Open Luncheon

[Fyrra Na'Limndra]

--:Midday

The past few days had not yielded much by way of results for the pair. They were no closer to catching up with their compatriots, who were surely at Morith by now. Once again Fyrra was at a loss of what to do. Harstans stables were too expensive at the moment. She couldn't afford a horsenew which meant they were stuclooking in Sorath if they didn't want to walk. The horse she wanted was a black and white mare with a stunning personality.

-"She was such a pretty horse!"-

Fyrra sobbed. They had ordered a bottle of the Vortalcino Black. It came with the cork already off, none was missing, and two glasses. Merrake poured Fyrra a glass of the bluish-black liquid.

-"Have some wine."-

The Kalimbra picked it up by its stem with her fingers. She sampled it's aroma. Then tasted it briefly. Then gulped the glass down.

---

Carousing! Vit: 11, thresh: 11
AmBIXZlj
--:73, Failed

Humanitarian Initiative
·
--:59 gold owed.

(Restated rolls in case I broke it by editing in mobile mode.)

[Deleted]

It was a hot day the sun beating down on the back of Féderic's neck, he was just walking around the ring market, getting to know his people and what they do, I mean he wants to be known as the people's Governor so he must show face and start to get to know the people that live in his city.

Féderic would pop into the Serpents Head Inn for a cold beer to quench his thirst and dry mouth.  As he walked in he noticed it wasn't all that busy, he would find an open table and wait till a waiter took his order for 1 black label beer, while he waited he looked around the Inn taking in the people when he saw a blue girl?  She must be Kalimbra, first time Féderic has actually seen one.  After receiving his beer he would make his way to her table. "May I join miss?"

[Jorkahn Wealddir]

Well, here he was. The half Elkagr had no idea what he was getting himself into, or why he was even here. No, that last part was a bit of a lie, he knew why he was here, he just didn't want to admit it. The boy stood off to the side a ways from the door, fighting himself for the courage to walk through. These places were always so crowded, so terrifyingly packed with people. Just thinking about it made a chill run up his spine and his hair stand on end. The sheepish young man nearly lost his nerve. But he had to get better at this, he just knew he had to. Maybe leaping out of his comfort zone wasn't the best way to go about it, but it was all he could think to do. Also, maybe some alcohol would calm him down, despite the fact that he hated the stuff.

After standing there for five minutes, watching persons coming and going, Jorkahn pulled his cloak tight and, checking that his ax was still securely fastened on his back, entered the building. It instantly put him into shock and he pulled his hood down further obscuring his head and face from view. The Serpent's Head was always so busy. The lad desperately scanned the room for an open seat and immediately took for it when one was spotted. He had been so hasty he hadn't even realized there were already people at the table. He had sat at the opposite end of the table of two Drokagr women and a man that seemed to be soliciting them in some kind of way, he didn't seem malicious. His eyes opened wider with a start underneath the shade of his hood when he realized one of the women was blue. Was she a Drokagr? He didn't know much about their species, but he had never heard of a blue Drow.

She was rather beautiful and he couldn't help but stare for a moment, more out of curiosity than lust for her beauty. He probably looked rather suspicious and he couldn't even tell.

[Fyrra Na'Limndra]

"Oh, of course. Come to drown your sorrows as I have?"

Fyrra was still thinking about the horse. She did not notice the young half-elf standing basically in everyone's way. She poured herself more wine. It was a wonderful thing, the wine. It made her feel better about this morning. In fact, more wine. She drank some and looked at the strange man who asked to join the table. He appeared to be moneyed, from her point of view. At least by Cruic type standards. She didn't know what a wealthy person looked like by those regards.

-"There's a boy staring at you."-

"This my new acquaintance, is my good friend Merrake. She's my bodyguard. I'm Kalimbra Fyrra Na'Limndra. Visiting the city!"

-"Please don't regale him with your sob story about the horse. And the boy is still staring at you. Do you want me to hurt him."-

"More wine for everyone. Or whatever it is that you're drinking sir. Some kind of stout?"

The half-breed put a few more coins on the table. A girl came by and scooped them up. More drinks were set out. Did Fyrra care? No. She cared about the horse she couldn't buy. She would have named her muffin. It would have been glorious. They'd have been the best of friends.

Merrake did her best to seem like she wasn't watching the boy staring, but she was watching the boy stare.

---

Carousing! Vit: 11, thresh: 0 (-15)
54_3BrBT
-Autofail!

[Deleted]

Féderic sat down opposite the lady looking a bit confused "drown my sorrows? no just want to quench my thirst, why are you drowning your sorrows right now?."  He would see a young half elf next to staring at her blankly, don't know what his problem was but he better stop before she does something.  "Nice to meet the both of you ladies I'm Féderic the governor of Sorath, so you're visiting, enjoying your stay so far?  Hope you haven't had any trouble while you have been here?  AH yes I'm drinking a stout."

[Allyria Allenmorde]

-Post meeting with the Wylmonts, which happened a day or so after meeting with Governor Cooper.
-Please keep in mind my strict timeline!

---

To lunch!

A wonderful time of the day. Almost sacred. Allyria strolled through the front door of the Serpents head inn, coming out of the heat into the relative coolness of shade. Somehow the place had managed to stave off the heat. A secret she had to learn.

There on her path was Jorkahn. A person she knew, immediately she tapped him on the shoulder.

"Jorkahn, good to see you. How are you doing?"

She peered around him as he said this scanning the room for other potential acquaintences. She had half expected to see Tyr or Nadera or someone. Instead she saw the usual patrons, Governor Cooper, and a pair of Half-Drokagr.

"Wait, I know her. She's a Kalimbra. Maleus 199 issue of KM."

[Jorkahn Wealddir]

Jorkahn unintentionally listened into their conversation, his ears resembling that of an Elkagr making it easier to hear through the din of the tavern. He was still staring at Fyrra, finally becoming aware of the fact he had been staring. She seemed rather polite, if not drunk. The man she was talking to also sounded courteous and agreeable. For some reason, it put his nervousness to rest for a moment, but only for a moment. At the mention of her bodyguard, the boy looked to Merrake and understood that she was looking at him. At least, he thought she was looking at him. She must have seen him stare!

The more regular looking Drow was talking in hushed tones that, even if he could hear, would sound like nonsense to him anyway. He started to panic and glanced towards the door, trying not to move his head too much. He looked away from the conversation before him in an attempt to make it seem like he wasn't interested, but couldn't help glancing back to see what was happening. His attention was on Merrake now, worried that she may have misunderstood his intent. Just as he was thinking about what to do next he felt someone tap his shoulder and a familiar voice speak his name.

The skittish boy nearly jumped out of his skin. After taking a deep breath, his hand on his beating heart, The Champion turns to be greeted with the visage of Allyria. "L-L-Lady Allenmorde!" The lad was a bit more comfortable speaking around Allyria than most others, as she was a somewhat well known aquaintance and employer of sorts. Not to mention he tended to be more at ease around non-humans and non-Elkagr. "W-well, I am doing as well as I can be, in p-public at l-least." The countess mentioned that word again. "Kalimbra". He thought that was just her name.

With a confused look the young man spoke again, "I-I-I'm s-sorry? What is a K-Kalimbra? Is that a f-family of sorts?" He felt like he was insulting her somehow like this was an important part of Drokagr culture that he was simply ignorant of.

[Fyrra Na'Limndra]

Fyrra believed the governor had a curious way of speaking. All in one sentence, addressing each question as it came up. Perhaps that was a human thing, perhaps that was a politician thing. She did not know, her brain was addled by the wine. She looked at him with her red eyes and then down at her glass. Pouring herself another glass she popped an eyebrow. Then her ears twitched, she heard a familiar word. Kalimbra. That's what she is.

"I'm sorry, Governor. I had no idea. It's that I can't afford a horse I would have liked to buy. It is a miserable situation. Merrake here does not sympathize with me. But yes, we're enjoying our stay. It is a nice city."

She ignored the question about trouble. That night in the street was a memory she'd rather forget. The blood and the violence, a man slowly bleeding out in front of her. Just because he got himself involved with their affairs. The bandits were to blame though. Not Fyrra.

She had trouble accepting that at times. He suffered because of her.

Merrake, crossed her legs and folded her hands on top of her knees. She watched the other Drokagr come in. Her eyebrows picked up, perhaps she was a member of the initiative come back to look for them? She did not know everyone in the caravan. That would have to change. Then she saw her talk to the boy that had been staring and dismissed her thoughts that this half-breed had been with the initiative. The warrior glanced back at the governor, then checked on the boy again.

No threats. Good. She didn't want a repeat of the previous time they were here.

[Allyria Allenmorde]

What is a Kalimbra. Such a hard questions to answer. Some would mistake them for courtesans or prostitutes, or something of the sort.

"They're Artists. Highly respected as well. Touching her without her expressed permission is a death sentence. It's hard to explain. Perhaps it'd be easier to show you."

Allyria approached the table where the governor and the Kalimbra and her bodyguard were gathered. She was giddy. Meeting a Kalimbra in a casual setting was a rare treat. She didn't think it was possible to find one outside of Korasus. She found herself wishing that she had brought a copy of the publication she mentioned with her. Which reminded her... she needed to have copies of the periodicals new publications forwarded to all of her addresses. She didn't want to be out of touch with her home.

When she got to the table she froze for a second, then swallowed hard.

"Uhm.. excuse me Kalimbra, Governor, I'm Countess Allyria Allenmorde. Originally from Korasus, and I'm a subscriber of KM and an appreciative of your art. My friend here is The Champion of Jewels from Sorath's recent tournament, he means no harm. I have recently purchased a property here in Sorath that will cater to an exclusive crowd. Introducing Korasuan culture to the Cruinthian and Sorathi people. I thought, what better way than to include a Kalimbra and her art when available and allowed. Does this interest you?"

[Jorkahn Wealddir]

He managed to overhear another part of their conversation revolving around a horse. The boy began to think about what could be done about that when Allyria answered his question. He nodded and listened intently to what she was saying, missing the rest of what Fyrra had said. His eyes widened when the Lady Allenmorde mentioned that simply touching the blue Kalimbra would mean his death. It seemed like such an egregiously harsh punishment, but he inwardly admitted he hadn't the slightest idea about Drokagr culture, let alone if Korasuan culture was different in any way. He suddenly found himself much more nervous, now. The countess's presence was no longer serving to adequately repress his anxiety. The Champion missed the last part of her sentence due in part to the panic attack he could feel creeping up on him. Fortunately, he snapped out of it when Allyria moved towards the blue Drokagr and her bodyguard.

Jorkahn sat there for a moment unsure what to do before quickly raising from his seat and following behind his new companion. The lad's hood was still concealing most of his face, as was his cloak his features. He made no move for any of his weapons and tried to look as unintimidating as possible, which probably wasn't that difficult considering he was hiding behind the Countess like a scared child. When he was introduced the warrior bowed sheepishly to all those present and listened in on the conversation being had. Jorkahn was rather curious as to Ms. Allenmorde's intentions and to her reason of being in the inn. The introvert wanted to open his mouth to introduce and explain himself better but he couldn't bring himself to. What little of his face that showed from beneath his hood blushed red from embarrassment. He was fidgeting quite noticeably, his nerves getting the better of him.

[Fyrra Na'Limndra]

The Kalimbra had been waiting for the Governor to respond, yet their pleasant conversation was interrupted by another of her own kind that had walked up to their table and started talking. Apparently she was a countess! That was exciting. Apparently she was a fan and wanted to open a place in this very city for Kalimbra to practice their art in a controlled and exclusive setting.

Fyrra thought it over for a minute.

"It does interest me. A pleasure to make your acquaintance Countess Allenmorde. I don't believe I caught your name champion? Please sit, both of you."

-"I cannot see his face. I do not trust him despite what this countess says."-

Merrake mumbled, keeping her eyes on the boy.

Once responses were given to her request that they sit and join her, and the champion gave his name, or even if not, the Kalimbra would wet her lips and continue.

"I'd be interested so long as the guild approves you. Is your location ready? I'll be able to inspect it for them if it is... and please lower your hood, champion. It makes my bodyguard, Merrake, nervous."

[Allyria Allenmorde]

"Ah. It is not ready yet. I've only just purchased the property. It's a large building in the ring market. I still need to order construction materials and perform renovations. I'll also be traveling to my county next month so the work may not be done for a month or more."

Suddenly Allyria was bashful. If work was complete she was sure she could show the Kalimbra the property today. Now she felt bad for bringing it up before anything was ready yet.

She sat down, looking at Jorkahn, hoping he'd have something to add to the conversation. Or maybe the governor would chime in.

[Jorkahn Wealddir]

"O-O-Oh!" His already androgynous voice cracked, raising its pitch even higher than before. The vocal hiccup caused his face to flush with embarrassment yet again, but the boy quickly fought it down. He would have to step out of his comfort zone and attempt to be as calm as possible as he socialized; he didn't want to screw up Allyria's negotiation. "P-please f-forgive my rudeness! I am J-Jorkahn Wealddir. P-pleasure to make your acquaintance." He gave yet another bow to both Merrake and Fyrra before sitting down, almost a bit too swiftly, at the Kalimbra's insistence. Once again he couldn't make out what the bodyguard mumbled under her breath, but by her countenance he believed it wasn't anything particularly good.

Jorkahn listened to the conversation continue between the two Drokagr until Fyrra asked him to lower his hood. He glanced back over to the bodyguard, then to Fyrra, then back to Allyria before finally sighing. He always felt so exposed without his hood up and a lot of humans, as well as Elkagr, didn't respond as he would like when they saw his face. The Champion nodded before reluctantly lowering his hood revealing his slightly tipped ears and almost genderless features. It was hard to tell if the boy was in fact, that or a girl. His eyes were often a subject of conversation or jest. The left eye was a deep emerald green, and the right was like staring into the sky on a cloudless day. "I-I apologize for the m-mystery. I f-find that people are less a-agreeable when they see my f-face." It really was easier to talk to Drokagr than it was to humans or elves. Maybe it was because he didn't expect as much prejudice from them? The others tended to fear or disrespect what was different from their own.

The young warrior closed his mouth for now and let the conversation continue on without him. His fingers drummed steadily on the table and his leg bobbed up and down, he couldn't sit still. One of the waitresses walked by and the boy sheepishly asked for a glass of Maltal White. He had seen and heard of the effects of alcohol, perhaps it would help with his nerves. The woman quickly disappeared into the crowd to fetch his order.

Jorkahn could not get the conversation about the horse out of his head. He thought back to his own and could understand why the Kalimbra seemed so distraught at not being able to afford one. They were extremely useful for travel or for business. It also helped to have another living creature by his side when on the lonely roads. Regardless of whether or not the horse could talk, her mere presence eased his anxiety. The boy clenched his fist on the table before speaking to Fyrra again.

"P-pardon my rudeness, but I couldn't help but o-overhear that you wanted to purchase a horse?" The boy's voice cracked yet again on the first syllable of horse. He swallowed the lump in his throat before clearing it. "I-if it is imperative, I c-could purchase a horse or two f-for you. Consider it a gift for my earlier r-rudeness, and one of good faith f-for L-Lady Allenmorde's proposal." The champion was becoming more and more anxious. He felt like he had overstepped his bounds or had insulted the Kalimbra. He thought of the many different ways this could go, most of them bad.

---

Purchased a glass of Maltal White. It will arrive next turn.

[Fyrra Na'Limndra]

So the boy was a half-elf. Fyrra thought he must have had a hard life and pitied him. Her face got softer if that were possible. She wished him a good life in general. He seemed good natured, he offered to buy her a horse. She chalked his suggestion up to ignorance. Had he known that offering to buy something for her was not only rude but taboo, he probably wouldn't have.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Jorkahn Wealdiir, and you are well forgiven. I am Kalimbra Fyrra Na'Limndra. However, I must decline. Your offer is nice but I cannot accept gifts of any monetary value. The countess may be able to explain better than I can. I'm... not so good at Cruic. I will be happy to look overy the property when work is co plete on it. I think I might stay in Soath for quite a while."

Merrake sat in silence. The Kalimbra sampled more of her wine.

[Allyria Allenmorde]

"Of course. Jorkahn, Kalimbra can only accept coin or money if it comes from a public establishment, or the Korasuan government. People can't contract them for work without a license to do so. It's a highly regulated and respected profession and lifestyle. My younger sister is training to be one. They have the highest integrity in Korasuan society. Those are the basics. I don't think there's a Cruinthian equivalent."

She hoped the boy wouldn't lose his mind over it. Allyria knew his heart was in the right place. Not even she could offer anything to the Kalimbra. If they were staying in Sorath though, she could make sure they were looked after. The Wylmonts would need something to work on until a new expedition had been arranged. Allyria wasn't sure how good this Merrake was, but it never hurt to have another her person watching your back.

Then she thought of something else.

"Oh. Are you contracted here, Kalimbra Na'Limndra? Or did you simply come for a tour of Cruinthe?"

Allyria would be livid if the Serpents Head Inn managed to contract a Kalimbra.