Open Chronicles A Stone Faced Mystery.

[Amades]

No Arrow is ever forgotten at Sea​

369
Elbion
Docks District
Portside Street

“Childsplay.” A coin was flicked up in the air and laid to rest on a stone ledge overlooking the ocean, catching the light it was an ugly old thing that was supposedly silver, but looked like it was a fake metal peeling off in places.

Amades grinned at her, that big same immovable grin no matter where they were. Shaking his head. No matter how many times she pickpocketed and then flipped his coin, the game was still as fun as the first.

“When?”

“Lunchtime. ‘member the fish thing.”

“The fish thing?”

“Yep yep he hit you with the fish. ‘member?”

Amades shook his head again, “Didn’t hit me, he slipped.”

“Ha, not what he told me.” The young woman stood up, her brown leathers creaking as she did so and did a little bow, flipping the coin as always and passing it back. She never kept Amades money, that wasn’t the game, she just wanted to see if she was still sharp. They’d been using the same coin now for over five years.

Amades checked his sword and chainmail. He almost appeared as he’d just washed up ashore, which technically was correct. Slumping against the wooden rail his hair had a distinct look of someone who had been traveling for weeks, which was also correct. A small three-mast Carrack sized vessel, much like a ballinger loomed in the background, carrying some 200 crew, many of which were making their first steps inland, or more accurately to a meal or bed. Amades and his companion Tadarie or Arie for short were trying to do the same only without the resting part. Both searats they slept like babes aboard, when they got inland, they just wanted to blow off steam. Sadly they had work to do too.

He pulled out the image he’d been given and looked over it, an old man’s face carved into a small stone tablet.

“Already?” Arie rolled her eyes, “can’t we just, y’know, go party? Sure stone face there is going to be just as stoney tomorrow.”

Amades drained his boot dry then stood up, putting his hand on her shoulder and grinned wide. “You go rest. I’ll get us a head start.” He’d rather take this lead now.

She sighed and sat with him, crossing her arms and picking her teeth with one of her knives. “Right. Right."

With that and some new dry socks, even a bit less sand in the boot, it all began. At a small inn called the Fished Arrow. Inside it was candlelight, not much to look at, a simple wooden interior with simple clientele. There was a single bar, with a single bald man serving, a large man with a friendly enough smile, and a large woman, his wife carrying the food back and forth on trays. It wasn’t a big place or that busy and people kept to themselves.

Ah the food, that smell, it was ambrosia. There wasn’t a fish in sight. This was where the sailors came to escape the seas, for a little bit of heaven. All cooked with love and served happily. The crowds didn’t know about this place, it was for locals looking for a quiet bed and a filling simple meal.

“So uh, where do we begin?” Arie looked about, hands on her hips, her smaller petite frame ready to just walk up to the first person that looked right. Amades scratched the stubble on his face. One clue, needing directions, needing a local or tracker? He'd settle for some grub while they found it.

 

[Zufar el Hassan]

"Begin challenging your own assumptions. Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in while, or the light won't come in."
-Alan Alda
Several pairs of eyes landed upon the new comers, curious of whom had arrived...perhaps an old friend or a neighbor...but instead, two strangers stood at the doorway. Most quickly lost interest, going back to the business that was in front of them; eating, drinking, conversing and the like.

Although one pair of eyes lingered a little longer then the rest...before moving away...back to a book that he had up to this point been content on reading.

This fellow sat at the end of the bar by himself, a half eaten plate in front of him, with a mug of some liquid or another accompanying it. This fellow was easily the most...exotic, of the compatriots at the tavern. Everything to what he wore to the very weapon dangling off of his hips painted a very foreign picture of the man.

Yet, despite his outwards appearance...if one did not actively look...he might have very well faded into the background. Perhaps it was because of his relaxed demeanor, even if his posture was rather firm...leaning back just a bit in his seat, but not exactly tipping on his chair...as he idly held his book open..."An Essay on Liberty"...as it was titled.

Something about all of this painted the man as some sort of gentlmen of higher learning...but at the same time, there was somthing about him that contradicted that fact...

It was this very man whom's eyes lingered a little longer when others looked away...before turning back towards his business...​

 

[Amades]

Taking stock of who might help, the Vos Manti human turned to his companion raising a hand, “How about…” and found she’d already left. Prone to wanderlust Tadarie wasn’t standing put long. Closing his mouth and shrugging, he went to the bar to order first. Ordering a light meal and two drinks, to be served when they were both ready together.

That left his petite companion swaggering through the crowds, whispering in ears, jiggling a few coins to try to get some notice. The information you got from taverns for coin, ranged from very tall tales to shreds of truth, so Amades wasn’t holding his breath. One dwarf threatened to put his stew on her head if she didn’t give him some peace. The Vos Manti grinned and silently hoped that occurred, but to keep the peace he gently escorted his friend away under some light protest. Light protest and some rude faces, with maybe a comment or two about dwarf beards being all show anyway.

Amades cleared his throat and shook his head at the young woman who huffed and leaned up against a nearby wall, having vented enough. It was only then he spotted Zufar el Hassan the man seemingly comfortably at ease here, yet his appearance didn't match the locals. An enigma.

“Good read?”

Assuming he wasn’t rebuffed. He extended a hand introducing himself.

“Amades.”

The blond human took a casual look around the bar once more.

“My friend and I...” Amades continued nodding to Tadarie, who had straightened herself up. It seemed her mood had flipped quickly to be brighter just like the coins she flipped, beaming a smile to Zufar. She looked somewhat elven up close, not a full elf but she had their build if not their height. Even more so than Amades, Arie's face carried more than one mark of a harder life lived, both at sea and on land.

“...are looking for a guide to these parts, might you know of one?” He finished.

“We can pay!” Arie added, and Amades nodded confirming, “that we can.” Arie excitedly insisted, “show him the stone, show him the stone.” He grinned to her and pulled out a small stone carving of a face. “A master mason, or perhaps a local museum might help identify this. Unless you know of any landmarks.”

Upon closer inspection, the stone face carving might appear as if it fitted a groove, or was a rendition of a local landmark, maybe part of a statue that was missing. For the especially keen-eyed it looked perhaps like it had been influenced by supernatural means somehow. What was obvious is there was a clatter of pots from the kitchen, and the door creaked open slightly. The larger woman with their food walked over, though her steps were more guarded than before, “where would you like this?” She asked Amades almost at a hushed whisper, as the table's candlelight flickered oddly.

 

[Zufar el Hassan]

The man would continue reading as the commotion went on around him. Whatever it was that was happening behind him, he didn't seem to take much interest in. It was only when the two had approach him, did he once again take his eyes off of the book.

"Indeed it is...a concept that may drive nations someday...if they ever decide that they wish to achieve somthing greater then themselves..." The man mused in a rather refined manner, as he watched the fellow extended his arms at Zufar. Closing the book with one swift motion and placing it down on the counter, Zufar would take the man's hand in a firm grip, nodding a little as he introduced myself. "...Zufar...and better we keep it at that...for now."

As Zufar let go of the Amades hand, his eyes shifted towards Arie, raising an eyebrow at the women but saying nothing. Seemed the two were seeking somthing...

"Rather interesting you would ask a man such of myself...I am a clearly a traveler, just like you...though if I read the maps correctly, the paths to travel to the next settlement is as easy as falling the dirt path." Zufar had a way about him when he said. It was a calming tone, but it did little to betray what he was feeling at the moment. "...I will admit, I am rather curious about what it is you seek around here...it is not a big port by any stretch of the imagination...and I wouldn't think there are many interesting sightseeing opportunities."

Then the man took out a piece and showed it to Zufar, as both him and his companion seem to become worked up by it. Not this seemed interesting enough.

"What a fascinating piece...where did you find this?" Zufar asked, as he leaned in to take a closer look at the stone, examining the details of the face, as if his mind was running an analysis of the object itself.​

 

[Amades]

“Greater than themselves?” Amades profession made him naturally curious but also wary of politics, too little of it was about people and everything about land or resources. Respecting the man’s privacy, “Zufar, well met.” Amades grinned at the next comment but said nothing, it was his nature to seek that which was out place on sea or land, man, creature or object.

Where did they find this? There was a pause.

“Shipwreck.” Arie blurted out, Amades smiled and took a breath. True, and from this city but that would need a better answer. He indicated a nearby chair to see if Zufar would let him join his table, if not he sat nearby and prepared space.

“Watch.”

Taking the mug of ale and food from the now more nervous serving lady, he tapped her hand and assured it would be alright, she didn’t seem convinced. Perhaps this tavern had more to it than met the eye?

Putting the stone carving down on a table and getting a mug, Amades nodded to Zufar, while Arie took a step back to watch, tilting her head and signaling they were alone. The Vos Manti also glanced about again casually. Well, they were as alone as they were going to be, more on that later.

Keeping the stone outside the mug, he moved the mug closer to it and the liquid slanted to the side of the container away from the stone, like the opposite side of ale’s surface was weighted down. He let that curiosity sink in and then poured a drop on the surface of the carving. The ale pooled into tear-shaped droplets and ran off its surface one by one, no liquid had touched it.

“Please don’t do that in here.” The woman was fully at the table, crossing her arms, her large frame blocked the view from anyone else looking on.

“Sorry Ruhilda.” Amades apologized, Ruhilda made a series of huffs, her face flushed, “try the sculptors or the museum,” she grumbled before relenting and walking away. Amades nodded and continued, “we explore curiosities to make sure they don't become a problem." The Vos Manti took his hands off the stone and shrugged, “picture another large one of these in a major river or on an aqueduct,” Arie stepped back again and added, “yeah or blocking the sewers," she scrunched up her face.

The candle flickered again and the door banged. An odd draft. A boy scurried off out of the open door, one of the cities street children maybe. Amades facing away missed it, Arie got a look but barely. He’d had blonde hair and was wearing faded rust-red clothing, there looked like a symbol of some kind of the front. "Crabit!" and before anyone could say another word or ask what that word meant, Arie had already bolted out of the same door.

 

[Zufar el Hassan]

"Sculptors or a museum curator will have just as much understanding as either one of us..." Zufar said, retaining his seat and posture, book still in hand as he idly looked upon the strange piece of stone. Despite his relaxed appearance, the object had certainly caught the man's attention. In truth, Zufar himself had a few guesses of the application of this item, or rather, the potential use that such an item could do. A ship that hovered above water was one of them, but he kept the idea to himself. Zufar didn't know for sure...and he didn't always needed to feign that he knew. "...At best, they may have a lucky guess or a piece of trival...no, you'd be better off looking for a historian or archaeologist... preferably one with magical understanding..."

Not that they were many that were right next door. People in general never really had a true applications for the history of past cultures, more concern of parading around their own in some sort of size measuring contest. If they did, they saw them more as trophies to add to their collections. Perhaps it spoke volumes about the insecurities then anything else, but it was still no less a shame.

"Still...a noble service no doubt...perhaps you hold a piece to a larger puzzle..." Zufar seemed to have wanted to say somthing else, but then some commotion happened behind him, causing him to idly turn his attention to the door, only really catching a glimpse of the boy...and that symbol up front...before Aria came into view, following quickly after.

It seemed that the plot would thicken, how intriguing.

"Hmm...he seemed to be off in rather a hurry..." Zufar mused, as he leaned over to get a better view of the two fleeing the tavern, before glancing over at Amades. "...so. ,my friend...shall we follow and see what the commotion is all about?"​

 

[Amades]

Nodding, an architect sounded a good choice.

Amades grinned “she does that.” He had already left some coin on the table, and gone to put another in the hands of the serving woman as he stood, this coin was larger and much like the old one they had been playing with earlier, almost an antique. Ruhilda pulled the large metal token to her chest, there was a nod of understanding and the two split ways for good.

Coming back to Zufar, he barely had his landlegs back yet and was going to have to pass on the meal! “Could be dangerous.” He put a last bite of the food in his mouth as he gathered his gear, “would welcome the company but you sure you want to step down this rabbit hole? ”

If Zufar didn’t come, Amades would give him a friendly nod and wave. Either way, he was out at the door briskly so he didn’t lose sight of the first two. Portside street outside was busy from the ships unloading and loading but not overcrowded, there was room to move and to see the young boy being pursued by the half-elf ahead. Keen to keep them in visual sight, and standing high at times to make sure he didn’t lose eye contact. Thankfully their target was a boy for speed, and his legs were shorter, but because of his size the young boy had the edge at keeping out of sight.

If Zufar had gathered up his gear and accompanied the curious duo, the chase was afoot. Slippery wet stones the ocean often coated to make life interesting for those drinking one too many ales before bed, and a dirty path made for interesting footing. Amades called over, “Think they went that way,” getting bumped about by a procession of dancing gypsies he might have lost an item or two, he certainly lost the last of his food in his mouth. Worse he almost lost sight of the pair as they darted into a nearby alleyway, under clothing lines, over potholes, and past small traders trying to flog their wares. Surely there was at least one almost fresh fish waved in everyone’s face more than once.

Fishy distractions side, the chase went on for some time, until the boy disappeared into a hovel of a house. It looked small but well built, definitely sturdy with a touch of artistry to the stonework. Adrie was nowhere to be seen, and Amades was out of breath, hands on his knees and bent over trying to form words and inhale at the same time. He raised a finger pointing the way the chase had gone if indeed their new companion was still following the strange pair.

“Door…”

“Inside…”

He leaned against a wall, and took a sip of water, offering the same to Zufar. Now most people would form some sort of plan, or scout out what they were walking into, maybe even slow down. Most people were not Amades. He went straight up to the circular wooden door, and gave it a few good thumps to see if anyone was in.

There was no answer, just the sound of singing?

He knocked again. The sound of singing improved, it didn’t sound half bad, maybe it was a professional behind the door almost poetic and reaching higher than you’d expect. The door opened to reveal a surly dwarf with a large axe, and a beard down to the floor. He took one look at the disheveled Amades and proudly said...

“Not buying.”

...And shut the door in his face.

Aside from the singing curiosity, there was familiar-looking craftsmanship to the stone on the outside wall, not a face, but the stone was well worked. Maybe Zufar had a better approach?

 

[Zufar el Hassan]

"Well...I've been told...that no matter how deep I get...I am quite good at...pulling out, so to say...when things get a bit too hot..." Zufar mused as he watch Amades run off, snapping shut the book in his hands and idly depositing it into a satchel that had been dangling off his body, before pushing himself off the stool and following suit.

The chase itself was much easier on Zufar then it was for his current companion. It would appear that without the weight of armor, his movements were easier to achieve, swerving in and around crowds with little effort. In fact, compare to Amades, Zufar looked as if he was taking an afternoon stroll, given how little effort he had to make weaving up and down, in and out of any obstacles ahead. But the man never sped up in his movements to surpass the one in front of him, even pausing at moments to allow Amades to keep moving forward.

Perhaps Zufar didn't want to expend the energy, or perhaps he was just looking out for his new acquaintance. As Zufar ducked under the next fish vendor swing about his ware, he stepped up towards the group of gypsies, grabbing the stolen item from a very surprised gypsies. It was then, he turned so he was moving with his back moving forward, mouthing a "Love the way you move" before giving her a sly grin and a nod, then casually spinning back around to follow his companion.

As Zufar approached the end destination, he quietly stepped behind Amades and inserted the item back into it's rightful place before the fellow had even noticed his presence. As Zufar stepped back to the side, Amades would notice him and gesture at the door.

"I'm fine, thank you..." Zufar smiled, his breathing in comparison was lighter then Amades, as he walked on over to the other side of the door, leaning casually against it and watched. After the door had slammed shut, Zufar now had his eyebrow raised, with an amused smile taking form.

"I don't think we were selling...but you know dwarves..." The man seemed to chuckle, almost as if he knew from experience. Zufar would look up to his two acquaintances, giving them a shrug, before continuing. "...so...what shall we accomplish now?...There's a few ways we can try in order to get in...some of which might attract the authorities...but only if we get sloppy..."

Zufar then looked at the door, his smile retained as he continued to muse. "We can obviously break down the door...which most likely would be the path of most resistance...or we can trying picking the lock to a side door...if it even has one...alternatively, we can try speaking with the dwarf again, but I doubt we'd get that far...although...I do have...a companion that might be able to help with this...of course, we can simply walk away, and pretend it is nothing...the choice is yours...chief..."​

 

[Amades]

Actually, he hadn't met many dwarves. The young Amades looked at the door and scratched his chin. Resisting the urge to knock harder, this time with his foot. He broke into a sideways grin and shrugged at Zufar. Still a young sailor and not used to leading so much as just reacting to whatever happened.

Another decision to make.

“Too important to leave that here.” He called behind him to wherever Adrie was hiding, “Airs? You there?” There was a short pause and a particularly sassy bird call made in response, probably because Arie was amused also at the predicament. Inevitably she was there, the side lock was already being picked by deft petite hands suited to the task. Unlike what the stories told, it takes time to pick a lock even if you are good at it, and even simple dwarven locks are often no joke. Thankfully Tadarie Valandere their city elf companion was a locksmith, among other things.

Finding cover in some dry bushes and deciding to make small talk in the downtime, “find yourself in these situations often?” Amades grinned, going quiet as a pair of footsteps signalled some strangers walking off down another alley. “Owe you for this help. Won't forget it.” He peeked up over at the lock picking, content to sit it out for now. The company was refreshing but beyond that, another pair of eyes from Zufar were very helpful, especially if the young boy made a break out of a window. Maybe he spotted something?

How much easier it would be to flash some city credentials and get access the right way, sadly nobody but the most bookish scholar had heard of his order. Amades took off his chainmail, which left him in a tunic, and put it in his small traveling bag, it weighed a ton but it made him much quieter. Laboriously he removed all metal or odd tidbits from his person, leaving himself considerably plainer, keeping the sword and swordcatcher on his belt but that was about it.

Resting his head against the stone Amades looked up, catching some rest and hoping for the same for his ears. Inside the singing had reached a crescendo, the dwarves voice now mimicking that of an amateur opera singer, loud and boisterous.

There was a click of the lock and arie bowed a flourish, immediately heading inside.

They were in.

Clan Everstone​

Inside it was a simple house, well made like the outside, with accomplished masonry evident along the walls, symbols of clan and home engraved in practical places. The grey polished stone floors were slippy to leathery boots, and regular shoes had to be made in small steps to avoid noise echoing outward.

Singing was coming from the left of them, and snoring from the right. There were three doors ahead and to each side, Arie was out of sight still. Amades crept in further keeping low, he looked over to Zufar and waited tensely. The snoring had stopped… then it started again.

There was no sign of a boy yet. What if he made a break out of a side door they didn’t know about? Did Zufar have a way of narrowing their search or distracting the inhabitants, muffling the sound? Ouch, more importantly, who lines their walls with axes!

Tags:
Zufar el Hassan

 

[Kara Orin]

Footsteps approached Amades, the gang, and Zufar el Hassan. A normal pace – not hurried. No attempt to be quiet just as the other pedestrians walking around. The sound approached as Aire finished her work on the door’s lock.

As the sound’s source – Kara – turned the corner, the boy’s began to enter the building. Kara sported a dark cloak and hood with the College’s symbol on her back. Her arms and hands remained hidden under the cloak. The hood’s shadow partly obscured her face.

Kara stopped at the sight of the open door to Clan Everstone to take a silent look. Then, she continued to approach the house…

 

[Zufar el Hassan]

"More often then I would like..." Zufar chuckled, as he mused over at the picklocking elf. As natural masons and architects, dwarves were often quite particular about their entrances and exits, it was why their fortresses were often hard to break. Sneaking into one was difficult in of itself...might have been easy to sneak around a dwarf out of their quarters, but it was going to be even more challenging sneaking around their home. As Zufar looked on from his position, having followed and occupying a blindspot, leaned back into his corner and closed his eyes.

If she had trouble, he'd be able to pick it. But this wasn't his crew, thus it wasn't his call to make...besides, it was much less effort just to watch then to do...

Zufar shook his head.

"There is no need for thanks...I'm just a...curious individual..." The man would say, lowering himself into his squat, lowering his head as if he was to rest. After a bit, Zufar heard that satisfactory click from where he was, and opened his eyes, turning with a smile to see the gates to the dwarf's home opening.

This was going to be fun.

They entered the building as quietly as they could. Unlike his more heavily armed companion, Zufar didn't need to remove any equipment, as he stepped into the room as light as a feather, sneaking just behind Amades.

The room what Zufar expected; smooth, dwarven architecture, with their prized weapons astrewn all over the place. Zufar himself had on a few occasions, visited a dwarven hold himself, so the style was quite similar...a piece of somthing much more impressive. Still, they weren't here to marvel at the architecture, they were here in search of someone.

Zufar allowed Amades to take the lead, creeping up just behind him, lowering himself in one step as he moved for the next corner. But just then, a noise caused Zufar's ears perked up.

"Someone approaches from the rear." Zufar whispered, as almost leaping into a nearby blindspot, ducking into the shadows, before holding still. Who was this individual? And why had she followed? Perhaps the same reason as Zufar? Another curious individual?​

 

[Amades]

Snoring continued in a familiar rhythm. An odd pause happening every minute or so, to then restart, Amades had no time to consider that puzzle because Zufar warned him of the danger behind, things were getting interesting. He couldn’t see Arie ahead or warn her again, she really had a way of disappearing promptly into and out of trouble.

Those three options loomed into view, the two doors with noise and one without. He sneaked forward to the quieter door ahead, avoiding the chance of being spotted behind, having to move faster than anticipated.

Peering through the keyhole to spot various foodstuffs and wine, it seemed like a pantry and a good place to hide. While the door looked normal it was extremely sturdy and heavy to move. Slowly easing the stone door open, it made a clear noise but thankfully was drowned out by the solo dwarven opera going on in the background.

Nodding to Zufar that it was clear, then sneaking into the pantry he could only hope the boy hadn’t made an escape elsewhere. There were two side doors, one into an impressive enough cooking area for a small house, and another around back into the front rooms where the singing was coming from.

There were barrels around, boxes and a large wooden cellar door downward. Places to hide. Zufar with his keen eyesight probably spotted it before Amades, one of the barrels moved and tried to make a break for it. Which was a bit comical as the tiny feet underneath it gave the game away.

Outside as curiosity mounted and as Kara Orin perhaps came closer into the doorway she’d hear sounds behind her! Two more dwarves arriving apparently, both chatting away to each other in a stonetongue accent, which sounded a common slang derivative. Most of the words landed in common tongue, apparently, they were discussing whether the clan’s pride could suffer a certain singer putting on another public opera, and what to do about it. They had paused to smoke an oversized pipe, probably to relieve some stress. Maybe Zufar heard the voices coming from the side?

Choices came about whether to enter to hide for all four of them now, or whether to run and risk being spotted!

Inside the walking barrel tried to pass by Zufar to see what he’d do. That same boy inside his wooden hiding spot well and truly caught, playing an I can’t see you so you can’t see me game apparently. One thing was for sure, they were not getting out the side door with the boy without being spotted, and questioning him in hear was a delicate matter. Oh and he'd just tried to plan a shiny expensive pebble in Zufar's pocket.

Tags:
Kara Orin
Zufar el Hassan

 

[Kara Orin]

Once Kara reached Clan Everstone’s doorway, she examined it for a few seconds. Her hand emerged from under her cloak to push upon the door – nudging the unlocked door slightly open. She then took a couple steps back. She looked around the house – eyeing any lights coming from within. A faint smile appeared on her face when she could just barely the opera from within.

Then, the voices of two dwarves from behind caught Kara’s attention. She looked back for a second – just a second.

In no time, Kara’s attention returned to the door. She gave a small cough. Then,

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Kara’s fish knocked loudly on the wooden door. She then pushed the door open.

“Excuse me!” Kara announced, “It’s Kara!”

As a regular client of Clan Everstone, Kara just let herself in…

 

[Zufar el Hassan]

Zufar peaked out of his hiding spot, watching as Amades crept towards the pantry, griming in the process, as he thought this might of been the worse time to grab a snack. Regardless, Zufar followed suit, creeping up behind his companion and taking a glance inside.

"There" Zufar whispered as he pointed at the moving barrel, an eyebrow raised but his smile persistent. This one...could of used more practice.

Zufar, quick on his feet, silently stepped over to a nearby box. Giving the box a feel for it's weight, he would quielty lift it up, and bring it about to the box. With the boy's vision as narrow as it was, he wouldn't realize that Zufar had just creeked up to him with a box full of...tools? And they were heavy. With a heave, the man brought the tool box to bear, almost placing it ontop of the moving barrel. The weight was what done it, as the boy only got a few more steps before having to drop the barrel, effectively pinning him where he was.

With the boy immobilized for the moment, Zufar turned his attention quickly to his companions, bringing up his pointer finger to his lips to tell them to be quiet, before gesturing at them to follow. Zufar would then quietly move over to another stack, pushing the barrels quietly to the side, opening up an area for them to enter...before Zufar would push the barrel back into place if they got in...or if the sound crept closer to the pantry.

They would have to wait things out before they'd make a move, perhaps this new comer would serve as a good distraction...if that didn't work, Zufar had a couple of tricks up his sleeves...​

 

[Amades]

Zufar el Hassan | Kara Orin​

Following into safety to hide, he tried his best not to sit in any fruit or squash a certain cherry pie with his knee, though sorely tempted to take a swig of the amber liquor by his side, winter 315, it was older than him. Even the dwarves stockpiles were ancient. When settled away, Amades shot Zufar an appreciative look, he’d done well there to stop a potential noise, and seemed a practiced hand at finding his way out of tight spots. Barrel boy was boxed in, dwarves were piping away happily, with evermore dramatic singing going in full swing, only then came the knock. You can be sure there was some operatic grumbling going on from inside in response.

Lost in his performance, “not buying,” came the shout from somewhere at the front room, and rustling as the inner door opened to greet her. The singer was half starting his voice up again, finding the right pitch, “by the wayresters ironbeard, Kara Orin!” Grumler brushed himself down, tiding his ample draping beard in his belt “Is it college business? Come for some fine stonecrafts fer yer studies?” Dropping the operatic bent to his manner, he actually came across half friendly in a, flog your own grandmother for six coppers kind of way, but then Grumler had always been that way since he was a youngun.

To the first of the pipe-smoking dwarves Dwomraeth, Grumler was indeed young. Entering inside after Kara, he took his helmet off. “Ms Olin,” Dwomraeth’s wrinkly old face should have been dead fifty years ago but he just kept on keeping on. He’d tell you hard stonework and not to moan too much was his secret. As for his much younger great-grandson Thakomli, at only 75 years old he was just a pup in dwarf years, and almost gleamed he was so unnaturally tidy. “Don’t talk her ear off Grumler,” Thakomli muttered.

Snoring started back up, only it was walking in the hall toward the pantry… If eyes went downward they’d see a small green lizardlike pet that made a snoring noise as it walked, an eccentricity from the southern holds. It moved into the pantry, mimicking its sleep somewhere near Zufar, only for the noise to stop as it went still. “I’ll get it…” Thakomli sighed and walked off after it coming toward the pantry. Though small it had a tendency to bite, the loud sleeping sound was a way of scaring off most predators, so effective that it even worked on humans or dwarves. They made great deterrents to burglars…

Amades looked out from the hiding spot with one eye, holding his breath, and hoping to lady luck that barrel boy didn’t rattle too much or Zufar sneeze. Wait a minute, where was Arie?

...

...

There was a shrieking sound.

OOC: All NPCs free to use.

 

[Kara Orin]

Kara smiled at the sight of the greedy Grumler.

“Hello, Grumler,” Kara said in greeting as Dwomraeth entered.

“Mister Dwomraeth,” Kara replied even as the venerable dwarf butchered her name. She then gave a simple wave to Thakomli as he entered.

“And sorry for disturbing you,” Kara said as she turned back to Grumler, “But yes, of course I’m here for your master stone works.”

Kara looked down to see the sleepwalking lizard. She chuckled at the Clan’s mascot.

After Thakomli went to fetch the reptile, Kara began with, “I have a new design this time, and-”

The shrieking sound interrupted Kara. She looked around and turned to Grumler and Dwomraeth to see their reactions. This was their home, after all…

Zufar el Hassan Amades

 

[Zufar el Hassan]

Well this was curious, a reptile that made a snoring noises. Zufar had seen many reptiles in his life times, but hardly any that was capable of making such a noise as what he had observed crawling under the pantry door. Perhaps he'd acquire about it...although he knew a certain somebody won;t be happy it.

After all, his trusty companion hardly ever liked competition.

Regardless, Zufar didn't move a muscle from his position. Some people might have been startled, even make a grab at the lizard, which would have caused more problems.

At this point, Zufar glanced over to his current charge, looking at him directly, as he brought up a finger up to his lips to indicate the "be silent" sigh. The man would then turn his attentions to the door in anticipation, with any luck the dwarf would simply go away....

Then, the shrieking occur, which was a bit startling to Zufar, but he kept his outwards cool...Although it didn't take his brain long to have a suspect in mind. Was it there third companion? Where was she? Has somthing happened to her?

Zufar kept his position, but glanced over and gave Amades a questionable but cool look. Most people might have reached for their weapons when hearing the noise of someone in distress, but Zufar's hands were in a position to help him escape faster. But now was the question: Should they reveal themselves or lie in wait.

Zufar didn't know enough of the situation to sally forth, so he was not proactive after the shrieking, hanging back in anticipation. Perhaps patience would yield better results...they'd save their card...hopefully Arie, if it was Arie, would not be mortally harmed...but playing their hand too early.

Afterall, they're still was the boy...

Regardless, if Amades moved, Zufar would not hesitate to follow suit. This was not the first bind Zufar had been in, and it certainly would not be his last...​

 

[Amades]

Tags: Kara Orin | Zufar el Hassan​

Stuck in an oversized cupboard with several angry dwarves outside was one thing, but hearing the familiar shriek that was usually only reserved for small spiders was another. He put a palm to his face and drew it down slowly, his eyes squinting outward through the wood.

Tadarie was somewhere behind a cluster of apples, the lizard crawling up her leg, apparently thinking the spider on it was a good meal. None too happy Thakomli picked Tadarie up and put her under his arm to carry her out, under a fair amount of protest “Caught another after the apples!” Thakomli carried the vaguely apple-smelling Arie over beside Kara and plopped her down.

“But, I don’t even like apples!” Arie protested, lizard still happily perched on her leg, “shoo, shoo!”

Grumler did as his unfortunate namesake suggested and grumbled, only in a very overdramatic way. Mostly because his sale to Kara had been interrupted right at its apex. Putting the back of his hand to his forehead like any good actor.

Holding his helmet in his hands, “Ms Oran, ‘tis a terrible mess here.” Dwomraeth offered sympathetically, “the youngun’s be havin’ no respect,” he shook his head frowning in a rather sad way for the old dwarf, name butchery continuing. Speaking of butchery, Thakomil was instead furious, gripping his axe like he had a mind to use it. “Thought you could be robbin’ us fer three days straight!” An overly reddening dwarf face threatened to burst if pressed the wrong way, “now where be our missin’ stonework hmm!”

With just one glance to Zufar. As always Amades stepped first, thought second, “There is a good explanation for all this.” his heavy footsteps burst in, moving in front of his companion protectively. Scratching the back of his neck, “I just can’t think of what it is.” He couldn't risk exposing this secret further.

Grumler got halfway through saying “who,” then “why,” then “what in the nine underhill kings blazes is going on here!” The dwarf looked about for answers to everyone, his fellow Dwarves, Kara, Arie, Amades and eventually even the lizard. "Just how many people are living in the pantry?"

Had Zufar a way out? Was Kara going to turn Zufar and the boy in for robbery? Plus by her side it looked like Thakomli was ready to start swinging now if not hindered. Many dwarves were very protective of their homes, even more so than humans. He was only hesitating because Kara and the older dwarf were here.

And... from in the pantry, a barrel moved under a heavy toolbox, tiny feet not making much progress but threatening to make more noise near Zufar.

 

[Kara Orin]

As Thakomil carried out Arie, Kara silently examined the supposed petty thief. She looked at the hungry lizard attached to Arie’s leg. She smiled at Dwomraeth’s comment, and did not give much of a response to Thakomil’s growing axe-wielding rage.

When Amades suddenly emerged, Kara stepped back. Her head tilted up with a stern look. Her body tensed up. Once Amades spoke, Kara apparently relaxed a bit.

“Wouldn’t be surprised if his whole family was in the pantry,” Kara mused aloud.

Turning to Thakomli, Kara asked, “Maybe the guards can take these two apple thieves off your hands.”

The Elbion courts have ruled in favor of house owners killing intruders in the night for self defense. Yet, Kara was a still present as a witness to Amades not attacking.

Amades Zufar el Hassan