Stranger in a strange...place (open)

[Andra Asaen]

Ninth candlemark of Thera, Second Cycle of Imperos, Autumn in Era III of the Celestine Mandate, Era XII Post-Fractum


Wandering along the crowded streets, Andra was constantly reminded that she was a stranger in this place. People stopped on street corners to chat with one another, children played together, old women gossiped together; they were polite to the elven woman, but none went out of their way to befriend her. She missed her home, missed the openness of the countryside, the clean smell of flowers in bloom…her family.

It was in this melancholy state that Andra found herself standing in front of the Crown Inn and Tavern. She had not yet been to this part of town, so the eccentric architecture of the place astounded her. A small knot of fear grew inside her already grumbling stomach as she looked up at the unfamiliar place. Putting her discomfort aside (mainly because growling in her belly over-rode it), she took a deep breath and walked straight for the huge doors, determined do what normal people do, have a bite to eat in the local pub.

As the doors swung open, she looked nervously around, and seeing no imminent threat to her well-being, walked quickly to the closest table. When the waitress appeared, she quickly pulled her hair down to cover her ears, and, hoping no one had noticed, ordered a cup of elfin tea and a veperes. As she waited for her food, she began to survey the crowd.

[Jarradium]

The waitress, being a plump, but still attractive human woman gave Andra prompt and friendly service and as quick as she had come, she was once again leaving to get Andra her order.

In the meantime, Andra was left, hooded to observe her surroundings. The crown inn and tavern had a mixed atmosphere. One that had an undertone of violence, one that had a undertone of mystery and yet another feeling in the atmosphere that was fun and exciting. This was the place to go, especially since its revamp.

In the short moments that it took for the waitress to prepare her order, the elf got to properly observe her surroundings. The table she had selected was in a part of the tavern that was not too busy and full. However, nearby there was a group of cethers sitting at a table with chairs designed to help them reach it. Each of them was looking at the pint of ale which obviously was looking to be a little big too big for any of them to manage. Either way, the got their ale and clashed their tankards together and started to pour the golden liquid down their throats, taking a large gulp of the ale.

The best of them, dressed in suspenders and a plain slightly dirty white shirt, managed to get a quarter of it down before stopping. From their table, they were making big cheers for him.

The halflings, however, were not the only ones nearby. Behind where Andra was sitting two young human women were having a scandalous conversation, about old news.

"Ooh did you hear what happened to that elf in here?!?!?" said one, who was interjected very quickly by the other

"Oh yes! What a scoundrel he was" The other interjected the other

"-Oh yea, typical roughian, good thing his wife took to him like she did"
interjection again:

"Good thing she did, it takes a good woman to keep a man like tha in line!"


and so the conversation continued, before taking a runaway tangent and leaving the topic completely....

Then, the waitress served Andra her tea and veperes and quoted the price "in total, that would be 2 gold crowns. you can pay later if you like" the waitress waited a little while for the response, and depending would leave Andra to her own devices once she had.

[Atrus Goldenwolf]

Atrus wandered into the tavern after he took some time to settle into his father's old house. He was knew to this particular place, and although he was by most means jobless, taverns were always good places for a bard to make a few coins. Looking over to the bar, he would approach and look for one of the wait staff, or better yet, the tavern keeper if he or she was available. Looking to the first staff member he saw, he would speak. "Serale, I am but a traveling minstrel and was wondering if I might ply my trade here with a few songs for donations from the crowds." he asked. it was always better, in his mind at least, to ask before just outright doing something. it would give a person a better chance of success and it would show a man to be one who is more honest than most.

[Andra Asaen]

Andra hastily handed the woman three crowns and hoped the tip would be enough to satisfy her but not so much that she hovered. She lowered her gaze, pointedly studying her meal and tried not to be annoyed by the gossip she heard behind her. Ever since arriving in the city, the elven woman had been amazed at the lengths to which others would go to become involved (directly or not) in other people’s lives.

She sipped her tea and endeavored with all her might to become enthralled with her meal, however the halflings to her left, with their drunken chirping and sloshing ale, made it quite difficult to shift her focus. She was just about to throw in the towel and leave her dish half-eaten when she noticed the dorin enter the tavern.

Somewhat unfamiliar with the race, Andra watched him speak to the employees. She tried to remain nonchalant and unnoticed, but the strange man captured her interest. Her ears strained to hear snippets of his conversation. She gathered that he was a traveling musician of some sort and was seeking work here at the tavern. As she continued to nibble half-heartedly at her meal, she caught herself hoping he would be allowed to play.

Any distraction is welcome when my alternative is a gaggle of drunken Halflings or two ninnies nit-picking everyone in towns faults for their own pleasure. She smiled, then caught herself and looked around self-consciously. Her first visit to the Crown promised to at least break the monotony of her days if nothing else.

[Elros Ancalímon]

Elros Ancalímon walked through the open doorway of the pub, nearly being knocked over by what seemed to be a boy holding a mug, but he quickly realized it was just a drunken Halfling running around in merriment. Merriment. That's exactly what Elros was feeling right now. His life as an adventurer was finally beginning and, like all elves, it had taken him some time to finally make the move.

He walked in and up to the bar, he noticed the Dorin Bard's request to sing his song and Elros thought it would be better than the general noise of the already crowded tavern. He looked to the barkeep and smiled grandly.

"Serale, Tavernmaster! Today is a marvelous day and I wish you luck with this crowd. No need for anything to get too out of hand on this fine day. Anyway, I'll take whatever your meal might be this morning."

Elros listened intently to whatever answer the barkeep gave him about his inquisition, then as the barkeep turned to have Elros's meal fetched, he turned to catch a truly remarkable sight. Bewitching dark eyes peering out from underneath obviously unkempt hair that beheld silver streaks. They were elven eyes. Elros could recognize her to be a Sylrosian Elf. He was captivated for a moment, jaw slightly dropping, but he got his wits about him quickly.

"Barkeep. Have one of the Barmaids deliver my food to me. I'll be over there by the gorgeous elf lady, if not seated with her. I hope."

Elros quickly turned and moved gracefully toward the table with the Lady Elf.

"Excuse me, mi'Lady. Elros Ancalímon, at your service. I noticed you look rather new from your beautifully inquisitive eyes and was wondering if you may be in need of company. It would honor me to be in your presence for a morning meal."

Elros quietly waited for her response.

[Atrus Goldenwolf]

As the dorin overheard the rather enthusiastic elven male speak with the tavernkeeper and the elven lady, he couldn't help but chuckle a bit. The elven male sounded like a smooth-talker, though quite the overconfident one. he had seen many overconfident young men be rejected by women who could see through such ploys, if it truely was the elf's intent to use such pick-up lines. At least the lines weren't the lame kind, but it still made the dorin shake his head a bit. Atrus would still wait for permission from the tavernmaster, and if favorable he would go to find an empty table to sit at, preferably close to the elven woman. He was a stranger in this town as well as she, and friends were always good to come by. She was indeed a lovely young lady, though elves who were considered young may very well be old enough to be a human's grandparent. He knew that they were a race that aged slowly, such was common knowledge. She was beautiful, and she had a look of inquisitiveness about her face as he caught her glancing at him a few times. But as for his race, bards were extreamely rare, and if not for his mother and father, he would probably have become just another warrior looking for fame and glory. Most of his songs were written as poems by his father an translated into music by Atrus, though a few of his songs came from Atrus's own experiences. He knew in his mind what pieces he would play. Something melodic with a touch of mystery, yet the tone would be pleasant to the ears. All he cold do for now was wait for the tavernkeeper's yea or nea.

[Andra Asaen]

Looking up into the green eyes of the stranger, Andra felt a flush creep over her neck. Her eyes darted nervously, unsure whether the man was speaking to her. Looking this way and that, and deciding he was indeed addressing her, she nodded her head slowly. “Of course you may good sir. A spot of company would be lovely”, she replied, stumbling a bit over her words.

Andra picked up her fork and began to nibble at her greens, although her appetite was passing in the face of this unexpected company. Another glance around the room revealed the dorin, chuckling in her direction. No doubt he had heard the strangers flirting remarks and was finding much humor in Andra’s floundering response.

She smiled modestly at Elros and lowered her eyes, waiting for him to sit.

[Elros Ancalímon]

Elros bowed in a grand fashion, again nearly being tripped up by one of the tavern's many patrons. He took the seat directly opposite this enchanting Elf. Yes, her hair may've been unkempt, but to the eyes of another elf, it was an attractive trait considering they were all born from nature and these Syrosians were perhaps the most in touch with their Elven roots. Elros noticed her alabaster skin seeming to flush at his comments and he did not want her to feel embarrased, but she captivated him so, he couldn't help it.

"I mean not to impede on your time, my Lady. You caught my eye so easily I couldn't help but come over and at least attempt to sit in your presence, if even for a short time. I'm sure you have sights to see and business to attend to, so I would not take up all of your time. I do apologize for being so forward with you my Lady, I can't seem to help myself. Oh, please don't hide your eyes from sight. In my 80 Eras on Telath I've seen none as beautiful as yours."

Now it was Elros's turn to blush. His fair features started to blossom with a pinkish tinge. The very tips of his long pointed ears seemed to light up like a fire. But, he was stubborn and did not look away for fear of missing a moment with this rare beauty.

[Atrus Goldenwolf]

(Been waiting for a while for the AGM's response to my pm. If it's alright, I'm going to go ahead and get a posative reply from the tavernmaster so I can continue on. Something that small shouldn't cause any problems as far as I know. If otherwise, I appologize in advance)

The tavernmaster nodded his head to the dorin. Atrus smiled and move over to an empty table. It was directly in the female elf's sight, though a bit further out, about two tables away. Taking out his lap harp from his back pack, the dorin bard sat upon the table, using the chair to place his feet upon. He placed beside him his scarf, shaping it into a sort of bowl. With his modest and meager set-up complete, the dorin would turn his attention to his harp. The harp itself had a very simplistic design, nothing fancy. And yet, it looked as though it were brand new. Atrus indeed took very good care of this instrument, almost as though it were something sacred to him. He would start plucking the strings with the tips of his claws, using them as if they were picks. The tuns would come out smooth, relaxing with a suggestiveness of the winds of nature. After a few moments of simply playing the tune, he would begin to sing, his voice soft and mellow to start, cressendoing and de-cressendoing when it was required.

The island bathes in the sun's bright rays
Distant hills wear a shroud of grey
The lonely breeze whispers through the trees
Sole witness to history
Fleeting memories arise from the shadows of my mind
Say 'nonomori', endless corridors
Sing 'nonomori', hopeless warriors
You were there, you were there
Am I forever dreaming? How to define the way I'm feeling?
You were there, distant visions they haunt me in my sleep
You were there, though forgotten all promises we keep
Slaves of our destiny, I recall a melody
Say 'nonmori', seasons lit with gold
Sing 'nonomori', legends yet unfold
You were there, you were there
Happiness follows sorrow, only believing in tomarrow
You were there, countless visions they haunt me in my sleep
You were there, though forgotten all promises we keep
The island bathes in the suns bright rays
Distant hills wear a shroud of grey
The lonely breeze whispers through the trees
Sole key to this mystery.

The young dorin would slowly bring the song to a close, strumming his harp until the last notes were played.

[Jarradium]

ic: The waitress accepted the 3 crowns, and gave a genuine smile at the tip. It did not take long for her to return with Andra's order in short timing. However, the waitress was keen enough to see that the elf who had tipped her was not after a third hand, so to speak and left to serve other patrons in the tavern.


The head bar-tender was the man that served to listen to Atrus's request and did not overtly object to him attempting to play for donations within the tavern. Instead, as it was his time for a break, he came also to listen to see exactly how good Atrus was.

Meanwhile, an elf in an over exuberant mood. Had wandered in and was after the meal of the day. Despite the crowd, it was a quiet day for the tavern so a bartender at the bar nodded, and took the order for the elf. Otherwise, the order may not have been heard by the skilled staff at the crown inn and tavern.

However, as the group settled into conversation, Atrus had settled to play his harp. By no means an accomplished musician, the dorin was able to play the tune familiar to his family without a problem. Perhaps a little rough at times, he found the melody without too much difficult.

The nearby cethers had turned to listen to the dorin play as well once they heard the sound of the harp being played. However, it seemed they were not impressed with the song, seemingly after something more lively.

As for the master bartender, he watched at a nearby table with his arms folded until the song had finished.

At the end of the song, he approached the Dorin.

"Well sung." He said, simply "You aren't a master at your craft yet, but I can tell that you have some potential. What is your name? I may know someone you may be interested in meeting"

The master bartender knew alot of people in Alleria Prime, but that was only to be expected.


ooc: This thread is mostly pc-pc interaction. I'm going to keep watching it since i have involved npc's, but for the most part none of you really need to wait for me to post.

[Elros Ancalímon]

Elros didn't seem to be listening to the Dorin's song in the slightest. He seemed to simply be more captivated by the Sylrosian sitting across the table. But this was to be expected if you knew the elf. One track mind it would seem. It would seem. But this was not the case. Though he was ignoring the Dorin's song from appearance, he was quite aware of every word being sung. When people would ask him if he had even heard what they were saying, he typically responded by saying, "Why, exactly, do you think us Elfen have ears as large as ours? So we don't have to look at your ugly faces while we listen to your often useless hub-bub." (ooc. hehe, I like that. just came off the top of my head. I'm proud of myself)

When the Dorin finished and clapping came from various spots, the Medonian for the first tiime took his cooing eyes from his tablemate and he stood abruptly, looking to the Dorin Bard.

"Wonderful song, young Dorin! I especially like the Slaves of our destiny, I recall a melody spot." He sung the line just as had the Dorin in his own graceful voice. Then he took his hand out of his coinpurse, though no one probably noticed it there. He produced a slip of paper and waved the Dorin over.

As he sat back down to await his own meal and the bard, he put the slip of paper on the table, under his hand, but enough was visible to reveal it was an Imperial Note for 10 crowns.

[Rúmil Ancalimë]

Rúmil gently flutters in the front door of the tavern. He is in the mood to play. Looking around for a playmate, he can't help but notice the Dorin, having heard him sing a merry tune. Of course, music as a whole was merry to Rúmil, so that isn't saying much. He has yet to hear a song that saddened him.

He flys high up to the ceiling, looking for something on the Dorin to take, then return as a conversation piece.

"Something small and light. This isn't dangerous, he is all cute and cuddly" Rúmil thought to himself. Looking expectently down, he readied himself to pounce.

[Atrus Goldenwolf]

The dorin looked first at the elf who first addressed him. it was true he needed some help with his ability to play the harp. He only knew enough to be able to play one or two songs that he had worked with since he first received his harp. He would smile to the man's offer and nod. "That would indeed be most appreciated. It has been rather difficult to find anyone offering to teach, let alone anyone who would be capable of teaching." He replied. he then turned his attention to the other male elf, the one who had been sitting with the lovely young lady. he offered a smile and gave a bow of his head to the man after recieving the donation. "Thank you good sir. May fortune smile on you." He said before slipping the note into his pocket. Even with the small crowd gathered, he had a strange feeling he was being watched, but not by the crowds. His ears perked a bit and the dorin looked about, but he couldn't seem to place where that feeling was comming from.

[Rúmil Ancalimë]

Rúmil pauses for a second, as the dorin seems to notice someone watching him. Shrugging to himself, he grins a big grin and dives down, deciding to perch on the harp, preferably while the dorin is looking away.

"How perfect an entrance that would be! That would be so funderful, to have this charming singer-type fellow glance away, then look back and see a Faerie appear about of nowhere. Heh heh."

Rúmil tucks his arms against his sides, hoping to swoop down right then.

"Here goes nothing..."

[Jarradium]

The bartender smiled at the Dorin, Atrus, and discretely handed him an invitation.

The invitation read:

I, Guildmaster Frederick, am delighted to present you with this exclusive invitation to a private gathering being held at my opulent villa in Prime. Directions have been provided on the rear of this invitation. This congregation will be held on the day of Solarion, of the Fifth cycle of Imperios. Be prepared for magnificence and excitement. Only a limited amount of invitations have been made, and you have been chosen.

Now, with my greatest delight, I shall present you the details of this function:

Function: Masquerade Ball

Time: 5th Candlemark til late

A buffet will be provided, there is no need to bring anything.

Partners are welcome.

I hope to see you there.

Best regards,
Guildmaster Frederick

Once sure the Dorin had a hold of the invitation, the bartender gave a wink and said
"You'll get a chance to mix a bit too with those who might like to hear your songs. Look out for the harpist there. You cannot miss him."

The bartender did not elaborate and left.

Meanwhile, Elros was provided with his mealby the tavern maids. However, business was beginning to pick up and thus did not stay. The meal that Elros ended up, was steak and potato, cooked to medium rare as he had specified what was going today.

The dish however was splendid perfection. The cook on duty obviously knew what they were doing.