Kalian had known for a good long while, and if she was ever going to come to another one of these, she needed to put forth her best effort. Maker knows it would be amazing to have people who weren't entirely her wife's friends to spend time with.
Finally, she took the seat Rhiannon had pointed out to her with a grateful smile. "Food would be nice, thank you. But before questions, an ale first. A wet throat's better for answers than a dry one, don't you think?"
Rhi gave Atria a smile. She pulled out a flask from the top of her boot. "I agree completely." She twists off the top and takes a sip, then extends it to Atria."
While Rhiannon made herself the dwarven buffer between his Tevinter and qunari guests, Kalian looked to Elinowy and Katya. "Please, make yourselves at home. I'll bring out the meal."
"Thank you, Rhiannon," Katya said.
Rhi gave Katya a nod.
Kalian brought out two platters of food, one at a time, and set them on the table. Each platter was laden with three whole chickens, each cut in half, marinated in Antivan spices, and roasted, along with a variety of roasted root vegetables, and fresh bread rolls. Next, he brought a stack of plates and cutlery. Last, of all, he poured tankards of ale for all of his friends except Elinowy, whom he presented with a cup and pot of tea before taking a seat next to her.
Deferentially, Kalian asked, "Elinowy, would you like to give a blessing, or shall I?"
"Would you Elinowy? I would dearly love to hear your blessing!" said Katya.
The Scarlet Sister bowed her head humbly. "My blessings are meaningless, but to speak the words of the Maker is in honor."
Rhi had sat down next to Nazri. She watched as Kalian brought out the food, which smelled so good. She wanted to dig though she waited on the blessing.
Atria's eyebrows went up as she realized the woman who couldn't possibly be a Chantry Sister casually hanging out in a tavern seemed to actually be a Chantry Sister casually hanging out in a tavern! But a blessing was a blessing and she'd had years to get used to women doing it.
Elinowy lit the center candle on the table, closed her eyes, and began:
"My Maker, know our hearts
Take from us a life of sorrow.
Lift us from a world of pain.
Judge us worthy of Your endless pride.
My Creator, judge us whole:
Find us well within Your grace.
Touch us with fire that we be cleansed.
Tell us we have sung to Your approval.
For You are the fire at the heart of the world,
And comfort is only Yours to give."
As she progressed into the blessing her words began to take on a rhythm that grew as she cantered, by the final words the whole experience felt almost musical although spoken. Even those with no interest would notice something beautiful had just happened. Her bard-like abilities brought an atmosphere of comfort and closeness to those who listened.
"Elinowy! That was beautiful. It was even glorious. Thank you for that! The maker must surely flow through you!" Katya said.
"It was indeed lovely," said Kalian, sincerely. Then he grinned and stabbed a chicken leg with his fork, the meat so moist and tender that it pulled easily away from the rest. A heaping spoon of vegetables followed it to his plate. "Let's eat."
Rhi had listened quietly to Elinowy as she had said grace. Rhi wasn't one that followed the Maker though was not one to follow her people's ideals as well. Still listening to the Sister was music to here years. "Sister Elinowy, very beautiful."
Nazri wasn't particularly a spiritual man, at least not in the human sense. Nevertheless, he thought the prayer had been beautiful. "That was very touching," he said, "Not sure if I believe every word, but it was still nice."
"Elinowy, was it?" Atria asked, seemingly moved and surprised by it. "Thanking you for that blessing might be as meaningless to you as you deem your words. But speaking the words of the Maker is an honor and you brought honor to them. Nice to meet you, by the way. And all of you," she said, glancing about the table. "Kalian and I, well, we go back a bit. First time I've been out with you lot, though. Thanks for having me. Cheers." And she raised her tankard in acknowledgment.
After a long swallow from it, she leaned back slightly in her chair as she took a roll. "Now, easy stuff first. I'm from Tevinter. Qarinus actually. Although I suppose the more common name now is Ventrus. Why they renamed it," Atria shook her head. "Long story. How'd I end up here? Took a ship. Walked. Why am I still here? Met a local girl, Adrienne Tremblay, who swept me off my feet. Married her, actually. We keep the lighthouse down by the water. Why am I out with you lot instead of home with the wife, her two siblings, and their spouses, and their combined half a dozen children doubtlessly running around and having a laugh?" She snickered before taking a swallow of ale, finally finishing with "Now, did I miss any questions? Ask away."
"Honestly Kalian, who don't you know?" Katya shook her head at her old friend. It seemed everybody was an old friend of Kalian.
Rhi was about to ask a couple of questions when the door to the tavern opened. She turned to see who had come in.
Kithris had been out in the woods most of the day. She had finished prepping the pelts she had set out to dry a few days ago. She brought them into the city an hour ago and sold them and was looking for a hot meal. She had been told that the Raven Roost Tavern was a good place to eat.
She made her way to the tavern as the sun started to set, as she got close to the door she could smell the aroma of the food and could hear the sounds of people having a good time. This was what she was looking for. Good food and good people. Unstrung bow in hand, silver on her pouch she made her way in.
As the door closed behind her, Kithris looked over those that were there and spotted someone she had not thought she would have seen. A smile lit up her face as her hazel eyes shown with excitement. "Kalian." Her voice warm and sweet with a musical hint. She made her way over to Kalian, moved to give him a hug.
That voice, calling his name instantly brought to mind summer days and nights in the arms of… Kalian turned to see the beautiful elven woman, familiar but so out of context he was temporarily stunned. The last time he'd seen her was in the forest more than four years ago, when they'd said goodbye. "Kithris!" He opened his arms and hugged her back with warm enthusiasm. "It is so good to see you, Kit."
Rhi had not thought much of the new arrival till this elf woman said Kalian's name and moved to hug him. She was not one to be jealous. Still.
"Kalian, who is your lovely friend?" Katya said. Her eyes lit up as a new beautiful woman came in. An Elf no less. Her voice was very pleasing to Katya's ears.
Kalian broke off the hug with Kithris, his hand lingering on her back until he met Rhiannon's gaze and took a step away from the elf. Heat crept up his throat and spread to his cheeks. "Uh. This is Kithris. She and I are, uh… that is, we met about five years ago, but I haven't seen her in years." The last part was directed a little guiltily to Rhiannon.
"So, um, Kithris, I'd like you to meet some of my friends," continued Kalian, indicating each of them in turn. "This is Katya, Elinowy, Nazri, Atria, and Rhiannon. And, well, Rhi and I are a couple."
Kithris felt Kalian's hand linger a little on her back. She took note of how quickly he stepped away when he looked at the dwarf lady. She followed along giving a smile to all as they were introduced. When the dwarf was introduced and he said that they were a couple, Kit's look lingered on this Rhiannon. "It is nice to meet you all."
Katya chuckled. "Took you long enough to admit it Kalian. Don't know why you hid it for Andraste's sake. She worth bragging over!"
Elinowy watched as the pagan elf walked into the Tavern. This was just splendid, a Tevinter heretic, the godless Qunari beast and now a Dalish heathen. She lifted her tea to take a sip, her eyes rolling slightly as Katya walked up to introduce herself to the she elf. Maker help her, this was going to be an interesting evening.
Rhi didn't take her eyes off of Kithris. When Katya commented that she was worth bragging over, Rhi glanced at Katya and gave her a warm smile. It was only then that what Kalian had said. Out loud. She turned to face him, a warm caring smile shown on her face. "Yes, yes we are."
She took Kithris' hand and kissed it. "Lady Katya Charbonnet at your service lovely lady!"
Kithris looked up at Katya, felt her hand take hers gently. The soft touch of the woman's lips as she kissed her hand. This brought her attention away from both Kalian and Rhi. "Lady Katya Charbonnet, I am Kithris Sabrae. It is a pleasure to meet you." Her voice warm, inviting, with that musical touch.
"A very lovely name Kithris Sabrae! What brings you to Jader? Besides Kalian?" she said with a grin.
Kit looked up at Katya and smiled. "Thank you. You have a beautiful name as well." Her tone was friendly with a touch of curiosity. "I had not thought that Kalian would be here in Jader still. It is nice to see him. As for what brings me to Jader. I was heading back to my clan when I decided to take in the festival. Had fun and decided to stay a little while. (looks Katya up and down) Glad I did." This past part said softly.
Katya smiled. Things were looking up in the romance department. "Perhaps you would like to join us? I believe there is an empty seat by me."
Rhi felt a bit more relaxed when she noticed the elf seemed distracted by Katya. She hoped that this elf would stay away from Kalian. Otherwise she would have to...... Rhi stopped her thought process and realized that she was jealous. She was jealous. Which meant that her feelings for Kalian were deeper than she realized. Oh she knew that she was starting to fall for him. And after their picnic the other day. Oh the picnic. What they did for dessert brought a very wicked and satisfied grin as her crimson eyes glowed.
Kalian heaved a great sigh of relief at the way Katya and Kithris seemed to be hitting it off. Maker's breath Kithris' inopportune arrival could have gone so much worse. He gave Rhiannon a warm smile, the sparkle in her eyes recalled their afternoon together, the soft, firmness of her… Nope. Nope, not the time to be thinking about that. Kalian surreptitiously adjusted his trousers and turned toward the commotion at the tavern's door.
Skeld came to a stop by the Raven's Roost, his usual spot in Jader. It had the best mead that he had found this side of the mountains and the food was good. They even had a room that he could fit in; being more than a head taller than most Orlesian men when they wore heels meant that common folk buildings were often just a shade too short for him, at least at the doors. He stooped slightly to enter, but once fully in the common room was able to raise to his full height, which was another thing he liked about the Roost.
A few of the patrons near the door stopped talking to observe him as he entered, as he was accustomed to; Skeld was a man who made an entrance (both figuratively and, if the need arose, literally); tall, broad, muscular and carrying three axes, Skeld was aware he stood out. His armour was also of unusual make and marked with the same sorts of runes that lined his skin all over, and how many Orlesians had their faces tattooed? It wasn't exactly common in the human lands of Thedas, to begin with. Even his hair was a bit of an oddity; true, they had red hair in the Ferelden lands, but his was like blood or fire, depending on the light.
As he straightened up, the gasps of a couple of patrons was drowned out as he spotted the young man at the bar. "KALIAN!" he bellowed with a laugh, crossing the room quickly to join the man, his accent causing frowns and stares for its own right; loud, yet soft, and tense at the wrong sounds; it didn't sound much like anyone of Thedas, though it was how Skeld had always sounded.
"Uh, Skeld?" Kalian blinked. Two surprise guests in one night. At least Skeld was unlikely to get him in trouble with Rhi. Well… probably. Skeld had been the perfect companion for the man Kalian had been until just a few weeks ago, when he was hiding in plain sight under the Chantry's nose by pretending to be an irresponsible, flirtatious drunkard. But now that he'd outed himself to the Chantry and had vague plans to try and impress Rhiannon's mother and a few others that he really was a responsible adult, Skeld's reappearance in Jader might not bode well. And yet, how bad could a visit from an old friend be? "Skeld! It is great to see you."
Three tankards of mead!" he said, loudly, as he wrapped his arm around Kalian's shoulders to speak conspiratorially. "Two for me, one for you - we keep drinking like that till at least one of us can't walk! HA! It is good to see you, my friend!" he yelled, standing to his full height again and carrying the man up with him in his arm, his body being shaken by the good natured laugh that seemed to echo in the common room.
"I'm the barkeep here, remember? Except when it's my sister or her husband. And just so you know, Tessa is expecting an apology after the last time when you-" Whatever Kalian was going to say was cut off when Skeld hugged him and lifted him into the air. Kalian gasped. "Down. Put. Me. Down. Can't breathe," gasped Kalian.
"Oh no! Skeld! Why now?" Katya said.
Elinowy put her tea cup down on the table as the enormous man rose up in the room. He was quite unique in appearance. Hair nearly as fiery as her own, the Pagan tattoos on his face and runes inscribed in his armor and axes made a strong statement. Studying the man's appearance made her pause. The glyph inscribed on his shoulder she had seen before, she did not know what it meant, but... "By the Maker..." she blurt out. Pagans, beast and elves faded to the back of her mind, the big man had her attention.
Skeld laughed as he placed the smaller man back on his feet, "Oh no, no no - being the barkeep will not get you out of drinking with me, my friend! But I suppose, considering you have so many half empty cups," he said, looking around the room, "we can start drinking properly a bit later. I'll even apologise to Tessa for the table-"
"Three tables," corrected Kalian. He glanced a little nervously at the back door. Tessa was enjoying a quiet evening in the cottage with the rest of the family. Mondays were supposed to be slow, after all. With Skeld here, things could get out of hand fast.
Skeld, chuckled. "-I will apologise to Tessa for the tables," he corrected, taking the tankard of mead. "... and whatever else I may or may not have done," he added, with a wink. "So, what is new with you, my friend?"
"I was just having a little gathering with friends," replied Kalian. He made introductions again, gesturing to each of his friends. No doubt Martin was acquainted with Skeld, but he was not there. "I think you know Katya. Elinowy, Kithris, and Nazri are new to Jader. And you might have crossed paths with Atria or Rhiannon." Kalian made a quick decision not to mention his relationship to Rhi. Not because he didn't want to, but because that might trigger Skeld-style stories featuring exaggerated carnal exploits.
Skeld looked to the large group who were nearby; quite the assortment of individuals that easily stood out from the Orlesian standard. "My friend, I'm wounded - you had a party and didn't invite me?" he asked, his face contorting with mock anguish. The fact that Kalian hadn't known Skeld was anywhere near Jader at the time was no excuse! He squinted, as if peering against the bright sunlight. "That you, Katya?"
"Hello Skeld!"Katya said. He always had the worst timing. Here she was just meeting this gorgeous elf and trying to spark something between them and in comes Skeld. Larger than life and twice as loud and three times as obnoxious! She sighed. It was turning into one of those days!
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OOC: Continued in post 'Haunted Bandit Halls'
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