CH. 1: Haven and Hell

[HorizonsDream]

"No. I'm just stopping by to say hi, and to make sure everything is okay," Kendra says to her mother. She knew there wasn't enough food for her, so she could just eat back at Norris'.

[Haahque]

"Thank you, thank you." Haahqae expresses his gratitude as he scoops up the coins. Gaining a little extra appreciation and coin is a side benefit of his job, and one he quite enjoys. He has no doubt that he's earned his bed and breakfast tonight, and he starts going over tomorrow's performance in his head, noting the acts that will be harder then tonight's, and determines that he probably won't have to practice much for tomorrow either, too early in his performance cycle for that.

(OOC: how many copper do I scoop up?)

[JadedDM]

Kendra Synclair (2723 Crooked Road, Synclair Residence)
"Everything's fine here," Kendra's mother responds, scooping the stew into bowls. The two kids scurry to the table to eat, each getting a full bowl. There's only enough for one bowl left, so she splits it between her and her husband.

"How did it go today?" her father asks.

"That's right, I heard at the market today there was almost a riot or something," her mother pipes in.

Haahqae and Darga (Steel Tankard Inn, Common Room)
The two humans look down at Darga with a bit of surprise, partly from being unexpectedly interrupted, but no doubt also partly because of his countenance. Finally, the man says, "Well, he said there were demons in some nearby mine that needed clearing out, and he was looking for folk to help him do it."

"Probably good money, but it sounds pretty dangerous to me. Fighting demons? No thank you," the woman adds.

A moment later, the server returns to Darga with a bowl of stew, some bread and cheese, and a mug of ale.

Meanwhile, Haahqae scoops up nine copper pieces. He notices a couple more that hit the ground, but were gone before he could reach them--snatched up by refugees no doubt.

==========

Haahqae adds 9 copper pieces to his inventory.

[HorizonsDream]

Kendra, despite not having anything to eat herself, sits at the table. "There was another charlatan preaching to the crowds about how his God is the true God, and that the Seekers were false," she explains. "I even saw him heal himself, but then again I have a feeling that maybe it was some sort of magic rather than true healing magic."

[djhyland]

Darga smiles and mumbles his thanks to the couple at the table next to him, then turns back to his own table and watches the gnome gather up his change. He considers their words--demons in a mine? It sounds dangerous, but then again, the woman did say that there'd be good money in the job. And although he has two coins, two was only one more than one, and one would mean that he'd have to go back to hunting for his meals soon. He eats his meal in haste--although the stew is particularly good and the bread is fresh, he's curious enough about the gnome's business that he wants to catch him before he leaves.

After finishing his meal, Darga grabs his pack and picks his way across the room towards the gnome. Fishing a steel piece from a pocket hidden on the inside of his cloak, he flips it to the gnome. (After all, if one could buy an excellent meal with such a coin, an excellent performance was certainly worth one, too!) "Ya put on a good show!" he calls, loud enough to be heard over the din of the room.

(OOC: if Haahque accepts the coin, please mark off one from Darga's inventory and add one to Haahque's.)

[Haahque]

"Why thank you sir dwarf." Haahqae replies, catching the coin. The dwarf he had assumed to be yet another refugee judging by his run down clothing, but he feels something odd about the coin in his hand. Looking down Haahqae sees steel where he expects copper to be, the surprise of the realization clearly readable on his face. Someone this interested in his art deserves some attention, so Haahqae forgoes his plans for a quick getaway to some quiet time in his room and instead turns to talk to the newcomer.

"What brings a kind dwarf like you to in inn like this? Personally I came because it was the only inn with room and I wanted to see the sights in Haven. Alas the best laid plans often fall apart, and one of my first activities I have planned is a trip outside of this fair city."

[djhyland]

Darga pauses for a moment before answering. He didn't want to give the wrong impression. "Me? I'm here fer the same reason every'un else is, food and drink and gettin' out of the rain. Name's Darga." He sticks out a hand in introduction, and shakes Haahqae's hand vigorously (if Haahqae accepts his hand). "Now, I been hearing a bit about yer planned trip. Are ya really lookin' for people to help ya drive some demons out a mine?"

[NoTrammeling]

Coroccoco nods, casting an eye along the visible perimeter of the park even though it's likely no one else is so foolish as to be out in the cold and wet. "I was approached and threatened today in the street for my morning sermon. By those of my own blood... And something worse, I fear." Her voice is low, but calm and unshaken. "What course of action will you take? It is possible to track your guardian's path?"

[Haahque]

Haahqae laughs a bit at Durga's jest, at least he thinks it's a jest, and accepts the dwarf's hearty handshake.

"I'm Haahqae, if you haven't heard, and yes tis true that I'm on a demon hunt. Furthermore I've been lucky enough to gather a small group of dashing adventurers to slay the vile fiends, but the plans to do that have been delayed until the morrow unfortunately. The group consists of the mine owner, who is a warrior with many a boast after as many drinks, a tough as nails fighter by the name of Mister Trench, a large and furry... thing, I'm pretty sure it's some kind of goblin, and another man with a sword. He didn't say much but he did carry some sort of instrument around with him, I wonder if he's entertaining at an inn tonight also."
Haahqae pauses in thought.
"And we have the blessing of the holy guard on this mission, as one of their number will be accompanying us. You can count on that iron mine to be back in business in no time, creating jobs and equipment for the city."

[JadedDM]

Kendra Synclair (2723 Crooked Road, Synclair Residence)
"Oh, dear," her mother says. "It's like that Belzor thing all over again. When will people stop being suckered by those con-artists?"

"You're off tomorrow," her father states, changing the subject. "Will you be coming by then?"

Haahqae and Darga (Steel Tankard Inn, Common Room)
(OOC: Darga gives Haahqae a steel piece.)

Coroccoco (Clover Park)
"No, because I don't know him," Daxia admits. "He was supposed to identify himself with a special passcode. My fear is that my enemies have found and captured him. Or that he has betrayed me. Either way, it means my enemies may soon have my location."

[NoTrammeling]

"Hmmmm," rumbles the priest deep within her chest. "A difficulty." She shifts her hat to the back of her head, allowing better view though less coverage. "Hmmmm," she rumbles again, yellow eyes bright with thought.

"Safer to stay in Haven for the time being. I need not tell you the perils of traveling alone these days. Change your clothes to something befitting a refugee and they will never find a single face among that crowd. You stand out." Coroccoco reaches out to thumb the woman's rich fur coat. "Disappear into the throng. Or... provided sufficient incentive I believe I would be able to arrange a trap for your pursuers, though you would have to be the worm on our hook."

EDIT: accidentally a word

[djhyland]

Darga looks crestfallen at Haahqae's words, but perhaps a bit relieved as well. "It sounds like ya and yer friends have got it taken care of, then. I was hoping ya'd need some more help, at least if there'd be some coin innit fer me." He shoulders his pack and prepares to make his way towards his table again. "Good luck wit' the mine, Haahqae. I hope you come back safe."

[Haahque]

"Aye, chances are we have it covered, but if you're willing an extra arm never hurts. Can you fight? Just between you and me, they're all giants, and I'd be happy to bring along someone who doesn't tower over me quite as much."

[djhyland]

Darga brightens visibly and turns back at Haahqae's offer. "Aye, I can fight, and if ya will have me, I'll come and help!" He thumps his walking stick on the floor, then mimes bashing something with it. "Where should I find you in the morning?"

[Haahque]

Haahqae explains the morning's plans and gives directions to Kynaston's house before retiring to his room. Later he will go back down and order some supper, but for now he just wants some quiet time to think over the things he's read about today and to draw his famously impressive conclusions from the information as best he can.