“If ya want to leave earlier we certainly can, but I figured a few days in the forge couldn’t hurt any of us on our travels. As far as knowing people’s intentions, I’ve been known to have a strong gut feeling bout people a few times before. My short time in that gang in Shamley taught me quite a bit bout reading people.” Hurrig chuckles as he continues to look over the plans Jex gave him.

Quote from Chip_Ll >>

 

He chuckles. "Were it me, I'd invite 'em all to a meeting. Friendly like. Sit' em down n say it like ya just did. Any problems, you'll no it straight. Or even if you don't recognise it, Val Thurston or I will."

As Jex says these things, his usually well spoken nature slips, becoming more common, perhaps even with a hint of a dwarven accent. 

 Bründir stares at Jex for a long, long moment with his brow furrowed. The dwarf finally levels a finger across the table, "Yer makin' fun o'me, aren't ye?, boy?"

Jex looks at him in confusion and a hint of fear for a second. 

"Oh, ye mean tha voice?" He chuckles. "No, it's no mockery. Just fer practice."

He smiles as though that answers the question and clears up the confusion. 

Hearing the two go at it, Hurrig pipes up, “Oi! I think he is makin fun-a-ya!” Hurrig then sits back in his chair to watch the ensuing chaos begin as he continues to study the uncommon weaponry with Thurston, casually raising an eye over the plans to watch.

"Practin' fer what?" Brümdir presses incredulously, "Ye plannin' t'stuff yer face full o'wool an' walk on yer knees?"

Jex sits forward. Slightly frustrated and temporarily dropping the accent. "Obviously I can't pass myself off as a dwarf physically. I lack the, ergh, stature." He waves his arm and gives a cheeky wink. "But we are going to have crowds, I am gifted when it comes to influencing the crowd. The well spoken elf will never come under suspicion when the soldiers come looking for the gruff dwarf that started the riot." He twirls a finger in the air. "Or maybe I keep the crowd under control. People get angry here, calling for you to step aside. I start cheering for support, better to sound like a miner than your elven friend."

He pokes a tongue out at Hurrig. "An I'll thank ye kindly fer stirrin up trouble wit me friend ere. Ya scallywag."

Thurston cuts the conversation by passing between them, heading to work and saying 

"Ahhh cut the crap you two! and Jex try not to eat stones while you are talking. In fact, try not to eat them at all. My older brother told me that our little sister needed to eat them to grow big and strong as we were and my mother got really upset when she discovered the two missing teeth of my little sister... " he shrugs " now... of wich material do you want the weapons? Hurrig do we have mithral to work with?" 

Vark's cheeks flush red at the compliment from Seid, and the tiniest red sparks run up the back of the sorcerer's neck as the man moves closer. "Oh th-th-thank..." Vark's eyes drop to Seid's hands as they clasp the cloak at his neck, then jump up to his lips. A rush of emotion threatens to overwhelm the young man. He had never... felt this way or... been so close... His heart had never beat so impossibly fast that it threatens to burst from his chest before. Just as Seid's hands start to drop away, Vark's rise and wrap around the man's lean waist. He pulls him in close; surely Seid can now feel the thrum of the half-orc's heart as well. His hands move their way up Seid's back tenderly, and he nuzzles his cheek against the crook of the man's neck. Holding him there, Vark mutters softly "Seid I... I... th-thank you. You're... really important to me." 

As the party talks of strategy, offense and defense, arms and armor, Vark is deathly quiet. The weight of the secret he's harboring sits heavy on his shoulders, but the idea of interrupting this important planning to reveal his newfound power is almost nauseating. This trance-like reverie is broken finally by the sound of laughter as the gang breaks the serious conversation with jokes. Now might be his only window. "Uhm I.... I uhm... I-I m-maybe... Hurrig... I think I'd... well I'd also like some armor... nothing too heavy... and-and uhm... I was w-wondering if you could maybe turn this staff into a spear. I... well I'd like to fight more... like a warrior. And... well I- I can b-because..." his head hangs low, eyes glued to the floor, but with a deep breath he summons forth an ounce of confidence. He lifts his head up and flips a lock of crimson hair from his eyes. "I've learned how to fight. And I've learned about the Morrigan. And I've learned... I've learned about Matthew. He told me. I talked to him last night. I know... I know we all talked about not making impulsive and... possibly dangerous choices but... this is my life. My power. My decision. Part of his essence... lingered and... I've decided to tap into it. Part of that decision was under the condition that Matthew would give me information. He showed me his true form and... you were right. He is a devil. He was a human once in his life but he made a deal for immortality. He was part of some group serving an ancient deity, the Fifth of the Dawn Gods. I don't... know what that means but now we can find out. He also revealed a truth about the dragonborn sisters. They are not the Morrigan. They only use that name to spread fear, to-to make themselves seem more powerful. I... I know we can't trust Matthew- and I don't! That's... that's part of this too. Believe what you want but... he clearly has an interest in me, favor for me... and if I allow him closer then I can keep an eye on him, learn from him. I know that now he is in Sarameia, searching for his brother. And... and well if he is really really evil and-and he does try and control me or-or something then... well that's why I have you all. You can catch it, you can stop me you can... do whatever needs to be done. But... until that happens I... I think this is a good thing. I can use this knowledge and this power for good. I'm sorry for not talking to you all first... I promise there won't be any more secrets." 

Bründir leans back in his chair and waves over a lad hurrying across the floor with a platter. He pressed a gold coin into the boy's hand, and point him toward Ringrut. Nothing but the finest reserves were worth that much, and the dwarf didn't have any intention to spend as such. No, this was a time for cheap, fiery drinks used to cleanse a stomach of bad food and a troubled mind of memories. The remainder of the pay was a favor for the boy, a gift to the next generation of Ringrut's helpers.

"Vark, I can't say I'm happy, but it seems this came quick, so I can't hold ye fer makin' a call when it's needed. Still, I'll say as much as before," the dwarf stands and unbuckles his sword belt, then drops it on the table. He grabs Dumdrengi by the hilt and draws it a few inches. The blade's metal gleams, but doesn't shine its telltale blue. "There it is, then. Walkin' about, we've got no worry. I think it's best if someone's with ye, though. I trust ye, but I jus' don' know what ye mean when ye say he comes an' goes. When we see what ye mean, we can go from there."

Jex sits deep in his chair, his eyes narrow. He tries to lock eyes with Thurston, giving the smallest shake of his head to ask the Norscan to stay calm. He watches Brundir with slight disbelief and gives a sad, perhaps exasperated shake of the head before leaning forward. 

"Thank you for your confession Vark. A devil you say? It seems both I and my professor friend were correct despite the doubters." He gives a smirk at Seid. "Perhaps you should not be the only person coming here with a weight to offload. So... " He leans across the table suddenly. All he does is pick up his drink though, taking a long sip, still holding the attention of the group. He taps his chin when he finishes. "So... It turns out knowledge is not only held by one person and their books, but some of us do know things with our own brains after all." His left eyebrow raises and he looks expectantly at Seid.

His eyes never leaving Seid, he waves a hand at Vark. "Oh Vark, be careful. You think you can control a devil when it comes to a wrestling of wills? Good luck. But you are right that this is your decision. I just wish for your own sake you had been guided to a better one." He finally looks at Vark, some sadness now on his face. 

"I blame myself in that for pushing you away. But do not fear. You know that if necessary, I will do what is needed without hesitation, though it will bring a heavy weight to my heart and I will act without satisfaction."

The serving boy returns with a few unmarked bottles and glasses, set it on the table and offers the few leftover coins back to Bründir. The dwarf smiles and pushes them away, "Lad, go get yerself somethin', whate'er ye want. Not many times ye get somethin' like that."

Bründir pours the glasses and shoves them to everyone at the table. "Drink. Now. Jex, Le'me tell ye somethin', we didn't think much o'you when we first met either. Think about it, cave full o' crazies, ravin' an' such, then ye come out lookin' same as them, an' start cuttin' ev'rywhere. Truth is, we thought you'd turn on us next. Then, we didn't even know ye fer weeks till ye helped us more'n once. I'm just sayin', the pot's been scrubbed and callin' th' kettle messy from dinner."

“I’m sure I can whip something up for ya, maybe Thurston can help ya with usin the spear once it’s done. And some armor is definitely doable!” Hurrig grabs his stein and fills it with the pitcher of ale while Vark confesses his story to the group. He takes a moment to ponder what the others are saying.

”Well I think, as Vark said, this may be useful. Vark will be able to communicate with Matthew and keep an eye on his comings and goings; albeit with a grain a salt, devils aren’t known for being the most honest.” Locking eyes with Jex, “I don’t believe that will be necessary, maybe there is a way to separate this bond with out killing our friend here. I’d rather die trying to kill Matthew than let you kill this lad.” He takes a long sip of ale, and stares into the frothy cup for a moment when he finishes before looking up. “I am curious though, Matthew offered to give you power and knowledge, what did he ask for in return?”

"Hold on gentlemen!" Jex holds his hands up open palmed. "I'm not sure I catch your meaning Brundir. Or perhaps I miss stated. I tried to be clear that I respect this is Vark's choice, even if I would have made a different one. And once again that I take the blame and am sorry for the strain on our relationship. I try to make peace and you all accuse me like I was condemning the lad! Clean your ears out!" He slams his palms on the table. "As for the other part, I'm not standing at his neck ready to cut, I just hope he's reassured I have the strength to do what he asks. He is brave to be willing to take responsibility if his decision puts you all in danger. I can do what you evidently lack the stomach for, even if as it turns out I'll be killed in turn by you all for saving you. Now I'll thank you to take my words as intended."

Seid just returns Jex's look with a cool glance. He had said all he cared to say on that matter. Jex had little to do with this idea of devil's causing the problem in Hyarantar as far as he was concerned.

Val, who had been surprisingly quiet during much of the last few days, blinks and stares at Vark for several minutes. She glances over at Seid for a moment, back to Vark, back to Seid, then settles on Vark once more. Her brows furrow as she ponders if this was just further machination of the elusive Mabinogi... perhaps Seid set this entire situation up to get deeper into the group to do just this very thing... 'What purpose?' She ponders... She rubs her massive hand across her face as she absorbs all the information. "I... I don't pretend to understand everything happening here with magic and devils and pacts and all that." She shakes her head. "All I wanna know is whether we can trust you not to make another decision like you did underneath Sheercleft. This is understand was a personal choice, but that was not. You did something that is affecting a countless number of people, Vark, I do hope you understand that. You don't get to make choices like that without involving us or even more than just us. So as long as you promise never to do something like that again, if you want to make a pact with a devil, that's your choice... as long as it doesn't affect us or others. If it does, then we shall have long words until the fires burn low. I trust you, I don't think you're doing anything evil. But if you do... then we will do what we must. Until then you have a place her with me as long as I have a say so."

Jex pats Val on the back, almost flinching for fear of her reaction to being touched again, but holding his nerve enough to remain calm.

"Thank you, another person with the wisdom to see sense. I had feared I was going crazy, but you put it into words better than I could even for my own ears to comprehend."

Vark is visibly tense and gritting his teeth through Jex’s response. The smug ‘told you so’ attitude is infuriating, but ultimately there isn’t much Vark can say back to it. As the others talk he relaxes, finding their overall balance of caution and support to be exactly what he was hoping to hear. In response to Hurrig’s question he thinks for a moment then replies “N-nothing yet. He said he might need me to fetch some item for him, or negotiate with someone on his behalf. And- and I wouldn’t do any of that unless we were sure those actions weren’t going to... to hurt anyone.”

Val glances back at Jex with a raised brow at the intimate touch for a brief moment, but lowers it when she detects no subterfuge in his words. Val walks over to Vark and drops her large hand upon his shoulder. "This is what I would like to hear from you, Vark. That is very reasonable. I would caution not to agree to anything without consulting us about something like that first. This is nothing against what I think you can or cannot do, but... devils are known to be tricky. I know I wouldn't be able to see through one of their webs of deceit... but many eyes might."

"Again, I do not believe that the "thing we must do" if Vark goes of tha wall has to be so definite. I've heard there are ways to break these bonds and deals, though incredibly difficult. Banishing Matthew might not sever the bond, as there are surely ways he can still communicate. We could always look into imprisoning him again. Devils aren't too tricky though, unless they have mal-intent, they are very strict, their word is their bond. I don't believe Matthew means Vark harm." Hurrig stands and paces fo a minute as he pondered. "As I said before right now, he is helping us. I'm curious to know more about these Dawn Gods. Creating devils and dragons... in exchange to do their bidding. Those are some very powerful deities." A look of fear washes over Hurrigs face for a brief second. "I will see if I can learn anything in Khaz a Grungon, but I doubt it. Home from what I remember was very work oriented." 

Bründir sighs and presses a finger into each eye, "Jex, I swear I like ye bein' around, but I don' ever know what yer gonna say next. First, yer mad, then a friend, then upset, then a friend ag'in but with a knife in yer hand. Seems ye dance with yer words, sayin' things without comin' out with it. So if I'm readin' the layers right, lemme say it plain since I'm too nice about it an' ye can't hit a mark straight." the dwarf sits up and stands on the crossbeams of his stool and turns to the young half-orc, "Vark, yer a damn fool who's not seen enough years to know better. Ye've done shite lately that's pissed us all off more'n anyone's got right to. Ye mean well, an' we know it, but we jus' talked about this not a week ago, yeah?" Bründir can feel a tangent swelling and takes a deep, sharp breath to change his momentum, "Yer a friend, so don' make me 'ave to do somethin' I don' want to. Like Jex said, if I see ol' Dumdrengi light up an' nothin's about, it might be th' last thing ye see, get it? Till then, I want ev'ry bit ye can give."

"Now you." Bründir levels a finger back across to Jex with a steely glare, "I need ev'ry bit ye can give too, 'cause I may be steppin' into some deep shit. Ye've got more mind for runnin' a city than I every will, but I can't listen to ye without thinkin' of..." there's a visible hesitation, as though the word refuses to be said, "Damnit, yer jus' like that bastard Quinton! Shithead never said two words th' same, always talkin' out 'is arse. I never liked 'im most days, an' I can't stand hearin' more of the same shit after what 'appened." a tense thickness hangs over the dwarf before he looks up from his drink, "That was a bit much...we're thinkin' th' same as ye, we are, but this is Vark we're talkin' about, not someone we caught down there. Stop goin' on about 'what needs to be done', we all know it, an' it doesn't help. I need ev'ryone 'ere fer what's comin', an' I don' want to think yer all just thinkin' of when Vark's gonna lose it."

Jex shrugs. 

"Think I said th' 'sact same as you.' cept I said it would make me sad to do it. I don't want to, but I can if the danger becomes too great for Hurrig' s solutions. This is y'all assuming I'm up ter tricks when I'm bein plain and nice as I know how. As for my emotions, I'm used ter hidin' 'em so much I don't know how to show em anymore, so if ye see me exaggeratin' I'm jus' tryin' ter give ye insight into what I'm feelin' 'neath it all best I can."