[Mario Alcantar]

Fiona Barrow-Heart, outside Gudslott Keep, next to a giant dead cat, morning

“That beast isn't natural is it?" Fiona Barrow-Heart heard the young guard's words, but her attention was utterly taken by the khajiit, even as she skulked off in her stinking stupor. The witch's hazel eyes watched the old Orc bumble after the cat, extend his arms in proclamation, and gesture towards the spear. Fiona whispered something filthy, in a language only a nearbye Spriggan would be able to understand, and svcked unhappily on her tongue. That idiotic old Orc is going to let the whole town know...I don't think even the cat really knows... Fiona Barrow-Heart made a mental note of this, heavily underlined, with possible gruesome revenges upon the bumbling Orc suggested with question marks.

At length she turned to the archer addressing her, and smiled politely, showing some half-interest.
"No." she glanced at the half-frozen carcass and grimaced "It would appear a God has visited upon our little town, such an auspicious guest, and without a single word to old friends." she pouted, as if actually hurt, and stood a moment in thought. "Do you have any idea where your father is, young man?" she asked of Lliro, brows raised, "I think he best hear of this"

"Oi!" shouted a voice "Who's in charge here?" Fiona turned drearily to the new arrivals. A rag-tag bunch of mongrels, mean-eyed but lazy in stature. Armed but without discipline in their gait. Mercenaries. Criminals? Either to become a nuisance, or an asset. Likely both. With a weary heart Fiona presented her formal smile again (the one she had practised so hard at The College), and stepped to face the group, raising a hand.
"This is an Arcane matter, friends" she said in her best impression of a College Mage, "and I am Court-Mage Fiona Barrowheart. So it would appear, presently I am in charge, and you may address me." she looked from face to face, still smiling, and pretended to take everyone's appearance in for the first time, "Strapping recruits for the Guard, are we?" she asked, scanning each of them, before her eyes narrowed "No, not recruits...but surely not a detatctment of Companions, visting upon our humble prospect-hold from mighty Jorrvaskr?" she grinned outwardly as she addressed again the leader, "Please, introduce yourselfs, good friends, I am sure we at Valton will all be humbled to make your acquaintance."

[Everardo Montano]

Giovu Lepidus - Inn

"Sure do. Wouldn't be much of an inn without rooms, would it?" Jal chuckled. "They're not much to look at right now but they're clean and they've got a bed. 10 septim. If you don't have the coin, I'll happy to trade - goods or services."

"I'll take a room. Coin isn't a problem for now" said Giovu as he reached into his pack and felt around for one of his coin bags. So many times on his journey north he'd cursed his decision to avoid banks and the convenience of credit notes in favour of anonimity and the lack of any kind of paper trail. He placed the purse of 50 septims on the bar, glad to rid of at least some of the weight.

“How are yuhs, names Theadas”

He nodded in greeting to the tall blonde as he took a seat at the opposite end of the bar. "I'm well friend, or as well as one can be at this hour in the morning. I could use a drink though." he said, turning his attention to the landlord. "Are you having supply problems?"

[Logan Greenwood]

"Are you having supply problems?"

Jal leaned on the bar, absentmindedly polishing the surface.

"Ah, not supply problems exactly. Would that I had a supply to get problems about first ... No, more of a ... uh problem with funds. I've sent letters to the Black-Briar Meadery and the Honningbrew Meadery but, well, they're both tight with their stuff ya see. Wont give me supply without a deposit" Jal looked at purse in front of him. "I've tried making my own stuff but well ... it didn't go well. Heh. I mean, you can try some if you want? I think I've got a bit left over somewhere. Word of warning, it's stronger than a mammoth and tastes like giants' feet!"

Jal chuckled. "But it will get ya singin', if you know what I mean."

occ: anyone else having trouble with the post function? Keeps f*****g up.

[KIng James]

Felix Sulla, On the Road to Valton

A loud click-clacking sound rang out as Felix sped down the scarcely cobbled road atop a large black destrier. He was heading northward at the pace of a gallop much to his faithful steed's chagrin, covering a huge swath of land in a relatively short time. He set out from a small outpost several days prior after receiving a partial map of the countryside from a kindly old Nord woman who'd also supplied him with enough water to last the trip. This surprised him as his previous encounters with the locals had not been so peaceful. Many of them greeted him with the term "Imperial dog" though he'd simply reply with a swift right hook. His horse began to whine as fatigue set in, causing Felix to slow his pace a bit to give the poor beast a reprieve.

Felix scanned the map intently as he gnawed on a piece of old bread, savoring the taste as he traced his finger along his current path. For a moment he'd thought the old woman gave him bad directions but these fears were quickly assuaged as the hold finally came into view. Feeling that his horse had received a long enough rest Felix spurred into action once more, covering the rest of the distance in mere minutes before arriving at the gates of Valton. Shortly after paying a stable boy to tend to his horse the young knight made his way down the main road, pausing after spotting what he'd been looking for.

A powerful gust of wind pelted Felix's face as he stood outside the newly constructed inn. As he fought off the urge to shiver Felix made his way inside, a look of relief apparent on his young face. He'd traveled for days on end with very little supplies to speak of and Skyrim's harsh climate only exacerbated the situation. Wordlessly he made his way to one of two long oak tables and hunkered down, sighing deeply as he did so. In a typical impatient fashion Felix wrapped the tables smooth surface with the edge of his fist in an attempt to get someones attention.

[Amanda Furtado]

Theadas Valton Inn

"Greetings Theadas, I'm Jal, the innkeeper. Heh, feels funny saying that. Innkeeper. Gotta nice ring to it. Anyway, like I said, I've got nothing for sale at the moment. Well, 'cept a bed and a warm fire." Said the barkeep.

The man nodded in greeting, as he took a seat at the opposite end of the bar. "I'm well friend, or as well as one can be at this hour in the morning. I could use a drink though." he said, turning his attention to the barkeep Jal. "Are you having supply problems?"

Theadas nodded at the man who went and sat at the opposite side of the bar. Then turned to see Jal’s response to the man’s question.

"Ah, not supply problems exactly. Would that I had a supply to get problems about first ... No, more of a ... uh problem with funds. I've sent letters to the Black-Briar Meadery and the Honningbrew Meadery but, well, they're both tight with their stuff ya see. Wont give me supply without a deposit" Jal looked at purse in front of him. "I've tried making my own stuff but well ... it didn't go well. Heh. I mean, you can try some if you want? I think I've got a bit left over somewhere. Word of warning, it's stronger than a mammoth and tastes like giants' feet!"

At that Theadas chuckled, “That sounds like something I can not miss. I’ll take a cup if you don’t mind.” Theadas turned to the man at the other side of the bar. “You up for it?” Theadas challenged the man.

[Marine Arrègle]

Jal Wolfsbane, inn.

No sooner had Jal finished offering his homebrew to the first Imperial that had walked through his doors this morning, then a this one walked in. This one was different from the others however. This one was the type of imperial that gave other imperials bad names. Young, arrogant. And green. Oh so green. A boy who thought himself a Lord. He walked in and sat down like he owned the damned place. That cocky, arrogant swagger ... in the old days Jal may very well have put his sword through his guts.

The boy knocked smartly on the wood of the table, perhaps a custom in Cyrodiil to attracted servants attention. Jal didn't know, neither did he care. He ignored it and turned his attention to his other two guests ... one had just proposed a drinking challenge. Jal cracked a smile.

"Hang on just a second boys, I'll go grab some." Jal hobbled up and down the basemant stairs, cursing all the while, but successfully brought up two bottles of his own mead. Well ... it wasn't mead but he'd call it that. The bottles were dark green to hide the syrupy liquid inside. Sickly sweet when it went down, it exploded with a kick of a mule and burnt your insides, perfect for the cold of Skyrim.

"Here you go boys, Wolfbane's finest." He chuckled again. "This is on the house boys, I have to see this."

[Bryanna Vacchiano]

Felix Sulla, The Inn

Several moments passed before Felix realized he'd been ignored. Obviously perturbed by the lack of customer service, he tapped the table once more though this time he removed the small leather purse hanging from his swordbelt before dumping it's contents out on said table. He'd then stack fifteen coins to create a neat little tower and sit back, arms folded across one another as he continued to wait for a response.

"Guess I'll spend these septims elsewhere if this place is too hard-up to supply me with some food and drink." Felix muttered in an intentionally antagonistic tone. With that he'd scoop the coins up and slide them back into the leather satchel before taking a few steps toward the door. He figured he'd wait and see if the innkeep was smart enough to suffer his attitude and accept his gold, though he was also curious to see the results of the impending drinking contest.

[D LOpez]

At that Theadas chuckled, “That sounds like something I can not miss. I’ll take a cup if you don’t mind.” Theadas turned to the man at the other side of the bar. “You up for it?” Theadas challenged the man.

"Dangerously strong hooch at this hour? Sounds like a good idea to me." mused Giovu, "I thought I might try and find work in town, but this seems like a much more pleasant way to spend the day. I'll take a sample as well please." Tramping the cold streets could wait as far as Giovu was concerned. Idle procrastination ranked fairly high, just behind sleep, as one of his favourite passtimes. Besides, the settlement smelled rather odd this morning.

"I'm Giovu, by the way." He added, realising he had not introduced himself.

[Nany Smith]

Jal saw the boy get up to leave. He spoke loudly from behind the bar, addressing the young Imperial.

"Let it not be said that I turn away guests from my door. But I wont suffer rudeness neither. You are welcome to stay, make yourself warm by my fire. If you wanted to speak ... all you had to do was ask. This is Skyrim, Imperial. And this is a new hold. A new start for all o' us. You are no lord here ... and as you can see ..." Jal spread his hands, "I'm running low on stock but like I said, you're more than welcome to warm yourself."

With that Jal turned to his other two patrons, the other had just accepted the challenge. Jal filled four small tankards - including one for himself and one for the boy Lord, just in-case.

"I'm Giovu, by the way."

Jal looked slighly built Imperial up and down. "Aye, you could do with of bit of fattening up and all." He said, playfully. He gently pushed at the Imperial's shoulder. "Looks like a slight breeze would knock you down." Jal said, smiling, in what he hoped was a friendly way. "I'm Jal ... just Jal." He swigged at his drink and gestured. "Go 'ead, then!"

[Sista Sila]

"Here you go boys, Wolfbane's finest." He chuckled again. "This is on the house boys, I have to see this."

It was one of the least appetising concoctions Giovu had ever been presented with. He wasn't a fan of mead in general, not being able to fathom why the Nords prefered the intense sweet taste to the more subtle flavours of Cyrodiil's brews, but this was something else. It's assult on the senses began as soon as it was uncorked. For a moment Giovu wondered if it might be some kind of poison.

"Aye, you could do with of bit of fattening up and all." He said, playfully. He gently pushed at the Imperial's shoulder. "Looks like a slight breeze would knock you down." Jal said, smiling, in what he hoped was a friendly way. "I'm Jal ... just Jal." He swigged at his drink and gestured. "Go 'ead, then!"

Despite his age Jal was still incredibly strong and it was only Giovu's balance that saved him from proving the old man's point about his size in the most embarrassing fashion. Not wanting to cause offense Giovu offered a "Cheers." and raised his tankard to his drinking companions before taking a long, deep swig of the brew. The sludge was sickly sweet, but packed a punch. Giovu bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from grimacing, but failed to suppress a throaty cough. "It's got a real kick." he spluttered, "What's it made from?"

[Peter P Canning]

Felix Sulla, Inn

Felix nodded in an almost sarcastic fashion as he sat through the inn-keepers lecture, trying hard not to roll his eyes in the process. "No lord here or elsewhere for that matter. I am however a knight. I think your people call us "Thanes" or something near that. Ser Felix is the name." Felix said in a less antagonistic tone. He'd run out of rations from the trip and needed to behave in a semi-respectful fashion if he wanted some grub. He'd note a fourth cup being poured by Jal and casually make his way over to the other men. Felix took a whiff of the potent "mead" and found the scent deceptively sweet though pleasant enough.

Without hesitation he'd take a larger swig than he meant to causing the syrupy alcohol to coat his insides with liquid fire. Felix sat perfectly still in an attempt to play off how powerful the drink actually was though in reality he was already starting to get tipsy. "Pretty good... Think I'll drink it slowly though. To uh, savor the taste..." Felix said as he stared into his cup. "I'd like some meat if you have it. Any kind'll do. If not I'll take some salted bread instead. What'll that cost me?" Felix knew it was foolish to drink on an empty stomach, particularly when drinking such powerful spirits.

[mimi_lys]

Tsavani - outside
As she arrived at the hot-springs, Tsavani planted her spear into the ground. Violet shocks of energy arced coursed out from the spear, scorching and cracking the surface of the earth around it. However, the khajiit herself settled happily into the hot water, closing her eyes from the much-appreciated warmth. Grabbing the bar of soap, she struggled to keep it in her paws as it tried to slip free. She eventually gouged her claws into it, and proceeded to wash herself off. She was shameless in washing herself, despite the small crowd growing around her... it had been too long since she'd had a warm bath, and honestly, with her years of isolation, she enjoyed the company, modesty be damned.

She first addressed the Orc as he expressed interest in her spear. Despite her 'feral' appearance, though, Tsavani saw no harm in the request. "Feel free, just don't touch it. That's the spear of Bitter Mercy, and I'd hate for Hircine to take it back because he's thinking I'm giving it away," she answered to his request. She also chose to indulge Elana, who's interests were in only slightly different vein from the orcs. So... bar of soap sliding over her body, and a rather striking fur pattern being revealed as the grime came off, she offered up her story.

"I've been away from society for fifteen.. no, five years. It's difficult to keep track," she began. "Anyway, I'm here because I miss the company, and need to sell a cat's corpse." Speaking up, she raised her voice loud enough for Fiona to hear back by the dead cat. "That's no ordinary beast, but an Aspect of Hircine. It's not some magical curiosity to be poked and prodded, but a trophy kill. It's flesh is to be a feast, its head a trophy, and pelt to be turned into the finest cloak in all Tamriel," she boasted, before bringing her voice down again.

"If you're interested, I can speak more later once I'm clean, at the inn... I figure you're not the only ones interested in my story," she offered.

[BEl J]

The young Imperial turned a started walking back to him, "No Lord here or elsewhere for that matter. I am however a knight. I think your people call us "Thanes" or something near that. Ser Felix is the name." Without waiting for a response, Felix took the drink Jal offered him.

Jal chuckled heartily as he watched the Imperials taste the drink. They were both clearly restraining themselves from throwing the vile liquid back up.

"See, I did warn you. The good news is the more you drink, the better it tastes!"

"It's got a real kick" Giovu said, "what's it made from?"

"Well ..." mused Jal, "Bit's of this that that. It's base is honey. That's why it's so sweet. I couldn't rightly tell you the rest. I was pretty drunk when I made this batch. And this was the best tasting, so I kept it."

Felix had sipped at his and seemed to be attempting cordiality "Pretty good ... think I'll drink it slowly though. To uh, savor the taste ... I'd like some meat if you have it. Any kind'll do. If not I'll take some salted bread instead. What'll that cost me?"

"Well," Jal replied, "You can give me your money, but I'm afraid I aint got no meat. No food of any kind actually ... I have to er ... well, that's next on my to-do list."

[Margarita Diaz]

Nuramon

He had been awake for some time now, watching the streets as they became more and more lively. He decided to take stroll through town and try to find out the new gossip. He got up from his chair at the window and made his way to his own chamber. He picked his two steel daggers from his nightstand and hide them in his boots.

He made his way to the street and started strolling towards the inn. If there was a place he could learn the new word around town it would be there. He found the place, but it looked pretty poor and he realized Jal had just started his business.

I should consider setting a business up too. My money won’t last forever and I would hate to live on the street again.

He made his way inside and he could just overhear the customers talking with Jal, who told them he had some funding problems and that was the reason he had nothing for sale yet. He then gave them all a something to drink, something self made.

That’s an idea. I could start a brewery. But first things first. I could help this man out and earn something in the process.

He walked over to Jal while ignoring the others. “Morning, Jal.” He greeted the Nord. “I heard you talking about a funding problem you’re having. If we can talk in private maybe I can do something about it?” he offered him with a small smile.

[Daniel Holgate]

Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu, (an old orc male, blacksmith) at the hot springs.

As she arrived at the hot-springs, Tsavani planted her spear into the ground. Violet shocks of energy arced coursed out from the spear, scorching and cracking the surface of the earth around it. She first addressed the Orc as he expressed interest in her spear. Despite her 'feral' appearance, though, Tsavani saw no harm in the request. "Feel free, just don't touch it. That's the spear of Bitter Mercy, and I'd hate for Hircine to take it back because he's thinking I'm giving it away," she answered to his request.

Well, that certainly explains quite a bit, Gorbad thought. The spear of hircine himself. This khajiit is one helluva mystery.

Tsavani had given him permission to inspect the spear, but to not touch it. So that he did. He inspected it's form, measured it's length, anolyzed the violet shocks. A powerful weapon indeed. The black metal reminded him a lot of the corrupted ebony, more commonly known as daedric, however it had a strange coldness to it unlike the normally warm corrupted ebony. The magic was forged into the weapon itself, not enchanted upon it. Much as Gorbad himself would do when he created an enchanted weapon or armor. He knew much, however, this spear made him feel like a young Orc still trying to understand how fire could shape steel. He turned towards the now significantly less smelly, and a lot cleaner, khajiit and said:
"It's truly magnificent, truly a gorgeous weapon indeed." He started walking back to his forge with a wide smile on his face, whistling an old battle-march tune he remembered from his youth.

[Robert DeLarosa]

Jal Wolfsbane, inn.

"Morning Jal," said the newest guest, a slightly built Bosmer, "I heard you talking about a funding problem you're having. If we can talk in private maybe I can do something about it?"

"That's a uh ... very generous offer." Said Jal slightly taken aback by the directness of the Bosmer's offer. "I mean ... it would solve .... ahem." Jal motioned to the small back room behind the bar. "Let's talk in here."

"So what, exactly, are you proposing?"

[saharen beauty]

Tsavani - outside
As Gorbad turned to leave, after admiring and complimenting the weapon, Tsavani smiled and remarked, "It was a somewhat straight stick when I found it! I'll tell more this evening."

[Travis]

Felix Sulla, Inn

Felix was notably taken aback at Jal's response, finding it strange that an inn would be literally devoid of edibles. He'd take few small sips of the powerful concoction before him as he mulled over what his next step would be. He'd need a steady job to be sure, and there was usually a multitude of people in need of a skilled swordsman. As he downed the last few drops of his drink Felix realized he was already half-way hammered and decided a second cup wouldn't be wise.

"Anyway... To touch upon the reason I traveled it to this uh, prestigious hold of yours, is there any work nearby for men skilled with a blade? Anything from merc-work to good-old-fashioned guard duty would suit my abilities."

His question wasn't directed at anyone in particular but rather anyone who could answer. As he waited for a reply Felix retrieved a thin dagger from a hilt strapped to his left boot and began to twirl it in an absent-minded fashion, obviously bored from sitting still for too long. "Hell, I'll take anything but menial work."

[Rob]

OCC: sorry Nwah, I'm going to assume Jal is talking privately with Nuramon at this point so unable to answer you - to do otherwise would be some weird warp of time/space.

[Hairul Hafis]

Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu, (an old orc male, blacksmith)

Tsavani: "It was a somewhat straight stick when I found it! I'll tell more this evening."

Gorbad turned around and said: "Now that's a story I'd like to hear!" As strange as it may sound, he could feel his vigor slowly coming back to him and he felt more alive than he had felt years. Of course, a straight stick turning into the mighty hunting spear of Hircine sounded indeed like something a daedric prince might do. He continued, "I'll meet you all at the Inn at dusk, then." He paused. "I'm also looking to establish some business with miners, hunters, tanners, traders and pretty much anyone who wants his vlade sharpened or something better crafted for them. I'll be at my forge 'till dusk if you are interested, otherwise we can discuss business at the Inn later over a mug of ale, whichever sounds best for ya'll."

[Elizabeth Falvey]

Nuramon

That's a uh ... very generous offer. I mean ... it would solve .... ahem." Jal motioned to the small back room behind the bar. "Let's talk in here." Nuramon followed him to a little room behind the bar and then turned to Jal again.

"So what, exactly, are you proposing?"

“I would like to invest in your inn.” Nuramon started. “I heard you were lacking money to properly decorate it and to buy food ‘n drinks. While I’m not an innkeeper myself, I do have money and with this I mean I have the money to invest in your inn.” Nuramon let this sink in for a while and thought about what he was going to say next.

“The only thing you would need to do is make an inventory of everything needed, with prices and the total price of everything together, then I’ll see how much of it I can fund. In return I only ask a cut in the profit of your business.” Nuramon said. “ We would be associates, the other details could be worked out later. Oh and by the way, the name’s Nuramon.” He held out his hand to the nord.

[Crystal Clear]

Jal, backroom of the inn.


Jal shook the offered hand.

"Ok ... well, the thing's I need for the inn to run effectively, could be quite a short list, if you understand me." Jal paused to consider. "On the other hand, the things I want for the inn could be quite a long list. Infinite, maybe. Why don't you give me a figure, that you can afford, and we can work on what cut you take ... depending on 'ow large your original investment is."

[Trista Jim]

Burne

“This town looks like a dump.” The voice was old, haggard and extremely cynical. From the outskirts two strangers walked into Valton, one an ancient looking man was driving a cart which was covered in a skin which was tied to the side so as to keep the contents inside. “Now father, we have only just arrived, I’m sure this place is going to be great.”

It was a female voice, quite high, perky and surprisingly happy. She walked beside the old man and held his arm as they moved into the central area of the town. She was quite a tall woman of twenty-one, though her father still towered over her by a few inches, and could be described as no less than beautiful, her long black hair was whipped by the wind that blew across the town and her facial features were so sharp and pointed they were almost elven.

Then the stench hit them, rotted flesh mixed with sweat created a most disgusting odour that seemed to emanate from somewhere in town. The old man turned to his daughter, a frown pinned to his face. “I shan’t stay here Rosaline, I know you can smell that, that stench.”

“It must be the construction Father that’s al…

“You and I know damn well that it’s from a corpse.” he snarled interrupting, he then let the cart he was pulling drop with a resounding clang and looked at her in defiance. “I’m not staying in this hell hole.”

“Father, the house and shop have already been paid for, I saved that money up for a long time. You can’t just.. Leave.” She said softly, stroking him on his arm. “Please stay, for me?”

Burne looked at Rosaline with discontent but sighed and nodded, “Fine, for you I’ll stay.” He turned and lifted the cart back up and allowed Rosaline to show him to his new home, quite a small house which contained a counter and different cabinets downstairs while upstairs was fitted more comfortably. He and his daughter unpacked the cart and set about sorting the contents.

After a while Rosaline could see her father was exhausted from the labour and insisted, pleaded almost, that he go out for a break and that she would sort out his shop. Begrudgingly he left and hobbled towards the inn, he was quite a sight, old, crooked and alone, grasping a long wooden staff with gnarled hands and a look of determination on his face.

It took him a while to reach the inn and when he opened the door he discovered that there were three drunkards drinking heavily and the barman was missing. His face formed into a disapproving frown, he tutted and then found himself a seat near the door while he waited for the barman to come.

[Melis Hristina]

Theadas Valton Inn

Theadas watch the powerful Nord walk down the stairs then started day dreaming about his times in the big cities. Sneaking around, climbing on top of roofs. He smiled to him self and then noticed a tankard in front of him and his new acquaintance, Giovu, holding his tankard up. With out breaking from his dream Theadas held his own up.

“Morning, Jal.” A Bosmer had come up to the bar and said to the Nord. “I heard you talking about a funding problem you’re having. If we can talk in private maybe I can do something about it?” And then the Bosmer and Jal left to room behind the bar.

Startled Theadas sat straight up and downed the thick liquid. He slammed the tankard down and let out a loud sigh. “By the Gods that’s something else.” Theadas said. He could feel his insides churn, his throat was on fire. He opened his eyes widely, pulled back his cowl and stroked his hand through his hair. He then started to laugh at his self, why would you ever do something like this. After a couple of seconds he relaxed him self and turned to see another Imperial he smiled “Ello,” Theadas studied the man for a second then held out his hand “names Theadas, what you bring you to this fine new town?”

[trisha punch]

Nuramon

He thought about it for a second. “Well, a good six maybe seven thousand septims. That should leave me plenty for some other small projects, and we can always see if it is enough.”

He walked up and down the room. His head was bursting with ideas and he was already counting all the money he had earned in his century long life. “If you would like to use heads of animals as wall decorations and use their hides as decoration, I could lower the cost by hunting and preparing them myself.”

“I think that if we start this business it is best to start with what you need, rather than what you want. Then, after the money gets in, you could turn it into the way you imagined it in your dreams.”