The Wobbly Goblet Playground Options

[Darkness Eternal]

Draken took a few minutes to wipe the blood and dirt from his face as he climbed the steps of the inn after having paid for a room. He was directed to the suite by a high elf that introduced himself as Hethilion, and was guided along the halls until he reached the door. The nobleman was given a key and privacy after the altmer opened the door for him and extended a hand to allow him access.

The room was great; equipped with a desk, a few cupboards and bookcases, a double-bed and a table with chairs for two. It was large and it was to his delight.

Satisfied with the room, especially after the altmer had filled a bathtub with water, Draken closed the door and locked it. With folded arms he glanced around the room and saw that there was only one problem.

The windows.

He searched around the room, digging inside crates and cabinets, looking for any dark covers that would work best against sunlight. Anything that could keep the harmful rays from coming in the appointed time. He found nothing. Nothing save for the furniture in the room.

Draken decided he would have to do things his way. He walked over toward the tall dresser and grabbed hold of the sides, and with brute force he dragged the heavy furniture toward the window and then started to push it until it touched the glass. He did the same with the other ones as well until he was content.

The chamber went dark, but not shadowy enough. And so for the few minutes he worked frantically to make this room more “vampire-friendly.”

After he was finished he discarded his shirt and his pants and undergarments and walked over to the bathtub, and climbed within, letting out a pained sigh that was due to his burns. His arms had blistered and were covered with small black spots mixed with blood. He winced at the ugly burns and scorch marks.

How badly he needed blood. If he'd go without if for another day, his supple appearance would be forfeit.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Aug 21 2013, 02:10 AM

[Rohirrim]

*Khan looks around the tavern for any patrons*

[Darkness Eternal]

Irvana returned to the inn sometime after Kayla left, and was left wondering what transpired in Hackdirt. It has been many hours since then. Still she wouldn't burden herself worrying with the outcome. She had instead retreated to her chambers to refresh her mind and have a drink. Her leisure was short-lived when there were voices, loud music and clanking of cups on the floor below.

Irvana opened the door to her room after there was much commotion coming from downstairs. She poked her head out of the room to hear the noise crash from below into her ears like a titan wave that made her head spin. The inn seemed full now, with many patrons swarming the floor below. Small wonder she couldn't have a measure of rest and quiet reading.

There is solution for that, she told herself. One way to put an end to this noise.

Though she was a bit peeved, she realized how fortunate she was to see Kayla, wielder of the mighty Dawnbreaker, climb the steps and walk the hallway into her room. She looked tired, worn . . . spent. Something happened.

Was she succesful in her task?

Irvana licked her lips. I wonder what happened. Might have she discovered that the woman was false as I suspected?

She left the safety of her room, locked the door behind her, and headed over toward Kayla's door after waiting until she settled in. She's tired, fatigued and otherwise distracted.

"Kayla," Irvana said gently, knocking on the door. "Kayla. Can I come in?"

There were heavy stomps coming from below and she turned to look at two drunk men walk the stairs and stumble into the hallway. One drunk fool dragging the other by the hand until they came close to Irvana, looking at her from head to toe with a lecherous gaze.

"Fine rump, this one."

"Aye," the other Nord said. "These Cyrodiil lasses got some beautiful asses. Oi, mind if I have a bite?"

Irvana, quite disgusted, squeezed herself closer to the door, knocking a bit more rapidely. "Kayla! May I come in?"

The men, apparently having more sense than foolishness despite their drinks, tripped along the hall and into their rooms singing an age-old song. "Take heart, the mighty hero cried! He looked up at Dagon and cursed his foul name!"

"Heh. Poor sod didn't like what he saw under Dagon's skirts."

Both men giggled obnoxiously before retreating further into their chambers.

Irvana knocked once more. "Kayla. Please, let me in."

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Aug 21 2013, 03:24 AM

[Rohirrim]

"Huh. Only passing drunkards seem to be awake now. 'Scuse me, Yetta, is it? I'll have to pay you for dinner after breakfast, that alright? Thanks." Stefania scowled at Khan and made a gesture that conveyed her disapproval. Khan rolled his eyes at her. "Oh, stuff it you lazy wench, you'll get your tips in good time." Khan walked up the stairway towards his room, still looking for a familiar face.

He was all the way to his room after a moment or two."Well then, guess Hjalbir and I are the only ones awake now. Oof. I'd better sleep off all this mead. Ugh." Khan removed all his clothes, stripping down to his loincloth. He stretched his arms one last time, then lay down and fell asleep.

This post has been edited by Rohirrim: Aug 21 2013, 05:37 AM

[Rohirrim]

Khan was awoken during the night by a knocking at his door. He opened the door to find a rather impatient large Breton, who spoke to him irately. "Oi! About time you got up, sunshine! I've been poundin' on this door for near half an hour!" Khan stared at him incredulously. "Now look you bastard, you'd best give a good reason for taking me out of a dream involving several copies of my wife, and waking me up in the middle of the godsdamned night!" The Breton was unfazed. "Stonehills Shipping. Gotta sign for your package." The man gestured toward a huge mahoghany chest in the hall. Grumbling, Khan signed the parchment the man gave him, pulled the chest inside, and promptly punched the man in the face, knocking him flat. He then slammed the door as the man's companions pulled him up. Khan sat on the bed, looked at the chest and grinned. "And so the hunt is soon to be underway." He then proceeded to fall asleep, in hopes of reentering that dream.

This post has been edited by Rohirrim: Aug 21 2013, 11:11 PM

[Grits]

Abiene stepped into the chamber after Hethilion, leaving the door open to the corridor. She’d moved back into the guest room on the inn’s second floor, not wanting to intrude on her friends’ privacy.

“I’d like a bath, please,” she told him. “And a cheese and tomato salad, a slice of apple pie, and a bottle of Tamika’s white. One goblet.”

“As you wish.”

Abiene arranged her things while Hethilion prepared the tub.

“And a double Colovian brandy,” she called as he left.

She opened the windows to let the cool evening in. This side of the inn overlooked the stable and fish pond. She could see the blue glimmer of Welkynd stone lanterns, bobbing torches carried by travelers out on the Black Road, and over the pond a multitude of glittering fireflies.

And a mostly naked Argonian hauling himself out of the pond carrying a net full of fish.

“Oh my,” said Abiene. She cast her Nighteye spell.

Hethilion returned, served, poured, and departed. Abiene dragged a small stand over to the tub to use as her dining table. She slipped out of her clothes and into the steaming bath, her meal, wine, book, and brandy all at hand.

She tucked a rolled-up towel under her neck and leaned back, closing her eyes against the candlelight.

Now all I need is some soft music, she thought. But perhaps first a little nap.

.

This post has been edited by Grits: Aug 22 2013, 01:19 AM

[Grits]

Bograk

Riad tapped the first barrel as the last stars faded from the sky.

“Harvest’s End,” said Bograk, handing him two tankards to fill.

Riad grunted his reply. Their mugs clunked together in an unspoken toast.

Bograk enjoyed a moment surveying her domain in the dawn’s pale light.

Lowren had established picket lines near the stables to accommodate the day travelers’ mounts. Most folk would arrive on foot from the surrounding farms and hamlets, but a festival like this one attracted revelers from all stations, not just agricultural workers. Lowren had recruited a bevy of Bosmeri to help out for the Festival. At the moment they were diverting water from the fish pond to make a mud pit for wrestling. Their light voices carried even this far, but she couldn’t make out what they were saying.

Yetta walked up and handed Bograk the day’s Bill of Fare. The Nord woman had been up most of the night baking, and it would be full night again before she could rest. Bograk passed her a bag of fennel seeds to chew with her morning beer. “Keep you awake,” she said.

~Bill of Fare~


Breakfast will be Served All Day inside the Tavern


The Plowman: Ham and cheese in a roll with chutney, served with boiled eggs and pickled onions.

From the Pig-Shed: Bacon, ham, and sausage served with fried potatoes, toasted bread, and eggs.

The Cattleman: Grilled steak and scrambled eggs served with baked beans, mushrooms, and tomatoes.

The Reaper: Stack of griddle cakes with choice of maple syrup, beaten cream, sliced apples, or fresh berries. Eggs and bacon on the side.

From the Dairy: Cheese pie with figs.

The Gleaner: Sweet roll and berries for the lighter appetite.


Beer is served on the lawn for free from dawn to midnight. Tavern drinks will still cost you.

“I’ve pasties for the hunters as well,” said Yetta. “We’ll sell what they don’t take out in the food tents.”

Bograk handed the parchment back with a nod of approval.

“Here come the Odiil boys,” Riad said. Bograk turned to look.

Antus and Rallus were striding up the road. They looked thirsty.

“First ones here get to carry out the tankards,” Bograk called to them.

Antus grinned and Rallus threw up his hand in acknowledgement. They changed course and headed toward the open doors to the Goblet’s cellar.

Riad leaned his hip against the serving table. “Those lads are nothing like their father,” he observed. “They’ll have the tents up and the tables ready by the time the bells ring eight.”

Bograk grinned, watching a peddler turn his hand cart toward the inn. “I’ll take that wager.”

[Grits]

Abiene

Abiene woke to the strains of relentlessly energetic music. She pushed herself up and put her feet on the floor, groaning. Stendarr’s mercy, what awful dreams!

A peek out the window piqued her interest. She opened it all the way and stuck her head out to look around.

The Goblet’s lawns had been transformed as she slept. Rows of tables and benches stood around a clear central square. Abiene guessed it would be used for dancing. Beer kegs lined one end and musicians the other. Spits were being set up over piles of wood near the road. Tents and awnings had sprung up in clusters. Bright banners were everywhere, fluttering from lines through the trees, atop stakes along the road, and above tents advertising their wares.

Abiene ducked back inside and closed the window. Harvest’s End festival. She hadn’t remembered the date.

She washed and dressed with little ceremony. Downstairs the tavern was busy with folk dining at tables and at the bar. Abiene glanced at the bill of fare.

Auguste was at the bar pouring drinks and shuffling plates.

“I’ll have a splash of brandy in mine,” she said, nodding at the kahve pitcher. “And the Gleaner’s breakfast but substitute toast for the sweetroll and please add a boiled egg.”

Auguste’s eyes bugged out a little. “That wouldn’t be the Gleaner, then. That would be berries, toast, and an egg.”

He’s a bit touchy this morning. Or whatever time it is. The giant steak on the plate of a man seated next to her made her wonder if she’d missed a meal.

Abiene gave Auguste a smile. “Yes, thanks. I’ll have it over at that table.” She took her kahve and went to sit near the fire.

[Rohirrim]

Khan awoke to music that could only mean one thing: The Harvest's End Festival was underway. "Yes!" He cried, pulling on his pants and coat, and shoving his foot into his boot as he hopped down the stairs. He ran up to the bar, and jumped on to a stool, bumping another patron as he did so. He looked at the bill of fare Yetta had prepared for the festival. It was all he could do to stop him self from kissing the woman then and there. "Oh, my, you've truly outdone yourself! You could feed all those fat-guts in the Blue Palace for a week on one of these plates! Hmm...the Cattleman, I think, with a side of fried potatoes, if you could. Oh, could you? You, my lady, are simply remarkable. And to drink I'll have a pint of ale, thanks. Oh, here's what I owe you from last night."

As he handed Yetta the sack of gold, Stefania made a coughing noise, rolling her eyes as she did so. Khan scoffed right back at her, throwing a few coins past her. She sniffed at him, then ran to get them. Khan grinned, in spite of himself. He turned back to Yetta. "So, I hope to bring back a lot of meat. Oh, yes, certainly you can ask for a specific cut. Haunch and steak of venison, you say? Absolutely." Khan's breakfast arrived from the kitchen, piping hot and piled high with mushrooms, potatoes, and beans. He licked his lips in anticipation. "Well, Yetta, nice talking to you, but I've got to get my belly full for the ride out." At these words, Khan fell to eating, tiger-like in his ferocity.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla opened her eyes and cringed at the light streaming through the window. Somehow, through the nightmares of what had transpired in Hackdirt, she had found her way under the soft covers. She sighed in relief that she hadn't been disturbed all night.

Though if anyone had tried, I wouldn't have known it.

She had been exhausted. Her subconscious had picked its way through nightmare after nightmare, trying to make sense of the events that had transpired the day before. She dressed after a quick rinse, dabbing a bit of her vanilla oil on her neck and wrists.

She checked her reflection in the mirror and sighed. Only a small bit of puffiness that could easily be taken care of with some kahve, or tea. The scar on her scalp was still there. her heart sank a bit at the sight, but she supposed she might have to live with it, like she did the other scars. She walked down the stairs, weaponless, and blinked at the sight of the busy inn.

She wondered how late she had risen, but shook off the feeling that she was later than she had intended to rise and approached the bar. She smiled at the barman, and looked at the Bill of Fare.

"Oh...wow. All of this sounds delicious." She said. "I'd get 'The Reaper,' but I might get sick from all that sweetness."

"Don't fear The Reaper." Auguste said. Kayla had an odd feeling, like she should recognize that phrase. she shook it off and smiled at him.

"I'll have the 'From the Pig Shed,' please." She placed the paper down and looked around for a moment before turning back. "With kahve, please."

"Do you want alcohol, too?" he asked, his eyes wandering to her new scar on her scalp, the mark trailing nearly to her eyebrow.

"Uh...no?"

She shrugged off the man's attitude and spotted Abiene by the fire, sipping her kahve. Kayla quietly approached, a sheepish smile on her face.

"Abiene? Mind if I join you?" She gripped her own mug tightly and waited for an answer.

[Grits]

Abiene looked up to find Kayla at her side.

“Good morning!” she said, standing up to give her a quick hug. “Oh, please do join me! Mmm, you smell wonderful. I love vanilla.”

She sat back down, trying not to stare but failing completely.

Abiene leaned in to speak softly. “Kayla, please forgive what I am about to say. I can’t help getting in your business, it’s what I do. That looks like a fresh scar. Do you need healing?” She bit her lip but then continued. “I’m sure that’s not what you wanted to hear as soon as you sat down this morning. Oh Mara, I’m being so awkward.” She pressed Kayla’s hand with her own. “But I can help if you like.”

Stefania slid their plates onto the table. “Can I get you anything else?” she asked, then walked away without waiting for an answer.

Abiene’s eyebrows went up. “I think the staff is anticipating a long day,” she said.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla laughed quietly, the sound almost a giggle. "I can't imagine waiting on people hand and foot, day in and day out. Must be tiring." She sat at the chair next to Abiene's and set her mug on the table.

"I wouldn't mind the healing, actually." She rubbed her eyes momentarily, wiping the rest of the sleep out of them. "I got into some trouble in Hackdirt, and thought the knife wound is healed by the chapel healers, I guess they didn't see fit to fix my scar, since it was already there." She gave Abiene a half smile. "Gods know I've got enough scars on me to last three lifetimes." She laughed a little louder. She sipped her kahve, then nearly spit it out.

"Oh gods! This needs sugar!"

[King Coin]

Things had gone fine with Kharjo, after a day of bitter arguing. There were risks that he didn’t want her to take, but even that wasn’t really the issue Aravi later realized. I had made this decision without talking to him about it. Part of her wanted to inform him that it wasn’t his decision to make. But she knew in some way that was wrong. He was a part of her life now. Though they were never formally married, she considered him her husband, and he considered her his wife. I need to remember that it isn’t just me anymore, she smiled faintly.

Later, when the argument was over, she could tell he was pleased that they may yet have children. He also declared with a grin that they would enjoy their time before she submitted to any treatment.

Now she was back on the road, in Cyrodiil, making her way to an inn, and maybe a chapel beyond. It was morning and she had broken camp several hours before the sun rose. The sun was well over the horizon now, only small wisps of clouds were in the air. It promised to be a beautiful day. She walked in the soft grass that flanked either side of the road. Dew that had yet to evaporate in the morning light wet her bare feet as she walked. She wore simple leather armor and her ever present swords.

When the inn came into view, Aravi was surprised by what she saw. Instead of a quiet inn by the side of the road, there were tables, tents, and spits for roasting meat. Music was playing. What is going on?

Aravi went inside and saw that it was crowded with people. She spotted a couple of familiar people at a table near the fire.

"Hello Abiene, Kayla," she said. "May I join you?"

This post has been edited by King Coin: Aug 23 2013, 05:01 AM

[Grits]

Abiene smiled her relief that Kayla wasn’t offended.

She tapped her mug with a fingertip. “I got a little brandy in mine. It wasn’t a restful night. I should probably heal you before I drink it, though it’s not enough to make me tipsy.”

She looked around. “This place is getting busy, but it’s easy to be overlooked in a crowd. I can cast the spell with hardly any light. Do you want to have breakfast first? Or I can just go ahead and take care of it for you. We’d just be sitting here looking normal, no need to lie down or anything. I’m not surprised that they left the scar at the chapel. There are usually more patients than healers, and we need the magicka.”

Abiene looked around for a sugar bowl. “There’s some sugar, I’ll be right back.”

She hopped up and retrieved the sugar bowl for Kayla.

.

This post has been edited by Grits: Aug 23 2013, 04:54 AM

[Elisabeth Hollow]

She can cast the spell without attracting attention? How neat!

Kayla was about to take another sip of her kahve before she remembered why she had nearly spit it out. She gladly took the sugar cubes from Abiene and dropped them into her cup and stirred.

"I don't mind doing the healing right now. We're both here. Might as well do it. I'd hate to keep you from your drink." She smiled a genuine smile at the shorter woman. "What happened while I was away? Everything okay?"

[Grits]

Is everything OK? Abiene lifted her eyebrows slightly. “Oh, yes,” she lied.

She placed her hand lightly over Kayla’s, admiring the Altmer’s strong grace. Abiene had many reasons to resent high elves, but Kayla didn’t provoke that response in her at all. Perhaps it was her straightforward manner, or her Nordic way of speaking. Whatever it was Abiene simply enjoyed her company.

Her eyes unfocused as she cast the healing spell without making any tell-tale gestures. Practice and tight control kept the magicka passing between the two of them instead of sparkling through the air. The chapel healers had done an excellent job, only leaving the scar. It was a simple matter to continue the healing until the scar had faded to a thin, pale line.

Abiene took a moment and let her spell slip over Kayla’s skin, testing the scars on her chest. She stopped herself before she did anything to them. You don’t have permission.

She broke the spell and opened her mouth to ask.

Arvai appeared out of the crowd. “Hello Abiene, Kayla,” she said. “May I join you?”

“Of course! Aravi, it’s so good to see you!” Abiene stood up to hug her friend.

[King Coin]

Aravi hugged the Breton and said, “I wasn’t gone for very long!” Not like I thought I would be.

She let Abiene go. “He’s as excited as I am by the way.”

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla felt the spell linger for a minute second too long in an odd area.

She knows about the scar on my chest. But she didn't heal it without my permission.

Kayla smiled at Abiene, and before she could thank her, Aravi appeared, curling her tail instinctively away from the boots and feet of the other patrons. She hugged the khajiit after Abiene, a big smile on her face.

"Aravi! Sorry I've missed you these past few days. I should've left a note or something."

[Grits]

Abiene gave Aravi a quick nod and a big smile, not wanting to draw too much attention. She hadn’t met Aravi’s mate, but to attract Aravi he must be quite special.

She turned her attention to her breakfast, suddenly hungry.

“I saw merchants’ tents outside,” she said, dipping the toast into her egg. “Shopping!”

Abiene tucked into her meal, giving the other women a chance to catch up on events.

.

This post has been edited by Grits: Aug 23 2013, 05:40 AM

[Rohirrim]

Khan licked his lips and sat back on his stool. Yetta had done an outstanding job on the festival food. He let the tantalizing taste of meat and potatoes sit on his tongue for a few moments, then stood up. "Yetta, I cannot begin to tell you how good that was. I can only imagine what you and I can do with the meat we bring back from the hunt. Say, any idea of the wares I can buy on the lawn? Pottery? All the way from Vardenfell? I say, my wife would like that. A smith as well? Very good, I could use some new equipment. See you, Yetta, I'm off to browse the tents. Thanks for the food."

Khan walked out of the Goblet, stepping onto the lawn, where there were minstrels singing and playing instruments, jugglers and acrobats, even Argonian Dragonbards doing unbelievable things with fire. He looked around, taking in the scene. The smell of cooking meat and aromatic cheeses, the hoarse calling of the vendors hawking their goods, the gentle breeze floating over the lawn mixed with the hot smoke of cook fires and the smithy. The parade of humanity, meritude, and beastiality beastfolken, was astounding. He looked around the lawn, looking for anything of interest, walking at a leisurely pace.

This post has been edited by Rohirrim: Aug 23 2013, 06:46 AM