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Post by Lorenic on Mar 17, 2011 4:25:06 GMT
Startled but not shaken, sudden impacts were common on the battlefield. But not when relaxed and enjoying an evening in a warm comfortable tavern. So with his eyes completely wide open, Lorenic now stared at the back of a very large owl. An owl perfectly perched on the vitals of the hand of the dwarf across from himself.
"That's...a large avian creature," Lorenic muttered as he sat, not willing to make sudden movements as to anger the creature. Seeing the spoon deftly knocked from Altor's hand, Lorenic decided it was prudent to sit still and let events unfold.
This seemed the right decision as he heard the clearing of the throat of the traveler who had appeared right at the end of the table. Lorenic isn't much to miss things, that gets you an arrow in the face. But he missed the appearance of the tables newest guest. So startled a second time, starting to make him very uncomfortable as to how much he is missing this evening. Lorenic watched there new visitor while keeping a wary eye on the newest owl to join dinner.
GM OOC: Actually, it's a rather small avian creature. Rather bigger than the tiny Rhia, of course. But barn owls are certainly not huge.
It looks large when it happens to be directly in one's face, however, so you'll probably note that my description in my post was from Altor's point of view.
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Post by Altor "Al" Cloudscraper on Mar 17, 2011 16:48:51 GMT
The sudden onslaught caught Altor completely by surprise, and it took a few seconds to comprehend that a barn owl had him effectively pinned down.
Altor had seen his share of mystery at the Temples and Shrines to Ishir, and he knew that no normal animal could do this, this must be the sign he was waiting for. Indeed, owls are creatures of the moon, steeped in knowledge. His ancestors must be trying to give him a message, he must be closer to finding out why he was here.
Looking at the owl, he spoke to it in Boresse, forgetting that at least one of his new companions was capable of understanding.
"So, Altor, is that you in there? There were other, less shocking, ways to get my attention. But if it is you, why have you brought me here?"
Altor continues to stare at the bird, cocking his head and waiting for a reply. Totally distracted by what he thinks, what he hopes, may be a message from his ancestors, he is completely unaware of what is going on around him.
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Post by Castiel on Mar 17, 2011 18:22:57 GMT
Castiel slowly turned his head to where the sound came from and register what happened. Under the table Castiel held his hands poised to cast a spell if he so needed to. When he settled down he took a deep breath and let the muscles in his hand relax. Castiel looked up to notice the brown-haired tradesman, if he had magic or phenomenal stealth it was not Castiel's business. After all, Castiel was keeping his own secrets.
Looking around the table, no one seemed to welcome the man. Seeing that the seats were taken around the table, Castiel got up and gestured to his seat then to the brown-haired tradesman. Smiling he introduced himself "Welcome, tonight seems to be a wonderful night for making new friends. Care to take my seat? I will gladly stand and converse with the table. I am known as Castiel." Castiel reached out to shake the mans hand.
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Post by Eruhs Ohf Leitus on Mar 17, 2011 21:20:20 GMT
"Oi, Altor... I told you that was a bad idea." Eruhs chuckled, despite the silence and tension surrounding him. It was then that Altor began speaking to the owl in Borese. "Huh? I already tried Borese. I don't think they're going to listen. Also, why do you call him by your name?" Altor seemed entranced by the owls, and Eruhs was confused by the Dwarve's reaction to the event, hoping that he would get an explanation from him at some point.
Eruhs turned to meet the sound of a stranger clearing his throat. Taking a second to size up the man standing near him, Eruhs grinned and scratched at the bandanna on his head as he spoke. "Are these your birds, stranger, or do you approach for some, other matter?" At that moment, Castiel introduced himself. "Oi, Castiel, I don't think he would approach us during this awkward moment, under the gaze of nearly the entire tavern, if he merely wanted to sit here." Eruhs looked the man in the eyes. "Isn't that right, sir?" He spoke with unduly inquisitiveness, shedding his cheery demeanor. Eruhs doesn't like being approached unannounced, especially by shady individuals at his back.
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Post by Rolph on Mar 18, 2011 0:56:57 GMT
Rolph turned, startled, when the stranger announced his presence. Had he not cleared his throat, Rolph never would have even noticed he was there. He knew he was usually very perceptive, but he chalked it up to his recent distraction. "Pardon me, sir," he said. "Can I help you?"
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Post by Maerin on Mar 18, 2011 4:05:37 GMT
The stranger did not immediately respond, instead turning to look as Ilia approached and spoke.
The small owl immediately launched itself off the table towards Ilia. It landed on the woman’s shoulder, and nuzzled her ear. The table companions saw that a second owl, similar in size to the first, already perched on woman’s opposite shoulder.
Apparently ignoring the dwarf’s words to it, the barn owl twisted its head over its shoulder to look at the approaching woman who had apparently addressed it. The owl, however, remained motionless until the small owl had found a perch on the woman’s shoulder. Then, with a swift hop, the owl released Altor’s pinned hand, spread its wins, and silently flew up to perch on an overlooking rafter.
As these events unfolded, the companions at the table realized around a dozen of the watchmen previously scattered about the hall had closed in to surround the table in a loose ring. None of them appeared to hold weapons, but it was very apparent what group had their attention. Bystanders began sidling away from the table and slipping out of the ring of watchmen.
The stranger turned back to the table and those who sat and stood immediately around it. As soon as Ilia arrived at the table, the man addressed them in a bland, quiet, level voice. No one, however could mistake it for friendly or conversational. Rather, it managed to convey an understated, ice-cold authority.
“You and you,” the man pointed at Eruhs and Altor. “By plentarian authority you shall come with me now to answer for your words and your offensive violations of Bautar hospitality.”
“You, you and you,” the man pointed successively at Castiel, Rolph and Lorenic as he spoke. “Shall come with us as witnesses.”
“Ilia Underwing,” the man kept his cold blue gaze fixed upon the five men he had initially addressed, but obviously spoke to the woman with the owls. “As you and your friends represent the offended, I ask that you accompany myself and these men. I cannot compel you, but a watchman will be left to vouchsafe your herbal stand.”
***
Jynx appeared through the crowd in time to hear the tradesman’s orders to the men at the table, and his request of Ilia. Clearly, something had happened that she had missed talking to the entertainers.
Jynx’s surprise was immediately replaced by a near-instinctive, professional caution. The man’s voice and words, coming as they did in dramatic contrast with his plain appearance, made her start in shock. It was unmistakable to Jynx, though completely unexpected in a nation like Bautar.
Talon, she thought to herself, has a secret police?
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Post by Altor "Al" Cloudscraper on Mar 18, 2011 16:22:42 GMT
Altor watches as barn owl looks directly at the woman approaching, and immediately recognizes her for what she is - a Druidess.
This is it, he thought to himself, this is why I have come here. It makes perfect sense, his Ancestor was a survivor of the great plague, and it was the Druids who helped combat it. It would make sense that Altor would be directed here, then.
As he is about to introduce himself to her, however, the stranger spoke. Altor was a bit surprised, and then confused. Offensive violation of Bautar hospitality? What was he referring to? What was going on? He must have misheard the man.
"Err, what?" says Altor. "What are ye talking about?"
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Post by Lorenic on Mar 18, 2011 21:14:21 GMT
"Witness to the abuse of Bautar hospitality?" Lorenic asked perplexed. The only thing he could think that his new companions have done wrong is stare at a bird questioningly.
Looking at the new woman whom the owls belong to, she gave away no hints as to what was going on. Looking back at there new secret policeman, "By what action has this abuse taken hold?"
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Post by Eruhs Ohf Leitus on Mar 18, 2011 22:12:14 GMT
Eruhs shoots a very displeased look towards the man, as his face morphs into a devious smile. "Oi, little official." Eruhs said, obviously patronizing the man. "Do you wish me to leave the festival? I already have what I came for. There is no need to ruin the festivities by creating an incident."
Eruhs spoke in an authoritative boom, as he began to pridefully and unabashedly introduce himself. "I am Eruhs Ohf Leitus, son and heir of the Lietus family estate of Slovia, a defender of Magnamund, formerly known as Commander Leitus of the revered 'Soldiers of The Light'. Perhaps, we can end this by reaching a compromise of sorts?" Eruhs offered a means of peaceful solution, trying to avoid Bautar entanglements.
"I meant no offense, but if I am to accompany you, I would like to be told the details of the charges. As a nobleman, and a decorated veteran, I request that this information be given to me if I am to understand and comply with your wishes."
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Post by Rolph on Mar 19, 2011 1:31:39 GMT
"Of course, sir," said Rolph simply to the stranger. "I shall come." He frowned at Eruhs and Altor. "I suggest you both comply with the authorities." When Lorenic spoke, he turned. "You might not have been paying as much attention as I was, but I did see what happened. I shall testify to it when I am told, but I had better not repeat it now lest I influence your own testimony."
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Post by Castiel on Mar 19, 2011 2:50:23 GMT
Nodding to Rolph's statement in agreement, Castiel continued "If charges are being pressed by the aggrieved party then I will follow your custom". Looking at Eruhs and Altor, he shot a quick head nod. Adding a last word to the Officer "Where will this trial be taking place?"
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Post by Maerin on Mar 19, 2011 6:27:32 GMT
As the companions each spoke, the stranger offered no response. His cold, flat gaze seem to meet each of theirs as they spoke, but there was no emotion to be seen at all in his eyes. No impression that what they said had any value or influence. Not even Eruhs’ declarations seemed to have any effect on the man. He silently waited for their obedience. Nothing more.
The reticence of the companions, their questioning of the man before them, and most especially Eruhs’ prideful response did, however, draw reactions from the crowd. Those who had retreated away from the group and out of the loose circle of watchmen were now avidly watching the confrontation. In the brief, silent pause that followed, there were scattered snickers and snorts of amusement. Whispered comments, barely overheard, made references to squealing pigs running from a wolf. And it was quite clear who were thought the pigs in this little drama.
The man apparently ignored such reactions as well. His attention remained fixed upon the five men at the table.
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Post by Altor "Al" Cloudscraper on Mar 21, 2011 19:29:51 GMT
Altor slowly slid his chair backwards, while raising his hands in the air.
"I dinnae really know him" he says, referring to Eruhs "and if ye want me tae come with ye, I will. Just let me get me things from upstairs."
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Post by Castiel on Mar 22, 2011 6:02:15 GMT
Castiel looked at Altor and with a calm diplomatic voice spoke up "My friend, on my honer I will watch your things should we part. Aetos is the only other person in that room and he can also be trusted to watch your things while we are away. At this moment I would recommended immanent compliance, from every one of us." Castiel cast a calm glance as he stressed his point. "Doing what is requested of us and submitting ourselves to the law of the land will make this process go easier."
Castiel looked at the man and Calmingly stated "I have waisted enough of your time, please forgive me. I submit myself to your authority with full compliance." Castiel cast another stern glance to each person involved, nodding for them to follow suit.
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Post by Rolph on Mar 23, 2011 2:17:14 GMT
"I'm in complete agreement," says Rolph. He too looks at Altor. "He said to come with him now, so that is what we must all do. There is no time to retrieve belongings." He nods to the stranger. "I am ready to follow you, sir."
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