The Wobbly Goblet Playground Options

[Black Hand]

Thals Andus

__________________________________________________

"Good to be back to the ol' Wobbly, eh Nally?" The Hlaalu Dunmer patted the head of his Pack Guar, they were nearly within sight of the stables. The festival was well in it's way to celebrating Harvest's End, and he no longer regretted skipping that last Inn along the way to make it here in good time.


He brought his traveling friend to the Stables. True enough that Horses could not survive the harsh climate of Morrowind or it's vegetation, that was adapted to the local ash from the volcano, Red Mountain. Guars' on the other hand could survive it and could easily overeat on the oats and hay of Cyrodiil, which meant that they needed a little bit extra care from most stablehands.

Fortunately, Lowren; the energetic Bosmer lad knew Nally well enough and didn't need to be reminded of her proper care. In fact, he seemed to look forward to taking care of an animal quite alien to his normal charges.

"Good Mornin' Thals!" came Lowren's call, as he put his pitchfork into the pile of hay and waved and came running over.

"And good morning to you, Nally!" He rubbed the spot on her massive head she seemed to like. In response she gave a contented purr for lack of a better term. Not quite a growl and not quite a purr, the Guar made a sound very similar to the common household cat.

In response she gave Lowren a lick with her massive tongue, much to his chagrin. It turns out he didn't remember everything about the her, and now he would smell like guar halitosis for the rest of the day.

"All right, I'll start unloading my stuff in an hour or so. First I think I'm going to make use of that free beer they've got going on here!" Thals grinned at Lowren, and loosened his travel scarf just a bit.

________________________________________________________________________

Sethyas, Free Beer Stand

The tankard of beer wasn't too bad. Clearly not their best brew, but what was to be expected? It was free, and went well with his breakfast. The griddle-cakes absorbed most of the alcohol unfortunately so he refilled his tankard.

It was Harvest's End, so he could celebrate he told himself.

Bringing his tankard down, he saw another Dunmer in travel clothes making a beeline for the table.

"Hail!" the other ashborn greeted him. "Thals Andus, House Hlaalu." he offered a hand.

"Sethyas Velas, House Redoran...did you have an ancestor that ran a Tradehouse in Maar Gan?" He asked, finding the name familiar.

"Aye! That'd be my Nan' Manse Andus! Fancy meeting someone who knew her!" He said excitedly. "Oh, I'm sorry is she.." he trailed off.

"Aye. About twenty years ago. She lived to two hundred forty though, not bad for my family! She was spritely and as vicious as they came until her last breath." He said with a smile and then slowly started to frown.

"I'm sorry, I did not mean.." Seth attempted to comfort.

"Oh, don't be...it was more the thought that she got taken out by the last Cliff Racer, or so the story goes." He shook his head. "Old Saint Jiub took out nest after nest, decade after decade, driving the abominable critters to extinction, so the story goes." He said, pausing for a sip of beer.

"She's as reverent as ever, heads on over to the Magic Rock of Vivec, not three steps from the door, and suddenly there's a shadow overhead. Now she's one of the few left that remembers those days when you had to keep an eye out for those infernal buzzards. So she starts panicking and telling everyone to get inside."

"Sure enough, the terrible squawk of the skylamp is heard and she's pushin' kids under tables, and in general running around. Right at that moment, Saint Jiub comes flyin' across the sky! He's got that Blessed Spear the Temple gave him for his efforts, wearing an ash-stained white robe, his levitation amulet shiney and new!"

"They battle for several minutes across the sky, and everyone's watching astonished, cheering on the new hero....suddenly the racer gets it's thorned tail right into the amulets cord, tearing it from his neck! But Saint Jiub's right above him! And comes flying down onto the beast, his spear penetrating his heart!" He smacked the back of one hand onto the other for effect.

"They come flying down, landing with a terrible thud! Jiub stands proudly, raising his spear in triumph! The crowd cheers him on, and they make their way to the Andus Tradehouse to drink in his honor! Only,...the Proprietor; my Nans', is nowhere to be found. They look and they search..." He took another sip of his beer only to shake his head.

"And wouldn't you guess it? Jiub landed on her...took her out in one fell swoop." He nodded sadly.

Sethyas blinked. "B'vek! That's horrible! Is that a true story?" He asked.

Thals grinned as he said. "Maybe, maybe not. Nans' always said: 'A story doesn't have to be true...it just has to be good.' So I'm told." He looked off to the side recalling the event in his mind.

"Plus, ya didn't even notice the swill of the beer as you drank it, huh?" Thals said, refilling his tankard.

Sethyas raised his brow. "No....I did not." filling his as well.

[mALX]

*

Eyja and Maxical:

Eyja tiptoed into Maxical's room and hung the mourning clothes back in the schrank, removing the neck ribbon as an afterthought when she felt its tickle against her now bare chest.

Maxical stirred and rolled over. "Where've you been?" She sat up quickly when she saw the marks of ash on Eyja's face.

"Did you...was it Seth's sister?" When Eyja nodded she added, "I kind of thought he would ask you to attend her with him...some things he said made me think he would."

Eyja shook her head. "It was Cytherea too. We released their ashes together."

"Oh Eyja, oh dear. Come on then, come." She slid over in the bed, wrapping her arms around Eyja and holding her tightly.

"It will be okay, Eyja. I can feel it. It will be a good thing for you both...it was time, you know? Do you want me to purr you to sleep?"

Eyja nodded.

Maxical nestled closely against her back, her purring a rhythmic lulling against the tension until it slowly eased and Eyja's breathing fell into a deep and regular pattern.



*

[Grits]

Abiene

Outside the crowd kept Kayla’s long legs walking at a Breton’s pace, to Abiene’s relief.

“Beer first, and then tattoos?” she asked Kayla, smiling up at her. “Or perhaps the other way around might be better advised. I do a fair amount of tattoo removal to fund my side projects.” She shook her head. “Folk in that line of work should learn how to spell.”

The lively music made her feet want to skip. Kayla led them toward the merchants’ tents. For a time Abiene couldn’t see much more than shoulders, but then the three were able to walk side-by-side again.

She paused to look at a display of Kvatch-made damask, brocade, and Nibenean lace. Three Imperial women about her age had their heads together in front of the stand, debating the merits of gold or silver thread.

Abiene glanced at her companions, uncertain if they would be interested. She had no need for draperies or cloth for tables, but she knew that Aravi had a home of her own. She wondered about Kayla’s situation.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla's eyes wandered over the home accessories out of boredom. She wanted to look at weapons, and more importantly, new armor. She saw a booth for both up ahead, but she didn't want to bore the two smaller women doing what she wanted. Instead, she felt the cloth between her fingers absently, enjoying the feel between her fingers.

She took another look around and saw a slightly familiar face at the beer booth. The Dunmer with the tattooed face spoke to another Dunmer, and the laughed and grinned for a moment before she turned back around. A jewelry stand caught her eye, and she tugged at abiene's shirt sleeve.

"Look at that necklace!" she gushed, walking over to the booth. The pale green of the Dragon's Eye lid complimented the light azure of the iris. The pupil slightly glowed.

"Is that enchanted?" Kayla asked the booth owner.

She nodded. "All jewelry is hand-blown and enchanted by myself. That particular one wards off harmful magickal spells. It suits Altmer well." The short woman said with a hinting grin.

Kayla smiled. "It's gorgeous, but I'm not one for spoiling myself. I might buy it for a friend, though."

She bent over and looked at more of the jewelry.

[Grits]

Abiene marveled at the blown-glass jewelry. She picked up a pair of earrings to examine them more closely. “Astonishing,” she said. “I would have thought these patterns painted on, but they’re a part of the glass!”

Kayla spoke of buying the dragon’s eye pendant for a friend.

“Did you have someone special in mind who would like that?” Abiene asked, curious but not wanting to pry. “That’s a good idea. Saturalia is in a few months. This might be a good time for me to find something for my sister.”

Sidette preferred the cold glitter of jewels to any amount of artistry, but Abiene liked to think of the hands that made beautiful things. She lingered over the teardrop-shaped pendants. One held a glass rose inside. A tiny glass butterfly perched on it.

“I don’t see hoop earrings, Aravi, but I’m sure there will be a goldsmith somewhere here,” Abiene said. “This is practically a city fair, being so close to Chorrol.”

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla shook her head. "No one in mind, and the only one who would benefit from the charm would be myself." She laughed, then let out a light sigh. "If only I had a sweetheart to buy me things like this. My birthday is tomorrow, and..." she trailed off. "Nevermind." she laughed. "I'm being silly."

No need to feel depressed about getting older. She reminded herself. You've got a high-risk job.

[Grits]

Abiene caught the jeweler’s eye, lifting her brows. The woman’s slight nod told her that she got the message. She was about to turn back to Kayla when someone knocked her off balance.

“Whoa, there,” said a male voice. Abiene found herself placed back on her feet. “Sorry,” the man called back over his shoulder, already two strides away.

“I know you two will want to look at swords and such,” Abiene said to Aravi and Kayla, squeezing the man’s spilled beer out of her sleeve. “Perhaps we should look at all of the sharp things before folks get too inebriated and start waving them around.”

She sniffed her sleeve. “I’m not much of a beer drinker, but I’m sure they’ll sell me some wine.”

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla frowned at the man. "Check your pockets, make sure he didn't take anything. Unless you keep your money in your bra, then you're fine. I didn't see him grope you." she laughed, then looked back at the sword and armor booth and nodded.

"Alright, I'll go check the booths. I think I see some armor from over here." She briefly touched Abiene's arm before heading to the booth with Aravi.

[Darkness Eternal]

Lycus Desselius saw the great festival take place. People representing every race, from every province, crowded the tavern from outside and from within. It was a scene of most robust merriment. Banners hung from around. Tents were set and merchants announced their wares while potential buyers gawked at them. Troubadours performed, the sprightly music of their lutes and harps competing with the high-spirited laughter and chatter of the gossiping and conversating people.

The tables and benches had been set up to accommodate the many courtiers, artisans, soldiers, explorers and all manners of new people. The aroma of meat, roasting in the fire, filled his nostrils. Free beer was being served, which resulted in a heavy group of inbibed men and women attempting to mimick the khajiiti acrobats, dance around in circles, or gaze with awe at the snake-charmer.

Lycus would enjoy to take the time and drink wine and eat. But now was not the time. He would save his mind and his energy for the hunt to come, for it deserved his fullest attention. He was positive one of the men would take at least a bow with them for the journey. That was fine. He would use his spear, and his hunting knife. That was more than enough.

He would travel light. His steel plate armor, and lupine-styled helmet, would be too much of a hinderance rather than a benefit. It would only hold him back. A simple shirt and pants would allow him more movement.

The silver spear he carried on his shoulder had daedric inscriptions along the edge, and some etched along the body. His dagger was also made of silver as well.

This will work fine.

He searched the grounds for his soon-to-be hunting companions, and found them speaking to each other, standing near a crate full of gear.

"Morning." Lycus said to both of them, and stepped in close to eye the weapons and shields before raising a brow to Khan. "You have come quite prepared."

"Our eyes are set for the Great Forest?"

[King Coin]

Aravi’s eyes wandered over the glass jewelry. It was beautiful, but Aravi was interested in something a little less fragile. If she bought one of these, it would likely break in the first fight she got into. I could get something without any enchantments though… Then she would only wear it in towns. Kayla selected an amulet that resembled the eye of a dragon.

Kayla mentioned that it was her birthday tomorrow. I should get her that amulet. I’ll get it when she walks away to the armor stands.

Only she didn’t have the chance. The elf beckoned her along. She caught Abiene's eye before leaving and flicked her ear towards the jewelry stall. She hoped that was enough of a message.

Aravi walked with Kayla towards the armor stands. It occurred to Aravi she had no idea how old Kayla was. Altmer lived a long time compared to other races. She could be a hundred years old for all I know. Or even just in her twenties.

They arrived at the armor stands first. The heavy armors were displayed more prominently here, as they drew more attention and looked the most impressive. There was still a good selection of lighter armors however. Leathers, mails, and more exotic materials were featured. Each one had its merits and weaknesses.“Do you have a preference for a certain material?” Aravi asked Kayla.

This post has been edited by King Coin: Aug 24 2013, 04:32 PM

[Elisabeth Hollow]

"I do, actually." Kayla said. "I prefer leather to metals. Once it breaks in, it's very flexible. and if you wear metal armbands, you can block oncoming teeth that want to bite you." She grinned and mimicked fangs at her neck with two fingers.

"I kind of want a darker leather this time around, though. Mine got stolen in Hackdirt, and by the time I would have put it on, I would have been dead. So I left it." she sighed. Ma'Dat gave me that armor. She knew the old Khajiit would rather his armor be left behind than her dead in a cave, so she wouldn't dwell on it.

"What about you, Aravi?" Kayla felt along the seams of a particularly supple leather cuirass, the dark brown leather stained with intricate and needless designs. Pretty, but useless.

[King Coin]

“I’ve made use of several different kinds of Armor. My favorite is my Elven set actually. It isn’t as flexible as leathers, but it is very strong. Glass is stronger yet, but it’s bulky, on me anyways, and less flexible. It’s also rare and difficult to find.”

She fingered a set of steel mail. “I tried mail once. The ringlets pull my fur.” That was painful.

“So you want leather? Something like what I’m wearing?” She gestured at herself. “It’s comfortable, but there are more protective sets. I usually only wear this to hunt or travel.”

[Grits]

Abiene touched her purse at Kayla’s advice. It was still in her pocket. Probably too light to consider worth the risk. She wasn’t in the habit of carrying much coin, but she did have letters of credit from the Bank of Cyrodiil and the Temple of Zenithar.

Aravi caught her eye as she and Kayla turned toward the armorer. A flick of an ear relayed the Khajiit’s message. She has the same idea about that pendant. Kayla may not have a sweetheart, but her friends love her. Abiene gave a quick wink in reply. As soon as Kayla and Aravi walked away she made the transaction.

“There’s a ten percent discount for cash, today only,” the vendor informed her. “And if you use credit I have to charge you tax.”

Abiene made the notation in the jeweler’s ledger. “That’s too bad for me. I don’t have the gold on me. In fact I could use some extra pocket money today. I forgot it was Harvest’s End.”

The woman pointed to a column on the page. “Write it there if you want cash back.”

Abiene wrote in a figure.

“There’s a fee of course.” The woman added. “And I charge a percentage for the convenience.” She put the sum on Abiene’s receipt.

“That’s highway robbery!” Abiene exclaimed. “Add another leather thong to the box, and tie it with a bit of ribbon. That way she’ll have a choice between black or brown when she wears it.” Probably too late to try the Illusionist’s discount, Abiene thought. Besides, she’s surely wearing enchantments against Charm spells.

Once their transaction was complete Abiene gave the vendor a smile. “Would you happen to have a bag for this? Oh, perhaps a larger one? I might do some more shopping.”

Her progress was cautious on the way to the beer table. Everyone had some kind of mug, tankard, or flagon in hand, and most did not pause their guzzling to watch out for skinny Bretons.

She spied Lycus striding away from the inn, a spear over one unarmored shoulder. He joined a big Khajiit and a Nord who must be part giant. Hunting, she thought. To each their own form of revelry.

Abiene picked up two tankards at the beer stand. She knew Kayla would want one, and if Aravi didn’t want hers it wouldn’t be difficult to find a home for the second one.

Two Dunmeri men stood by the beer barrels. Abiene smiled with recognition, then felt her spirits lift further when she identified her reaction. Recent events might continue to haunt her nights, but upon seeing Sethyas Velas her heart had smiled at meeting a friend.

“Good morning,” she said as the two filled their tankards. “How does the day greet you?”

[Elisabeth Hollow]

"Hmmmm. Something like that," Kayla remarked. "But different bottoms. More pants-like. And shoulder pads. Form fitting. It's difficult to explain," She laughed. "But anyways!" she leaned in, moreso to hide her next remark from the vendor than to have Aravi hear it. She knew she could, Khajiit's ears were more sensitive than other races. "I'm sure they'll charge too much for armor here. I could go inside the city and get what I need for half the price." She laughed again.

"Anything else you want to do?" She asked, glancing at the beer booth. "I might grab a drink."

[Black Hand]

Seth looked over to his side as the mousey Abiene bade them good morning. Recent events had made their acquaintance a much closer one then one would expect after two days. As he had read an Author write once: "When you're with a perfect stranger, and you both know you're going to die, a lot of window dressing gets tossed out of the door."

He returned her smile and 'Good Morning'.

"So far, so good." He said, opting not too mention Eyja and his little sojourn. "Had a fantastic breakfast and now some free beer. No complaints on my end."

He nodded to her. "How's by you? Feeling better?"

[King Coin]

Aravi looked over towards the drink booth, standing on her toes. Even then it was difficult to see through the crowd. She didn't like crowds very much. It was difficult to see being as short as she was, and she always had to be careful to keep her tail out of the way.

"Let's see what they have. I think Abiene is over there. Looks like she's talking to a Dunmer."

This post has been edited by King Coin: Aug 24 2013, 06:02 PM

[Grits]

Abiene at the Beer Stand

“Mmm hmm, much better, thank you. Though I’ll choose my meals carefully for some time yet.” She chuckled at the memory of her digestive disaster. Now that the embarrassment had faded she could see the humor in that situation.

“Yetta’s dinners are as good as her breakfasts,” she continued, “though it seems the inn is cooking outdoors today. Are you staying in County Chorrol for a while?”

Sethyas looked splendid in an impeccably stitched red vest. The other Dunmer was clearly a merchant. Abiene wondered if that was his pack guar over by the stable. Perhaps he will have some hackle-lo for sale.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla nodded and held Aravi's hand, using her height and muscle to pave a way for the much smaller Khajiit through the crowds. She grinned at Abiene as she took a full mug.

"Who's your friends?" She asked, looking at the Dunmer."

[King Coin]

Aravi was glad when the taller woman guided her through the crowd. At the booth she helped herself to a mug of beer and sipped on it carefully. The mug was sized appropriately for a Nord, but was a little much for a woman like herself. Yetta’s doing? She would have to be careful.

While Kayla was looking towards the Dunmer, Aravi shot Abiene a questioning look. Did you get it?

[Black Hand]

Sethyas almost started.

While Altmer were rare to an extent, this was the third he'd met in as many days. A friend of Abiene's as well. He nearly prayed that they were done and over with the pattern that seemed to develop among her acquaintances.

He kept his polite expression on nonetheless and introduced himself.

"Sethyas Velas, Alchemist." His eye flitted over to Abiene momentarily.

"This is Thals Andus, apparently. I've just met him myself. What is your trade, sera?" He asked.

Thals gave a much larger and friendlier grin than most and nodded as he introduced himself. "Trader actually! I'll be in one of the stalls shortly enough. Me and Nally just got here no more than a few minutes ago, and wanted to to parch my thirst before getting to work."

"I specialize in all sorts of exotic Morrowind and Dunmer goods if you're interested. Come by after and I'll give you a nice discount." He offered.

Definitely a Hlaalu. Sethyas thought taking another sip.

This post has been edited by Black Hand: Aug 24 2013, 07:41 PM