The Horn of Kraj'ot (1x1 with Kain)

[Alice]

The first 11 pages

Oriana was disappointed in her ignorance of the typical person's economics. If she had her way, though, she'd never have to worry about money; however, as her great grandfather was with her, she was almost prohibited from using her wild magic. I'll just change this one back... She thought, and as she held the flattened coin, it started o return to its previous shape.

She went straight to the fur traders, offering up the rabbit fur she'd brought. It didn't get her much --a single gold coin--, but she asked what they could do for the amount of gold she offered; she had put the coin in her backpack, and pulled it out again, appearing as far more than the one coin it was, hoping her grandfather hadn't seen. "I'll expect a seamstress to work with you, of course. I do hope this town has one. I want a dress fitting for nobility. I have more gold if you wish."

[Kain]

Rowlous saw Oriana walk off towards the fur traders. Knowing that Xaras would keep her out of trouble they parted company and he headed towards the tavern at the center of the outpost.

Opening the heavy oaken door, Rowlous made his way directly to the bartender. He held alcohol in low regard because it muddled the senses, but in this case it was necessary to blend in. He ordered a strong ale and struck up a conversation with the bartender while he slowly downed his drink.

Beginning the conversation as a meager old man he quickly found the bartender to be at ease and that's when he delved into the meat of the conversation.

"So you get anyone through here from Derin'ur?"

"A merchant or two, we're just an outpost to outfit people who want to cross the swamps of Ratagar so we don't get many people through here. What are you looking for from Derin'ur?"

"Not anything in particular. I'm looking for an old friend who lives with the Kraj'ot clan. Do you know if they still pass through Derin'ur?"

"Last I heard they do, and that was three weeks ago. They should be passing through in about a week. If you leave in the next day or two you should run into them there."

"Thank you very much my good man." Rowlous downed the last gulp of his drink and tossed a gold marble onto the table. The man's eyes lit up with greed.

"Wait, before you go, this is way too much for just a drink. At least let me give you so food for the road."

Rowlous paused and turned to face the man but he had disappeared into the kitchen. Moments later he returned with water skins and sacks full of salted beef and spiced potatoes.

Rowlous took the food from the man gratefully and stepped out into the street.

[Alice]

The seamstress and leatherworker worked quickly using the best materials they had; primarily white rabbit fur and other furs dyed in blacks and browns if they weren't already in those colors with rare fabrics from other regions. Her shoulders would have been uncovered had the seamstress not thought of a creative use of fabrics and feathers near the top. The end result looked like a mix of a soldier and an animal; perfect for her.

She thanked them and paid them in both illusory and real gold and left immediately. She looked around everywhere; she had no idea where Rowlous had went and didn't know exactly how much time had passed while they made her dress. Finally, she saw him walking out of the tavern. She ran to him and spun around, trying not to overexcite herself; the last thing she needed was an accidental outburst.

[Kain]

When Rowlous stepped outside he was immediately greeted with a glare from the sun. Raising his hand to shiled his eyes he continued to walk. It wasn't long before he saw Oriana jogging towards him in what appeared to be very expensive clothes. As she came closer Rowlous paused for a moment to admire the fantastic quality of the material. When they were finally within talking range Rowlous called to her,

"So did you find out anything or just go shopping?"

A grin crossed his face. He knew the chances that she did find out any information at the seamstress's was slim but that was ok, he had found out everything they needed.

[Alice]

Oriana shook her head. "Nothing. They were too busy. So, do you like it? And more importantly, did you find anything out? That's the tavern, right? Isn't that where all the rumors are spread?" She had been in taverns before. She listened to the stories about her attacks. It was great entertainment. Often, the stories were more fun than the real thing.

She couldn't feel the heat from the sun directly with her new clothes, but inside them, Oriana was very warm. It was probably better that the sun warmed them up; it was probably going to be a cold night...but there's probably somewhere to sleep here. We're helpless lost travelers. They can't turn us down, can they?

[Kain]

Giving them a once over Rowlous smiled and replied, "Yes, it suits you well. Does it provide you with protection as well as comfort?" Without waiting for an answer he motioned to her to walk with him as they walked towards the inn. Rowlous figured that after traveling in the forest for a while they could use an actual bed and spending the night wouldn't put them behind schedule.

"I found out from the barkeep that the clan we re looking for is still on schedule and we'll find them in Derin'ur in a week. I figure we'll spend the night in the inn tonight so that we"ll be well rested for the trip.

((sorry, I really had no clue what to post ><))

[Alice]

((It's okay. I do that all the time ))

Oriana wasn't sure whether to be excited or disappointed at the news that they'd be sleeping in town; it seemed so unnatural to her to sleep in a bed. She wondered how they did it; sleeping in the same place every night, oblivious of danger. It was naive if not stupid to think that one was safe in those walls. The fact that they lived in one place their entire lives seemed rather dull, as well.

She followed Rowlous, deep in thought for a while, almost missing what he said. When she heard it, she instantly snapped back. "We'll meet them soon? We've got a lot to do then. We can't sleep until we're confident we can do this...what are we doing, exactly? Are we just confronting their leader?" She was very curious. It wasn't every day one could use magic for this sort of thing. She was almost thankful she disconnected from her family so that she could talk about them without referencing the leader's relation to her...if in fact there was one. She couldn't remember.

[Kain]

Approaching the inn they stepped inside. Rowlous strolled with a smooth confidence towards the innkeeper and promptly paid for two rooms. Taking the keys from him he motioned to Oriana to follow him up the stairs.

"Here's the key to your room. Put any belongings you may have in there," Rowlous didn't see any belongings but he decided he would be polite. "When you've finished come into my room and we'll discuss out battle plan for when we have our run in with the clan sometime next week."

[Alice]

Oriana didn't even bother to go into her room. She followed Rowlous into his immediately. "I didn't need my own room. I doubt I'll be able to sleep. It's too cramped. Too quiet. Everything outside seems so far away. I don't like this." She sat on the floor. This has to hurt their feet, too. How can they walk on something so hard...and loud. They must be paranoid something's going to follow them, so they need noisy floors to warn them. She pictured one of these pathetic people being followed by some small forest creature, completely terrified, and giggled.

So, Xaras, I'm sure you'd like to participate here. You could probably fit perfectly on my arms...or shoulders. She sat on her legs and put her hands on her lap. "That's...not soon enough. Isn't there some way to move faster with your magic? Once we have a plan...it shouldn't be too hard, should it? Why not surprise them with fire. Lots of fire. All around. Then dramatically walk it. We'd use that fire that doesn't burn. Maybe..." She had her own plans. Once I've rested, I'm sure I could 'convince' someone to loan us horses. But there's no way he'll approve. He's against that sort of magic. Not much of a charmer. I wonder... "Perhaps there's enough money here to purchase someone's horses to get there faster?"

((Yeah, she's not into battle strategies. It's not her style to plan. Obviously, Rowlous is rubbing off on her...not...oh...I didn't mean it like it could be interpreted >.> Anyway...yeah...she's trying to distract Rowlous.))

[Kain]

Rowlous heard her follow him directly into the room. He waited until she was in the room with him and closed the door. He heard her ask for Xaras's participation and was shocked to find that he had forgotton about his old friend. But it wasn't until he heard him talk that he knew that there was no harm done.

Thank you for inviting me to the conversation Oriana. Rowlous could feel a friendly glare being cast at him from Oriana's general direction. I'm getting a feeling that you would much rather march in and raise hell through some fancy trickery Oriana. While I think it is a good idea, we'll need more than that if we're to be successful.

At this point Rowlous spoke up, "Child, if you were to distract the clan I could sneak into the Chieftain's tent, and make off with the horn that your true father is using to control the clan. I seek to destroy it so that the clan will forever be free from the magic they've been under for centuries."

After the horn is destroyed the people will know that your father has been controlling them Oriana. They will no longer follow his lead, I have a feeling they may look to you, their savior, for guidance. Are you willing to accept that role? Keep in mind that if you do accept rule over the clan then your first decision will be the sparing of your father. He has committed heinous crimes against the clan and they will most likely wish him dead.