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RESPITE-BARRACKS - MID-AFTERNOON
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Aurelius stepped up to the reception, dressed as ever in his robes that marked his station. This visit was next on his more 'formal' list of people he wished to speak to, to 'officially' inform the Guard of his presence, and explain what services that a Loremaster provided. He was hopeful this would go well. The guard captain seemed from his research to be a reasonable sort. Occasionally there was some pushback from those that viewed the offer of aid as 'civilian interference', which was rather tiresome. He nods politely to the receptionist "Good afternoon. If it would be possible, I would like to arrange a meeting with the guard captain of this district. Do you know when she would be available next?"
Louma sets the last of the day's paperwork into it's respective drawers, sliding it closed with a thud and snap of the locks. She used to shake her head in mild wonder, of all the things that some frontier guard corps lacked, they inexplicably had made sure to order automatically-locking filing cabinets. After 3 years, that click just signaled that she was finally free to slither out of her office, as she was now. The clerk had only begun to point in Louma's direction when the captain spots the gesture, eyes looking to Aurelius as she puts one and one together. "Is this gentleman looking for me? Good afternoon. What brings you here?" She has her typical somewhat-stiff manner to her, gauging Aurelius while holding her office door half-closed.
Aurelius: "Ah, yes" He nods formally "This is somewhat of an official visit. I am Loremaster Aurelius, to place my services at your disposal should you need them" He looks to her attitude, and changes tack somewhat "However, if you have other business to attend to, feel free to leave this until another time. I merely came here to place an appointment, my ego can take being asked to return at a more opportune time"
Louma shows a spark of change as he introduces himself, glancing over his robes as if to confirm the claim. "A Loremaster, hmm? I must admit, the services of that order would be very useful, indeed." She turns fully toward Aurelius, her tail guiding the door to her office as it swings shut, but keeping it from closing. With a short bow, "I am captain Louma, at your service. I'm not in any rush to leave, if you wish to discus things in my office, Aurelius."
Aurelius: "It would be my pleasure" He steps inside "If you already know of us, then this should be much easier" Once inside, he would take a seat, and wait for everything to settle down again "Beyond the obvious service of a research library, I am also capable of formal investigation of crime scenes, to examine for details that may not be obvious at first glance. I am sure the guard here are quite capable, however it is something I have received formal learning in, and naturally, I can pass this on, should you wish any of your guards to receive training" Knowing how to come up with witty, if slightiynpoortaste puns is an extra-circulatory class.
Louma closes the door behind Aurelius, circling to her side of the desk and settling onto her coiled tail. She seems immediately more relaxed than before, listening intently to her guest. "We do have a couple in our number who are skilled investigators, and more on top of that whose hunting prowess has served as a decent substitute, but I think we may call on your extra perspective, since you're offering. Where, may I ask, are you setting up your library?"
Aurelius: "I am renovating the library that was already here, it is serving as an excellent basis for what I wish to do. It will still be a little bit of time until I am fully prepared to open my doors to the public, but should the guard need particular research in the meantime, I am willing to make an exception. I will leave an inventory of our research material available to reception later today"
Louma nods, leaning back a bit. "Ah, yes. Calling what was there before a library is a little generous. It's good to know your materials will be available to us, thank you for informing me." She pauses for a few moments, then smiles. "You won't happen to be stocking anything from the snake islands of Orela, would you? I only have a small selection of books that have been read a dozen times each by now."
Aurelius: "I would need to check to confirm, but it is likely. I made a point to have a selection of books from all the major regions. However, if there is a book in particular you wish to obtain, that can be arranged..although, I apologize, I would need to ask you to wait until the library is formally opened. I am willing to bend the rules for the guard's official work" And to grease the process of getting the library built in the first place, but he didn't mention that "But the rules for personal requests would be different" He gives a small twitch of the beak. He's not suggesting she expects the rules to be bent..but it prevents any awkwardness to establish he's not corrupt ahead of time, and saves people any embarrassment of trying to bribe him later on.
Louma chuckles, shrugging lightly. "I wouldn't ask you to go out of your way for me, besides, lending books out while still trying to get everything in place would only invite confusion. That said, I would be happy to donate my own collection to the library once you've settled in, Aurelius. I've nearly memorized most of them anyhow."
Aurelius: "All donations are, of course, appreciated. Though it will be some time again until I am ready to process such things" He takes a notebook, and a quill feather "Fiction, or non-fiction?"
Louma leans her elbows on the desk, thinking. "Depends on what you'd consider fiction." She extends a finger for each book described, "Two tomes on Orelan history, one going into far more detail on the last coatl line until the war ended. One more that is certainly fairy tales... I'd hope. Three military manuals. A recipe book that is more or less useless to me without homeland spices." She pauses, looking to Aurelius for a few moments. "And a handful of old journals. Not sure if those are of interest to your library."
Aurelius: "All would be of interest, though I would need to read all of them before coming to a final decision. Even if I did not place them on shelves, I would record any important information, and copy them for the central library. The journals are not always appropriate for public consumption, but are a key part of understanding the history of the time" He muses "As regards to the cookbooks, I believe I have some guides for region replacements for indigenous ingredients. I do not know good these replacements are, and indeed, I would be interested to learn, if you ever wish to pick up such a thing."
Louma nods, smiling as she leans back into her coil. "Good, I'm glad we can be mutually helpful to eachother. Indeed, I would prefer it if I could try making some dishes from home. I can follow the instructions fine, but don't have much instinct for exchanging one ingredient for another. I look forward to seeing what you manage to set up here in Respite, Aurelius."
Aurelius: "Indeed, I am hopeful it will represent our organisation well" He stands up, offering his hand "It has been a pleasure, and I look forward to working with you in the future"
Louma rises from her coil, taking the offered hand with a firm grip. "Likewise, enjoy the rest of your day, and be sure to let me know when the library is ready."
Aurelius: "It should be some time yet. The local smith has some work that needs to be done, but I shall announce a date when I am confident I can reach it" He shakes in return, with a polite amount of firmness, before taking his leave, taking flight once outside.
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RESPITE FALLS MARKETPLACE - EARLY EVENING
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Enver has just finished a rather intense performance at a grill stand and is now slumped tiredly against the low wall around the market's water pump, drinking from a canteen of water and watching folks come and go as they take water for their own needs.
Cavro wanders from stall to stall, carrying a pack that holds his purchases on his back. The badger wanders over to the pump, pulling a thin steel cup from his somewhat heavy looking hide coat. He nods to Enver before pumping out a couple mouthfuls of water into the cup. "Good evening, mis mis mister juggler. That was quite a a a show you were putting on!"
Enver looks up at the stocky badger and tips his hat. "Thank you, sir. Just doing what I can to keep folks around here happy." He moves to stand up again, having rested for long enough, he thinks. "Of course I won't say no if they express that happiness with a coin or two in my hat, but it's not required."
Cavro chuckles lightly after finishing his drink, slipping the cup back into his pocket. "That's a a a nice idea, it must be a bit of of of a struggle though?"
Enver nods. "Every day, yes." He lets out a little sigh. "But every day it gets a bit better, though. Every good day, I can save a few coins for the bad days. And the more I perform, the more vendors will want me to be performing by their stall rather than the competition's..." He looks Cavro over. "It's not so different from what you do, I imagine..."
Cavro shrugs slightly, looking to the well pump in front of them and running his hand over it, his claw dragging over an logo with "OH" inside an ornate four point diamond. "I don't know, honestly. We we we were fortunate enough to be the main smithy in Respite, until recently. Since I I I started, people came to us for for for everything they couldn't bring in cheaper offshore."
Enver cocks his head. "Ah, right, yeah... I guess they can make stuff a lot cheaper out near the mines and stuff? In Orela? Not sure where all that stuff comes from."
Cavro nods. "Yes, they can can can make it cheaper out there, but it takes longer and costs more to put it on a ship." He shrugs, chuckling. "But you have a a a unique talent, I I I didn't get a chance to tip you before." He reaches into his pocket, digging out a few silver coins and offering them to Enver. "What's your name, juggler?"
Enver gratefully takes the coins and drops them into the pocket of his oversized trousers. "Thanks. I'm Enver, and you?"
Cavro smiles. "Cavro Honeydew. I work in the Oldhammer, in in in case you ever need something hammered together."
Enver nods a bit. "Might come by sometime... used to hang out somewhere similar in Sarn..."
Cavro nods, considering Enver for a few moments. "If you ever need a little more money, there there there is always little things that I I i could use help with at the smithy, too." He shrugs, chuckling. "Just so so so you know."
Enver nods. "Fair enough... I have folks who come see me most days, though, but maybe if it's raining really hard or whatever..." He smiles a bit. "Just so long as you're not taking pity on me."
Cavro shakes his head slightly. "Not pity, but but but it's a bit of... A theme, I suppose, in this town."
Enver smiles a bit. "All right then." He looks around the marketplace and frowns a bit. "Hmm... most folks will be heading home for supper soon."
Cavro nods, looking about as well. "That sounds like a a a good idea, honestly." He turns back to Enver with a smile. "I should probably do the same, Erika is likely waiting for me."
Enver smiles. "Was good to meet you, sir." He offers a hand to the badger. "You have a great evening."
Cavro shakes the offered hand heartily. "And you, Enver. Hope to to to catch your performance properly next time." He turns from the mongoose, heading out into the market once again, homeward.
Enver takes another drink from his canteen before wandering back to the grill booth he was busking for earlier to see if he can finagle a free meal.
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THE THIRSTY MINNOW - EVENING
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Fiora sits at the bar tiredly drinking a pint while she picks at a salad. She's a bit tired out from the day, just relaxin' now.
Gareth steps into the bar from outside, having been exploring the marketplace a bit fruitlessly for any ideas for a gift to give to Sammi in return. Another day empty-handed, he instead just tromps over to the bar and takes a seat next to Fiora, ordering himself a drink as he gets comfortable. "Evenin', Fiora. Ye alright?"
Fiora yawns, then grins at Gareth, "Eh, doin' alright, Gareth! Actually feel like I had a good workout today. Instead of, you know, stressing out."
Gareth chuckles and nods as his drink slides up in front of him. He raises it in a salute to the barkeeper, then downs a hearty quaff. "Good to hear! Keepin' everythin' in shape for our next job, then, wherever it might take us?"
Fiora nods, giving Gareth a thumbs up, "Yep! Want to be sure I'm in good shape to bust heads whenever we need to! And uh figuring out the rest of this crap in the meantime, but even that's not so bad."
Gareth tilts his head. "Oh? Yer gettin' used to the idea of usin' Respite as a home base? Spendin' time around yer sister and others?"
Fiora nods, "Guess so, yeah. I don't... I mean, it's not so bad, right?"
Gareth shrugs. "Well, I've not seen anythin' bad about it yet, meself. Could do without the heat, though..."
Fiora moans, "Ughh, yeah. Though, that's not so bad. Makes the ice cream taste that much sweeter!"
Gareth runs a hand through the thick fur on his arm, the motion being more than enough to draw away some loose hair. "It's not as bad as when we first arrived, at least. Been sheddin' me winter coat for a bit, now, so it's been gettin' cooler." He sighs and smiles a bit, "Ye love yer ice cream, don't ye?"
Fiora shrugs, "What can I say? It's good!" She glances at the wolf hair and giggles, "Guess I'm luck in that case. Don't think I've ever had a 'winter coat'. Unless you count that jacket I work as a kid."
Gareth chuckles as he shakes his hand a bit, letting the hair fall to the floor. "Yer quite lucky to not have to deal with that, lass. Natural winter coats keep ye nice and cozy where it's cold, but it's stiflin' anywhere even remotely hot." He pauses, "Almost passed out when we first arrived, waitin' to be let in at the gate, fer example."
Fiora giggles, "And you were all worried about me in the armor, eh? Guess I should've been watching out for you too! They got some really nice pools around town towards the north, just so you know. I've been jogging that trail for a bit now."
Gareth gives Fiora a look. "Ye mean up towards the waterfall area? I've been meanin' to look around up that way fer a bit... I hear it's nice over in those parts."
Fiora nods. "Yeah! Waterfall, pools, nice cold mountain water, real nice. They've got a trail up that way, then back down along the east side of town which is all pretty well and good if you're not looking for a fight. Now, if you ARE looking for a fight, I keep hearing about sandigators or whatever out down south. But I've not checked them out yet. I need to add those to my bucket list..."
Gareth laughs a bit. "Well, I can save ye a bit of an exploration trip. Out south is nothin' but sand, sand and more sand. The gators are pretty far out, so ye'll want to pack a bit of somethin' fer the trip." He think for a moment, then nods, "And I may go and pay a visit to the falls meself soon enough. Someone I met the other day mentioned livin' around that area."
Fiora rolls her eyes, "That sounds pretty boring to be honest. Maybe I'll pass, unless I'm really thinking about sand a whole bunch." She tilts her head, "Eh? Met someone living in the waterfall? I didn't think anyone had a house there. This that mongoose kid who I gave my tent to?"
Gareth shakes his head. "Nah, not the performer. This one's from the ocean, calls herself Sammi." He laughs a bit, "Met her out by the bay while I was tryin' to scrape together some of the lumber from that shipwreck, just to see if I could build anythin' with it."
Fiora blinks again, "That weird squid-thing? Huh. I mean, they seemed nice and all just... weird. And that's coming from me."
Gareth nods. "Well, she's an Old One, ye know? Pretty sure I told ye about them a few times durin' our trips betwee Sarn and Vamas. They aren't like us land dwellers." He pauses, then chuckles again, "But she's a nice one. Gave me a gift and everythin', because she didn't want me to panic, and because she just wanted to make friends."
Fiora crosses her arms at the wolf, "Rude to ask a lady her age, and especially rude to call one an 'old one', Gareth. I mean, I guess being underwater all the time would get you to be all wrinkley, but regardless..." She snorts. "Well, yeah, she wanted to be friends with me too. Gave me a shell? From the beach I guess? I put it up in my room here."
Gareth blinks, then shakes his head again. "Er... no, I mean that's the name seafarers give her kind. Well... one o' them, anyway. Old Ones, Deep Ones, things like that. No doubt, their actual name is somethin' we can't pronounce." He clears his throat, "She picked up somethin' fer me from one o' the shipwrecks in the bay, from beneath the waves, ye know?"
Fiora slowly relaxes her gaze from Gareth, "Oh! Like, sunken treasure! Way cooler then a shell."
Fiora pauses and starts giggling
Gareth nods. "Heh, that it is, lass. Seemed like it was a keepsake fer whoever owned the box originally. No marks on it, though." He pauses, tilting his head a bit, "What's got ye gigglin', now?"
Fiora giggles, "Sunken treasure. Booty." She grins, whispering the word conspiratorily. "Booty~."
Gareth furrows his brow a bit as he listens to Fiora giggling, then shakes his head in disbelief. "Yer somethin' else, Fiora... Ye've got a dirtier mind than half the pirates I've met over the years, I swear."
Fiora blinks, feigning insult, "What's dirty about booty?! So, your new friend dug up some old booty for you to plunder? I mean, that's cool. Guess it's easy to do that when you can probably breath underwater?" She tries to keep from snickering. Booty.
Gareth nods after a moment, noting that Fiora's still on the verge of another giggle-fit. "Somethin' like that. Though, now I'm in a bit of a bind." He smiles just a little, knowing Fiora's probably going to rib him for it, "See, she got me a gift fer friendship, and now I want to get somethin' in turn, so she doesn't think I just grabbed her gift and ran fer the hills."
Fiora laughs a little, "Awww, that's cute! I mean, all she gave me was that shell, so, eh, you know." She gasps, "You think she's got a crush on you?" She narrows her eyes, "Do you have a crush on her?"
Gareth gets a flat look on his face, having expected the reaction almost exactly. "I doubt it, both directions, lass."
Fiora giggles, "Well, sure, then you just want to be 'friends'. Got it. So what're you giving her?"
Gareth shrugs. "No idea, and that's the problem. Ye know I'm not exactly the givin' sort, after all, not to mention Sammi bein' completely different from us. I'm lackin' in ideas, to put it bluntly."
Fiora ponders, "So... uh... like a gift idea. Something she'd like, but not like, a land thing. Some kind of... water weapon? Like a spear? For fish spearing?"
Gareth raises an eyebrow. "A... fishin' spear...? I mean, I can see that bein' useful, but... a weapon?"
Fiora shrugs her shoulders, "Just thinking about what I'd want if I lived in the ocean. Maybe like... bigger... teeth? Like shark teeth?"
Gareth tilts his head. "Shark teeth...?"
Fiora nods excitedly, "Yeah! For bitin' stuff!"
Gareth slowly shakes his head. "I... don't think she'd be able to replace teeth, much like the idiots we knock about durin' jobs."
Fiora snickers, but shifts back to think, "Heh, yeaaah that makes sense. So... what does one get an underwater girlfriend? Hmmm..."
Gareth is about to respond before the second part of Fiora's comment registers. "I don't kn-- okay, first of all, lass... she's not me girlfriend... Second of all, we only just met."
Fiora waves her hand dismissively, "Blah blah details. Fine. Your not-girlfriend or whatever. Still, it's a puzzler."
Gareth sighs and nods. "Yeah, yeah, fine, however ye want to think about it, then. I've no idea what to get her, though. Not much we make up on land is useful underwater. At least, not fer very long."
Fiora nods. "Right. That's what I'm thinking about too. Wouldn't jewelry rust? Maybe not the jewels. Maybe you gotta get something that won't get ruined underwater."
Gareth hums. "Exactly. A lot of the stuff fer sale here in Respite is stuff to be used only above water."
Fiora thinks a moment. "Well, maybe pirate stuff? You have more experience with stuff you take on ships. Or like, exotic surface stuff she's never seen before?"
Gareth shrugs. "I've got experience with shipboard stuff, true, but all of the stuff on a ship generally stays above the water, exceptin' the anchor and maybe cannonballs. As fer exotic surface stuff... like what?"
Fiora: "Ice cream?"
Gareth gives Fiora another look. "And how will the ice cream not melt in the sea, lass?"
Fiora crosses her arms, "Well duh, she eats it before she goes back in the sea." She shrugs, "I don't know... I'm not great at gifts either."
Gareth hums, shrugging a bit again. "Well, I guess that's a thought. Though I might want to give her somethin' a bit more... long-lastin', I guess?"
Fiora nods. "Yeahhh, probably. If you want her to really remember when you first met."
Fiora: "Second met?"
Gareth lifts his hat up and scratches his head for a few moments, then sighs and sets it back in place. "Ehhh... I guess I'll give it more thought. Maybe ask around a bit. Could always find Bracvar and see what he says, too."
Fiora nods. "You're smarter then me, Gareth. I'm sure you'll figure out something cool."
Gareth chuckles. "Heh... maybe. We'll see. Wouldn't do to have someone like Sammi upset."
Fiora nods, "Nothing scarier then a jilted lover, yeah. We've seen that a few times on jobs."
Gareth rolls his eyes a little exaggeratedly. "Fer the last time, this isn't-- ugh... never mind. More that I'd rather not see if the stories of the Old Ones are true. I like me sanity exactly where it is."
Fiora shrugs, "Sanity is overrated, but good luck with whatever you're doing Gareth!"
Gareth hums and makes himself comfortable at the bar as he orders himself something hearty for dinner. The two then settle in for some less consequential chit-chat as they steadily eat their way through their meals, as well as a few drinks each, talking about whatever pops into mind for a while before the two head up to their rooms for some rest.