===DMRoy===
"Just keep going this way," The fairy said, falling back to land on your shoulder again. She had pink hair and eyes, and wore a diminutive peasant's outfit. "It's a little harder to fly out here. Anyway, I can tell you're new to this place, so I'll warn you; some of the locals can get pretty brutal when it comes to dealing with people that aren't human." The fairy said. "By the way, My name's Tannim."
Elle picked up on the conversation and looked up.
"Elle's name is Elle," She said.
===Lathis===
"And Eglath is my name, noble companions," the Goliath replied with cheer. Looking up to the grey sky above, Eglath enjoyed the feel of the rain on his naked skull... but not all people were as robust as himself. With a slight gesture, he unhooked his cloak from his shoulder and draped it over the young Elle's head, a veritable blanket for her small frame.
Turning his attention back to Tannim, he snorted loudly. "And fear not, my friend. I believe only the most foolhardy of bigots would dare to give trouble to a trio as formidable as ourselves."
Satisfied that all was well, Eglath continued to follow the fairy's direction. "So, tell me more of this place. Where might a warrior find a name for himself in such a city as this?"
===DMRoy===
Elle blinked as the comparatively giant cloak was draped over her, covering much of her body from sight. She continued walking like that without doing anything about it, following the sounds of Eglath’s heavy steps on the wet cobblestone path. Tannim snickered at the sight.
“We’re actually headed to such a place.” The fairy said. “Kira’s establishment is in the guildhall district. I don’t know if they’ll have work for someone like you though. You know what I mean?”
As you walk along the western road, you notice the area is less populated. There are less buildings around, and instead more natural surroundings; trees and flowers dot the landscape. Between the road and the wall, there are fewer buildings than trees, though this changes on the other side of the road.
“It’s not impossible, but if you want to make it here you’re really going to have to beat the odds.” Tannim continued.
The road curves a bit to your right as you walk; you can see another district coming up. There are crowds of people, even larger than in the other two districts you saw on your way in. There are rows of buildings, their storefronts displaying various wares, and an ostentatious auction hall can be seen towards the center of the district, the majority of the crowd gathered there. You can hear the buzz of conversation and hollering from inside the auction hall even as you approach.
“This is the marketplace,” Tannim said. “It’s just a few districts past here.”
===Lathis===
Eglath pondered, briefly, stopping to browse, but the lightness of his purse dissuaded him of that notion quickly.
"Fear not for me. It is rare that the odds are stacked against me." He offered the fairy a crooked grin. "After all, I have been in the city scarcely an hour, and already have gained the companionship of two lovely young ladies. I doubt anyone else would have such luck!"
Giving another boisterous laugh, Eglath patted Elle gently on the head. "So, tell me of this Kira. I imagine her tolerance for us lower beings must make her less than popular herself. What does she do in this place?"
===DMRoy===
Tannim chuckled.
“I’m older than you, you know,” She said. “Anyway, I don’t know Kira personally. I heard she used to be an adventurer or something, but something or another forced her to settle down and she bought a tavern and inn outright, about half a year ago. She’s infamous for offering equal services to people regardless of their race.”
“Are you talking about the sub-human filth loving lady?” Elle asked from beneath the cloak.
===Lathis===
"Perhaps, Elle," Eglath replied, his smile slipping a touch, "You might consider a different word from filth?"
He gestured to the fairy on his shoulder.
"After all, while I am quite filth coated, I do not think our companion appreciates such an unfair statement. You would not want to hurt our feelings, would you young one?"
===DMRoy===
“Yes, after all, my feelings are so very delicate.” Tannim chirped.
“Gasp! Elle is sorry! Elle didn’t know sub-humans had feelings!” She exclaimed, remorseful. She pulled the large cloak down a bit and wrapped it around herself several times.
Tannim groaned.
===Lathis===
Eglath could only shake his head helplessly, a defeated grin on his face. It was obvious that his companion was quite inured to the constant abuse which had permeated the young girl's speech, so there was no need to try to scold her for something she could scarce even understand.
Instead, Eglath simply followed the Fairy's direction, taking a series of streets and roads, until they finally arrived at, the Goliath could only assume, was their destination.
===DMRoy===
"Elle doesn't really know what a sub-human is," The girl admitted. "The lady at the church taught her that a sub-human is anything that looks like a human, but that's it." She looked up at the fairy.
Tannim just shook her head and sighed.
"It's alright kid, don't worry about it."
And so Elle followed as Tannim led Eglath through the marketplace, the slums, the tannery, and the red light and a district filled with shanty homes and huts until finally they reached the guildhall district and stopped before a lit up tavern.
There was wooden sign above the door - which was a foot too short for Eglath - with a lantern hanging over it, which read, The Yellow Mug, Tavern and Inn. From inside, one could hear a boisterous crowd of people, laughing and talking, as well as the cheery tune of a young songstress.
"Here you are, as promised." The fairy said cheerfully. "Now, I believe you owe me something?"
===Lathis===
With thick fingers, not terribly well suited to the task of handling tiny, human currency, Eglath dug a single gold coin from his purse and nodded in agreement.
"Indeed I do, fair Fey. Take it with my gratitude for showing me the way through this labyrinthine encampment." He shook his head in amusement. "Never before have I laid eyes upon such a sprawling community."
With that, Eglath ducked his head down and stepped through the door, casually handing the coin to the fairy on his shoulder. Once inside, he stretched to his full height and let out a boisterous belly laugh.
"Now, where is a warrior and his motely team of mercenaries to find a drink and a meal in this establishment?"
===DMRoy===
Elle followed Eglath into the building.
"Elle really wishes she hadn't passed through that stinky place," She grumbled as she stepped inside, then looked around in awe.
"You and me both, kid." Tannim chirped as she accepted the comparatively large gold coin. Despite the size difference, she was able to hold it easily (with both hands, anyway).
A small crowd of men and women - the vast majority human - were seated at tables throughout the modestly sized room, clothed in the garments and armor common to adventurers rather than the garb of peasants. There was a large lit fireplace in the center of the tavern, and one could feel its heat on their cold, wet body the instant they were inside. There was a staircase against the wall to Eglath's left, leading up to the inn's rooms.
The songstress, who stood in an empty corner of the room, was an elven maid. She sang a cheery song to the tune of a human bard's lute, adding to the tavern's atmosphere. More than a few of the men in the building were focused directly on her.
Across the room from their position at the door was a bar, behind which a door to the kitchen could be seen. Seated at the bar were a Vinean woman and a woman with elven features, but pale gray skin. The Vinean woman was talking to a heavily pregnant woman, while the elven looking woman was drinking something from a mug.
The tavern's guests had a mixed reaction to Eglath's entrance.
The ones dressed up as peasants and common folk - locals - lost a bit of their liveliness, while the adventuring types simply continued on.
"Now there's a stout lad!" called out a gravelly voice to a round of laughter.
The pregnant woman at the bar grinned. She had light skin, was bald and wore a brown leather vest over a white-longsleeved shirt, fitted black trousers, and black boots with heels.
"If it's a drink and a meal you want, then you've come to the right place!" She called back. "Come have a seat!" She said, gesturing down at the stool beside the Vinean woman.
===Lathis===
"Finally, a friendly face," Eglath joked with Elle. He then moved across the room, careful not to knock anything, or anyone over. "As he pulled up one of the fragile looking chairs, he unsheathed the massive blade from his back, setting the nearly 8 foot sword against the bar before he gingerly sat down.
"Thank you for your hospitality, madam, it seems that not many in this town are so tolerant of sub-human filth." Glancing down at the woman's swollen belly, he smiled all the wider. "Also, congratulations on your own blessing."
===DMRoy===
Elle followed after him, hopping up onto on the stool that the woman had gestured when she noticed Eglath grabbing a chair.
The woman winced when Eglath mentioned 'sub-human filth'.
"Someone called you 'sub-human filth'? Geez, I'm sorry you had to go through that." She said with a sigh and a shake of her head.
"Verily, the humans dwelling in this city are an uncouth lot." The vinean woman sitting beside Elle said in an airy voice. "Present company excluded, of course." She added when Kira turned to look at her expectantly.
"Yes. I wonder -who- could have -said- such a terrible thing..." Tannim murmured suggestively.
Elle however didn't seem to notice the pointed statement.
The barmaid's expression changed to a prideful smile and she rubbed her distended belly.
"Anyways, thank you! Though it wasn't the best timing... or with the best man... " She grumbled the last part, "... I'm lookin' forward to bein' a mama!" She said with a nod.
"Elle is hungry," The little girl declared suddenly, holding up her wet cup with three copper coins in it. "Elle and Mister Eggle-ath are going to buy food!"
The pregnant woman chuckled.
"That's right, food and drink, is it?" She said, turning to look at Eglath. "Were you in need of a place to stay as well?"
===Lathis===
Eglath looked to the girl at his side, then to his nearly empty coin purse. "Alas, though my generosity is boundless, the rather more pragmatic nautre of my finances is somewhat more...limited."
Giving a weary sigh, he dropped the purse onto the table. "However, I did promise a meal to my young friend, so we will start with that. If your rooms are affordable, I may take one as well."
Absently, he flicked the small satchel with a pinky. "Beyond just food and board, though, perhaps some advice would be helpful as well. I do need to find a way to fill my coffers in this most unwelcoming place if I am to stay for more than a few nights."
===DMRoy===
"Advice, hmm?" The barmaid asked with furrowed brow. She glanced over at the pale gray elven maid sitting a few stools over. "I was just asked a similar question, but I'm afraid I couldn't tell you for certain. They might have some work for you at one of the nearby guildhalls. But, I'm sure you'd like to eat, so... tonight we've got sliced ham, jerked buffalo, and corned beef for five silvers, roast goose for seven and squabstuffed pheasant for eight... We've also groul of the beast for two, if that's what you need." She said, recalling what he'd said about his finances. "And we've ale for four coppers and mead for a silver to quench the thirst."
Elle's mouth was hanging open, drool dripping out, and revealing two prominent canine teeth that gleamed in the tavern's artificial light. She quickly looked up at Eglath.
"Elle wants the ham! Please get Elle the ham!"
===Lathis===
"Four servings of ham, the same of ale," Eglath requested, before looking down at Elle, "... and some milk if you have it," he added with a grin.
He then turned his attention to the woman sitting several stools down. Even the difference in species, height and several orders of magnitude in mass, he could not ignore the nearly supernatural beauty of the pale skinned female.
If only she were about two hundred pounds plumper...
"So, I am not the only newcomer to town this day? Excuse me, miss, but have you received any further tips that may help me as well?"
===DMRoy===
"Elle wants ale too! Please get Elle the ale instead!" Elle cried out.
"Milk for you, little one." The barmaid said with a snort as she turned around and walked into the kitchen to deliver their order to the cook.
"Awwww!" Elle groaned.
Tae glanced over at the giant that had addressed her. Had he deduced that she was the newcomer just from the short conversation he'd had with the barkeep and the Vinean woman? Perhaps there was some intelligence hidden within that massive frame. Perhaps she could use him. He certainly looked to be a strong fighter.
He might make a good meatshield.
She turned to face him with a congenial smile.
"I find myself in much the same situation as you, sir. Unfortunately I've heard nothing else that could be of use. But maybe we can work together on that front, share any information we gather with one another?"
The vinean woman looked from one speaker to the other.
"Searching for employment, is it?" She asked. "If that's the case, then you're out of luck. Jobs have been quite scarce in this town of late, due to various reasons. Last I checked at the guildhall next door, the only available request was something about goblins harassing some poor little hamlet in the hinterlands. It's low profile stuff, I doubt the pay is worth it."
===Lathis===
Eglath scratched his chin, deep in consideration.
"Hmm, hunting Goblins?" Donning a large smile, he lifted on of his large feet. "I have just the implement for such a hunt right here with me."
He turned back to the fair drow.
"I do not know what you seek, but even a few coins is enough to make myself happy, and perhaps a small amount of reputation as a bonus. Would you be interested in splitting such a bounty?"
He turned back to Elle. "Though I think you might have to stay in town while I am away, little one. It is hard to keep all of you tiny people in sight when I stomp pests!"
===DMRoy===
Elle looked up at him.
"Elle's strong too! She might even be stronger than you, Mister Eggle-ath!"
Tannim chuckled.
"Somehow, I doubt that."
Tae watched the interaction, feeling a pang of nostalgia.
"If it's with competent allies, I wouldn't mind splitting the reward. It's only fair." She said.
The vinean woman raised an eyebrow.
"What's this? You're actually interested in such work?"
===Lathis===
Eglath chuckled gently, patting Elle on the head.
"I am sure that one day you will be stronger than I... but probably not for a year or two at least. Perhaps you should stay behind for now... just to be safe."
He turned back to the Vinean woman. "I don't suppose she could stay here, could she? I can leave some gold to pay... if only for a few days. With any luck, hunting goblins might at least fill our pockets with silver."
Turning back to the drow woman, he gestured to the door. "What say you? Shall we try to snatch this bounty before any other Ragamuffin adventures attempt to steal it from beneath our noses?"
===DMRoy===
Elle puffed out her bottom lip in a pout.
"Elle is strong! Elle is the strongest!" She declared, looking around the room.
"Hmm? If you can pay, I'm certain Kira will allow her to share some space. Though it pains me to say, it might be more economical for her to simply sleep near the fire down here." The Vinean woman said. "Perhaps the little waif could use some clothing, for that matter."
Tae considered it.
"Goblins or no, I'd feel more confident with another ally or two to aid our cause." She said.
Elle finally stopped her search on seeing Eglath's Fullblade. She narrowed her eyes and pointed a hand at it, and cried out, "Float!" as she stared at it in concentration.
The massive blade lifted into the air. It didn't wobble or anything of the sort; its movements were precise and controlled. The blade slowly rose up towards the ceiling and began spinning around its centerpoint like an animated baton.
"See!" The girl said through her teeth, "Elle could lift two of those! She's sure of it!"
===Lathis===
Noting the incredible feat of defying the natural order of the world, Eglath did the first thing he could think of.
Falling backwards, his chair shattering to splinters at the sudden shift in bulk, Eglath collapsed to the floor, his eyes wide in shock.
"By the Ram-God, what sorcery is this?" Looking back from his sword to the mysterious young girl, the Goliath could only stutter in shock. "H-how are you doing this?
===DMRoy===
"Oh!" The vinean woman raised her brow as she watched. She clapped a few times. "Impressive, lass!"
A number of people in the tavern were also watching, spellbound.
"Blimey! Wouldja lookit tha'! 'sa flyin' swerd! A big 'un, at tha!"
"What? It is! Nice trick!"
Sounds of awe spread around the room and there was a round of applause from those less utterly awestruck. However, Eglath's question caused Elle to look over at him... and the floating weapon immediately fell to the stone floor with a great, loud clang.
"Uh... Elle... Elle doesn't really know!" She turned to look at the massive sword and frowned. "She just points at it like this and... makes it move! She can't do it more than once or twice a day... but it's fun!" She stood up and reached down to try and pick it up by the hilt. She grunts and groans as she tries to lift it."Hweh? It's heavier than Elle thought!"
It was at that point that the barmaid returned from the kitchen with a small plate in one hand and a mug in the other. On the plate was a slice of ham, dark rye bread, and a fork.
"And just who was making all that noise?" She demanded as she carried the meal over to Tae and set it down before her. She then made her way to where Eglath and Elle were seated, setting the mug down.
"Uhh... Not Elle!" Elle chimed.
"Interesting..." Tannim muttered. She had fluttered off of Eglath's shoulder the instant he'd begun falling backwards and now hovered in the air above. From her position she surveyed the room, while most of the guests went back to their business.
The barmaid spotted Eglath on the floor and raised her eyebrows.
"And just -what- happened to you?"
===Lathis===
Eglath shook his head, running a calloused hand over his skull.
"Nothing, nothing. Unfortunately it appears you may need to invest in a hardier breed of chair in the future if I am to become a regular patron here," he joked uneasily.
Rising back to his feet, the Goliath first picked up his sword before leaning against the bar itself.
Giving Elle another look, this one a more appraising glance. He felt a bit foolish for his surpise. He had never seen a display like that back in his tribe, but judging by the casual reactions of all present, it was a fairly common ability.
"That was... quite impressive, Elle. Still, I think it would be safer for you to stay here for now. It would look quite badly on myself, taking someone so young into a battle and all."
He turned back to the barmaid. "Do you suppose, if I left a few gold coins, that Elle could stay here until I get back from hunting goblins?"
===DMRoy===
Tae began eating her meal in silence, listening to the discussion with disinterest.
Kira raised an eyebrow.
"You don't say. You're paying for that, you know." She considered his question. "I suppose, if you're paying, I could put her up for a bit..." She said. "But I wouldn't exactly be able to tend to her every need. I do have a business to run, after all. I agree, though, it'll be much safer for her to stay here."
Elle sat down on the stool again.
"Elle could hunt goblins too..." She grumbled.
"I don't doubt it, lass. But I'm certain you'll have more fun frollicking with the other children in the streets here." The vinean woman said.
Kira tsk'd.
"Human children shouldn't be playing in the rain, Naida, they'll catch a chill."
"Oh? Hm. Then I suppose she'll have to play inside. Still, it'd be irresponsible to let her go on such a trip. We'll take care of her, Sir.. Eggle-ath, was it?" She asked with a smile.
Elle held up her bowl. She focused on it as they spoke, and murmured,
"Change colors,"
after a moment, the misshapen clay bowl turned bright red and she cheered.
Tae watched the girl with a frown. Her studies in Arcana had covered a variety of topics in history and legends, but she had not yet managed to study practical applications of magic and was not quite familiar with identifying the spells of other mages, so she couldn’t quite tell what the human child was doing.
“Look!” Elle said suddenly, holding up the bowl with a toothy grin. It continued to change colors.
“Oh? Magick, is it?” Kira raised an eyebrow. “Surprising from a child so young, but you’d be hard-pressed to impress any of the adventurers in this tavern.”
Elle puffed out her lip.
“Elle can do more than this!”
“I don’t doubt it, but if you break anything, little-one, it’s coming out of Sir Eggle-ath’s coin purse.”
===Lathis===
"Eglath, actually, Miss... Kira, was it? My Fair fairy companion mentioned your name I belive."
He turned to Elle. "And while you seem to be quite full of tricks, I think that perhaps waiting until I get back would be a better time to see all of what you can do. Then we won't have to worry about being kicked out onto the street my wicked humans," he fired a teasing wink Kira's way. "So what do you say? Will you stay here in the nice, warm inn until I get back, and then I can see about training you in the knightly ways?"
Brushing off his chain shirt, he nodded to everyone else present, as he prepared to make his way to the Guild Hall to secure work.
===DMRoy===
Elle's eyes widened at his question.
"Mister Eggle-ath is gonna teach Elle to be a knight!? Ooh! Oooh! Can Elle get a sword like Mister Eggle-ath's if she's a good knight!?"
Kira chuckled at that and shook her head.
"She's certainly an energetic little brat." She said.
"The Guildhall you're looking for is next door, by the way," Naida said with a nod.
Tannim hovered down to Elle's face.
"Forget about bein' a knight, kid, that's no fun at all. But, I bet you and I can have some -real- fun if we team up!"
===Lathis===
"There is no truer companion than steel, Fairy," Eglath boasted with a grin. "So stop filling Elle's head with such silliness."
He then turned his attneiton to the young girl. "And I'll just be gone for a few moments, across the way. Make certain that at least one of those hams is still here when I get back!"
And with that, he made his way out the door, intend on the Guild Hall, and the first step on his grand adventure.
===DMRoy===
"Okay! Elle promises to eat only three hams!" The child cried as he stepped outside.
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