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Adventures in Barsaive

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"Thank you, it has truly been a pleasure doing business with you ..." I try to say that without any sarcasm in my voice while picking up the sheath, as this is indeed how I feel. The transaction has gone smooth, better than expected, and very quick. Except for that leather pad my business is done now, and I have the rest of the day to explore.

As I slide Grove Cutter into its new sheat and sling the strap over my shoulder, adjusting it to fit better, I comment to Vidin with a friendly smile "That was some serious haggling you pulled off there. You turn out to be quite the asset, you know?" Praise where praise is due. "Now let's try to find some leather worker to finish the business part of the day and have the remaining hours free for pleasure... "
 
The Windling grins and offers a shrug as a method to hide his self confidence. "He must have only sold weapons, not made them himself. I did not think any of those things were of really high quality. Though I think that it's good not to look a gift horse in the mouth." he says with a little chuckle in his voice. After his moment of self amusement, he points his hand out and encourages you to lead the way.

The hunt for a leather worker is a tad more difficult, as none of the stands have premade straps for sale. It takes awhile to gather enough information about the local shops to learn of one leather worker that would probably have something in stock and on hand. You make your way towards the shop, and once you reach the door you hear a slight humming noise from within, along with the sounds of creaking leather and hide. A human in her late thirties sits behind a counter, alternating between humming and whistling as her fingers tug and pull across some leather. She looks up, "Oh. Welcome to my shop. Are you in the market for a nice solid pair of armguards? Just finished another pair this morning." the woman finishes, as she picks herself up from her seat.
 
"No, not armguards ..." I reply friendly as I - for emphasis - slide Grove Cutter carefully from my back and gently place it lengthwise on the table between us.

"You see, I just purchased this sheath, but the way it is the strap ..." I indicate the critical spots with my index finger "... is too thin and over long will cut into my flesh. Hence I need some suitable paddings to distribute the weight." With that I look up again, studying the woman. She made a competent impression previously, so chances are good she can help me.
 
The Woman brings a hand up to scratch at the side of her seemingly worn face. It is only at that moment that you realize that she seems as hard as the material that she works with. Whether there is a story there or not is hard to say. She nods and finishes scratching before replying, "I think I just might have what you need. Though it will take a few minutes to set it in properly." she says before hurrying into the back of her shop and grabbing several pieces of pre-shaped padded leather. "These should do the trick..." she states before setting out to rework the strap on the sheath.

Though it isn't unpleasant sitting and waiting for the job to be done, it is a little awkward to say the least. The woman doesn't speak to either of you, but seems to mumble out loud to herself occasionally as her hands work over the leather. After five minutes or so she lifts her head and smiles. "There you, all set for you. The pads will certainly be more comfortable than just the thin strap. Now as for payment... Let's say 10 silver and we shall call it a deal."
 
It is then that I realize that I probably should have negotiated the prize in advance. It's not like I have a lot of room for bargaining now that the service was already rendered. So I just silently pick up the sheath complete with sword and strap and for a test sling it over my shoulder. At least it fits well, and the pads do exactly what they are supposed to. So with an apologetic smirk towards Vidin I get my purse and start counting out the coins. "Seems like a fair price ..." I comment needlessly when all ten lie on the counter. Not to blame the craftswoman for my own mistake I do my best to stay polite, smile even, before I turn to leave.

Even before we reach the shop's exit I address my little companion "Now that the business part is over, it's time we enjoy the city. Any particular place you'd like to go to?"
 
"Much Obliged Miss." The woman states taking up the silver pieces, and making her way into the back of her shop. Vidin gathers himself up, and stretches out his arms.

The Windling looks up at you for a moment, bringing a small hand up to his chin. "Hmm, well considering that I have never been here before, I'm not sure exactly what else there is to do around here. I wonder if there isn't a good place to get a good drink and maybe do a little gambling. What do you say?" the male asks with a smile, nodding a bit as he follows you out of the exit of the shop.

The streets are begining to die down, if only a little. While it still seems to be midday to your eyes, some of the denizens are beginning to close up their stands. A few of them look like they are in a rush to do so.
 
"Gambling? All I ever heard about that was that it is a sure way to loose your money unless you are really good at it. I am not ... " So much for growing up in a backwater town. Whether that is mere superstition and I am turning into one big spoilsport I can not tell, but I certainly do not like the idea of loosing most of my coin. But what else to do, indeed? Maybe just walk the streets, take in the sights, and let the spectacle come to us ... yeah, only if it wants to, of course...

The momentary rush momentarily distracts me, though. Is there another Bartertown custom I am unaware of? Asking won't hurt, and so I simply walk up to the nearest shopkeep-in-a-hurry and tentatively address him, my head slightly tilted to the side in what I hope is a comforting gesture. "Excuse me, sir, but would you mind telling me why you are in such a hurry to close shop in the middle of the day?"
 
Vidin offers a shrug, "It's not for everyone I suppose." he says, keeping pace with you as you step out into the street. As you move out further into the street, the T'kerang merchant perks his head towards you. His bright red scales standing out against the orange hue of the sky.

"Ah, you must be new in town. Today is the first night of the Festival of the Earth here in Bartertown. Meaning merriment for all, the festival begins in a few hours but most of us like to close up shop a bit early before the activities start. If your interested, the festival will be taking place near the central square." The T'skerang finishes by pointing in the direction of the square. You have heard of the Festivals of the Earth, they were even observed to some degree in your home village. Though they weren't for anything major, five days of relaxation for the farmers as they make merry in honor of the Earth that supports them.

The bulk of the people seem to be moving towards the central square, and it appears as if several crafters are moving... Stone slabs? Into the square as well.
 
The festival! Now that the friendly T'skrang had reminded me it seems all too obvious. Of course they would celebrate in Bartertown as well, in all the hustle and bustle surrounding the caravan I had merely missed the simple fact that the date was approaching. "Seems we now know what we'll be doing tonight." I tell Vidin with a smile before once again turning towards the helpful trader.

"But what about all these large stones? Are they trying to build a stage of some sort?"
 
Vidin offers a chuckle as a response, " Ah yes, and I'm sure I can find a good drink while I'm there as well."

The T'skerang chuckles for a moment, "Oh you see the Dwarves of Bartertown and Throal like to show their appreciation to the Earth with great artisan competitions. This year the main competition is Stone slabs. Last year was... Oh was it Obsidian? No, no last years main competition was Ice. What a sight indeed.
 
"Oh, so they are hewing stone statues out of those slabs in the square right during the festival?"

That would indeed be interesting to watch, and quoting the T'skrang 'a sight'.
 
"Yes, something like that. Though it is usually up to each individual to determine what he or she creates. Though I would wager that many of them will be turned into one form of statue, or another." The T'skerang finishes closing down his stand, slumps the remainder of his goods over his shoulder, and nods. "I'm sure most of the general festivities are about to start. You can probably catch them early if you head that way now. I am going to drop off the remainder of my things and then head there myself. Though of course you are welcome to join me. You seem new to the town, so I figure it is only proper to offer." the Namegiver states with a smile, and offers a small shrug of his shoulders before he readjusts his sack.
 
Who am I to turn down the offer of a personal guide?

"I would be more than happy to check out the festivities together with you" I therefore almost beam at him "Ain't that so, Vidin?" I doubt my winged companion will have any objections, but I should ask him first. Before he has a chance to answer, though, I return to the merchant.

"Need help carrying that stuff? Oh, and I am Yaiil." One hand extends in an offer of greeting.
 
Vidin shrugs, "Just fine with me." The Windling states before lifting himself up into the air once more.

The T'skerang smiles and shakes your hand. His cold reptilian hand feels odd at first, though only for a brief moment. "A pleasure. I am Gris'kall. I am fine, though thank you for your offer. Business was good today."He said with a laugh before he made his way towards one of the buildings down the street. The building itself was lackluster and nondescript. Just another place in the hodgepodge of dwellings that littered Bartertown. The T'skerang placed his belongings into his home, locked the door behind him and made his way towards the central square.

Though the festival wasn't quite underway yet, many individuals had already gathered around the square. Everal stalls and tables were set up filled with drinks, and food of various kinds. At the center of the square several Dwarves and humans were setting up the various stone slabs that were being dragged in earlier. The T'skerang merchant wasted little time before he began to move through the crowds towards a back table. The little side table had a Troll, and three Humans set around it. "Gentleman, and lady. I would like you to meet this nice young lady Yaiil, and her associate Vidin." The Human males all nodded, and introduced themselves as Bartrend, Corrin, and Veleth. The Troll female bowed her head low, and introduced herself as Gillaha.
 
"Friends or colleagues of yours, I assume?" once I had properly introduced myself as well, extending my hand another four times and handing out a round of friendly smiles. Meeting new people could definitely be interesting, and as such I have to be thankful towards Gris'kall.

So while I check if there is are empty seats at the table for Gris'kall and myself I make a first attempt at communication "You all live in Bartertown?"
 
"Both. Though friends more often than colleagues, as I am sure several would like to get a leg up on me out there. Very cutthroat business, running a stand in Bartertown." The T'skerang grins, and chuckles a little at his own comment. The four others smile, but say nothing for or against his point.

Bartrend, a human male in seemingly his mid to late twenties is the first to respond. "Not within the town proper, I live in a small hunters village not too far from here. I make frequent weekly trips to Bartertown though. Especially when the festival starts." The human smiles just a bit, as he leans back in his chair. His tanned skin a possible testament to his choice of trade.

"I do indeed. It is an honest place, for the most part, and running a stand only occasionally gets boring." States Corrin, a man in his late thirties drawing ever closer to his forties. His hand gently brushes through his mustache and goatee of brown hair as he leans his shoulder onto the table motioning for you to pull up the empty seat.

Veleth doesn't speak at first, rather continuous to sit in his chair, long almost bony fingers drumming against the edge of the table. "I live within the town, yes. I tend to remain in my shop most of the time though." he states with a smile, his somewhat frail physique shinning through as the bones of his cheeks move to help him form the expression.

Gillaha sits back contemplativly, "I do live within the city. But unlike these individuals I am no merchant. I am a member of the town watch." The Troll woman almost boasts, as if only to herself.

"A fact that all of us are very thankful for." Chuckles Corrin. "But tell me. What does a, may I say, rather attractive young Elf woman with such a weapon strapped to her back here in Bartertown? Is there adventure brewing nearby?" the human male asks.
 
Following Corrin's invitation I to take the seat offered and pull myself closer to the table. Grove Cutter makes itself felt wedged in between my back and the chair's backrest, a reminder to slide the weapon off my back the next time I intend to make myself comfortable. For now, though, I think I can cope.

The large troll woman most definitely fits as a guard better than as a merchant, but it was Corrin who had asked me, and so I start by replying to his question, while changing eye contact from one to the other "If there is adventure to be had, which seems possible, I at least know nothing about it. I merely came to Bartertown escorting our villages yearly caravan. A mostly uneventful trip." Our village ... old habits and views die hard, even though the decision to move on is almost final by now.

However Corrin's comment about my looks has irritated me. Was it mere courtesy or was there more behind the seemingly casual remark? I have so many questions that need asking, but it seems highly imprudent to flood the quartet with them right off the bat, and so I simply wait for the reception of my reply.
 
Each individual gives some calm and subtle gesture of understanding: A nod, a smile, and a few others follow in the wake of your response. As far as Corrin's intention, he isn't showing any signs of ill or strange intent, at least not obviously. Though he is the first one to reply:

"Ah, well than I can only hope that you are enjoying your time here in our grand town. I do apologize that we do not have much else to offer other than commerce. Though I suppose you managed to come at the best time, what with the festival going on." He says smiling, "Will you be returning to your village once your duties are over?" He asks, leaning back a bit within his chair.

"Oh do leave the poor young woman alone Corrin, I'm sure she is a bit surprised by all that is going on here." States Bartrend, the man getting more relaxed himself. His statement causing Corrin to shrug a bit in response.

The festival around the court starts to begin, though there isn't any overly obvious warning or signal of its start. Individuals are doing much the same as your group: talking, gathering, and laughing together. The only true sign of its full start is that several Dwarfs begin to play music in the background, adding a nice ambient backdrop to the growing evening. Several other individuals are also starting to chisel away at the stone slabs around the court yard. Eight slabs are being worked on by several Dwarfs, an Obsidiman, and a Human.
 
"That festival definitely seems to be a great spectacle" I openly agree "So they work from memory, not using any sort of model for their statues?" For a time I watch the sculptors with interest. Of course in especially in the beginning this is not a very spectacular act seeing how whatever the artist intends to eventually carve from the slabs is still hidden under thick layers of amorphous stone.

So naturally after a time I shift my attention more to small talk as well while keeping one eye on the competition..
 
"Something like that. Though usually this is a chance to show off their artistry rather than to necessarily to create something historical." Veleth states, his thin fingers playing around his palms, his body trying to show off the appearance of calm.

The sculptors continue their diligent work, taking several hours to even get good chunks of the rocks wittled away. The sky begins to darken, and several Dwarfs set up bonfires, and set hanging lamps across the central square. The group does not remain quiet through that time, rather talking and laughing through it all. Bartrend got up at some point and got everyone a mug full of sweet wine. Nodding and smiling as he sets a cup down for you, and then goes o sitting back down. The music in the background intensifies a bit, and several individuals begin to dance.
 
That indeed sounds interesting, and I am curious what the artists will come up with. Not in a nerve wracking essence drawing way, but curious nevertheless. Would one of them even go so foar as to depict less than decently clad individuals in compromising positions? No that would be fun, just like the public outcry following it.

I am careful with the wine, though, knowing too well what alcohol can do to an individual which is not a state I want to be in on my first night in an unknown town. So I just take a small sip here and there, and continue to chat. If possible I gently direct the conversation towards resident warriors who could further my training or historians who might be able to tell me more about Grove Cutter.
 
At the current state of each sculputre, it is unclear what exactly wha each individual is going for. Though something tells you that it is very possible that at least one of them could in fact go for the shock value of their work to score a few points with the judges.

The converssation dips in and out of various quick topics, though your questions do get answered. As for the actual scholars who could point you towards more info about Grove Cutter, the concensus seems to be that you would have to travel deep into Troal and go to the hall of records in order to find a person who may know something about ancient items from the History of the region. As for Warriors, several individuals cross the list. A good number of them also dwell within the actual kingdom of Throal just beyond the golden arches at the back of Bartertown. However, hope is not so bleak as it would seem. Several Warriors of varying degrees of competance live witihn the comforts of Bartertown. An Ork by the name of Borgash the Bold, lies at the edge of town. Though many claim that he tends to be too drunk now a days to do any teaching, a rumor that could indeed prove to be false. The second individual that seems to dwell within Bartertown is Groddick Var, a Human male described to be in his late thirties and described as a rather stoic individual. He lives on the Outskirts of Bartertown towards where you entered, though he tends to remain by himself most of the time.
 
Borgash and Groddick, I do my best to make sure I memorize the names. My first instinct is to check out the orc first, despite or maybe because of the rumors. But that will have to wait until tomorrow.

So I continue to mingle with the merchants and the toll guard, waiting for the time the first of the sculptures is starting to reveal its 'true nature'. That, or the evening coming to a close, whatever is going to happen first.
 
The conversation remains rather light and well animated. Which is rather good considering that it could have turned for the worse at some point during the evening. The evening rolls onwards, as the night creeps ever closer. The fires growing biger in order to compensate. The sculptures are coming along and the basic gist of each one could easily be gleamed by most individuals that are paying attention, and not fully engrosed in drinking or dancing. Most of the statues that are being created depict one person from history or another, most of which are hard to remember, or are of individuals that you have never seen or heard of before. There are a few individual sculptures that stand out: The Obsidiman created a large spire of rock, jutting out from a series of partially formed waves. The Obsidiman calls his creation The Purification of Earth. The other interesting sculpture is done by a human participant, who depicts three naked individuals, intertwined together in some standing carnal act. The sculpture seems to attract a little more attention than desired, several individuals laugh or sneer at the depiction.
 
That human's piece of work, besides all the attention it is attracting, also reminds me rather pointedly that I haven't gotten any of what he depicts for more than a week now, quite the departure from my routine back in Drenix with at least two men willing and eager to take care of that craving. Which is incentive enough to study that particular artist more closely.

Now of course I could try and actively fix what I feel is missing, but like most woem who - deservedly or not - consider themselves beautiful I prefer it if the wooing man is initiating the approach, as I feel this gives me a better position in the exchange that will follow. So far though, interest in my cute elven butt seems minimal, or I have not noticed it. Not something to lighten up my mood.
 
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