Stirrings in the North

Stormfollower · Post by **Stormfollower** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:47 pm

Stormfollower laughed loud and long.

"There be no cold we have found yet that can chill the fires between us! Still I thank you for this great gift. It will surely come in handy someday. perhaps to save me the labor of chipping fishing holes in the ice. (something I dread more than cold)."

He clasped his friends by the hands and drew them in for a great group hug with him and Jetamio.

"How good of you to come see us off! What say we head to the Lions Head Inn while the Warfinger checks our ships manifest. Then Gilliadson here can help me load"

With a wink he laughs again in his overly loud and perhaps too long way, then gestures for the ladies to lead the way to the Inn.

Gilliadson · Post by **Gilliadson** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 5:54 pm

Sineliniel places the Orb in an elemental bag to contain the heat and hands the bag to Jetamio.

"I do know that you are able to put on a full length fur coat for protection when needed but that leaves you with little fun to be had between you and your husband beyond licking his face and fetching sticks. Somehow I think you will appreciate this little trinket more than he does right nsow." Sineliniel whispers to Jetamio with a wink and smile. Sineliniel turns toward the rest of the party "Come! let us go to the Inn!" Sineliniel turns and leads her mount toward the Inn with Myrikel in tow.

Jetamio · Post by **Jetamio** » Thu Feb 05, 2009 5:27 am

The druid raised an eyebrow in surprise and then suddenly burst into a fit of giggles. She gave Stormfollower a knowing look, knowing that he remembered being a wolf alongside her and certainly doing more than licking his face. She could share the form with him and they always kept their minds.

She eventually managed to compose herself again and accepted the bag. "Thank you."

Stormfollower · Post by **Stormfollower** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 4:20 pm

The way to the inn was bustling with the commerce one would expect of a busy port. All around people moved in frenzied work bring goods to and from the docks. Buskers plyed thier trade and beggars held out thier hands. The equity of modern life gave each their task. Here and there the cjildren of these peoples played together oblivious to each others cast. Now and then a call would ring out announcing some great news or a fair deal at some market stall.

Finally they entered the Lions Mane Inn. It was well patronized for so early in the day but there will still many open tables and they found one well lit corner booth by a window looking out over the courtyard.

The barmaid was quick to approach and took everyone's order with a pleasant smile.

"I am Reannela, It is my first day here at the Lions Head Inn. But I will do my best to serve you well. What can I get for you today?" She said with a short curtsy.

Gilliadson · Post by **Gilliadson** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 2:06 am

The Human nodded to the Koada`Dal. "M'Lady?"

Sineliniel spoke up. "A bottle of Elven Wine, the best vintage that you have, two glasses and whatever our companions are having. "

Myrikel spoke up. "I would love to have some of that famous Qeynos Afternoon Tea."

Sineliniel turned to the Northman Shaman.

"We have rooms arranged for us here already. Are you planning to sail today or should we procure a room for you two as well?"

A young man clad in leather armor and sporting a pair of daggers strapped to his thighs started to approach the young Lady Knight but thought better of it, seeing her Father's Fiery Defender glowing within its translucent crimson scabbard.

Stormfollower · Post by **Stormfollower** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:20 pm

"We will be staying for as long as it takes for our cargo to clear customs and the trade winds to swing north. No telling how long that may be. The cargo should clear within the hour and the winds are due to change now. But as fickle as the female spirits that govern them, the winds." He winked at Jetamio and laughed lightly. " But there is no need to rent us a room when there are plenty of births on Goblin Queen...and she does have a new clean burning heater you provided. It will be so much better than that old whale oil one we usually use. You could join us there too if you wished. It is quite pleasant to sleep in the cabin of a gently rocking boat and I am sure it will be far quieter than a stay above a rowdy bar. Why, we could even go for a sail about the harbor in the morning. I could show you the grace and speed of her. "

Stormfollower turned to Reannela " You are a most amiable hostess Reannela and a joy to the eyes to boot!" He smiled at her. "I would love a flagon of your house ale and perhaps a couple of those lovely meat pies you serve here. The long run has made me as famished as a bear at winters end."

Cocking one arm over the back of his chair the rugged shaman of wolf cult surveyed the bar. He watched as the would be suitor headed of for some easier sport amongst the other minglers. Several small groups sat at tables as well. And everyone seamed to stay on the main floor of the establishment comforted by a small fire that crackled cheerily in its hearth. It was not cold outside but the ambiance of the small flames and the smell of the smoking cedar chips thrown about its edge made Stormfollower feel at ease with the indoors. Conversations rose and fell amongst the quiet din of preparations in the kitchen and the soft music of a dulcimer playing bard. One leg up upon another chairs back he sat in a shadowy corner his head hidden beneath a heavy hood. He plucked a tune that Stormfollower remembered and his attention was suddenly held fast with the mans expert playing.

Gilliadson · Post by **Gilliadson** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 8:03 pm

Sineliniel smiled warmly.

"I think that would be a lovely idea. What say you mia Silind?"

Gilliadson looked at his wife.

"I agree."

Gilliadson turned back toward Stormfollower.

"Thank you for the offer, my friend, we will gladly accept your hospitality."

Gilliadson turned toward where his daughter was standing to find that she was not there. The knight scanned around the room looking for the familliar crimson and silver of her armor.

"Wench! That's my chair!" A loud voice bellowed from the bar and a crimson and silver form came sliding across the floor on its back toward Gilliadson and Sineliniel.

Gilliadson's flaming blade seemed to jump out of its scabbard as he drew it out. Sineliniel muttered a quick incantation and her companion appeared at her side.

Myrikel got back to her feet with amazing speed for one so heavily armored.

"Father, Mother, No! This is my fight and I will teach that curr how to treat a Lady myself."

The young knight ran back to the bar and the noise of crashing furniture and breaking bottles was soon heard. Soon another form came sliding across the floor toward the young knight's parents. This one was a rather husky Vah Shir in rather drab-looking hard skin armor. The Vah Shir looked at Gilliadson.

"Your Kit I assume."

Gilliadson nodded as his daughter's opponent rose to his feet. He was a leopard clan Vah Shir that stood almost as tall as Stormfollower.

"She's good."

Myrikel came running and was about to continue the fight when the Vah Shir held his hands up.

"No more. My humblest appologies for treating you so roughly. I am Ralnu Swiftpaw, son of Shinu Swiftpaw. May I know the name of one who fights like a tigress defending her cubs?"

Myrikel put her arms down.

"I am Myrikel Shadowbane, daughter of Gilliadson Shadowbane. I accept your appology. Do you always try to meet ladies that way?"

Jetamio · Post by **Jetamio** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 1:33 am

((I will reply soon, but am kinda down and out with teeth problems just now

))

Gilliadson · Post by **Gilliadson** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 2:49 am

The Vah Shir looked over the much smaller Half-Elf knight.

"Not always... Though that really was my chair."

"Well the barmaid must have cleared your drink while you were away from it. There was no indication that anyone was sitting there when I sat down."

Gilliadson spoke up.

"Shinu's Kit? It has been some time since I have seen him. How is your sire?"

"Sir Shadowbane? I have heard many tales of your deeds from my father. You have trained your daughter quite well and Father is quite well. He is still sailing the seas with the Sea Cat. and fighting pirates. He is due to pick me up here in a few days."

"Well met then! Perhaps He and I will have time to chat over a meal." Gilliadson turned toward Stormfollower and Jetamio. "Please meet my friends, Master Stormfollower and Lady Jetamio. "

Stormfollower · Post by **Stormfollower** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 2:53 pm

Stormfollower was much amused by the excitement in the bar and he made no attempt to conceal his pleasure. The silence that the fight had created slowly dissapeared as the other patrons realised there would be no further show

"A great pleasure to meet you Ralnu Swiftpaw." He spoke in the perfect Vah Shir of one who spoke it often " I hope you are not harmed."

He smirked at Myrikel as he bowed in the traditional Vah Shir greeting of first contact towards Ralnu and slipped back into his human tongue.

"I owe a great debt of life to your father for his intercession against a pirate ship bent upon my friends and my own destruction. Not to mention the imminent destruction of The White Sybil, a stone vessel that I fashioned with my own hands. I am glad to hear he is still hard at work freeing the seas from the tyranny of those craven dogs. Please join us, meat pies are on their way."

Gilliadson · Post by **Gilliadson** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 12:12 am

Ralnu turned toward the Shaman. "Ahh you must be Master Stormfollower, Father mentioned his meeting with you and your crew. I heard you accounted well for yourselves that day as well. Meat pies! I love those. I would be glad to join you. If the young lady would not mind."

Myrikel blushed slightly.

"I have no further quarrel with you and since you are family to a friend, I would be glad to have you with us."

Ralnu and the Shadowbanes took seats at the table.

Stormfollower · Post by **Stormfollower** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 5:48 pm

His attention still divided between his friends and the bard in the corner, Stormfollower smiled as the Ralnu joined them. It was only when the barmaid Reannela returned with their drinks. Stormfollower focused his attention in one place. She was not alone. She led a drakkin youth directly to Stormfollowers chair at the head of the table.

"Here he is." She said plainly as she gracefully set their drinks on the table.

"Driehg! Stormfollower bellowed as he stood and clasped the drakkin by the wrist and forearm pulling him into a huge barbarian hug. "Meet my friends!"

The young man looked uncomfortable with the situation and only nodded stiff and stoically to the group. Then he spoke to Stormfollower in an official tone. "Starwolf Champion!" He snapped to face the leader of Wolf Cult with military precision. By his attire and flowing moves he seamed to be a monk of early training still and by the insignia of a black wolves head in full howl he was a member of Stormfollowers tribe, an officer at that. Their insignia, which they both wore openly, was carved from obsidian and was masterfully set in a silver back brooch worn about their necks on chains of heavy silver. "Goblin Queen`s manifest is cleared and stowed. I bring a note from our friend in the harbor office as to how he would wish us to proceed from port. I will await you and Jetamio aboard and make preparations for the next south wind."

Stormfollower chuckled at the efficiency of his friend and patted him soundly on the back. "You do that Driehg! Oh and would you be a wolf and prepare the other three births for some guests who will be stowing away aboard our regal lady of the waves? The Shadowbanes will be joining us!" He quickly threw a glance at the note before stuffing it into his pouch and turning to his seated friends.

Driehg cocked on eyebrow in surprise then quickly bowed low before Stormfollower who returned the bow with greater reverence than the one he had just received. Seemingly summing up the Shadowbanes in a parting glance the monk moved silently and quickly to the exit.

Stormfollower clapped his hands and sat back down. A huge smile lit up his face as he tucked into the large flagon of ale. Wiping the froth from his beard he chuckled cheerily "Forgive Dreigh his rudeness he is new to his obligations and takes them far too seriously still." He pries a platinum out to pay for the drinks which the barmaid waves away with a smile and nods toward the parting Drakkin.

"That handsome lad of yours has paid for these already and left a generous tip as well."

To which Stormfollower raised his flagon high and toasted "Oh how kind O the salty breeze of Qeynos Harbor to drive a thirst to such relief!"

Gilliadson · Post by **Gilliadson** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 10:43 pm

Gilliadson and Sineliniel raised their glasses as well and joined in the toast along with Myrikel and Ralnu.

Myrikel smiled warmly at the Vah Shir.

"You fight quite well, Ralnu. I have some tasks ahead of me and I could use an extra sword arm along if your sire can live without you for a few seasons."

"I will ask him when he pulls into port. I would gladly accompany you if he will permit."

Jetamio · Post by **Jetamio** » Thu Feb 26, 2009 3:14 am

Jetamio sat quietly, almost merging with the shadows. She was not fond of inns, and the brief brawl had not impressed her. She was itching to be off, having little patience for social protocol and then cursing herself for being so anti-social.

She did smile breifly at the Drakkin monk though, knowing her husband was fond of Driehg though she herself had not really spoken to him much. His formality and pride at wearing the obsidian pendant amused her, but she kept it hidden behind an almost shy smile. She too wore such a pendant, although on a much finer chain and tucked under her tunic for safekeeping as she had a habit of losing necklaces.

As he turned to leave, the Druidess stood up. "I will go with Driehg and help him." She gave a slight bow to them all, kissed Stormfollower's cheek then followed the monk out of the Inn and into the sea air. She breathed deeply, hoping the salty winds would calm her spiky mood.

Stormfollower · Post by **Stormfollower** » Fri Feb 27, 2009 3:40 pm

The meat pies came and the flagons were filled, glasses clinked and merriment burbled like a brook all about them. Arising from their seats they mingled and danced around the establishment. A round of darts and a heated debate followed later but all came to terms by the highest heat of it. At one point the Inn keeper himself came to jokingly warn Stormfollower that dancing on the tables would not be tolerated this visit. And as their spirit levels were filled to near overflowing the band of happy friends gathered again around their table for more sedate pursuits. A soul full conversation about stars and gods, a few jokes thrown in here and there and then they were even treated to a few slight of hand tricks from a friendly fluttering female patron who they guessed to be a rouge. It was all in all a very entertaining night.

Hearing the hour of 10 cried from the crier Stormfollower stood and bid his friends excuse him.

"Thank you, it has been a wonderful meal and even though it is still quite early by Halasian standards there is still a few loose ends I must tie before I will be content to wait for the first south breeze of the season."

He bowed low "The Goblin Queen is in berth 4 at the transient mooring. I will see you there when you arrive if you do not arrive first."

With a satisfied nod he turned to go but instead of heading straight out the door he first motioned to the shadowy bard in the corner who had packed up his gear only moments before. Then the hearty shaman headed out the door of the Lions Head followed closely thereafter by the mysteriouse bard.