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Post by TheZebraShakes™ on Sept 5, 2007 16:22:27 GMT -5
(On the road, Garor casts Detect Magic in an attempt to confirm or put to rest his suspicions that it may be magic which effects Marlowe.
results
Ana and Marlowe are not surrounded by any auras of magic
Edrianna and Noic wear rings which radiate magic, Edrianna's sparkling diamond ring possesses a faint degree of abjuration, Noic's ring radiates faint conjuration
Askr possesses a faint aura all his own. Not uncommon amongst sorcerers and other creatures possessing a natural magical quality. . . like elves)
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While Jade takes orders, Noic presents his two flasks and inquires as to the cost of filling them with some strong ale.
Jade nods. "We can fill them up with some of the good stuff for, uh. . . about five gold each."
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Marlowe takes a step back at the initial surprise, but as he looks down at the barmaid, recollection crosses his face and he draws her toward him with one arm while the other still remains at his side, clutching the bag which he carries.
Askr pokes fun at the situation with a joke and a hearty laugh while Ana rises from her seat and moves slowly toward the pair. Edrianna simply looks on.
"Marlowe," Jade says, tightening her grip on him.
"Calm down girl," he says in a low voice, Ana notices that he attempts to remove himself from the barmaid's hug.
Jade's voice drops to a hushed whisper, though Ana is able to hear what she says.
"I'm so glad to see you here again. I really have to talk to you. I can't do this anymore, please. Later, when the place is asleep."
Ana, sense motive
[dice=20] +1
Jade is scared.
Marlowe nods as the barmaid releases him. He looks up to see Ana crossing the room.
"You needn't worry about 'saving my hide'" he resorts to Garor's terminology. "I know this one, she is harmless." he places a hand upon Jade's red curls and then moves to the table with the others where Jade brings forth more wine, tea, and ale.
(feel free to settle any business here)
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When all are tired and that time to sleep finally rolls around, The dwarves head outdoors.
Garor finds a nice spot beneath a tree on the grounds where the rain does not fall to harshly upon him and no walls threaten to trap him.
Noic heads to the stables where the stablehand is finishing up his chores.
Seeing the dwarf set up a bedroll, he laughs a bit.
"You know this is an inn right. There's beds inside so you don't gotta sleep out in the stables." the boy shrugs his shoulders.
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Marlowe opts to take a room for himself,
Askr also gets his own room, and when he is ready to sleep, hits the mattress and is out like a light, snoring loud as the day is long of course.
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Ana heads into the room with Edrianna, who begins taking off her jewelry and placing it upon the nightstand beside her. Ana catches the prismatic sparkle of the diamond as it plays with the lantern light.
Edrianna yawns, "It's been such a long day."
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(Just want to stop here to settle any further business and see if anyone has any special plans for the night besides sleeping.)[rand=7255349173692444400978370845003444143927793581705289255877402402]
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kidshadawau
Adventurer
I do not want your poor, your hungry, your tired, your sick, but your corrupt i will claim.
Posts: 47
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Post by kidshadawau on Sept 5, 2007 17:38:26 GMT -5
noic brushes big john down to a beautiful shine and then rests not to far from his horse puting his horse tying a string around horse's tail and a can almost on night watch while i sleep
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Post by TheUdjat on Sept 5, 2007 18:18:54 GMT -5
Ana nods as Marlowe addresses her and, without another word on the matter, retreats back to the table. At some point during the evening, however, she pulls her comrades aside - probably while they're working out sleeping arrangements.
"Listen. Something strange is afoot with Marlowe and this barmaid. She knows him, and wishes to talk to him about something - she's afraid. We should look into this, with the way Marlowe's been behaving of late. Askr, I would consider it a personal favor if you could non-chalantly ask around about the barmaid, see what information you can dig up on her from the locals. We should also keep up a cursory guard tonight - I, for one, will be wanting to follow this little midnight meeting of Marlowe's." She regards them for a moment. "Thoughts? We should work together on this."
Later, when she is upstairs with Edrianna, she takes note of the woman's jewelry, particularly the diamond ring. She watches the other half-elf for a moment. "It has indeed been a long day." She frowns slightly. "Edrianna, I have a question. About the ring - and Marlowe. He's been out of sorts lately, as you've told us, and spoke to me personally about being upset with women - he seemed to focus on jewels." She pauses for a moment, considering the hunch that has been nagging her for the past day. "What was the ring originally for, Edrianna? You said that you decided to keep it for yourself, but what was it originally for? It is a masterpiece, and surely not just an ordinary object to be vended. Does your keeping this ring have anything to do with Marlowe being upset at you?"
(Will probably continue the conversation, contingent on what Edrianna says.)
Ana feigns going to sleep until Edrianna's breathing is rhythmic and deep, and then she rises. She creeps to her door, cracking it open very faintly. Standing just on the inside, she watches the hallway as secluded as she can manage, keeping her vision trained on Marlowe's door.
She will attempt to follow the jeweler to his clandestine meeting.
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Adventurer
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Post by on Sept 5, 2007 18:40:30 GMT -5
After Ana comes back over and sits down to talk with the group, Askr replies quietly, which might draw attention as he normally is as loud as an ox, "Of course my dear! Anything for a pretty lady," and with a sly smile he leans back in his chair and lets out a loud laugh, "HA! That's a good joke my dear. Never thought I'd be hearing that from you!" It would be obvious to Ana and his companions that he was just trying to make it less obvious that they were whispering back and forth, but to others it might be more convincing.
bluff+8
[dice=20]
10+8 = 18 (Opposed Sense Motive DC18)
After an hour or two and a few more drinks later, Askr will wave the bar maid over. Using the fact that his mug is empty he'll strike up conversation.
(OOC) - Using Diplomacy I'll try to befriend the lady and try to learn some information about her relationship with Marlowe. If that fails, then I'll go ahead and cast charm person on her to learn what I can.
Diplomacy +6
[dice=20]
18+6 = 24[rand=49074556844109658877666338156775035701081293258336857975467830311]
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Post by TheZebraShakes™ on Sept 5, 2007 23:52:08 GMT -5
ASKR
Askr takes the initiative and goes straight to Jade to find out what's up between her and Marlowe rather than taking Ana's suggestion to ask around with the other patrons and staff.
When the group has gone off to prepare for sleep and the last of the patrons finish up their drinks and begin heading off as well, Askr finds Jade at work piling up mugs and dishes onto her tray and wiping down the tables.
Though she is obviously not in a cheery mood, Askr manages to bring a smile to her face with some of his best jokes and a nice conversation starter, speaking a bit of himself to earn her trust and get her to open up a little about herself and how she knows Marlowe.
He comes to find that Jade is the innkeeper's daughter. She's been helping out for a while now, serving and cleaning ever since her mother passed away.
She speaks of Marlowe.
"He passes through here all the time. Well, not all the time, but whenever he's gotta make a trip to Bridgeport. His business partner is usually with him. I'm surprised he came alone this time. Maybe that's why he brought more guards than usual."
"We're just good friends I guess. I was kind of disappointed though when he told me he was getting engaged to be married." She blushes, gasps , and brings her hand to her mouth as if she has just realized something.
"Oh dear! Was that her? I didn't even think. But she had a ring. I'm so stupid. Now he'll never do it"
She sets her tray down and turns to hide her face.
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ANA
At Ana's question, Edrianna picks up the ring and thinks for a moment.
"I don't think the ring has anything to do with that. Well. . . maybe."
She frowns. "Maybe my keeping it was a bit insensitive."
"You see, a couple of months ago, we were fortunate enough to get our hands on some excellent uncut diamonds. Now, I didn't want to mention Marlowe's private matters out of respect, especially in front of everyone, but at the time, he was very deeply in love with a young woman and wanted her to be his wife. I suggested that he take one of the diamonds so that we could fashion a ring for her."
"We did begin work on it, but one night when I was staying late in the shopCecilia's voice and. . . well, I thought she was there with Marlowe, so I thought it best to sneak out."
"But it wasn't Marlowe. It was his brother, my apprentice. I had to tell him. I knew he was devastated afterwards, but he is not one to let his emotions show. Once ties were cut with the two, he acted as if nothing had happened and got right back to working. He even insisted that we finish the ring."
"He's been very cold though, and miserable. He is perhaps just as angry with me as he is with his brother and Cecilia. I guess you are right, my keeping the ring does not help matters. Though we did of course change the intended design as best we could."
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Post by TheUdjat on Sept 6, 2007 8:01:23 GMT -5
Ana nods, thinking over what Edrianna's told her. "Well, if I were in Marlowe's shoes..." She pauses, then looks at the woman. "In a sense, I can understand his anger, but he is handling it poorly. I think he is directing it where it ought not to go, but I do not think keeping the symbol of his failed relationship so close is a good idea. People can behave... strangely in the grip of grief and anger. They can seem to be better when they truly are not - when beneath the surface, far more is at work."
"Though it is hardly my place to say so, Edrianna, I think it unwise for you to keep the ring. Giving it to Marlowe may help him confront his grief - and if he wishes not to see it, it is his to sell. I also don't think this matter is settled with his brother. Marlowe does not strike me as the kind of person to 'let things go'. I do not think him a bad person, but I would treat him gently."
She pauses to let her words sink in, then shifts the topic slightly. "On the subject of Marlowe and women, is the barmaid we saw today, Jade, familiar to you? She certainly seemed to know Marlowe well, and perhaps feels affections for him. Have you not seen her before on your previous travels?"
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Adventurer
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Post by on Sept 6, 2007 8:51:51 GMT -5
"My dear, my dear, that woman is his aunt! Hahahaha! To confuse the two woman would be tragic to say the least. Now calm yourself pretty las, you need not worry about Edrianna." Askr will get up and walk over to Jade. He puts his hand on her back to make sure she's alright. "Come now, have a seat for a second and let those weary feet have a rest."
Moving back over he sits down with a thump. "Oh, guess my legs were tired too, ha! Now, if you two were just friends my dear, why are you so worked up about who he's with and what will he not do? And don't worry las, it's alright, I'm a good listener and a good spirit. Plus, I may be able to help you." With his large smile on his plump and flushed face, Askr looks the gentle kind hearted type.
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Post by TheZebraShakes™ on Sept 6, 2007 13:55:18 GMT -5
ASKR
"His aunt," Jade shakes her head. "None of my aunts look like that." She forces a laugh, though it seems that she is clearly having trouble believing this.
"Well, I suppose it doesn't matter anyway. I'll tell you and you'll think it's stupid because I'm just a barmaid and I saw you talking with that woman with the sword and I bet she doesn't mope about over men that she cannot be with. She's one of those pretty ones who. . . " Jade trails off, looking around at the unfinished cleaning.
"I've really gotta get back to work. But it was nice talking to you Askr."
She moves about the room, collecting the last of the dishes and moving off toward a side door which leads to the kitchen.
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ANA
Edrianna is silent for a while, looking down at the ring.
"You're probably right on all accounts. I guess I overestimated the limitations of his strength and what he is able to endure on his own. I will speak with him and give him the ring back."
She places the ring back upon the nightstand with the rest of her jewelry and curls up in bed, pulling the covers to her shoulders.
At the change of topic, she shakes her head and laughs a little.
"No, I've never met Jade before, but the girls have always thought Marlowe handsome and worthy of their attention. I haven't been here to Greenvale in quite a while. Lately Marlowe and his brother have been doing the majority of the traveling to Bridgeport. It frees me up to deal with the miners to the north. But now. . . with things as they are, I am accompanying him. I wouldn't be surprised if the barmaid has taken a liking to Marlowe. Though he'd probably never realize it in a million years."
She laughs again and closes her eyes.
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Post by TheUdjat on Sept 6, 2007 14:27:13 GMT -5
Ana smiles at Edrianna's words about Marlowe, and finally lets the woman drift off to sleep. She has learned much about the situation, and dearly hopes she's helped to heal the rift between the Rosies.
(As stated before) She lays down and waits until Edrianna is soundly asleep, then rises and moves to the door. She opens it just a crack, shushing Shadow quietly when he raises his head to look at her. He goes backinto the shallow sleep of animals, while Ana stations herself just inside the door, looking out of the crack towards Marlowe's door. She is still so very curious about this late night tryst.
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Post by Toptomcat on Sept 7, 2007 0:09:25 GMT -5
(...I'm not quite sure what do do, as Garor feels a bit out of place in social intrigue. He's a bit of a hermitty type, by my reading of the character.
I suppose he'll quietly follow Askr around.)
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