"Oh I love card games- what game would you like to teach us?" Ida is genuinely delighted. When first brought before the Duke she was nervous that something terrible could be in their near future, but this was wonderful. They could enjoy a meal and some time, questions could be answered because she was sure they had questions, and then they could all go get cleaned up and try to figure out whatever infestation there was at the docks. She wanted them to make a good impression on anyone they met along the way, so trouble wouldn't follow them as easily. She especially wanted to make sure the dock master was happy with them as it could lead to more honest work in the future. She wondered how each of them would feel about visiting the nearest bathhouse and if they would let her buy each of them a new tunic. She determined to wait until after the ale was consumed before asking.
“Aye, let’s play your game and see if our luck holds true, because I feel that could all of gone a lot worse”, Darwin said with more than a hint of relief.
Hamish hefts the jug of ale to the table with everyone else and sits silently, just staring in awe at everything around them. He's not exactly the most inconspicuous, but he seems genuinely in awe of his surroundings. He nods at the instructions of the card game, but then suddenly speaks up, trying to make his whispery voice heard, "Ida, why did you help us?"
Ida looks thoughtfully at Hamish and replies "Because you deserved to be saved. I told you when we first met, that I can easily recognize good and evil. Each of you are good, you simply weren't born into an easy life like some others. Darwin was treated poorly because he was an easy target. Rowan has been struggling trying to survive each day, like so many people here. Hamish you've been made to believe that you're an evil monster, but you aren't and with he right help you may be able to do wonderful things in the future. I do what I can each day to help those that are doing their best to help themselves, and I strongly believe that all of us should be treated with respect and fairness irregardless of our bloodline or coin in hand. I don't know many people that feel the same as me, so I'm trying to make a difference where I can with those that I can."
Darwin offered his cup out to whoever was pouring drinks and nodded to Rowan, he had seen a lot of card tricks at the carnival, but not played so many card games. It seemed simple enough, even to him. He was getting ready for Rowan to deal when Hamish came in with a really good question.
He listened to Ida's answer. It sounded similar to the carnival, they took in strays and lost souls, but they always expected people to work for what they got. "It is really appreciated Ida, but in my experience you don't get anything for nothing. What do you want from us?", he asked nervously, he didn't want to upset her.
(OOC: I figured I didn't spot anything with that roll :-) )
"The only thing I want is for you to take the opportunity and do the best you can moving forward. I don't expect anything, but I'm hopeful that this gives you the chance to live in better circumstances. I come from a good family, but I am a knight- I work for the money I have and I work to help people because I believe them all to be equal. If you want to help better your lot in life, I can help find you work that will put a roof over your head and meals each day. If you want to move on to a new area, I'll do my best to train you in things I know so that you can find success. I simply think you're all good people, and I have a soft spot for each of you, so I want to help. The only thing I ask is that if you choose that you prefer your life from before jail, tell me. I'll speak with the Duke to let him know that you are no longer my responsibility."
She looked at each of them as she spoke, making sure to catch each of their eyes a few times to show she was speaking in earnest. She knew each of them had been abused in various ways throughout their years, but that was not her intent.
Hamish nods thoughtfully at Ida's words. But when the plate is set before him, he almost appears to be in a religious rapture. Wonder fills his face and breathlessly mouths the words, By the gods. He skewers a sausage and takes a bite while simultaneously delivers a breathy grunt of delight. He finishes the bite as Darwin and Rowan both speak. He says, "I should like to help people to. People helped me when I needed it, but it's been hard to trust anybody else in a long time. But I need to return the favor. It's what Lucy would have wanted me to do. And maybe it can help me figure out what the thing inside of me is."
Ida can't help but smile from ear-to-ear as they all respond positively. It really has been some time since she knew anyone who felt like helping others was a good idea. Most were simply too selfish to understand that outside of their nice bubble, many many others suffered needlessly. She figured now would be as good of a time as any to broach the next subject: "Since we are technically representing the Duke on our adventure to the docks, I was hopeful you will all be amicable to allowing me to gift you each with a clean tunic and a good bath a few doors down. I only say this, because I don't want the dock master to think we are incapable of the work needed based on appearance alone, and if we happen to be good at this, he may offer us additional work if we look like we know what we are doing. I know it's silly, but the first impression you make with people is going to determine how they treat you. Me as a woman I'm mostly seen as an object for men to fuss over when they'd like, especially when dressed as my family prefers. Me in my chainmail sends a different message entirely, and gives people something to consider respectting before dismissing because of my gender. It will be true of each of you as well."
Darwin swallows a mouthful of the food, takes a swig of ale to wash it down, and says, "Oh I can't wait to have a bath and get into some clean clothes. But no need to pay for me, I have some wages from the carnival. There wasn't a huge amount to spend them on, with food and board being part of the deal". A sudden thought occurs to him and he says, "I need somewhere to stay!".
Another thought quickly enters his mind which he instinctively verbalises as well...
Hamish sheepishly nods at Ida's offer. "I don't recall the last time I had a proper bath. And new clothes would be much better. I've been wearing these for at least a few months. But I don't have any coin, myself." He keeps eating, still withdrawn, but obviously very hungry.
When Darwin asks his question, Hamish perks up again. "Because you're a ... halfling?"
Darwin looks astonished and immediately draws his dagger, and holds it up. The action may surprise the others, but he simply turns the flat of the blade to himself to look at his reflection. Feeling his face and ears with his other hand. “Phew!”, he says after the momentary panic that he had somehow been changed by the gift of the stranger. But he was as he always had been, slender angular face with purple hair and pointed beard. A little unkempt at the moment but not different. And his ears were still pointed too.
Why did these folk think he was a halfling then. “Not you too, I look nothing like a halfling!”, he says exasperated.
"Darwin, how do you identify? Others see you and think halfling, but what do you believe you are?" Ida was curious about what Darwin would say. It could be that his family or those in the festival called themselves something their area had never heard.
Darwin looks at Ida quizzically. "I'm a Gnome of course!", he says as if it is the most obvious thing in the world.
As he finishes the food on his plate he says some words in a language the others cannot possibly comprehend, makes a few gestures and his plate becomes sparklingly clean (Prestidigitation). Again, he does this almost as second nature.
(OOC: He is speaking Gnomish, which doesn't exist here)
"Oh I love card games- what game would you like to teach us?" Ida is genuinely delighted. When first brought before the Duke she was nervous that something terrible could be in their near future, but this was wonderful. They could enjoy a meal and some time, questions could be answered because she was sure they had questions, and then they could all go get cleaned up and try to figure out whatever infestation there was at the docks. She wanted them to make a good impression on anyone they met along the way, so trouble wouldn't follow them as easily. She especially wanted to make sure the dock master was happy with them as it could lead to more honest work in the future. She wondered how each of them would feel about visiting the nearest bathhouse and if they would let her buy each of them a new tunic. She determined to wait until after the ale was consumed before asking.
“Aye, let’s play your game and see if our luck holds true, because I feel that could all of gone a lot worse”, Darwin said with more than a hint of relief.
Hamish hefts the jug of ale to the table with everyone else and sits silently, just staring in awe at everything around them. He's not exactly the most inconspicuous, but he seems genuinely in awe of his surroundings. He nods at the instructions of the card game, but then suddenly speaks up, trying to make his whispery voice heard, "Ida, why did you help us?"
Ida looks thoughtfully at Hamish and replies "Because you deserved to be saved. I told you when we first met, that I can easily recognize good and evil. Each of you are good, you simply weren't born into an easy life like some others. Darwin was treated poorly because he was an easy target. Rowan has been struggling trying to survive each day, like so many people here. Hamish you've been made to believe that you're an evil monster, but you aren't and with he right help you may be able to do wonderful things in the future. I do what I can each day to help those that are doing their best to help themselves, and I strongly believe that all of us should be treated with respect and fairness irregardless of our bloodline or coin in hand. I don't know many people that feel the same as me, so I'm trying to make a difference where I can with those that I can."
Darwin, you notice basically nothing. The tavern might as well be deserted 😂
(Sorry didn't see the additional replies)
Darwin offered his cup out to whoever was pouring drinks and nodded to Rowan, he had seen a lot of card tricks at the carnival, but not played so many card games. It seemed simple enough, even to him. He was getting ready for Rowan to deal when Hamish came in with a really good question.
He listened to Ida's answer. It sounded similar to the carnival, they took in strays and lost souls, but they always expected people to work for what they got. "It is really appreciated Ida, but in my experience you don't get anything for nothing. What do you want from us?", he asked nervously, he didn't want to upset her.
(OOC: I figured I didn't spot anything with that roll :-) )
"The only thing I want is for you to take the opportunity and do the best you can moving forward. I don't expect anything, but I'm hopeful that this gives you the chance to live in better circumstances. I come from a good family, but I am a knight- I work for the money I have and I work to help people because I believe them all to be equal. If you want to help better your lot in life, I can help find you work that will put a roof over your head and meals each day. If you want to move on to a new area, I'll do my best to train you in things I know so that you can find success. I simply think you're all good people, and I have a soft spot for each of you, so I want to help. The only thing I ask is that if you choose that you prefer your life from before jail, tell me. I'll speak with the Duke to let him know that you are no longer my responsibility."
She looked at each of them as she spoke, making sure to catch each of their eyes a few times to show she was speaking in earnest. She knew each of them had been abused in various ways throughout their years, but that was not her intent.
While you play cards and chat, two dwarves come over carrying two plates each, which they put in front of each of you individually.
There are large sausages, sauerkraut, green beans and roasted potatoes on each plate.
Darwin accepts his plate eagerly, tucking in straight away. "Oh yes thank you, this is much better than prison food", he says happily.
While he eats he considers Ida's words, and after a short time looks up at her and says, "I think I might want to help people as well".
Hamish nods thoughtfully at Ida's words. But when the plate is set before him, he almost appears to be in a religious rapture. Wonder fills his face and breathlessly mouths the words, By the gods. He skewers a sausage and takes a bite while simultaneously delivers a breathy grunt of delight. He finishes the bite as Darwin and Rowan both speak. He says, "I should like to help people to. People helped me when I needed it, but it's been hard to trust anybody else in a long time. But I need to return the favor. It's what Lucy would have wanted me to do. And maybe it can help me figure out what the thing inside of me is."
Ida can't help but smile from ear-to-ear as they all respond positively. It really has been some time since she knew anyone who felt like helping others was a good idea. Most were simply too selfish to understand that outside of their nice bubble, many many others suffered needlessly. She figured now would be as good of a time as any to broach the next subject: "Since we are technically representing the Duke on our adventure to the docks, I was hopeful you will all be amicable to allowing me to gift you each with a clean tunic and a good bath a few doors down. I only say this, because I don't want the dock master to think we are incapable of the work needed based on appearance alone, and if we happen to be good at this, he may offer us additional work if we look like we know what we are doing. I know it's silly, but the first impression you make with people is going to determine how they treat you. Me as a woman I'm mostly seen as an object for men to fuss over when they'd like, especially when dressed as my family prefers. Me in my chainmail sends a different message entirely, and gives people something to consider respectting before dismissing because of my gender. It will be true of each of you as well."
Darwin swallows a mouthful of the food, takes a swig of ale to wash it down, and says, "Oh I can't wait to have a bath and get into some clean clothes. But no need to pay for me, I have some wages from the carnival. There wasn't a huge amount to spend them on, with food and board being part of the deal". A sudden thought occurs to him and he says, "I need somewhere to stay!".
Another thought quickly enters his mind which he instinctively verbalises as well...
"Why did the Duke call me a Halfling?!"
Hamish sheepishly nods at Ida's offer. "I don't recall the last time I had a proper bath. And new clothes would be much better. I've been wearing these for at least a few months. But I don't have any coin, myself." He keeps eating, still withdrawn, but obviously very hungry.
When Darwin asks his question, Hamish perks up again. "Because you're a ... halfling?"
Darwin looks astonished and immediately draws his dagger, and holds it up. The action may surprise the others, but he simply turns the flat of the blade to himself to look at his reflection. Feeling his face and ears with his other hand. “Phew!”, he says after the momentary panic that he had somehow been changed by the gift of the stranger. But he was as he always had been, slender angular face with purple hair and pointed beard. A little unkempt at the moment but not different. And his ears were still pointed too.
Why did these folk think he was a halfling then. “Not you too, I look nothing like a halfling!”, he says exasperated.
"Darwin, how do you identify? Others see you and think halfling, but what do you believe you are?" Ida was curious about what Darwin would say. It could be that his family or those in the festival called themselves something their area had never heard.
Darwin looks at Ida quizzically. "I'm a Gnome of course!", he says as if it is the most obvious thing in the world.
As he finishes the food on his plate he says some words in a language the others cannot possibly comprehend, makes a few gestures and his plate becomes sparklingly clean (Prestidigitation). Again, he does this almost as second nature.
(OOC: He is speaking Gnomish, which doesn't exist here)