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<Narrator> ::Wheloon is a moderate sized town, not quite as big as Marsember, but certainly busy. The street-traffic is busy, bustling, and relatively unconcerned about the addition of two young ladies and one horse-leech:: * Tarri stops as they pass through the gates to offer a pleasant smile to one of the bored-looking guards. "Excuse me... I was wondering if you might be able to help me. We're looking for a friend of mine who might have come through a few days ago." <Guard> ::raises an eyebrow:: You can ask, lady, but I doubt anyone'll remember. Lots of people come through that gate. <Tarri> ::her smile widens:: I'm sure you'd have remembered him. Very tall- ::she reaches up a hand to demonstrate:: -with very dark skin, blue eyes, and probably wearing a double-bladed sword? * Ennis leans on his horse's pommel, easing her out of the flow of traffic as Tarri questions the guard. * Temire follows Tarri's lead, half listening to the conversation, looking over the crowds, and over all looking bored. <Guard> ::considers:: Hmmm. I think I remember, actually. I didn't talk to him, but he had a word with one of the others. ::rubs his chin:: I'd ask around at the 'Rest ::indicates a street:: down near the end of the street. He gets a kick-back, for sending people that direction. ::he grins:: * Ennis smiles easily, raising an eyebrow. "What sort o' place is't?" <Guard> ::smirks:: Bit of an inn... of sorts. <Tarri> ::raises her eyebrows:: Of sorts? ::she glances at Ennis and Temire, then looks back at the guard:: *What* sorts? <Ennis> ::nods and winks an eye:: Not quite th' sort o' place ye'd direct yer daughter t' stay in, aye? <Guard> ::eyes Tarri, then glances at Ennis:: One that I wouldn't go in, if I was a young lady, without an escort. * Temire looks curiously at Tarri, but keeps quiet. <Tarri> ::easily:: Then I'm lucky to have an escort ready to hand. ::she eyes the guard:: Thank you for your... timely warning, sir. ::she turns and heads down the street in the indicated direction:: * Temire smiles and follows Tarri. <Ennis> ::nods:: I b'lieve I take yer meanin', sir. Our thanks. ::he clucks to his horse to follow after Tarri, leaning over to drop a few coins in the guard's hand on the way past.:: <Guard> ::takes the coins and makes some remark probably best left unheard as he watches the backsides of Tarri and Temire as they ride off:: <Tarri> I appreciate your aid, Master Ennis. ::she sniffs indignantly:: I wouldn't have thought to ask. I suppose he was amused at the thought of my embarrassment at walking into such a place all unawares. * Ennis nudges his horse to catch up with Tarri. "Most welcome to 't, lass. If'n ye'll take me advice, best we take rooms at another inn first, an' ask after yer man a bit later?" <Tarri> ::looks up at the early afternoon sun:: Why? There's plenty of time. <Temire> I'll agree with the first part of that plan at least. <Ennis> I mislike th' thought o' leavin' our things there, an' it's been days we've been on th' road. ::tactfully:: I could do wi' a bit o' washin' up, and me druthers'd be t' do it in a place I don't need t' be keepin' me eye on me smallclothes, aye? <Tarri> Oh, I certainly didn't expect to take rooms *there*. I just meant... why not ask first, and then go find rooms? The Rest's keep may know where Orlann went. <Narrator> ::if nothing else, Wheloon does not lack for inns. The street indicated has at least two other inns on it, aside from the Wayfarer's Rest, called the Marauding Halfling and Mermaid's Ease.:: <Temire> ::sigh:: She's unfortunately correct. It would be a pain to check into one inn just to discover that Orlann's staying in an inn across town an hour later. <Tarri> ::gives Temire an uncomfortable look:: I don't expect to discover that he's staying *any*where in Wheloon. He's at least two days ahead of us. * Ennis shrugs and nods, indicating the truth of Tarri's argument. "After ye, then, lass." * Tarri eyes the other inns as they approach the 'Rest. "I wonder if those are any more... reputable. I suspect we'll have to go halfway across town to find anything decent." She ties her horse at the picket outside the 'Rest and stretches, then eyes her companions. "Do we all go in together and risk the horses? Or risk splitting up to leave someone here to guard them?" * Ennis looks uncomfortable. "I'd count it a favor, lass, if th' two o' ye look to tho' horses an' let me go in an' ask after 'im for ye." * Temire ties her horse up as well, "We split up if this place is as bad as they say and we're not planning on staying." <Tarri> But- ::she pulls a face and sighs:: All right, Master Ennis. But if you don't get any answers, I'm going in myself later. * Temire looks like she's about to say something, but keeps her mouth shut instead. * Ennis nods. "As ye say, lass." He takes a deep breath and lets it out again, squaring his shoulders and going in. * Tarri leans against her horse's side and crosses her arms, looking impatient. * Temire stretches now that she's on her own feet again. <Narrator> ::the Rest seems mostly unoccupied in the early afternoon. A few not-quite-sober fellows are sitting around at tables, talking business in such a rapid and strange dialect that they don't make any sense whatsoever:: * Ennis looks around casually, taking a seat at the bar and ordering a shot of whisky. <Narrator> ::the innkeep seems a fairly sensible fellow, and the whiskey is far better than anyone has any right to expect outside of the Moonshaes themselves:: * Ennis knocks his shot back and sighs in satisfaction. "Right fine stuff, sir, I'm indebted t'ye. Set me up wi' another, if ye will. An'... p'raps ye might help me with another small thing besides?" He pushes over his coins for the drinks and a few extra beside. <Innkeeper> ::makes the coins vanish with ease, pouring a second drink:: Happy to be of assistance, sir. * Tarri gets fidgety in the yard, and wanders toward the 'Rest's stables, looking over the animals curiously, careful to stay out of shadowy corners. <Ennis> 'M lookin' fer a friend what passed through, told he might ha' visited yer fine establishment... two, three days ago, I'd reckon? Tall fellow, braw fighter, hard t' miss. Dark-skinned, goes about wi' a double-bladed blade strapped to 'is back? <Innkeeper> ::rolls his eyes expressively:: Braided hair? And a tendency to look like a schoolboy who's being scolded? * Temire paces slightly so she can keep the door, Tarri, and the horses in view. <Ennis> ::snorts a laugh:: Ye've met 'im, I see. <Innkeeper> Oh, aye, I've met him. Bastard stiffed his bill and left all his effects here. If you're a friend of his and y'can settle up his tab, I'll let you take his stuff with you and good riddance. <Ennis> ::nearly sputters his next shot in surprise:: Sure an' it's th' same man? Nay' 'course, be happy t' settle th' matter her ye, man. But-- no clue where 'e went? Or when? <Innkeeper> He came in, had several beers, and went off with one of my dancers. She says he took her home, stayed overnight and left her in the morning. ::shrugs:: He never came back here, leastways. <Ennis> Hunh. ::scratches his head as he knocks back his drink:: Well... I'll settle wi' ye, sir, if'n ye'd be so kind as t' give me yer dancer's direction? <Innkeeper> ::peers at him closely:: Well, she's a bit touchy about that. I can leave her a note, maybe, and see that she gets *your* direction? <Ennis> ::looks flustered:: Aye, I c'n see her reluctance, but I've no' settled a... hm. ::scratches his head:: Me friend's room-- 'tis still free, aye? An' ha' ye another beside it? <Innkeeper> ::consults his chart:: That one, and one 'cross the hall are free. <Ennis> Hm. Gi' me a moment, if'n ye will? I've... a bit o' companionship wi' me from th' road that I'm loath t' be leavin', if ye take me understandin'. <Innkeeper> Right you are, sir. * Ennis nods to him and offers him a wink and a jaunty salute before stepping outside again. * Ennis looks around for Tarri and Temire. * Temire sees Ennis exit, "Tarri, he's back." * Tarri pokes her head out of the stable as she hears the 'Rest's door open again, then comes all the way out to hear what Ennis has learned. <Ennis> Well... good news an' bad news, lass. <Tarri> ::somberly:: Well? <Ennis> Yer man was here an' gone... but his things're still here. <Tarri> ::draws a quick breath:: His- His things? All of them? His *sword*? Where's he gone, then? <Ennis> ::shrugs:: Th' keep said all 'is things, I didnae ask particulars. ::he takes a breath and lets it out, looking faintly abashed:: He took a room, went off that evenin' wi' one o' th' dancers, spent th' night wi' her and went on fro' there wi'out settlin' wi' th' keep. He's holdin' 'is things, I've agreed t' settle wi' im an' take 'em off 'is hands. * Temire looks suspicious at this story, but keeps quiet. <Tarri> ::frowns:: Something's wrong. That's not like Orlann at all. How much is owed? ::she reaches for her purse:: <Ennis> I didnae ask yet. ::rubs the back of his neck:: I asked th' dancer's direction, and he's not keen t' give it. I c'n understand as much-- th' gels prob'ly get bothered often enow. He asked me own direction in return, an o' course, I'd not one t' give 'im, yet. ::he takes his lip between his teeth:: Orlann's room is still free, an' he's another 'cross th' hall open. I... er... told 'im I'd some... companionship fra' th' road already. * Ennis looks at the ground, his cheeks ruddy. * Temire chuckles, "Of course." <Tarri> ::blinks, digesting, then stares:: You implied that Temire and I are your- ::she blushes, then frowns at Temire:: It's not funny! <Temire> ::fights her face straight:: Sorry. <Tarri> ::glares at Ennis:: Why should we stay here? I thought this was a dangerous place! <Ennis> ::looking deeply embarrassed:: It's nae th' sort o' place a man'd bring lasses he were lookin' after. An' I needed a reason... 'cause I don't see 'tis any worse than givin' yer man's dancer-friend any other direction. <Ennis> ::mutters:: M' sorry, lass. I c'n stay here alone, if'n ye'd prefer it. <Tarri> ::incredulously:: Tell me how this isn't worse than asking her to look us up at- Oh, never mind. ::she sighs and begins unbuckling the saddlebags:: Why'd you ask after two rooms, then, if we're meant to be your... mistresses? * Temire begins unloading her horse, but resolutely keeps her mouth shut. <Ennis> ::grins a little:: Well, f'r one, I'm right fond o' me weddin' tackle as 'tis. An' fer another... jes' 'cause I liked th' looks o' ye, don't mean I've convinced ye t' share yer affections yet, aye? ::winks:: Still, two young, innocent lasses, charming bloke like me, a few rounds at the bar... ::winks:: * Temire bites her lip to keep from laughing and slings her saddlebags over her shoulder. <Tarri> ::snorts, then turns a suspiciously winsome smile on him:: Then, charming fellow that you are, surely you'll carry our bags for us...? * Temire snorts with laughter, but eagerly awaits Ennis's reply. <Ennis> ::offering her an elegant bow:: At yer service, fair lass. * Tarri smirks and hands Ennis her bags. "Lead on, then." * Temire hands Ennis her bag as well and follows Tarri. * Ennis shoulders Tarri's bags easily. "I've told th' keep 'e's a friend o' mine, no more." He heads back inside, nodding to the 'keep familiarly. * Tarri looks around inside with cautious curiosity and a quick, innocent smile for the innkeeper. <Ennis> ::smiling at the barkeep:: Th' lasses wished t' be sure I'd found a nice, secure room for 'em. ::winks:: We'll take th' ones we discussed, if ye will. <Innkeeper> ::both eyebrows go up as he looks over Ennis again for some hint of understanding as to his desirability, then bows:: Two rooms then, as you say... Shall I send a bottle or two of the whiskey up with you, then? <Tarri> ::already moving toward the stairs:: Do you have a bath? * Temire begins to follow Tarri, but pauses to listen to the answer. <Innkeeper> ::nods again:: Oh, yes miss, we do, and a fine one. Just down the hall from your rooms. I'll get Molls to heat the water for you. <Ennis> Aye. ::to the girls:: A wee dram 'r two's jes' th' thing t' ease th' sores o' th' road. <Tarri> Oh, thank you. I'm positively *caked* with dust. ::she gives Ennis a faint smile:: You can have my 'dram,' Master Ennis. I think a hot bath will do me far more good than any drink. <Innkeeper> All righty, miss. Will do. ::to Ennis:: The rooms and bath and your friend's bill? ::considers:: 2 gold? * Ennis smiles winningly. "As ye say, lass. Stick wi' me, I'll see ye well taken' care of." He waves them up the stairs with a smile. * Temire follow Tarri up. * Ennis winces slightly, but nods. "Sounds fair enow. And ye'll tell yer dancer I'd like a word?" * Tarri looks in the rooms assigned them, searching for Orlann's equipment. <Innkeeper> That I surely will... * Ennis nods and hands over the coin, heading up after the girls. <Narrator> ::Orlann's stuff is stacked neatly in the room, although there isn't much of it. His sword stands easily in one corner, and a small pack of clothes and travel supplies are next to it. Whatever coin he may have had seems to have wandered off. Funny how that happens:: * Tarri goes straight to Orlann's things and looks through them, turning finally to his sword. "He would *never* have left this behind. Something is very wrong." She sits on the bed with the sword across her lap, frowning and worried, until the girl comes to tell her the bath is ready. <Temire> ::Once Ennis arrives Temire closes the door to Orlann's room and begins searching it for things people might not want found:: <Narrator> ::aside from Orlann's gear and the general amenities of an inn's room - bed, chest, blankets, pillows - there isn't anything to find:: * Temire sighs and leans against the wall, "Wonder how much longer it will be till the bath's ready." <Ennis> ::looks around with a frown:: 'Less they made it up after, bed's no' been slept in. <Tarri> ::tightly:: The 'keep said he went home with that dancer, didn't he? <Ennis> ::looks at her steadily, his tone gentle:: D'ye b'lieve it o' him that he would, lass? <Sanone> ::there are two quick raps at the door:: <Tarri> ::pauses, considering, then closes her eyes and shakes her head with a sigh:: But the 'keep had no reason to lie. He must have at least left with her- ::looks around at the door, and gestures to Ennis to open it:: * Ennis opens the door, lifting an eyebrow inquiringly. * Sanone is average height, a once-well built man gone to seed, with what was once tight muscle gone to drooping flab. He has a large tattoo of a rose on his right arm, with script around it reading, 'In Memory Of Mom'. Lank dark hair falls around his face, and dull eyes dart around the room past Ennis. "Hear you're lookin' for a man. Dark guy. Big guy. Braids." <Tarri> ::quickly:: You've seen him? <Ennis> Aye? Friend o' mine. ::he darts a look at Tarri:: Word travels. * Sanone looks up and down the hallway before slowly nodding assent. "I come in? Someone might overhear." * Temire crosses her arms, studying Sanone intently. * Ennis jerks his chin to invite the man inside, glancing up and down the hall quickly himself before closing the door. * Sanone enters and sits down on the chest, his breath whistling in his throat. "Steep stairs, this place." * Tarri blinks, then picks up one of the bottles of whiskey from where Ennis had set them and offers it to the stranger. "Something to settle your breath, Master...?" * Sanone puffs some more and takes the bottle. "Thanks. Much obliged." He looks around the room some, pausing for a moment at the sight of Tarri next to the huge double-bladed sword. "That his? Or are you taller than you look?" <Tarri> ::smiles sadly:: It's his. I make do with humbler instruments. What do you know of him? * Sanone takes a long pull off the bottle. When he finishes swallowing, his breathing has mostly evened out. "Seen him. Didn't know where he came from, but I've seen him. In the arena." * Ennis frowns. * Temire becomes much more alert. <Tarri> ::blinks, then looks at Ennis, and then back at the stranger:: What arena? * Sanone looks back and forth, thinking. "You're not law, are you? If you're law, it won't help. Too many people have their fingers in the pie." <Ennis> ::grins lopsidedly:: We're no' law. Worse. ::nods to Tarri:: She's his girl. * Sanone nods. "Right. I guess. I guess they got him few days ago. He's had two of his matches already. Won both." He looks at Tarri and tries to be consoling. "To submission, only. Until he wins two more, at least. Then it's Kyr. Or if he loses five. Then it's the animals, and that's just like Kyr." <Ennis> What's yer stake in it, man? An' what's Kyr? * Tarri stares, trying to make sense of this. "He's... fighting? But-" Her eyes skate to his sword and then back. "Why? Who are you?" <Temire> And how many matches does he have to have? <Sanone> ::Sanone's expression blanks out for a bit as he gets hit with all the questions, and he slowly starts to speak again after a few deathly quiet moments:: Kyr's the best. Five victories, and they go free, so says. Kyr's always the fifth. Kyr never loses. Kyr doesn't fight to submission. He has to fight until he can't, no more. Or until he's freed, suppose. <Tarri> ::lips press together, mingled anger and fear, her eyes locked on Sanone:: <Sanone> I'm just me. Sanone. Most folks in the arena, no one looks for them. Heard he had someone looking for him... times get tough. Wouldn't mind some cold hard gratitude, if you know what I'm talking. I can get you in, for his third fight. I think. Tonight. Near town. * Ennis nods, looking at Tarri. "Aye." <Tarri> ::breathless, nodding:: Yes. ::she reaches into her pocket and pulls out a handful of coins, and holds them out to Sanone without looking to count them:: Tonight. Tell us how we should dress, so no one will notice us. <Temire> What kind of wagers do people normally place on these fights? * Sanone looks like he's almost going to blank out again, but comes out of it. "Dress like folks. The rich folks, that want to go and not be known, they wear masks. Plain white masks. Sometimes the... the white cloth, over the mask's eyes. So they can look out, but not other way around? But mostly just folks. Folks want to bet on the fights." <Sanone> Bet what they have, I guess. Rich bets, they want to see the color of the coin before they hand out the chit, but that's all. ::he takes the coins from Tarri, looks at them dully, and pushes them into his pouch:: <Tarri> ::softly:: Why are you helping us? <Sanone> My... he looked out for me. We were a team. Together. But he got took. And he wasn't a fighter. He lost five fights. And then he had to fight wild dogs. ::Sanone's dull eyes get shiny and wet:: Mom said he'd look out for me, when she... but I should've been looking out for him. Better. <Tarri> ::her eyes fill with tears, and she nods:: Tonight, then. <Sanone> ::hoarsely:: The man at the top. There's always a man at the top. I can't... hit him. But if you help him? The dark man? That would be like hitting him. Hard. * Ennis stares at the floor, his expression oddly something like guilt. He nods absently to himself at the man's words. * Sanone stands up, the whisky bottle dangling from fat sausage fingers. "Tonight. I'll be here." |
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