Of Warriors and Wizardry [CheshireGrin & Pazzo]

[CheshireGrin]

It was a lazy summer evening, just as the cicadas were quieting their throbbing songs. Fireflies replaced them, glowing in slow, playful circles through the air as if leading the patrons of The Last Wish Tavern and Inn. It was one of their busiest nights in general, but there was a special amount of excitement the last week - adventurers, hunters, mercenaries and the like all had come from around the greater regions. There was suddenly an outburst of angry monsters, agitated by the rising of an ancient beast that held a rare and rather powerful gem within its eye socket that only increased its own powers.

It was the talk of all surrounding towns - both in the danger as well and the buzzing talk of all of those who were stopping in for trade, rest, and of course - information of the locals.

The Last Wish Tavern and Inn was the largest and most popular of the town of Klilport. It was a three-story inn with countless rooms, a bar with far more selection than any other in the town, it’s own exclusive wine cellar, and was known for its entertainment. It’s name came from the fact that behind the large wood and stone building was an impressively sized river - complete with the ‘legends’ of river merfolk that lived within its depths. Tales were known of their occasional rise from the river's waters to offer wishes to be granted, if travelers were to comply with their own requested errands, takes, and quests. However, as with their oceanic brethren, freshwater merfolk were just as likely to be siren-esque in drowning humans and other creatures alike. It didn’t take much to upset the gill and scale-adorned creatures, and therefore many made their last wishes… only to meet their end.

Yet it had been some time since there was a local drowning. The owner of the tavern, a man named Tryph, had come to an agreement with one of the more dominant mermaids. And by agreement, it meant that they had fallen in love and she had become his wife. She would leave for periods of time to be with her aquatic family, and then return to him for an equal amount of time, rarely leaving the man’s side. This union also settled the violence, but there were many a warning sign along the river warning of how not to upset a merfolk.

The last few months Tryph’s wife was off with her family, so the man who was as wide as he was tall needed all the extra hired help he could get, especially with how busy it had become in the recent days. Despite this however, he had a handful of regulars who worked for him for years, who were his ‘ride or die’ employees of sorts.

One of these employees was a tall blonde woman who was clearly not one for any nonsense.

She stood, wiping down the bar as the alcohol had already been flowing for a few hours now. She rose above even quite a few of the male patrons, standing over six feet, and the arm muscles that flexed and relaxed as she worked to clean weren’t anything to scoff at, either. She was built like a brick, but yet quite pretty at the same time. Her darkly-lined honey-brown eyes flicked upwards to eye a man that was getting a little too friendly with one of her coworkers, keeping a close watch and would intercept as she often would in those cases. Her full lips, pulled into a displeased line, were painted a glinting dark red that night; matching other aspects of her outfit that hadn’t been seen just yet. Scars spidered over onto the left side of her face, her frown only deepening how they appeared on her.

But, that changed as soon as she saw the man’s hand lower, just about to caress over…

That brick of a woman was suddenly launching herself over the bar as if it were nothing, her muscled arms planted firmly upon it before her legs settled down onto the other side. “Hey! What did I fuckin’ tell you earlier!?” She yelled directly at the man, her towering form making quick work to close the gap. This was all despite having a rather severe limp and as she walked, or in this case, almost stomped, and the sound of heavy metal clanking joined her gait. This revealed to any newcomers that she only had one full leg, the other seemingly taken just above her knee. She snatched the man’s hand just before it could make contact, and suddenly he was being pulled out of his chair and onto the floor.

“Ay now, just havin’ a bit of fun, Jude! Nothin' wrong with a bit of an ass grab!” The customer tried to defend himself, but the tall blonde, those golden waves mostly tied back into a french braid besides locks that framed her face, wasn’t having it. “You don’t know me, and certainly don’t get to call me that. And you can have fun while also keeping your damned hands to yourself!" She snapped as her hands rested on her hips as now she used that clunking metal prosthetic to step on the man’s own thigh, pressing a significant account of pressure down. It was a rather alluring sight to some, the way that her equally muscled legs could be seen even through skin-tight leather trousers, even giving little peeks at her skin… and therefore even more scars… that could be seen from the tied-up split along the outer edges, laces a dark crimson.

Judith glanced over at the far smaller woman next to her, a mixed nymph of some sort, who had curves for days. “You okay, Norinne?”

The small woman nodded, though frowned. “Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks Judith.” She said. However, as if reassuring herself, stood behind her for protection, and even wrapped her hands around the deep red under-bust corset that the blonde was adorned with, matching the wine-colored lipstick she wore.

The taller woman gave a gentle nod and raised a hand to rest upon Norinne’s head of flaming red hair. “You’re the one he keeps bothering tonight. What do you want to do with him?”

“I can’t help I like ‘em plump!” The man said in exasperation, struggling under the pressure and strength of the leg pinning him down. “Yer just jealous because no one wants some disfigured amazon!”

Norinne gasped at this and the regular patrons immediately grimaced, knowing that the man had now made quite the mistake.

Judy’s blonde brows raised as a strange, rather unsettling smile pulled over her lips. “Is that right?” She asked tauntingly and then smiled wider as she then ran her tongue over her lips, causing a hidden barbell to clack over her teeth for just a moment. She pushed down far harder on the man’s leg with her own, and raised a hand to pull at the blouse that raised from her corset, revealing more of her cleavage and exposing her shoulders, but moreso… some of the worst scarring that could be seen on her body. Terrible, horrible scarring in strange bite and claw marks over her body. “What’s wrong? Don’t wanna compare scars, loverboy?”

The man was truly in pain now under the weight of the woman’s metal leg, but it didn’t last for long. In a jarring movement, suddenly he was grabbed by his shirt collar and was being hauled across the floor as if he weighed nearly nothing despite being similar in stature to the woman doing the hauling. He was yelling and cussing the entire time as the rest of the tavern merely watched along with his dragged momentum across the floor, every single head following at the same time. Despite having a limp, it didn’t seem to matter all that much when she was pissed off, her movements fluid as she made her way to the entrance of the tavern.

The man was kicked out of the doors, literally and figuratively. Not only that however, but Judith followed him out and beyond sight of the eyes that were on both of them.

The woman returned a few minutes later, uncaring of those who were still staring at her. She openly fixed herself up as she moved through the crowd; smoothing back some of the loose golden locks that had fallen from her braid. She also straightened her underbust corset and even adjusting and pulling up the blouse that almost threatened to show a bit too much cleavage after likely ensuring he wouldn't be coming back anytime soon, including fixing her own sleeves in the process. As she made her way back to the bar, Norinne followed her, seemingly more upset than she was. “Judith, he was just being an asshole. You’re not-”

“It’s fine, Nor.” Judith said with an open shrug, pausing to glance down towards her. “You good to keep your current tables?”

The redhead nodded, but rested a hand on the taller woman’s hand for a moment.

Tryph however, stood behind the bar as he was drying recently washed glasses as if nothing had just occurred, raising a dark eyebrow towards Judith. “Are you good?”

“Mhm.” Was all that answered as she made her way behind the bar.

@Pazzo

 

[Pazzo]

Sitting just upon the warm, breezy coast, was an older, solidly built structure made of rough mortared flagstone. Lush green moss and ivies had been encouraged to climb up its corners in artful, well tended columns that framed the undersides of the many eaves and windows. Many heavily laden wagons crisscrossed the roads in front of this building, with many covering their wagons with thick canvas tarpaulins, as they unhitched their animal teams, and led them off to the nearby stables. Activity through Vilhon had steadily picked up over the last few days.

The Brass Boar as it had been named, was a comfortable upper to mid range inn and restaurant, situated in what had once been an old warehouse for ship parts storage. A retired adventurer and his wife had bought the place, and renovated it into it's current state. A horde of children had been had in the years following, and the business had been passed down through several generations.

The current owner was the great great grandson of the founder, and sat at one of the many heavy round wooden tables that adorned the high ceiling tap room. He could be considered a handsome, if middle aged gentleman in his early fifties. His frame was still athletic, a testament to his life of hard work and discipline. He was dressed in common miners garb, rather than the usual finery you might see any other wealthy tavern owner wearing. He stroked at his gray streaked beard as he poked absently at the plate of bright green leaves and fresh vegetables set before him.

What Craiger wanted was beef. Big fat slabs of juicy cooked meat, seared to perfection upon the open pit fire of the kitchens he had built with his own hands. But nooo the doctor said. "Constantly eating rich food is bad for your heart" That little bastard doctor of a gnome had told him. He had even said it in front of his wife. Now Corina had mandated he would cut back on his intake of red meat, supplementing it with fresh greens she had grown herself. What had he been thinking, getting married to a nigh immortal elven female? Then he groaned, and looked up to the ceiling, admiring the many low hanging baskets, each one filled with long trailing leafy green and yellow devil's ivy.

"Yeah." He murmured to himself. "I was thinking about her curvy body pressed up against mine." He just shook his head, and shoveled a fat, thick bite of the leaves into his mouth, chewing with dogged determination. Maybe if he ate it faster the suffering would lessen.

A deep, raspy type voice suddenly sounded off behind him, in a somewhat comical tone. "Since when did the mighty beef eating Craiger Oriley start eating things normally reserved for rabbits?" Craiger just stopped chewing for a moment, pursing his lips, then started to chew again, not turning around. "You should try it sometime." He growled back at the mercenary wizard he had sent for. He then gestured to the seat across the table in front of him.

A few moments later, another handsome older gentleman dressed in heavy brown wizard robes sat upon it. This one was somewhat younger, though not by much, with his long red hair tied back, with coppery tendrils falling from his grayed temples. His reddish beard was likewise long, well kept, and streaked with two lines of gray starting at the corners of his mouth. Not maybe a second after he was seated, a young halfling woman, wearing an apron, trotted up to him. "Good evening Lord Alistair." She said to him sweetly. "Shall I get you your usual?"

The wizard's green eyes glanced down to Craiger's plate, and then over to the roasting spit that was loaded with a whole pig. It was being turned slowly, while two other halfling cooks basted it with spiced oils. He then signed, and pointed to the plate in front of the owner. "Give me a plate of whatever that is." He grumbled. As much as a slab of glazed ham would delight him, he was not going to eat meat in front of the owner. Craiger chickled. "Fiber, you know how it is."

The halfling woman curtsied, and whisked herself away towards the kitchens. The room had seen several more patrons arrive, and a highly attractive wolf female humanoid was standing upon the stage, absently plucking at the twelve string mandolin in her hands.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSiYT8gIbEE


The wizard fixed his eyes upon Craiger, and folded his arms. "Alright, I'm here. What is so important?" The owner kept chewing, looking off into the distance behind the wizard, staring at nothing in particular. "Have you heard about what's going on in Kliliport?" He asked. The wizard looked down at the table and shrugged. "Everyone has heard about the aggressive merfolk in that river nearby." He said, considering. "Last I heard, there was a Tavern owner there that had come to an…" The wizard then brought up his hands, waggling his pointer and middle fingers in unison. "...arrangement. Something about he marry the royal daughter, and they stop seducing and drowning people."

Craiger kept chewing, closing his eyes, and waved his wooden fork dismissively. "Everyone knows about that." He grumbled. His eyes then opened, turning grave. "A creature, matching the look of that damn critter we tangled with several years ago, has made an appearance." Alastair's brow furrowed, as he looked up. "That thing that took out Akasha? But not before she ripped out it's eye?" The owner nodded. The halfling server reappeared, with another plat loaded with green leafy things, and bright red cherry tomatoes. The wizard looked to her, and murmured. "Wrap that up for me please, I feel like I might be leaving soon." She stopped, and nodded, before heading back to the kitchens.

"It get's worse." The owner continued, "Apparently this thing has gotten smarter. It's able to rally other creatures, and commands them like a small bandit group, or whatever." He groaned. Alastair just nodded. Craiger then looked towards the bar, and saw his gorgeous elven wife moving around in a liquid fashion behind it, only for his demeanor to soften. Don't even get married wizard." He grumbled a little. "Once you do, you are stuck." Alastair just stood, and reached into the pouch at his belt. He withdrew his fingers, and left a few coins on the table for the Halfling. "I'll take care of it." Alastair said to Craiger, his voice dripping with acid.

The trip to Klilport was uneventful, even pleasant. He could have bought a horse, and saved his energy, but instead opted to shift his form to that of a timber wolf, running along the treelines, feeling the wind flow through his fur as he ran. It was exhilarating, and he made good time. In a mere six hours, he had covered the distance between the two towns with little effort. Magic was just that useful.
He was a little winded as he stepped behind a massive water oak to change his form back to that of a human, and casually walked out of the woods and back to the road.

The creature was likely not going anywhere anytime soon, and so the Wizard decided it would be best to just rest, eat something, and let his magical power store regenerate. Klilport could almost be considered a mirror image of Vilhon in most respects. He had been here a few times before, and had usually visited the other, smaller taverns and inns. Alastair walked the roads, letting his mind wander, wondering where to start asking for more information, when out of no where, someone was tossed into the mud in front of him. Alastair was nimble enough to jump back a few feet to avoid the mud that was tossed in all directions, and then watched as a rather impressive, powerful woman stepped out of the nearby building. She swore at the man acidly, something to the effect of keeping his hands to himself.

Alastair stepped back to look at the establishment, and saw that it was highly similar to Craiger's place. "The Last Wish" it's sign had read. The wizard grinned at that, as he watched the man struggle to stand, obviously very inebriated. "Hey, my kind of place." He quipped, as he walked into the front door, and looked around. This place was larger than the Brass Boar,. And a little more rustic and traditional with it's furnishings. It had the more sturdy look of something built by dwarves rather than the clean elegance of elven architecture.

The bar itself looked fairly impressive, with all manner of various unique bottles proudly displayed almost as decorative works of art in their own right. How is it that he had never heard of this place before? "Who cares." He muttered. "I'm here now, so let's make up for lost time. Alastair approached the bar, and saw the highly attractive powerful warrior looking type woman behind it, all done up in a low cut bar maid top that showed off an impressive amount of tantalizing skin. She was heavily scarred, but in such a way that her own aura and allure was enhanced.

The wizard almost had to clench his teeth as he saw her athletic, corded limbs wipe down the bar. "Uh…" He mumbled to himself obviously distracted. "...I need a room." He said plainly, catching a whiff or roasted meat coming from somewhere deeper within the restaurant area. Craiger was not here, so he could dine in peace without making his friend miserable. "Also, a plate of whatever I am smelling, and uh…" He started, looking around at the shelves behind the woman. He spied a short, fat little cobalt blue bottle, glowing slightly, with little bubbles cast into the deep blue glass.

"Oh hell yes. I would like a drink of that Black Berry Azure please." He murmured, pointing to the bottle of his favorite, magic restoring vintage. He climbed up upon a nearby stool, and eyed the woman a little, getting a better look at the sexy scarring that outlined her left side. The wizard knew better than to stare. Eager to talk to her however, her jerked his thumb back towards the door. "Nice work back there by the way. Very professional." He quipped, as he eyed the cobalt blue bottle eagerly. He then glanced back to her. "Are you an adventurer? You definitely look the type." He said, as he fished a few platinum coins out of his purse.

 

[CheshireGrin]

A pair of bright honey eyes, tavern lights causing them to appear more gold in nature, settled on the man that appeared before them. She had just been placing clean and dried glasses behind and below the bar, so she stood up at her full height to greet the customer. He must have been one of the many here to go after the monster making all the recent ruckus as she didn't recognize him. “Hello to you, too.” She said in a bit of a playful manner, being as he hadn’t greeted her at all and instead started listing his demands. Her voice matched her golden hair and eyes; smooth and a bit low, but sweet as honey.

“We only have three rooms left, but all ready to go.There’s a smaller and simpler room that’s just a bed and a bathing room for the visitor on a budget for 25 silver, but willing to bargain or barter on it. Then there’s a fairly standard medium room, two person bed with a small resting area and bathing room for 25 gold. Has a view of the river outside but it's above where a band is set to perform in an hour or two. Then we have one luxury suite left, about as much room as you can imagine in a tavern. Fits a king bed, has the best views, all the bells and whistles - free breakfast and lunch-to-go every day you stay. Also free access to our magic wells and even the forge out back if needed. Even has a pipe down into the river if you wish to listen to a river siren song up close and personal should you wish to partake. Usually goes for 150 gold but we have it discounted down to 100 because the last resident decided to summon some kinda critter in there and it clawed up a back part of the floor near the window. Had to bring in a witch just yesterday to remove the curse because the claw marks just kept re-appearing into the floor. With how busy it's been we haven’t finished the repairs but that room seems to spook most folk now; but I can assure it's safe.” The way the woman spoke was blunt and to the point, not minding being completely transparent and honest, apparently.

At the confirmation of wanting whatever was roasting, Judith leaned her body back to call into the kitchen. “We got anymore blood hawks back there?” A confirmation came just a few seconds later. “Aye!” This made the woman smile after a moment. “Roast another up then! Stuffed, please.” “Aye!” Came the bellow back from the kitchen. Looking to the man before her, she gave a polite smile. “Shouldn’t take long. Can I get you something to drink?”

Upon the man’s choice, the blonde’s suspicions were confirmed. “Comin’ right up.” She said as she walked with the same limp, though less agitated than before, to the other end of the bar to where they had their more ‘sensitive’ bottled drinks stored and found another bottle of the Blackberry Azure he had ordered. Once she pulled it from its storage, she oddly looked up and around the tall ceilings, seeming to search for something. Her eyes centered on a wooden archway. She gave a soft whistle of a simple tune. “Come on, no sleeping on the job Aurora!” Just a few moments later a remarkably small wyvern in a deep blue color uncurled from the archway that the barmaid was staring towards and glided towards her, landing on her shoulder. Its body was about the size of a large kitten not counting its wings or tail, and squeaked at her as snowflakes fluttered from its tiny jaws as its tail wrapped around her upper arm. In response, the blonde held up the bottle and immediately the the tiny wyvern blew its frost breath against the glass of the bottle, immediately chilling it. From a pocket the woman pulled out a sugar cube, causing the creature to wriggle its tail free from her in excitement. The cube was snatched and it flew up in a different archway to nibble upon the cube in content as the bottle was brought back to the man, she popping open the bottle for him and resting it upon the bar in front of him as vapors rose from within.

“I thought I smelled magic on you.” Came Jude's idle comment towards the man. “Not to say the robes weren’t also telltale. Hopefully this’ll help.” She motioned towards the drink but paused at the compliment. Her head tilted some, and truly eyed the man now, searching to see if it was a proper complement or perhaps sarcasm. Sensing it was a true statement, she relaxed some. Now taking a better look at him… he was quite handsome. There was a sort of appeal to the signs of his age, the graying at his temples making him look a bit wise. “Thanks, stranger.” She said with a smile, her crimson painted lips glinting a bit more now that they weren’t pulled into her resting position, which just happened to always look rather stern. “Don’t like having to boot out patrons, but some deserve a kick in the ass and a face in the mud. That was one of them.” She sighed and raised her arms in a shrug, revealing a bit more of her scars.

But at the stranger’s new question, she paused. That smile on the barmaid’s lips turned a bit melancholy. “I was.” Came the simple answer. There were many framed parchments and other tapestries decorating the walls along The Last Wish to give it both a comforting feel as well as something to occasionally glance at. She motioned off towards a corner to the right of the man but she didn’t look at it herself, just knew where it was by memory. There was a large framed illustration there, a group of people. Clearly an adventuring group based on their garb and armor. They all were smiling, hands on each other in some way or another. Within the group was the woman before him, clad in armor and was the second tallest in the party besides what appeared to be a half-orc male to the opposite side, but only perhaps by an inch or two. She had a massive morning-star maul resting over a shoulder. Even in the drawing it was clear that it looked quite heavy, a wonder that a normal, every day sort of human would be able to lift it at all.

Around that large portrait were newspaper articles framed and preserved of what appeared to be the feats and praise given to her adventuring party. Important persons, natural bodies as well as architecture, even entire towns - saved by their actions. They seemed to be a group that started out in small, more rural areas but were expanding their way out as much as their names were becoming known. “...I can’t anymore, though.” Came the followup with the same melancholy smile. She was just about to leave to check on another part of the bar when suddenly the human wall known as Tryph wrapped a trunk-like arm around her, nearly lifting her off the ground as her eyes widened in surprise.

“Yep, this here shinin’ star is also known as Nova. Mostly due to that custom mornin’ star in the pictures there ‘n matchin’ armor. The strongest, hardest-hittin,’ ‘n take-the-most-hits-herself member of their group! Ever heard of a woman takin’ down a full sized male owlbear with just her hands? That’s Nova, here. No magic, just brute strength!”

“Tch.” Judy sighed in increasing agitation and rolled her bright eyes as she was held up an inch or two off the ground by the man who may well have been a bear-man himself. “It wasn’t with just my hands, I had my morningstar. And I barely got out of that fight. Had my ass handed to me before I got the advantage.” She huffed, but the owner of the tavern didn’t seem to be done.

“ - I bet our Jude here could take on that godsforsaken monster causin’ all that trouble out there ‘n controllin’ all those other beasts. Show ‘em what for for steppin on Nova’s terf.”

Something about what he said turned the woman from annoyed to sharply intolerant to the situation she was in as she suddenly shifted an arm out and shoved herself out of his arms, her metal prosthesic hitting the wood floor with a harsh clank. “Stop, Tryph.” She warned after straightening herself out. “I’m not Nova anymore, you know that.” Judy said and then rolled her shoulders before glancing towards the man on the other side of the bar. “I’m going to check on your food.” It was as she limped towards the kitchen that both men were then left alone.

The owner looked after her with a bit of a disappointed look on his features, though was far more sad than as if he was disappointed in the woman herself. “Well, as you heard, name’s Tryph.” He said as he offered his large hand to shake in greeting. “I’m the owner here. So of the rooms that were mentioned, which one can I get ready for you?”

 

[Pazzo]

"Blood Hawk" she had said. Alastair had to smile at that. An invasive type predatory bird that seemed to reproduce faster than their prey could, having a reputation for wiping out local rodent populations in a matter of hours, forcing the hungry birds to go after fish, and sometimes even livestock. Some enterprising types even went so far as to farm them on purpose, and found their meat was far superior to chicken, and quite flavorful. It had an odd reddish color even after cooking, giving the birds their name, made of "blood red meat."

The wizard smiled when he saw the Juvenile frost dragon, Immediately being reminded of an orphaned green type he had "rescued" from an overzealous bandit that was keen on making a dragon omelet. He nodded to the impressive woman as she set the chilled bottle in front of him. Blue mists rose from the opened vessel, it's subtle hint of blackberries apparent.

He took the bottle into his hands, and felt of it's chill, closing his eyes as he thought to ward off a little of the summer heat. He poured a little of the dark, rich liquid into the low glass provided, and then lifted it to his face, swirling it around and around. Little blue sparks flittered around at its darkest areas, giving off small puffs of violet steam. It was one of the more rare variants, and highly sought after.

Alastair listened as she murmured about smelling magic, and then of his robes. He just grinned at her and winked, in a handsome, devil may care manner. He took a sip of the drink, and rolled it around in his mouth, letting the magic fire warm his cheeks. "I might know a few arcane tricks." He said in response. He then listened to her answer to his question about being an adventurer , and followed her gaze to the painting. He saw the band of neer do wells, and grinned. He had used to belong to a similar type party, back in his youth.

Then came her melancholy acknowledgment of no longer being able to do so. That made his eyes narrow, as she was obviously quite capable. He was about to ask why, when Tryph lifted her up, and went off on singing her praises, and calling her by a name that sounded familiar. "Nova." he breathed. Not so long ago, the wizard had heard stories of a gorgeous female warrior, with an enchanted blunt weapon, that hit so hard it sometimes exploded it's target in a fiery explosion.

His eyebrows then rose as Tryph started to talk about the creature he was after. And he was about to inquire further, when he suddenly noticed Judith become angry. The wizard then heard her prosthetic hit the ground, making the stone shudder. His eyelids then fell, as he saw her limp off to the kitchen. With each step, it clanked forwards, lifeless and sullen, like it was weighing her down. He just nodded as he suddenly realized what had just happened.

This woman had been maimed by the same creature that had killed Akasha. He clenched his teeth at that memory, and poured himself another glass of the dark purple vintage. Tryph then walked towards him, offering his hand in friendship, which the wizard readily took and shook, smiling back.

The wizard didn't hesitate. "I'm curious about this suite that you had to bring in a witch for." He said, placing a one tenth slice of platinum on the table, worth the one hundred gold they were asking. Platinum was rare, but easier to carry. His gaze then followed the woman as she walked deeper into the kitchen. "Tell me more about this damn creature." He mused, his eyes lost in thought. "The one that supposedly is missing an eye, but has a gem set into it."

 

[CheshireGrin]

“Ah, yeah, everyone’s callin’ that the ‘spooky suite,’ but I promise the witch has taken care of it, claws haven’t appeared again since she came in and no weird noises up there, either. We call her in anytime there’s magical mishaps that are out of the magic basics we use around here, real good friend of ours.” He said, but then also took a look at the stranger’s robes and what he was drinking. “Well, guess that it wouldn’t matter much to you anyway even if it was still cursed. I just ask that you don’t recurse anything, if you don't mind. Bad enough I’m gonna have to repair everything in there.” He sighed, rubbing a large hand through his dark curls.

The large man’s eyes fell down to the piece of platinum and his eyebrows raised slightly. “Fancy, eh?” He said with a kind smile, taking it and looking over it in his hands. “After your dinner, would be glad to have one of my staff here show you the magic well. It’s more of a magic springs, though. Siphoned from the river and the merfolk, brought to you by my missus.” He mentioned, revealing a hint that it was he who had married a powerful mermaid. “There’s some kinda magic power at the deepest part of the river that the merfolk protect, but they’ve learned to manipulate it over time. We borrow it a bit for our own use as well as our magically-inclined guests to soak 'n recharge if needed. So if that drink don’t do the trick, just lemme know.”

Following the wizard’s gaze into the kitchen for a moment, Tryph smiled again at the inquiry. “Question of the week. I’ll tell you what I know and have heard but Nov-” He paused. “...Judith is the one that’s seen it with her own eyes. Much as she says she ain’t the adventurin’ or huntin’ type anymore, already went and took a gander herself after hearing all the ruckus it causes. She’s the analyizin’ type too, can give you the full rundown. But, from what I know, it used to just be some kinda beast that would crawl around on all fours, did normal beastly things, but kinda… cowerin’ - like it didn’t like goin’ near people and seemed wounded almost. But then over time it started kinda walkin’ upright, ‘n that’s when people noticed it had a gem in its eye. Acts real aggressive now, ‘n can seem to rile up other animals ‘n creatures. Ones that usually wouldn’t hurt people are now goin’ after ‘em, even the real peaceful critters are goin’ mad. My wife ‘n her family out in the river have had to lay low, told me that some of their little one’s have been actin’ out since this whole thing started.”

It was just as the owner said these last words that Judith returned, two plates in tow. Despite her limp, she was able to carry the plates perfectly balanced, almost showing off additional core strength. She moved around Tryph and placed the first plate down; a blood-red cooked fowl that steamed and was filled with a stuffing made of; bread, butter, onion, celery, broth made from the hawk’s own drippings, eggs, and spices. It was around the size of a hen, though longer. The second plate was smaller, but had a large portion of ‘loaded’ mashed potatoes and then a dollop of lingonberry jam. From beneathe the bar she also retrieved a napkin and utensils. “The secret is mixing up everything altogether, even the fruit. It's fantastic.” She said with a smile, seeming to have cooled down a bit.

“Judith, wanna tell our patron here about the critter causin’ all this uproar? I’m gonna check ‘n make sure the room’s ready to go before grabbin’ a key.”

At first, the blonde hesitated but then sighed as Tryph shook her shoulder. "Now come on, I believe you. Anyone worth a damn should believe you. You have the experience. If anyone would understand, it's a magic user."

Sighing and thinking a moment, her eyes settled on the older man before her again and clearly went into a sort of stoic analytic state. “Started off as a quadruped, never seen a creature like it before. About the size of an adolescent owlbear. But it mostly stayed to itself out in the hills and forest. But when it was within eyesight, it would howl and whine, like it was in pain. Looked like it was wounded on its face from what I could tell. But it was strange…” She said as her golden brows furrowed slightly, seeming to ponder a moment. “From what I could tell… the wound on its face almost looked… old? Scarring, more than anything. But it was acting as if it was new. Even clawing at its own face. Some felt bad for it and went to see if it would allow help but it was very fearful to the point of aggression if anyone got close. Then it started to get bigger, and far more aggressive. That, and it started walking on its back legs, bipedal. But you can tell that… it’s not natural for it. That's also around the time people noticed it seemed to have some kind of gem in its eye socket.” She said, seeming to have that same furrowed expression as she seemed to be calculating.

“The way it walks is if it’s being forced to walk upright, even if its body isn’t made for that sort of ability. It then started just… aggravating all the nearby wildlife and other creatures. Even just being near it, hearing its calls seemed to agitate everything. But agitation grew to aggression. Even the most gentle creatures that have gotten along with the people around these parts have started to attack. People’s pets, livestock. Magical creatures. Hell, even witch familiars have apparently been acting strangely. Then it escalated to where this creature is clearly gaining control of other beasts and creatures with some sentience now, not just deer and the like. And not just attacking people, but…” Jude trailed off a bit at this, sighing again and seemed frustrated.

“...people haven’t seemed to believe me with this, but it seems like it causes these packs of creatures to attack in two ways. The brutes attack, and the smaller, weaker ones pillage. No one’s had anything stolen that has been reported, but it’s like they’re looking for something. I know strategy when I see it, even if crude.” The warrior’s darkly painted lips pursed a bit at this, tapping her fingers on the bar. “But now this main creature standing upright is over twelve feet tall, and seems to be getting bigger. And I heard it… more than just growling and snarling. It seems… to be speaking. To the creatures it controls. It was hard to make out because it clearly also doesn’t have the right vocal chords for speech, but it’s in a language that made my skin crawl.” She looked back to the wizard then, looking over his face for a moment. “And what everyone else seems to have missed around here or thinks doesn't matter or is unrelated, is that this creature didn’t shift into what it is now until the summer solstice.”

Judy’s words almost hung heavy despite all of the noise around them, but drew her gaze away with a bit of a forced smile. “I’m sure it sounds like nonsense though, everyone else shrugs it off. I don’t want to interrupt your meal any further, let me know if you need anything else or a refill.” She moved to walk down the bar at that point, collecting empty glasses.

 

[Pazzo]

Alastair grinned at the barkeep's description of the room, and it's unflattering moniker. He outright started laughing when Tryph made a comment about re cursing the room. "You have little to worry about from me friend." He murmured, as he took another drink, feeling it's power refresh his own power base. This bottle was of a particularly good year, as he felt it boost his resivoir above what it was normally.

"Curses are not my style." He continued, as he swirled around the thick liquid cordial around in his low glass, watching it's dark purple surface glint and sparkle in the lamplight. "I tend to be a little more direct." he finished, bringing his hand up in a fist, and then splaying out his fingers rapidly, making a small show of crackling lightning licking up his forearm, to crawl over his fingers, jumping between them.

The little bolts of electricity then formed into that of a gorgeous woman, dancing in the palm of the wizard's hand. "If anything, I might be able to take a look at the damages myself when I get in there." He started to say, but then he heard Tryph's comment about his platinum being fancy. He just pursed his lips, and shrugged. "Eh, it's easier to count out than one hundred gold coins, and no where near as heavy." He murmured. "I almost never get to spend it anyway." He grinned, as he saw Judith come out with his order.

He then heard Tryph talk of the pipe for the siren's song, and his offer to see the magical wells. He then understood what the rumors were based on. Tryph had somehow managed to come to the interest of the merfolk monarch, and through his union to her, was able to broker a peace between the watery creatures and the locals. "It seems you have done quote well for yourself, congratulations sir." Raising his glass to the barkeep, giving sincere respect.

The Wizard's demeanor then changed a little, as Tryph continued, speaking of how the creatures were causing so much trouble. He nodded as he spoke of his mer family having to take shelter, and of the other trouble it cause by somehow being able to organize the creatures.

Alastair then focused on Judith as she approached. Despite her limp, and the clunk of her crude prosthetic, he found her more than a little attractive, and her liquid movements spoke of an agility and grace as she put the platters down in front of him. His mind, being what it was, identified a problem he could potentially solve, or at least help with. Enchanting things to work better was a minor hobby of his, a brief respite from the combat based magic he had mastered as a child. Perhaps he could do something for this woman, and at least restore her agility by working some magic upon her current metal leg, or even build her something new.

He pursed his lips and started to think on it, only to push those thoughts aside as the scent of the food hit him. His hunger mounted, as he eschewed the utensils, and opted to eat with just his hands. The reddish meat from the blood hawk was a little unnerving to the eye, but its juicy texture and flavor made up for it. Alastair watched as Tryph spoke to her, encouraging her to talk of her experience with the creature.

The wizard bit into the tender thigh of his bloodhawk, listening as Judith spoke to him, He didn't realize how hungry he was, and was almost half done with his mean when he stopped to listen. He clenched his teeth in anger when she spoke of it becoming smarter, being able to force itself to speak, and even organize other creatures to do its bidding.

When she spoke of them acting as if they were searching for something, he glanced down to his belt pouch, and then glanced back to his half eaten dinner. "No." He said in response to her saying she was interrupting his meal. "This I can store to take with me in the morning." He continued, as he stood up.
He thought to tell her what he knew, only to glance around the busy room, with the multitude of possible eavesdroppers. He needed to get Judith and Tryph in the room alone with just him, so he could speak with them in private.

"Would you and Tryph both please show me the room I Just rented?" He murmured to her. "I'm certain it's workable in it's current state, but surely you could spare a few minutes."

 

[CheshireGrin]

Tryph smiled in amusement, both at the wizard’s magical display as well as the complement. “Thank you, stranger.” He said and bowed his head at the raised glass. “Was a bit of an accident on how everythin’ came together, but best accident that coulda ever happened to me.” His smile was genuine - clearly not just because his establishment was successful because of the partnership. Paired with a gleam to his dark eyes when speaking of his mer-wife, there seemed to be an actual connection there, not just a partnership of convenience.

But both owner and barmaid paused at the sudden ‘no’ from their patron, especially Jude. Her golden brows had the slightest of furrows in response, looking over the man before them to watch his movements closely. Someone eating with their hands wasn’t all that strange in this sort of establishment, but she was confused as to how he was going to go about eating mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam in that method without causing a colossal mess all over her freshly cleaned bar. Not unlike the hawk that the man had almost halfway consumed, however, the blonde watched him intently, following his every move as he looked around. Her nearly amber eyes even glanced towards the noisy other patrons but then centered on him. Clearly, he had a secret to tell.

Both Tryph and Judith glanced at each other at the request for both of them to meet him in his room, but nodded in agreement. The woman knew that her boss could absolutely defend himself [he wooed a mermaid royal, after all - they weren't exactly known for being peaceful], but this was all going rather fast so didn’t mind joining. She collected what he hadn’t finished of his dinner and disappeared into the kitchen for a few moments before returning with a ‘leftovers’ package, and was followed by an orc that could barely fit through the entryway of the kitchen, at minimum having to stoop down to walk through. “Thanks for watching out here Ordhul, I’ll be back soon.” She said and patted the male’s muscled arm as he just gruffed out a sigh, but his crimson eyes settled on the wizard that she walked towards for a moment before being approached by Norinne to receive another order for the kitchen.

While the warrior had been off packaging the wizard’s food, the owner had also disappeared for a few moments before returning with the key. He opened one of the slats to move out from behind the bar, the woman following. They walked towards a set of stairs that was behind an enchanted curtain - its purpose to appear as benign as possible so that no one would notice it unless looking for it directly. The owner handed the patron his key - a rather elaborate one at that including a magical symbol in what was clearly a mer language. “Key does more than just get you in the room itself. Have a door to get into the stairwell so that no drunkies or anyone else bumble their way and up into the rooms. The doors are made to recognize employees though. Once you settle in, the room to your door won’t open to anyone but yourself unless you give explicit permission though, for your privacy.” He explained as the guarded door to the stairwell was opened, and they began their ascent.

Judy let herself be last up the stairs, something that had just become commonplace at this point. It was for two reasons; the first because of her warrior’s experience and not liking anyone being behind her; and the second was because she was just a bit slower than everyone else. While her clunky prosthetic did slow her down, moving up the stairs also gave a bit of the revelation that there was also something not quite fluid with her left hip. The two paired with each other is what gave her the existing heavy limping gait she carried. Despite this though, she carried on without much trouble, staying quiet as they moved up two flights of wooden stairs.

At the top, they came to the largest split, a spacious hall to the left and to the right. “Suites are to the left. The rooms are separated into four color-coded areas with mermaid symbols - a suggestion by my missus.” The man gloated. “Another door here that your key will work with just a bit down this hall.” Tryph explained as they walked down a short hall to the first door and opened it, leading to another but much more subtle fork. “The door leading to the suites has a purple mermaid, to the left again. Your key will only work on the doors that you’re permitted to access, same with everyone else stayin’ here.” On the wall were arrows with gorgeously painted renders of mermaids in two different colors; violet, and green. As they walked past the violet-themed mermaid painting though, she started to move and blew a kiss to the wizard with a wink before settling back to her static position.

Finally, Tryph stood before a door that had the inscription of something in the merfolk language of the river. “Matches what’s on your key, this is your room.” Both employees stepped aside, but the wall of a man paused. “Before openin’ though, mind givin’ me a name for my ledger?”

---

​

Opening entering the room, the terms that the barmaid had used; ‘about as much room as you can imagine in a tavern’ was a bit of an understatement. Everything was adorned in polished wood; from the wall slats to the floor. It came with its own fireplace, washtub, and the bed seemed more than just ‘king sized’ but at the minimum was adorned with four posts and draperies. It also had a small library nook, a writing desk, multiple storage trunks, and the windows facing out to the river were both large and beautiful; the sunset outside casting warm-colored shimmers across the floor. Next to the washtub was a pipe leading out that gave freshly heated water; but more interestingly there was a glass pipe that came in from near the window, filled with perfectly clear water and even occasional curious fish and other river life that could swim in and out as they pleased. There was a device attached to it; something that could be opened and closed - likely the ability to listen to river siren song when opened.

Yet also near the large windows were the aforementioned large claw mark gouges in the flooring that dug deep, it clear that whatever [large] creature had been summoned in a bout of malice or mischief was in some sort of skirmish, and then scrambled to fling itself out of the window. Surrounding those clawmarks were strained striated black markings, as if they had also burned upon contact. As they all entered and the man’s food placed on a table, Judith moved to rest her back against the wall closest to the exit door. She rested her weight against her good leg, the other stretching out a bit as her tall form almost unfurled in that more relaxed position - but was clearly still on guard. Her arms crossed her chest, glancing around the room for a moment since she didn’t often visit them, if at all.

But Tryph, ever the host, smiled in a friendly manner towards the wizard as he stood in the middle of the room. “Hope everythin’ to your likin’ in here. As I said before, apologies about the claw marks, but everythin’ else is in it’s rightful place. When not usin’ the tub for bathin, it can also be used as a cooling storage for anythin’ you want chilled. River water can get pretty chilly at night.”

But it was Judith who spoke up then, interested in why they were both asked to come up here together. “Is there something you were wanting to tell us?”

 

[Pazzo]

"A semi-secret door, with the added security of having a unique entry key." the wizard mused. It wasn't half bad. He would of course add his own little security enchantments later, but only after he had a better feel for the area. He followed the two into the doorway, and fell in behind Tryph. He heard Nova clunking up the stairway behind him, and for some reason, he felt it comforting?

The wizard couldn't quite understand why he felt safer in her presence. He was able to command magics that were quite powerful, but there was nothing quite like having a warrior behind you, watching your back. Alastair then saw the mermaid image wink at him, and he grinned.

Of all of the gorgeous females he had the honor of being with, a mermaid was one of the few creatures he had not been with yet. His imagination then went wild, wondering how exactly such a union would work. His eyes narrowed as he considered the multitude of options. Ultimately, he just shrugged, and decided that merfolk were inherently magical, and had enchantments to form human anatomy when the situation demanded it.

He then heard Tryph ask for a name for his ledger. "Oh, of course." The wizard murmured. "Allen, Allen Brightmarius the Third." He said, in an offhand manner. "Though, most people just call me Alistair." He finished, thinking nothing more of it. The room was beyond comforting, almost reaching out to him, and whispering to him. "Come here ye weary traveler, rest, and recoup." The bed look more than a little comfortable, as he started to feel the ache in his bones and joints from his earlier run.

The claw marks and scarring that Tryph pointed out wasn't so much an issue, as was the aura around the area. The wizard just closed his eyes, shook his head, and groaned. Definitely demonic in origin, those claw marks wouldn't be going away any time soon. A witch wasn't going to be able to do the job at all. What the needed was a divine caster, able to dispel such profane corruption. He did see however that the spellcaster they hired was able to contain the demonic aura, and keep it from spreading. She was obviously skilled in her craft.

"Yeah. She did well, but wizards can't help you with that. You need a priest." He murmured. Alastair likewise walked towards one of the comfortable looking chairs, and took off his heavy cloak. He set himself down in it, letting out a long breath. He glanced over to Judith, and saw her leaning against the wall, and then posing her question. The wizard nodded, and started to speak.

"This creature that is causing all of this ruckus? It matches the description of something I have been hunting for several years." Me almost growled, as his eyes focused to somewhere far off, outside of the room. "The creature itself is not so much the problem, but that jewel inside of its left eye."
The wizard leaned down, and loosened his boots, kicking them off into the corner. "I once had an adventuring companion, named Akasha Redding. She was a Ranger of incredible prowess, and saved my life more than a few times." He continued, swirling his drink that he had brought with him. He had likewise brought the bottle as well. He refilled it, and let the glowing liquid sparkle around for a few minutes, before downing it quickly.

Sighing, the wizard continued his story. "About five years ago, our adventures took us to the ruins some three weeks north of here. That old Alagondarian palace. We found a creature called a Barghest there, and we fought with it." He murmured, his eyes narrowing. "It got past me, and mortally wounded Akasha, but not before she buried her dagger in its eye." He said, his voice dripping with acid.

"The creature ran off, and I attended to Akasha. She died in my arms, but not before wispering "Don't cry, I am free now."" He stood up, and walked to the window, gazing out of it towards the river. The view was amazing, but Alastair's mind was somewhere else. "I had come to find out what she meant about a year later, as I carried her last effects to her family." He then produced a scroll from a tube tucked away into his cloak. He unrolled the crackled parchment onto the table, and gestured to the drawing of a knife sketched in meticulous detail on its surface.



"The dagger that Akasha carried was vampric in nature. It had the ability to absorb the powers, experience, and life force of whoever she stabbed with it." He started to describe. "All of this was due to the three inch topaz set into it's pommel. At some time in the weapon's past, it had been used to kill a powerful demon, by the name of Ammanothep. The weapon absorbed its awareness, and it laid dormant for some time. It had reawakened when it came into the ownership of Akasha, and thought her sheer force of will, she kept it from completely controlling her."

The wizard reached for his glass, and sipped the glowing blue liquid quietly. "This creature that you speak of, I believe is the same Barghest that we fought with. I believe that the demon lord, Amman, is controlling this creature, seeking to free itself from the jeweled prison that confines it." He continued, as he withdrew a silver pendant from within the neck of his tunic.

"You said it was searching for something. If this is the same creature, then this is what it is looking for." He murmured, gesturing to the three inch long bar of silver, scrawled with multiple runes upon it's lightly patina-ed surface. "This is the key to it's escape. A length of silver, bearing the words to be spoken to release him." If Tryph or Judith raised any concern, his nest phrase would dispel it. "It cannot be traced directly, so long as I wear it. The creature has no Idea that I am even here, or hunting it, and I prefer to keep it that way." He murmured, low and deep. "The creature likely knows my name, and as such, this is why I called you both in here, to discuss things in private."

The wizard then set back down into his chair, and set back into it. "the room is more than to my liking good Tryph." He murmured, fishing another coin out of his pouch, tossing int to the big man. A full weight platinum coin. "Keep it." The wizard said to him. "The information you have given me is worth it, as well as this stuff not being cheap." He said, gesturing to the chilled cobalt blue bottle he had brought with him.

 

[CheshireGrin]

Her head raising, Judith looked up towards the man walking in front of her as he gave his nickname. Alistair. She mulled it over in her mind as if tasting a fine wine. It was a pretty name, an allure to it that made her wonder how it came to be.

Once they had entered the room however, and her suspicions were confirmed, the woman shot a look to her boss. “I told you it was a demon and we’d need holy magic.”

Tryph sighed and ran a large hand through his curls but a strange smile curled at his lips. “Aye, that you did. You’re right again, Jude.”

He received a soft ‘hmph’ in return before both their eyes settled on the wizard before them. The blonde’s almost matching honey eyes gave the older man a quick up and down as he had taken off his cloak and settled into a chair, and realized then that she found him more attractive than before; now that he wasn’t covered in the material that often had a hard time flattering one’s form. While she hadn’t ever really been with a man all that much older than herself, she did, secretly, have a thing for redheads.

That was neither here nor there, however. Men weren’t genuinely into her these days, more of a joke than anything else. Besides, she was more interested in what he had brought them both here for.

The name of Akasha Redding felt immediately familiar to Jude, and it was something she would have to think about later or look in some of the papers she had saved over the years. But the vague memory of hearing of this ranger was replaced with the sharp recognition when he mentioned the Alagondarian palace, somewhere she was keenly familiar with. She was also aware of barghests, something she had encountered in her adventuring day when dealing with both goblins and hobgoblins alike. Despite the change in Alistair’s demeaner as he hatefully explained what had happened, an empathetic look crossed the woman’s features at the revelation that he had lost Akasha as a comrade and adventuring partner. It struck the woman deep, though her expression didn’t show it. The only movement she made was that as her arms were crossed, she gripped her own arms just a little tighter.

Both Tryph and Judy followed Alistair with their eyes as he got up to the window, and then when he unrolled a scroll before them. This caused the woman to move up and off the wall, limping forward to take a look. She immediately recognized the gem in the pommel of the dagger and raised her eyes to listen further. Her attention was sharp, completely transfixed by all of the new information being granted about the menace coming closer and closer with every day. But a look of slight shock shifted over her features as the entire thing was put together, and how it fit with her deductions almost perfectly - the last few puzzle pieces falling into place. Her golden brows furrowed slightly. She was right again, which is something she wished wasn’t so often the case. But it also was vindication, in a way. When everyone else thought she was out of her element from her years of being ‘retired’ - she was still just as sharp as she was years ago. But now, there was so much more to be concerned with.

Tryph had immediately shifted uncomfortably when all was revealed, but then breathed a sigh of relief once knowing that his tavern, his patrons, and his wife and her family in the river behind them were safe… for now. He caught the coin in his hand and his dark, thick brows raised. “Are you sure? This is far more than I’d ever ask for.” He was genuinely concerned, always wanting to be fair with his customers and guests.

“Just accept it, Tryph.” Judith coaxed gently. “It’s worth it both in the potential danger of having the creature’s target here, as well as the exchange of information on what we can do to protect ourselves.” But her voice remained soft and low, not meaning it as an insult to the wizard before her. She stared down at the scroll on the table as her boss spoke again.

“Is there anything we can do for you, then? We know plenty of strong, durable, and capable people that can aid you in taking this creature on.” At first the man’s eyes fell upon the woman, but then looked away quickly after towards the window with the river view, before back towards the other man. “We can get you a decent party set up in a day or so.”

“Also, there’s plenty more where that came from.” The warrior motioned her hand towards the wizard’s drink. “We actually even have a small stash of the kind that was hunted down a few months ago. The rare kind, that also heals wounds and empowers magic for a short while instead of just regenerating it. The kind that changes colors and flavors by itself.”

“What?!” Tryph’s head suddenly snapped towards the blonde, who merely shrugged, but also didn’t meet his gaze. “Jude, that’s contraband!” He whispered sharply.

The woman still had a rather uncaring expression on her face, but there was also mischief in her eyes and a curl to her glinting lips. She closed her eyes for a moment, looking towards the opposite side of the room as if it were far more interesting than the conversation at hand. “When you stick me on inventory duty instead of doing it your damned self, who’s to say what ends up in our care in case of emergencies?”

Tryph’s eyes narrowed at Judith, who finally met his gaze and stuck out her tongue for just a moment, a glint of a metal barbell glimpsed through the middle of it. “It’s been safe and hidden this whole time, Tryph. I’ve been protecting it. Besides, who better to use it than someone that could keep your tavern safe?” She said, motioned towards Alistair. “This is the exact sort of situation I’ve kept it around for after… obtaining it.”

It was just as the owner seemed to be about to double down against his employee when a loud crash could be heard down in the bar, followed by glass breaking. He sighed as the woman arched a blonde brow and glanced towards the door. “Fine. But you and I are gonna have a talk after closin’ - I’m gonna go see what foolery is going on in my bar. I know you’re about to ask 'im 500 questions… but come back when you can.” The man’s large form moved out of the room and closed the door behind him again.

Taking it as her own invitation, Jude limped over to one of the large matching chairs that the remaining male sat in, and hefted it up and off the ground as if it were nothing - despite being made of heavy oak and dense leather cushioning. Her arm muscles flexed with the ease but moved it to sit across from Alistair instead of off to the side with a deep thunk. She eased her body down into the chair, a twinge of pain fluttering across her expression for just a moment as her left side’s hip sat into the chair, but pulled up her prosthetic into a more comfortable sitting position and arranged herself.

“I’ve dealt with at least one barghest before, and I’m honestly shocked if that’s what this creature used to be.” She opened the conversation. “If you haven’t seen it yet… not even that it’s walking around on two legs, it looks nothing like what it once did. If it wasn’t for that it’s a known killer, I’d almost feel sorry for it.” The blonde rested her elbow on the chair’s armrest, she idly balling her scarred fingers into a fist to rest her cheek upon. “What is your plan upon encounter? Killing the body, or perhaps just going after the dagger to pull out from the socket?” Came the curious strategy questions. “Also, I know you’re probably tired from travels, so feel free to tell me to fuck off and I’ll go back downstairs.” Her darkly painted lips curled into a friendly smile.

 

[Pazzo]

Alastair watched the pair as they reacted to his account of past events, and his interest in hunting down the creature. He himself quickly glanced to the floor as the loud sound of a crash from down below the floor issued. Looking back to the proprietor and retired warrior turned bartender, and eased a bit as they looked as if it was a regular occurrence. He saw Judith arch an eyebrow and glance towards the door. He could tell she wanted to run towards it, but couldn't on account of her leg. He absently rubbed at his left shoulder, as he glanced down at her crudely constructed wooden prosthetic, bound in reinforced iron plates. He then glanced back up and watched Tryph leave.

Part of him felt elated as Judith made no motion to leave, but sat down in one of the chairs littering the room. "Of that contraband blue you aren't supposed to have, I can offer you a good price for the lot if you want." He murmured. "Money is not really an issue. I will give you the going black market rate plus fifteen percent." He finished, as he sat in the chair across from Judith's

Alastair let his mind wander a little as he listened to the warrior woman speak of the Barghest, what she knew of them, and described it's change in appearance. "the demon trapped in the dagger is controlling the creature, likely having already devouring it's mind." He murmured, his voice low and deep. "Though it's probably not a perfect interface. It's not as if he sees through it's eyes or feels it's pain, using the body as his own." He continued. "Think more along the lines of a novice puppeteer controlling a marionette. Sometimes the movements are clumsy, or a string could get bound up, and a limb doesn't move quite right."

The wizard then heard of her suggestion of helping him to form a larger party to find the thing. He clenched his teeth a little. "No, a large party of sufficient skill would take too long to organize. Besides, I have my own little private army right here." He murmured, reaching into one of many inner breast pockets of his robe. He withdrew what looked like an armored brass orb, about the size of a bowling ball, entirely too large for the pocket it came from. He placed it upon the table, and it instantly opened and sprouted many insectoid legs.

It resembled a brass mechanical wood lice, and skittered around the table in a circle, before curling back up into a ball in front of the wizard. "I have over fifty of these, and they prove quite effective at hostile crowd control." He said, as he placed the metal sphere back into his robe.

The mercenary then listened to her question of what his plan was. "No plan yet, right now I just need information about the target. I want to get a look at the thing, and the host it has assembled. Once I know more about what I am up against, I can formulate a better plan about how to take it down for good." He growled, as he glanced back down at her leg. "Tryph speaks highly of you, and I saw him glance your way when it was mentioned of people to come with me." He said, as he loosened his pouched utility belt, tossing it to the chair.

"And I likewise saw your ability earlier. You do know how to handle yourself, but I take it you feel that your leg would just make you a liability." He murmured as he loosened the front of his robe, letting it fall open, revealing a lean, muscular chest, with a hint of scarring on his left pectoral muscle. "I might be able to help with that." He said, as he let his robe fall to the floor, revealing his upper half. His legs still covered by his midnight colored breeches.

It was immediately apparent that the wizard took care of himself, and exercised regularly. His body was cleanly cut, with corded muscle that rippled when he moved. Even more apparent, was that his entire left arm, all the way up to his shoulder, appeared to be made of iron, and covered with faintly glowing blue runes. "I made this myself about ten years ago." He murmured, as he pulled off the leather glove that concealed a well articulated iron hand. He curled his mechanical arm, and made a fist. Gears could be heard whirring away, as he spun his wrist all the way around several times.

"Crafted from parts, salvaged from the very golem that I had lost the original to, during a disagreement with the evil priest that had made it." He said, extending it, moving it closer to Judith, so she could get a better look. "It's about twice as strong as the one I had, though sensation is only about half of what I remember. Still, my magic seems unaffected." He said, as he brought up his hand, with electricity licking around between his metallic fingers."

"I see no reason why I can't make a few improvements to your leg. It would be a gradual process, but I am sure I can have you moving around as you did before your accident." He continued.

"Come with me Judith. For whatever reason, I feel that you are the best help there is to be had for this situation." He murmured, as he stepped back, and reached for his robe.

 

[CheshireGrin]

“Money isn’t an issue, hm?” Jude asked in amusement. She wasn’t surprised, being as the man before her had platinum in his pockets. But she honestly wasn’t one for chasing money, nor had she ever been. “Well, you’re the kind of person and this is the sort of situation that I stashed them for. I have six bottles of the large, and one of the smaller ones, I think a sort of sampler. We can discuss trade in more detail tomorrow. Perhaps it’s also bold of me, but I’m curious as to what you do with your magic craft, outside of this situation. Not just because of the coin you carry... but that is part of it.” Her gold brows raised at this, looking him over from her seat. Ever perceptive, she had some ideas but did not ask aloud.

Yet, her amusement faded again and her focus once again turned razor-sharp as she listened to his explanation of the creature that would soon, whether they liked it or not, make its way to the tavern unless it was stopped first. The blonde’s eyes lowered to the orb that was rested on the table and openly crinkled her nose as it revealed itself to appear insectoid. She reached to poke at it with a fingertip and roll the ball around for a moment before it was retrieved and hidden away again.

But suddenly upon the words that he spoke of Tryph regarding her, Judith knew exactly where this was going. Her expression darkened and she lowered her gaze, staring off at a random knot in the wooden floor. Her previously relaxed body stiffened. Especially when he mentioned her leg, she unconsciously moved it to be partially obscured behind the table. She still stared away and her whole face was hardened as tight as her body, her scars darkening ever slightly. She wanted to flee. She hated whenever this was brought up. Even more so, she hated when people offered to help ‘fix’ her when she didn’t want to be fixed. She was this way on purpose, because she deserved it.

The warrior was just about to snap this to him when suddenly she saw the replacement arm that was extending towards her. Her eyes widened as she realized… he was like her. Her expression softened and she let her eyes take it in, seeing just how well crafted his own prosthetic was, how it was articulated and apparently was even better than his original arm. She didn’t even realize it at first, but she raised her hand as he offered to let her see it. Her fingertips traced over his own fingers, down into his palm. She felt over the iron and how it still seemed to feel warm. It was an oddly intimate action before she moved her hand away as he showed that he could still summon magic from it. Her expression had almost turned mask-like. She felt a sort of connection with him for that, but she wouldn’t let him talk her into this.

"Come with me Judith. For whatever reason, I feel that you are the best help there is to be had for this situation."

“I can’t.” Judith said abruptly, her hands clenching into fists over her thighs. It was her turn to clench her own teeth. “I don’t do anything like that anymore.” Suddenly she stood, but having forgotten she moved to hide her leg she just slightly stumbled forward. But now as she easily righted herself before falling, she was standing just before Alistair, their bodies pressing in some areas. Her hand had reached out and even rested on his bare hip as a balance, and in that moment realized it was a bit of a scandalous location. Her eyes took in his form on the slow ascent to suddenly meet his own gaze. She was a couple of inches taller than he was, but that wasn’t all that uncommon in her life. Their faces were close, and her large amber brown eyes stared into the emeralds of the man before her.

A tension was building there between them for a moment as she moved her hand off of him, but took her time, her fingers leaving their warmth. “I appreciate your trust and to consider me able enough to assist you…” The blonde murmured softly as they were so close as she let her eyes finally look away from his own. “But it’s far more than my leg. I’ve had the opportunities to make it better. But I won’t. It hinders me for good reason.” At this she fully turned her face away from him to the right, and the scars that spidered up her left side could be seen in far more detail; how they branched up her neck, over her cheek, ear, and even up over an eyebrow. There was a deep frown on her painted lips as she stepped away, her expression one of pain.

From downstairs, the sounds of a string instrument being tuned could be heard, as well as a drum. The band that was mentioned must have arrived, and were getting set up. It was then that Judy moved away from Alistair, first walking backwards before turning to face toward his door. “Your room will have the best acoustics to hear the band below us if you want to just enjoy it here and get some rest. Otherwise, they play here often and it’s a good time should you decide to come back down and watch. Also… tomorrow I can take you to the building I use as an observation point to view the creature, but that’s the extent I can help you with, Alistair.” There wasn’t confidence in that statement, but as to what reasoning was unclear. But she regarded him with a glance over her shoulder before starting to limp towards his door.

 

[Pazzo]

Alistair Nodded as she spoke of the six bottles of contraband Blackberry Blue. The vintage was intended to be a special edition "Very Superior Old Pale" version marketed at more powerful, master level wizards. However, in the hands of the irresponsible, it was made highly dangerous. Younger, less experienced apprentices and first year students at the university were curious, and broke into the stores of the Archmage a few years ago.

The students then imbibed of the brandy, which got them all very drunk, very fast. The danger however was not so much to their livers, but to their sanity. It was meant to be used in emergencies, when vast stores of magic were needed quickly in emergencies, to be used to cast quick, powerful spells immediately. The students however just let the power course through them, supercharging their power reservoirs for extended periods of time. Their thoughts raced, and their inexperienced brains attempted to work magic not meant for them.

One of them started to rampage, casting fireballs right and left, completely destroying the old conservatory. Believing himself to be the avatar of some forgotten god, he then did direct battle with the approaching Spellgaurds of the university, actually killing two of them before he was subdued. He and his affected classmates lived for another day, possibly two, despite the best efforts of the healers involved. Their was no saving their blasted minds, and fried brains after that.

Their wealthy parents of course were outraged, and laws banning the vintage were quickly levied against the university and the company, nearly bankrupting it. Many casks were destroyed, with the ones remaining in the private hands of collectors selling for a premium.

Alistair's thoughts immediately shifted to the present, listening as he heard her immediate protest to his idea of her accompanying him to the ruins. He did not feel any disappointment, as he had once reacted the same way to a similar situation not so long ago.

Then she was about to fall, and her hand grabbed at his hip, with her body close to his. Her scent was feminine, exotic, and decidedly expensive. His eyes were just level with her succulent mouth, and watching her lick her wet lips lit little fires in his mind. There was a mutual tension building. He was most definitely not opposed to the idea of being with her intimately.

Before he had a chance to grab her, as his initial instincts were, she deftly moved away. Even with the burden of her injuries, and crude leg, she was quite agile. He could only imagine how formidable she must have been at full strength. Her words and argument against his idea were damn near a mirror image of what he had said to his own mentor, when tasked with going after the golems that had maimed him, and took his arm.

Perhaps he could pay it forward. "Hey." He said to her, as he quickly moved to her side. "You sound just like I did a year ago, and you will likely be angry with me for what happens next." He murmured. "I understand the survivor's guilt. I do, but you need to understand that your ultimate talents are being wasted here, when you can being doing more to benefit the community in even greater ways."

His metallic and reached out, and grabbed her crippled hip, in much the same way she had just grabbed his. His fingers were powerful, and the squeezed firmly, pressing upon all of the nerves there in the most pleasurable way. Imagine a sharp, piercing pain that burns down to a delicious smolder, perfectly mixed in with the sensation of the most mind blowing orgasm possible, with the two forming that delicate, delicious mix where pleasure and pain dance together in perfect proportions. It would feel as if liquid ice water washed away the ache and pain in her hip, as electric sparks flowed downwards, with sensations of her lower leg returning to her mind, long since forgotten. Her leg now felt lighter, and would respond to her commands as if it were the flesh and blood one that she lost.

He then deftly dodged out of her way, if she became suddenly hostile. Alistair held up another platinum coin, right where she could see it. "You asked of what I did with my magical craft." He murmured, low and deep, blocking her way down the stairs, as the sounds of the band below filtered up into the room. "Give me one day, as my companion to fully consider my offer, and you can have this, along with finding out for yourself what I do."

The wizard held the coin out to her for her to take. "If at the end of that day you still feel the same way, I will release my enchantment, and you can go back to this self imposed retirement, without another word from me." He continued. "If however you would come with me, I will pay you one platinum per day. Easily enough to do whatever you please after the fortnight I anticipate this quest of mine to take."

Alastair then took his robe, and spun it into the air, lifting his arms up, for the roomy sleeves to fall to his shoulders, ans he started down the staircase to the main hall. "I don't get out much, so yes, I think I would see these minstrels performance."

 

[CheshireGrin]

The warrior felt like she could roll her eyes at his first interjection, becoming even more disgruntled. Just because he had also lost a limb didn’t mean that he knew anything about her story, her guilt, what happened, any of it. Her painted lips parted to say just that exact sentiment when suddenly her brows raised as he warned her about becoming angry at him. …for what?

The grip on her permanently injured hip immediately made her hiss loudly, baring her teeth both in the pain and in rising anger, as if snarling. The shattered hip bone and even part of her pelvis was only able to be healed so much without the assistance of magic, which she had prevented time and time again for multiple years now. The pain was almost unbearable especially in a literal iron grip. “What are you doing?! Let me g-” She was snapping at him before suddenly that pain was completely flipped on its head. Judith’s back suddenly arched, her head tilting back. A shuddering gasp left her lips instead, her eyelids fluttering shut for a moment as her brows knitted - an expression of pained pleasure. It was a glimpse of what her beauty, even though marred, could look like when being satisfied in more intimate situations. It was as if that crippling pain had turned into complete ecstasy.

When the height of the sensations calmed, the blonde was still in a panicked mode, disoriented from the back and forth as well as what the hell had just been done to her. She swung at him but he dodged. Her hand went to her hip, holding it even if it no longer hurt her. It was instinct, and she stumbled backwards a bit, not used to her leg not feeling so heavy, as if her proper leg had returned. Her current strained balance had to be unlearned as her old had to be learned anew. “What the fuck did you do to me…?” She panted, some of her golden locks having fallen out of the twin braids down the back of her head. Her eyes didn’t even look at the coin as it was held before her, eyes narrowing into an icy glare at the man who had just done… something. But that narrowed glare opened to wide eyes as he explained, essentially holding her consent hostage to remove her pain, as if she had never been crippled at all.

Jude let him start to walk towards the staircase before suddenly moving forward, far faster than seen before and especially far faster than most would expect from a woman her size. Her hands gripped his shoulders through his cloak and dragged him backwards until one of those hands was on his throat. Music started downstairs, a rather happy, jaunting tune that was juxtaposed against pure rage, an ironic sort of soundtrack to the fight now breaking out. Using the advantage of a hand on his neck, suddenly Alistair would find himself being picked up and thrown onto the wood flooring as if he were a mere ragdoll. The motion of it, or perhaps just her well-defined muscles, caused one of her low-hanging sleeves to rip in the exertion. But she wasn’t done with him, as she was bounding towards him before he could even try and move again.

The woman was over him then like a predator on its prey, pinning him to the ground as her hands slammed down onto his shoulders. “You fucking magical types always putting your spells and enchantments where they don’t belong!” She snarled again, a fury inside of her that was wild and bottled in for so long. “I’m not going to help you with shit if you don’t undo what you just did, and I certainly don’t care about your damn money!”

But suddenly the sound of the music below became louder, as the door to his room had been opened - though after a soft knock that hadn’t been heard. “Hey, Jude?” Another one of the barmaids stood in the doorway, an especially gorgeous one, skin a pretty shade of rose and hair as black as ink. She was a cambion, the half-human daughter of an incubus. Her dark brows rose exponentially, almost touching her own horns, as she surveyed the scene; Jude straddling and aggressively sitting on top of the guest of the room, his own clothing strewn about as they were on the floor. “Well… fuck me running. Jude finally letting herself get laid? I’ll have to call my father and see if it’s chilly downstairs.”

This caused the blonde’s eyes to widen and her head to snap back to the door, realizing what it looked like. “No! Evie! It’s not-”

“I was told to ask you to come down with the band starting and all since we have a full house now but… I’ll just tell Tryph you’re… busy~” She offered the two a wink before moving to close the door again in a sort of saunter.

Scrambling, suddenly the blonde woman was after her, nearly ripping the door off its hinges to prevent it from being closed. This made Evie jump slightly, blinking up at her taller coworker. “Damn girl, don’t have to be embarrassed. You deserve some relief! Don’t you know wizards can use magic and shit in the s-”

“I don’t want to hear it. Downstairs. Now.” Judy huffed as suddenly she was guiding the other woman away from the room. But she paused to shoot one last glare into the space, leaving Alistair where he was. “We’re not done, wizard.” Was all she said, not even using the man's name any longer, before slamming his door shut so hard one of the tapestries fell off of the wall and directly onto him in a soft thud.

 

[Pazzo]

The wizard knew full well what to expect, knowing damn well how angry she would be.

In the moments before her response, the wizard weighed his options. His ultimate logic was "Pay it forward, you owe it to the world for the assistance that was given to you."

A few years ago, he had lost his arm fighting with the damn iron golem detachment, sent forth by a necromancer he had been chasing. He was still filled with rage for what had happened to Akasha, and the searing pain licking up his spine from his severed upper left arm. Ultimately he and his party had been successful in their mission, and even though he had been crippled, he had managed to bring back the remnants of the golems as well as the body of that damnable Necromancer.

He had enchanted the blades on the war constructs with some savage, malicious life draining magics, meant to destroy the bodies of those they hit. The big scythe that the one he had fought cut deep into his flesh, but it didn't stop there. It severed parts of his soul and spirit. Despite the best holy magic and healing potions, his arm would not grow back.

Alastair had fallen into a depression. He holed up in one of the common rooms in the Brass Boar, and lay upon the cold stone floor, looking up at the ceiling for days, raging and fuming away at what the fates had done to him. He would just order food and drink, and they would bring it in, and take his bedpan out. Alastair just did not fucking care. A good wizard needed two arms, and two hands to channel and work the magical energies necessary. And that was gone, taken from him forever.

About seven days later Craiger stormed in, and held him down. The wizard was so drunk he wasn't able to react fast enough. "Forgive me, but it needs to be done." He murmured, as Alastair raged and fought, not able to work his magic to defend himself. A gorgeous elven woman with silver hair came in, and placed something cold and metallic upon the ruins of his left arm. White hot searing pain shot through his body, blinding him. It felt as if the sun were focused upon his eyes, burning them out of his head. He screamed and roared, thrashing.

Craiger took a blow to the side of his head, and was knocked across the room, shattering the table that was in the way as his back slammed into the wall. Alastair got to his feet, and swayed, still being heavily inebriated. He stood there, his face contorted in fury, as he raised up his arm again. His left arm. This gave the wizard pause, as he thought about what in the hell just happened. The barkeep was easily twice his weight, and a foot taller. He stood over the barkeep, who groaned, and stood up, grasping his jaw, and sliding it side to side, popping it back into place.

"You're lucky I owe you about thirty or so favors wizard." He growled, stretching his jaw, and making various movements with his mouth, testing the tendons, ligaments, and muscles there. "Consider this one of them. The wizard, still angry, looked down at his new metallic arm, it's various marking glowing a brilliant blue. "What the fuck did you just do to me?!" He roared, balling his new metallic arm into a fist. A fist that was now covered in little sparks of lightning, crawling over his knuckles, that same familiar tell tale sensation of magic coursing through his veins.

But he looked again to his arm. Did a metal arm even have veins? They felt real enough. Craiger growled and winced again, as he felt a kink in one of his jaw muscles. He just shook his head, and rubbed the back underside of his cheek. Using his other muscular hand, he then gestured to the elven female in the room. "This is Adaria." He murmured, flexing his jaw. "She is a priestess of the Mystra, and has found a way to help spellcasters like you." He said. The gorgeous woman lifted the sides of her dress and curtsied, Nodding to Alistair, before wrinkling up her nose.

Craiger likewise did the same, holding his nose closed with his hand. "When you are done feeling sorry for yourself, go to the bathhouse. You positively smell like a stable that hasn't been cleaned in a month."

******

Alastair's mental faculties came back to him slowly as he lay upon the floor in a battered heap. His shoulders positively ached from the blows Judith had just rained down upon them. He sat up slowly, using his hands to steady himself. Using his right hand, he grasped his jaw just like his old tavern owner friend did not so long ago, and tested it. It was a bit sore, and he had the coppery taste of blood in his mouth. Nothing that wouldn't heal. He likewise groaned, and stood to his feet. His whole body ached.

He decided it would be better to not enter the taproom after all. Judith was obviously not happy with him for forcing his will upon her like that, and rightly so. But sometimes, it was just the right thing to do. The right thing to do now was to give her some space, and to get some thinking done. As she said, they weren't done yet. After she had her time to cool off, she would seek him out.

He nodded, and grabbed his robe, draping it loosely about his shoulders, and grabbed the bottle of Arcian Blue, and held his shoulder with his free hand as he rolled it around a few times. Perhaps a soak in these fables mermaid hot spring caverns was in order...

 

[CheshireGrin]

Judith seethed through the evening and as the sun was fully setting. She was not one to easily cool down once she had gotten to the point of being this furious. In fact, it was more like a slow burn building rage - as the night went on and the more she kept thinking about that damned Alistair, her anger upped a notch. She of course, did her job diligently - she kept the ale and mead flowing and customers happy as they were entertained by the music. But she was tight lipped this evening, not wanting to open her mouth to say something she’d regret or make Tryph even more pissed at her than he already was due to the revelation of the contraband. That last thought also made the woman’s golden brows angle downwards in anger. She should keep it anyway, not let him get to use it until he set her back to normal. With anger also came pettiness.

But Tryph noticed something was wrong with his barmaid. First and foremost… she wasn’t limping. Stomping, yes, but limping? Not at all. In fact, she was moving about with the same agility he had seen many years before the accident. But mostly he could see that every minute her features were becoming tighter, more gripped. She was clenching and unclenching her jaw whenever she was pouring a new drink, and she had accidentally broken two glasses so far that night, which was already a rarity in itself - but she broke them from holding them too tight and not an accidental drop.

“What's goin' on with you tonight?” Finally the wall of a man pulled her aside to the back of the kitchen when there was a lull in orders. “You came back from Alistair’s room and you’ve been lookin’ like you’re about to throw out every customer in ‘ere.”

That was an idea. Maybe the wizard could be thrown out, and she’d visit another magic user to undo what he did.

“You should throw out that fucking wizard.” The blonde suddenly snapped, staring her boss in the eyes.

Tryph’s bushy brows raised highly, causing his forehead to wrinkle greatly. “What? Why? What did he do?”

“He fucking used magic on me! And fucking put his hands on me! Without my consent!”

The male’s expression fell dead serious in those moments. His eyes could be seen searching her face. “Well, if he's still alive then I know it must've not been too bad. What did he do, Judy?”

---

It was after the warrior explained everything that happened starting from when she was alone with the man that Tryph was leaning against a wall, his burly arms crossed over his barrel chest. He was thinking, staring down at the ground.

“What are you standing there for?” Jude asked in exasperation. “Come with me to kick his ass out!”

The tavern owner knew that he had to tread especially light now, swallowing slowly. “We ain’t gonna be kickin’ ‘im out. But I will talk to ‘im.”

The woman suddenly had an expression of shock and then immediate anger. “What do you mean? I just told you what he did to me!”

“Aye, you did. And I don’t agree with it Judy. But…”

“...But?!”

“I think it’ll do you some good. Maybe you haven’t even noticed it, but you’ve been so mobile since you came downstairs. Movin’ about like nothin’ ever happened, nice and free. You deserve to move like that again. Deserve to not be in pain all the time. It’s eatin’ away your life, Judes. You’re barely into your 30’s but sometimes look ‘n act like you’re an old woman, probably in more pain than one, too. I know you think it was your fault, but it ain’t. You have to let go. You think all of ‘em would want you sufferin’ like this?”

The subject was a deep one, one that Tryph knew more of than most. He barely spoke of it because it was such a sore spot. His expression softened.

But Jude’s expression immediately started to falter and break, tears surging to her eyes as her bottom lip started to tremble. “Oh fuck you, Tryph. Fuck. You.” She spat, and shoved the man away from her before swinging the back door of the kitchen open and leaving in a rush.

Tryph had a hesitation to call after her, both to tell her to come back and finish her shift, but also to try and comfort her. But he knew better. He had just exposed a wound within her that was the most raw, a wound that she suffered deep into her psyche and soul. Instead, he exhaled slowly and rubbed his temples. But soon, the small flapping of wings came and the small frost wyvern from before landed on his shoulders, rubbing their head all over his shoulder and arm affectionately. Within their tiny jaws was a small rolled up parchment - the request that came in whenever a tavern guest signaled within their amenities that they wanted to go to the springs outside. He turned his head and took the paper, petting Aurora as the small creature trilled in response. “Hm. Jude must have roughed him up pretty good if he wants to go to the hot springs on a summer night instead of the regular strings, aye?” He asked the wyvern, who squeaked out a few snowflakes in response.

---

Tryph knocked at Alistair’s door, and in his trunk-like arms held multiple towels as well as what appeared to be a few different complementary clothing options for getting into the waters. “Sir Alistair? I’m here to lead you to the springs if you’re still interested.”

When joined, the man lead them in silence out towards the living painting of the mermaid that had winked at the wizard. She came to life again as they approached, her long tail flicking as she seemed to sit up at attention. “We’re off to the hot springs.” He said in Common, but then suddenly spoke a strange, slightly guttural tongue - the language of the river merfolk. The painting nodded at him with a bright smile and suddenly a recess appeared, turning into a door. It seemed this tavern was full of all sorts of surprises. The door was opened, leading to a stone tunnel with stairs that were also carved into the bottom. “Watch your step.” The man warned and led them down. The tunnel was illuminated by the reflections of water that came from a light at the end, a few flights of stairs before it opened up into a changing area, also carved from stone. Runes in the local mer language were also deeply carved in and glowing; protection wards with powerful, ancient magic.

In the changing area where were stone walls that were there for privacy, but also benches for those that didn’t mind so much. “Up to you, but you can either go in bare as you were born - but I can’t promise you won’t have visitors. Merfolk; male, female, neither, or in between… are a flirty folk, so just be warned that they might want to take a peek. Otherwise, I brought a few different options for you to wear. To protect the waters, only bathin’ or swimmin' garments we provide are allowed. Take as much time as you like, I’ll be down this next short bit of stairs to show you the different springs.”

Resting the clothing and towels down on a stone bench, the large man slowly walked down and waited. Upon being joined again, he motioned out towards the rather scenic view; the flowing river, crystal clear and shimmering, almost beckoning all visitors to come for a drink or a dip within its waters. “That’s the main river, of course. Stays nice and cool all year ‘round.” He then pointed towards a closer area; a sort of stone dam, but seemed to be naturally occurring. The water beyond it was cloudly with bubbles. “Them’s the hot springs. Don’t go hoppin’ in all at once, ‘cause it’s not warm, it’s hot.” He warned. “Let your body get used to it bits at a time.” Tryph then brought his fingers towards his mouth and gave a low whistle, and in the distance with another natural dam, a head popped up from the water, revealing that while under the water, the merfolk here seemed to blend in effortlessly. A merman this time hauled himself out of the water, long hair a deep shade of teal that matched his muscled, scaled tail. In his hand he held a sort of spear that also clearly also worked as a staff, crystals embedded into it that glowed brightly. The merman used it to point to the water beyond the other dam. “Those are the magic springs you also have access to. Always guarded though, but they’ll give you your privacy if you need to replenish. Been told it gives a sort of buzz for magic users, too.”

Tryph seemed to be staring at a particular area of water before letting his dark eyes glance towards the wizard at his side. “When you’re done, be careful up the stairs again. There’s a level you can pull to be let back into the building. The mermaid paintin' there will make sure its you before lettin’ you in. I hope you enjoy yourself.” He said, but then didn’t leave right away.

“One thing though, Alistair.” The man said firmly, letting their eyes meet. “I have… conflicted feelings for what you did to Judith.” He said lowly, but his gaze was unwavering. “I don’t disagree that sometimes someone needs a bit of a nudge or a kick in the ass. But I will say this.” His voice lowered. “If while you’re here, and I don’t mean just in my tavern, I mean all of Klilport - if you touch Judith again without her consent or try anything like that again, you won't leave this place in one piece. Do you understand me?” As he spoke, head after head of dark hair in various shades of greens, blues, and inky blacks rose from the water, staring up towards both men. They were all fighter or magic types of merfolk, one there to protect the river and the tavern. Some of them were wearing their more beautiful human disguises while others were baring their far more beastlike appearances; wide, head-splitting mouths full of serrated teeth and large, unblinking eyes.

After a few long moments, Tryph glanced towards the mers and gave a specific hand motion, and one by one the mers dipped under the water again, disappearing as if becoming the water itself. “And yes… they are fully capable of using magic to give themselves legs to do just fine on land.” His eyes looked to Alistair’s again. “I don’t want to have to resort to that, though. I appreciate your honesty and what you’re tryin’ to do. But as much as you have some similarities to Judith? You don't know a damn thing that girl survived and what she's been through and sure as hell not to force anythin' on her when she's already been forced enough.” At that, the man turned to leave the wizard alone in the peace and calm of the waters. Even the male merman that had shown them the magical springs and slowly sliding back into the water far after the others had vanished, letting himself disappear within.

 

[Pazzo]

Alastair waited patiently after he sent his request to visit the fabled river and springs of Klilport. The wizard, though disciplined, fought to keep his mind clear. It never did to dwell upon and think about things that were already done. Not even a few minutes later, Tryph lumbered in, holding what looked like folded cloths in his arms.
The big man looked as he normally did, jovial and pleasant. The wizard followed him down several carved sets of stars down to the lower levels, and listened intently as the huge barkeep gestured to the rivers first, and spoke of its history. He then showed the wizard to the hot springs, and watched as the steam slowly rose from several of the pools that ebbed and bubbled away. He then listened intently about the magic springs themselves.

Tryph seemed to be business as usual, and for a few moments, Alastair forgot the throbbing pain in his shoulders and jaw. The wizard then saw the impressive mer-man rise up from the distant spring, as Tryph spoke of how it was already guarded. The barkeep likewise gave his warning about how me may have visitors, male, females, or even other more complex genders. The wizard just shrugged, and cared little for such things. He was not really in the market to be touched.
Then the wizard heard Tryph's tone darken, just after "One Other Thing." Alastair's eyes narrowed, as he felt his rage building. "Here it comes." The wizard thought to himself.

Raw magical power could be felt flowing up from the earth into him, as his rage quietly grew. He was a powerful wizard, possessed of knowledge that this meat head could only imagine the surface of. "No." The wizard whispered to his own mind, forcing a calm upon it that only seemed to make the inner rage build even more. The negative thoughts only compounded, Who was this mortal to question his actions? Who was he to challenge his will? "He is the owner, and this is his home." He whispered back. The negative thoughts faltered a little, as Alastair fought with his own mind. "I am a guest here, and this is his realm." The rage stopped building, but did not diminish. The spell caster then saw several merfolk appear from beneath the water's surface, of various shapes and makes.

Many of them were beautiful, covered in nacreous like scales with allure that rivaled that of even the elves. Some where huge and hulking, covered in thick knots of corded muscle, with maws filled with saw like fangs. Was it a show of strength? Was he establishing his dominance over him? His anger started to grow yet again. How hard would it really be to summon all of his power, and completely freeze the river in all of it's glory? And then pummel it with endless fireballs and lightning from the sky? "Not hard at all." He whispered to his thoughts. "And even if there is no spell caster in the river that is your equal, and you somehow manage to kill them all, what is accomplished?"
His negative thoughts faltered again, the rage that thundered in his skull leveled off. He continued thinking. "Let's just say you manage to kill all of the mer-folk in this area, and sit upon a mountain of corpses, What then?" The anger and rage retreated a little at that. The wizard's robe was hanging open, revealing his athletic build, his baggy sleeves hanging loosely upon his shoulders.


One of the merfolk, arguably one of the most gorgeous he had ever seen was close to the bank. She bore pinkish skin, that faded to a deep, rich red along her hair and neckline. Her hair was a lustrous blood red, with her eyes like pools of molten ruby. The wizard knelt down, and reached out with a palm up, non threatening hand. He touched the side of the mermaid's face gently with his palm, feeling the warmth of her cheek. He then brought his fingers to her other cheek, and brushed the backside of them across her jawline affectionately. He then stood up, feeling relaxed, and rage free. This was a place of peace and tranquility. Who was he to destroy it. Alastair decided long ago he would not allow himself to fall into the depths of arrogance that seemed to consume so many of his kind. That was his one vow when he promised to use his gift only for good, and to do no harm.

Alastair's eyes were concerned, and unsure. He looked to Tryph. "Perhaps it was wrong of me to force my will upon her. Perhaps not." He murmured to the barkeep. The wizard then let his robe fall, revealing his metallic arm to any who could see. He looked at it, and brought his fingers up to his face. " That is for Judith to decide. Whatever resolution she comes with, I will be content with it." He then loosened his pants, and let the fall away. "You will have no more trouble from me good Tryph. It is not in my nature to make it. I only seek to solve more problems than I create." He said, as he made his way barefoot across the rocks, up to the magical flowing waters that were pointed out to him earlier.
The area was rough hewn granite bedrock, cut and polished smooth. There were many hemispherical recesses cut into the bedrock, with small channels flowing outward. Some were small, able to accommodate a single person. Others were larger, able to accommodate many, with varying depths. Steam rose from some of them, making him think they were a hybrid hot and magical type spring. The further away from the mountain they were, the cooler they tended to be. The wizard felt a warm breeze blow past him, that filled the area with low, enchanting notes from the numerous lengths of steel tubing that hung from the various trees high overhead.

Alastair growled to himself. He was angry with the way his mind worked sometimes. How could he think, even for a minute to attack such a wonderful place, and only for the sake of showing off his power? He clenched his teeth angrily. "You are not your thoughts". He reminded himself. "You are only your actions. Besides, how delusional is it to think you are the most powerful being in the area? They could possibly very well kill you. Be silent. Rest. Recoup. Save your rage for something more worthy of it." The wizard let his thoughts wander, and just swallowed his pride.
Part of him wanted to just collect his things, up and leave. He dismissed those thoughts as childish conflict avoidance. He had made a decision, and he needed to see it through to its end.

Tryph acknowledged his own conflicting thoughts on the matter. Yet he only issued a warning. He stepped into one of the larger pools, that glowed with its own bluish haze. It felt electric upon his skin, and relaxing. Alastair forced his mind into a state of peace. He was relatively safe here. The merfolk, and Tryph posed no threat to him, so long as he did not cause any trouble. Had be been right to force his hand? Had he been wrong? Alastair slowly sank into the heated waters, and closed his eyes. He rested his aching body upon the cut and polished underwater stone seat. He let out the long breath he had been holding, and relaxed, letting his body float a little, as the magical energies flowed into him. He took a long drink from the wine bottle he had brought with him, and sighed. He soaked one of the smaller towels, and draped it over his weary eyes as he rested it into the stone edge of the pool, which seemed to be perfectly shaped to fit his neck.


"Please, just let things work out with Judith." He whispered out into the air, to no one in particular. "I meant no harm. I saw her walking down a path that I was once on. I only wanted to save her some time. There is no worse enemy than one's own mind."