Hally's Inn: An Aspiring Scholar - Alyssa

[Charlie Wallace]

Lork sat down on the gnarled stump. He said, "I could mention to keep the blade sharp, but I figured you would know that. A few drops of light oil on a rag wiping the blade will keep the small pits of rust off. The salt air is bad for metals."

ooc: 1xp basic sword. CW.

[Alyssa Mekhai]

Alyssa hurried back to Hally's Inn, hoping to catch Mushnak before the end of the day. She pushed the door open and hurried in, her hand bracing the new sword on her hip.

If he was here, she would rush over to him. "I've done as you asked, I'm ready."

[Charlie Wallace]

Mushnak slowly placed his marker between the pages of the worn book. He beckoned for Alyssa to sit. Mushnak said, "I grow excited at the prospect of a colleague with the energy of youth. Before I send you for the book I desire, let me explain that any book you find will be worth your training. Should it be something I've never read before, then it will be priceless."

Mushnak was lost in thought for a moment at the prospect of unknown tomes returning to his door. He said, "Aside from payment for your discoveries, should you find a tome I already have in my collection, it shall be yours."

[Alyssa Mekhai]

"That's good," Alyssa began, "I've never owned more than a few fairytale books from my childhood. It'd be nice to start a personal collection." She paused, but only for a moment. "When, and where, do I start? I'm eager to begin immediately, but a little delay would give me more practise time with my new blade."

Alyssa was proud of her sword. It was simple, and she didn't know how to use it properly yet, but it was shiny, new, and one of the most valuable things she owned.

[Charlie Wallace]

Mushnak cleared his throat. He was proud to sponsor the fledgling scholar. Mushnak was glad to pay for Alyssa's sword training and supplies for travel. Placing money and trust in a worthy student would be rewarded in the future. Mushnak said, "I was going to ask you to undertake a perilous journey through the the catacombs near the Sailor's Chapel, but word has come today of an unknown tome located in Arconis. The book is rumored to be arcane and describe a ritual that will animate the dead.

Mushnak pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose. He continued. "Rumor can lead to a rare find, or a wasted trip. Will you take the risk for me and travel to Arconis? The agent who contacted me is not well-known to me. She is an elf of unknown age. Her tips have proved fruitfull before and she knows that my crowns would be paid without complaint if she provides the information that leads to the tome.

Mushnak placed a heavy leather saddle bag on the table. He said, The bag contains one thousand crowns. It should be enough to book passage, buy a horse, or rent a carriage...whichever way you would like to travel. The elf's name is Lonidele. You may have to inquire of her exact location, but when she wrote me, she was staying at the Scholar's Roost.

[Alyssa Mekhai]

Alyssa nodded. Perhaps she would be gone for a while. She thought long and hard about selling her house here in Portshire and moving about - a knowledge seeker would have no rest. The extra money would do her good, and she had no particular ties to the salty aired city.

"I'll do it," Alyssa said, not that she had much option. Mushnak had already gone through lengths and a deal of expenses to prepare her for this task. "Lonidele, you said her name was?" She inquired, as she brought a loosely bound journal to her hands and wrote down some notes.

"And once I have the book, do you wish me to return here?"

[Charlie Wallace]

Mushnak shook his head affirmative. He said, "If the book is rare or unknown, I shall want to see it immediately. Send a letter first. It will prevent you from making an unwarranted trip."

[Alyssa Mekhai]

Alyssa nodded, confident that she was ready to set off. "I understand. I'll be in touch, and I'll try not to let you down. I think I will be leaving next brightening, in case it becomes harder to find this elf."

With all being said, Alyssa turned and headed towards the door.