Open Chronicles On Western Shores

[Damaste Meko]

It was becoming increasingly common for the Junks of Eastern merchants and traders to come and sell their wares to the cities of the western continent. But it was odd for an entire fleet of them to suddenly arrive in the Allirian Strait asking permission of the council to bring their cargo ashore. Of course their request was quickly accepted after the proper bribes were made, and soon the docks were bustling with new activity as dock workers and eastern merchants began working.

It was to this bustle that the most important passenger in the fleet stepped off the boarding plank and onto the docks. The stone buildings and walls and towers rose before him. A place of industry to be sure, and supposedly luxury for the weary traveler.
Meko looked over the bustle of humanity while several of his guards moved ahead to secure an unhampered path for him to walk through the crowd.
His dark eyes scanned over everything he saw with that unwavering smirk plastered on his face. yes, there was much coin to be made here, but first things first, one had to spend a little especially after a long dull voyage. He decided he wanted to treat himself to visiting one of the closest taverns that the ship captain had recommended.

Losing little time he began walking away from the docks to finally get to see what was so great about western civilization. In spite of a few interesting sights here and there it didn't seem very advanced at all to him.
Perhaps their taverns had a better atmosphere, it was good to see how the commoners and working class operated before listening to the lies of nobles and bureaucrats.

 

[Roan Dorn]

The sound of a door crashing open filled the streets, a man was seen stumbling out of them after being thrown by the figure behind him until he landed in the street as a heap upon the ground with a grown. It was just some drunk or rabble rouser come to start trouble...

"Don't come back if you value your teeth."

...came the warning that accompanied the man as he picked himself up off of the ground before the figure that had thrown him disappeared back inside the tavern.

Like every other tavern on either of the continents it paid to have a bit of security now and then. Roan had come to Alliria after finishing his expedition in the Falwood with Filn Stenlager with the intent to pass through to the Allir Reach and move onwards to the Spine. While he was in and around Alliria he needed to make a bit of extra coin which lead him here.

The Weeping Maiden was a Tavern as popular as any other but it attracted some unsavory clientele. Criminals, Amateur Adventurers, Mercenaries, Thieves. An establishment like this needed someone to keep the atmosphere from getting out of hand which is where Roan had come in. Bartering a few days of service for a room upstairs, a few coins and drinks the Sellsword had landed himself as a Bouncer for his time here.

Once he was back inside he saddled up close to the bar again and started to drink from a mug of ale. Dressed in a tunic, trousers and boots it was difficult to miss the broad shouldered man. A Gladius was worn, sheathed on his left hip incase things were take to far and he kept a purse of coin on his belt as well. Even sitting down Roan would peer back over his shoulder periodically so that he could watch the patrons, as well as those coming and going...

 

[Damaste Meko]

The belligerent man came stumbling out of the tavern and fell in the dust, his face would have landed on Meko's boot if he hadn't lifted his foot as the man crashed to a halt. He set his foot down on the drunk's head, keeping him down for a moment longer.
The shouted warning came, this place seemed respectable enough to hire protection. He took his foot off the man's head and began walking to the door. The drunk got himself up in a red faced rage, about to give him what for until he stood face to face with an armored Eastern guard. He apologetically bowed and went on his way.

Meko entered the tavern with his six guards in toe. His dark eyes scanned the room with that same mirthless smirk on his face. It was rather common, but that was the point of coming here. He went and found an empty table while the guards spread out around him, keeping an eye on the other patrons. Meko took a chair and lounged in it, enjoying the absence of swaying and movement on the ships. When the host came forward to take the Easterners order he was met by a guard but it was Meko who spoke in accented common.
"I'll order your finest beverage and meal. I don't care about the cost so long as it's worth every copper."

With that it was like he'd seen enough and settled to close his eyes as he crossed his arms and legs and leaned back in his seat. He looked every bit like a pompous rich foreign snob, though the sword sheathed at his side was far from ornamental, and even though he seemed relaxed he was actually meditating, his senses open and alert.

 

[Roan Dorn]

The Newcomers were met with a variety of looks. The Junks may have been coming to port for some time now but easterners were still fairly uncommon, especially if you didn't do business with them on the docks. Roan, himself had never seen an easterner prior to this moment when he looked back over his shoulder to see the man flanked by his armored escort.

From his position at the bar Roan could overhear the order from the leader of the group which caused him to chuckle briefly. Maybe he thought he was in an upscale establishment but at the Weeping Maiden the finest beverage and meal likely consisted of ale and a cooked herring on a bet of mash or root vegetables. It met the discerning tastes of the Sellsword but who knows what the Easterner would think.

At this point Roan was more concerned by the looks that the Easterners were receiving. Even in Alliria prejudices weren't unknown and Easterners were unknown to these men. The Tavern was fairly quiet at the moment but there was still a group of shady characters at another table and Roan knew there were other Sellswords here, at least one of whom was leaning on a railing and looking down from the second level. Other than that just the average flair of patrons.

It didn't sit well with Roan to just wait for something to happen which is why he'd have stood from the bar, turned around and moved towards the Easterners. When he came close enough a clear, measured voice was heard addressing Meko Damaste seeing as how he clearly appeared to be the leader of the retinue...

"Nice sword. What do you call that? I'm not sure I've seen one before."

...it wasn't untrue, Roan knew nothing of the eastern culture and many of their weapons seemed slightly different than the sort that were more common in either Liadain or Epressa which was just another way these people stood out.

The Mug of Ale was gripped in his left hand, Roan felt the eyes of other patrons on him. He wasn't well known here even though he'd been keeping the tavern civil the last few days but his size and stature was enough to command some respect from average folk.

 

[Damaste Meko]

He didn't even open his eyes when the older man approached, a guard blocked his path before he came too close but didn't block them from speaking.
He spoke loudly enough for others to hear, the smirk still never left his face.
"It's called a Jian. Twenty-two inches, two pounds steel blade honed to a razors edge."
He finally opened his eyes and examined the old soldier.
"I've already bloodied it on some Kivren bandits on the way here. Perhaps you would like to test it yourself, old man?"

That wasn't a threat, though by the way he spoke with his superior attitude it might come off as such. He really offered to let the man heft his sword if he wanted. His brief look at the hired protection helped him decide that this wasn't a man to lose men over.

He looked at the sword on the mans hip, it looked interesting as well. Almost similar to a Jian, perhaps slightly longer than his own sword.
"Would you mind if I see your sword as well? What's it called?"

 

[Roan Dorn]

Whereas another, younger man might have bristled at being spoken to in such a fashion and with the tone that the Easterner used seeming to indicate his superiority Roan seemed to hardly be affected. He'd been in the service of several lesser Nobles or Knights that spoke similarly, even his friend Jon Horn came to mind briefly. They all had that air of superiority about them.

Looking at the armored escorts Roan seemed to be sizing them up before he raised the mug of ale in his left hand and took a large mouthful of the contents. Once he'd drank he'd nod his head once and reply...

"A Gladius. Probably about the same weight as your own sword. I've never counted how many men I've killed with it."

...bandits mostly but occasionally other men whom he'd had disagreements with. Reaching with his right hand Roan would close his fingers around the hilt of the sword above the pommel then draw it in a smooth, easy motion that was deliberately slow so as not to alarm the escorts. Testing his weight in his grip he'd nod...

"Two pounds, maybe a little over."

...before taking a step around the escort who had blocked his path so that he could lay the sword on the table for the Easterner to look at.

By now the smell wafting out of the kitchen in the back of the tavern would indicate that the food the Easterner had ordered was being prepared. The Server would be coming with a mug of ale before then though.

After setting his sword on the table Roan would wait, stating...

"I will try that sword of yours. A Jian."

...he repeated the name to put it to mind.

 

[Damaste Meko]

The guard allowed him to pass but kept a sharp eye on his every move. Meko didn't seem to notice or even care.

He slid the Jian out of the sheath as he stood up, with far less caution for suddenly movements. He then presented the hilt to the older man as he picked up the hilt of the sword on the table, picking it up and weighing it in his hand and testing the grip.
"We both favor light weapons. This Gladius has good craftsmanship, I like the heft it has towards the tip."
He gave the blade a test thrust, though he made sure to aim over the table away from the man who he now considered his guest.

"Is this Gladius common in the western continent? Seems to be better suited for hacking an arm off and spilling guts, perhaps not as delicate as I would prefer."
He flipped the blade in his hands a few times before he held the sword back to its owner pommel first.
"You're a man of violent means, I appreciate that. Please, join my table."
If presented he would accept his sword back and sheath it in the same motion as he sat down. The host came out with a foaming ale and set it down on the table as soon as the guards allowed him.

He eyed the foaming liquid suspiciously and picked up the large container.
"Time to taste the fabled western ale."
He lifted the mug and took a big gulp. The taste was hardly as refined as he was used to, the alcohol stung his throat all the way down and he fell into a fit of coughing as he set the mug down.

 

[Roan Dorn]

Accepting the hilt of the Jian he would have tested its weight first then made a practice stroke with it. The Jian seemed, to Roan's eye at least a bit longer than the Gladius and with a more slender though no less capable blade.

Testing the blade Roan rolled his wrist in slow motions, executing what would be faster strokes of the sword in a real fight in more controlled and deliberate fashion as he stood across the table from the Easterner...

"Not as fine craftsmanship as this Jian."

...he said, feeling none the worse for it...

"But the quality is good so that the sword doesn't fail in combat."

...which went hand in hand in maintenance. Roan could remember when a lazy Mercenary or Sellsword in any of the companies he'd served in had died amidst a skirmish due to improper care of his weapon. The Jian appeared well cared for.

"Most men prefer a longer sword I think."

...Roan would admit, accepting his Gladius back while presenting the Easterner his sword in return. When he was invited to join the table Roan, seeing no reason not to would accept and take a seat across from his new host while further explaining...

"It's best used for thrusting, the tip is keen and can find its way easily into a man. Not that it isn't equally capable of hacking off a limb."

...the Gladius was referred to as some as a utility weapon, as far as swords went it was adequate for most forms of attack however it excelled at none of them. Often men used it for close quarters combat seeing as how it wasn't as lengthy as larger swords. As the ale came out Roan would watch as the man took a large drink though he was clearly unaccustomed to it and the coughing fit that followed brought on a bit of a chuckle...

"Careful. It'll sneak up on you."

....he refrained from calling him a young man though he was clearly younger than Roan. After the Easterner had caught his breath Roan inquired while also responding to his earlier comment...

"Violence is an occasional necessity in any trade that involves a sword. What brings you to Alliria? I've seen your ships peddling their wares on the docks before but you don't seem to be the sort that would belong on one of them."

....he'd referred to the Junks in a generic sense and made his point with concerns to Meko in that his attire seemed a bit richer than the men he envisioned working on the sips that came into the docks.

 

[Damaste Meko]

After he was finished with his fit of coughing he took another swig, he coughed once but settled down, then he burst into clear ringing laughter, "This certainly is a brutish drink! I think it lends itself nicely to the culture here."
He took another drink, this time he didn't cough. He set the mug down and wiped his mouth before leaning on the table.
"Those ships you refer to are all mine. I'm a prominent merchant on the eastern continent and I've decided to expand my trade out to the west. Right now my employees are finding business with the other merchants and inns and taverns to see if they would be willing to by our stock of liquor. But if I can find other business opportunities here I would be more than willing to invest the time and coin."

He hooked another chair with his foot and pulled it closer so that he could prop his feet up on it.
"I must admit. Alliria is far more charming than I expected, in spite of its severely rough edges, but nothing a little refinement couldn't fix. This trading was made possible by the emperors ambassador who's taken up residence in Alliria, the witch of the Dao family. Maho Dao, I doubt you've ever met her. She's worked out trade agreements with several of the major cities here, so you'll be seeing a lot more of Eastern folk in the west."

 

[Roan Dorn]

The Easterner seemed to adjust to the ale he was drinking quickly enough. Roan would watch as his coughing subsided and he took a second drink which he handled much better than the first. The laughter seemed strangely out of place for the Weeping Maiden but Roan was much more interested when the Easterner started to inform him about the ships...

"All of them."

...he seemed surprised to learn that the Eastern owned all the ships he had seen at the docks, as well as many others he had likely only heard about. To his knowledge only the truly wealthy could own such a fleet. When talk turned to other Inns and Taverns willing to buy their liquor Roan found himself intrigued, wondering how different the spirits of the East were compared to those of the West...

"Just what kind of liquor do you have for sale? I've never had your eastern drink before."

The Server would be seen to return as the Easterner hooked a chair with his foot so that he could prop his feet up, the meal they'd be delivering consisting of what Roan had suspected; the fish atop a bed of root vegetables.

As he listened further Roan would have shook his head, indicating the truth of the fact that he had no idea who this Maho Dao was though she must enjoy some influence if she was able to broker such trade deals. Before the Server could leave Roan would have said...

"Another Ale."

...setting the empty Mug down on the table for the Server to take before propping his elbows up on the wood while watching the Easterner. Despite being focused he kept aware of the Armored Men in his peripheral and around the table as well as those elsewhere in the tavern and on the second level. It appeared no one was eager to provoke the Easterner while Roan sat with him though this was also likely due to the armed escort he came with. Nodding once Roan would have inquired...

"Do your trade fleets sail anywhere besides the Allir Reach? Vel Anir or through the Allirian Straight to the Gulf of Laid and Elbion? Aina O' Ka La?"

...despite sounding like he may know about these places the Allir Reach was the furthest Roan had ever been, most of his time had been spent around Vel Anir and the edges of the Falwood. His travels would likely take him further towards the Spine though Roan had heard tales of the Islands of Aina O' Ka La and his mind turned there as well.

 

[Damaste Meko]

"Sake and Amazake, for a taste of the market. We make our alcohol mostly from rice and other grains. Sake is a rice wine and very popular in my country."
He looked a bit skeptically at the food as he pulled his ornate chopsticks from inside his robes. He poked the fish and the stewed vegetables with the sticks before he took a bite. He made a bit of a grimace at the taste.

"The seasonings clash with the fish. Introducing eastern cuisine to this city would be a kindness."
In spite of his words he ate it without further complaint.
He shrugged in response to his last question.
"This has been the first city we've visited. If we have stock leftover we'll visit another city on the way back home."

 

[Roan Dorn]

When the Easterner spoke about way they fermented rice to make their liquor which he named Sake, a Rice Wine Roan seemed incredulous. Until now he'd never heard of someone creating liquor from rice, he'd expect to find that on a plate and not in a bottle which prompted his response...

"Bullshit."

...the word though crude was not delivered as such, in this case it was merely a given remark given that Roan was unable to comprehend that rice and not grain was used in their fermentation process. Not that he was an expert, he drank his ale he didn't brew it.

Despite the Easterners response to the food Roan seemed indifferent, listening as he explained that this was the first city they'd visited. It made sense, Alliria was a metropolis and likely the most profitable market they could have discovered coming across from their own continent.

"If your liquors good I'm sure that it'll sell well. There's always someone looking for a new experience."

...it was at this point that Roan shifted, realizing he hadn't introduced himself and that he didn't know the name of the man seated across from him...

"My name is Roan; I come from west of here, a city called Vel Anir. You don't have any of that sake on you do you?"

...he'd ordered another ale but he was intrigue. Rice Wine, hah, the thought of it.

 

[Damaste Meko]

He chuckled at the crude reaction, he expected no less from a Westerner. But introductions were made so he returned the favor.
"Damaste Meko."
He then turned to one of the guards and spoke in their native tongue. >"Give him your flask."<
The guard reached to the small clay pot on his belt decorated with eastern lettering, removed the cork and handed it to their guest.

"Rice is a grain as well, so it should follow that one could easily make alcohol from it."

 

[Roan Dorn]

He really had no idea. The best Roan could hope for when it came to brewing his own drink would amount to something that didn't taste completely like piss.

Nodding once he'd have committed the name of the Easterner to memory, Meko Damaste shouldn't be to hard to remember it had a unique flare that accompanied it. When one of Damaste's Escorts uncorked the elaborate clay pot on his belt and handed it over Roan took a moment to admire. The letting interested him.

Raising the flask he'd weave it under his nose slowly, taking a whiff of the aroma before touching it to his lips so that he could indulge in a slow, deepening swig of the contents. The taste was mildly sweet but clean. As Roan lowered the flask he'd have cleared his throat indicating a few of the flavor notes had caught him at the end...

"Not bad. I could see how that would sneak up on a fellow."

...a chuckle accompanied the comment and he would have the flask back to the Escort he'd accepted it from while watching Meko from across the table. It felt somewhat better knowing the name of the man who was sitting across from him.

The Ale he'd ordered arrived shortly thereafter, the Server setting it down while Roan turned his gaze so that he could survey the room around them...

"Hope you don't mind being stared at."

...he'd noticed the group at one of the other tables was still paying close attention to him, prejudices came easy when the unknown was involved...

"How well do you know how to use that Dao?"

...Meko had mentioned bloodying it on some Kivren bandits but with an armed escort like this that didn't mean much. The Mercenary was just putting it out there, it always paid to be ready when you were in a foreign land...

"Ever been in a bar fight?"