laid back apocalypse

The shopkeep brings out a keg and it looks average at best.

"Have no need for cider unfortunately.  But i can sell you these for 90 silver each perhaps

"Hmmm, I'm just going to assume you mean 9 silver each. No need for Cider?  My friend, your business in here would double. People would come from all around to get that cider.  Tell you what, how about I give you a 2 month exclusive deal. They will only be able to get it here.  After we'll have to spread it around a bit, but at first, people will HAVE to come to your fine establishment. Either way....look, there are a few other supplies we could use and we selling stuff to us, at a business to business type discount, could really improve cash flow for you.  You know, cash is king as they say. For example, we'll need a bunch of other brewing equipment, which, used from you may be work out for everyone, and we need to rent or purchase some horses to move things around. Would you have any draft horses for sale or rent?  I know it's not really your thing, but I thought I'd ask."

i could look into the brewing equipment if you wish, for a nominal fee of course,  yess i meant 9 silver silly me, but this establishment isnt really a bar per se, people like to hang out and gossip while waiting for haircuts.  a horse you say, i do happen to have one for sale for the low price of 75 gold

"Oh gracious no, we have no desire to own a horse, just need one to get some stuff moved around. Tell you what, we'll take the kegs to start at a very fare price of 8 silver each, offer you that nominal fee for looking into brewing equipment for us, say, 5 gold, plus a nominal finders fee of 5% for the equipment we purchase, and you'll let us rent your fine horse for a rate of 1 gold per day."  A business like look on his face, he begins fishing through his coin purse, flashing a few gold coins as if counting out the fees. 

agreed on the equipment and the kegs,  but i cant rent you a horse,  its either buy or nothing, an i doubt youll find another horse in town,  tell you what how bout lets say 60 gold for the horse

Ebele would grin with full cheeks when Hawke would advise her not to eat them all in one go. She'd happily share one with Reghys to try, hanging on to the last one to share with another should they desire. The monk would purposely take her time to chew and test the flavour pallet, thinking about her recipes it could complement, only pausing to lend an ear when Hawke would share his story. When he'd make a sudden pause after referring to good eyesight, she finally started fitting the puzzle pieces together. Blind buddies! She'd stop herself from facepalming. She'd swallow the last of her berry. Huh. What are the odds? Her head would tilt.

(She'd wait for Kerric to respond to Hawke's question before speaking up again.)

When Reghys would chime in with their verdict, Ebele couldn't help but put on a thoughtful face and nod along, agreeing with some points. Though, Hawke did specifically say they don't replace the same full feeling as an actual meal. As they've both said now, good in a pinch! "While I agree with you on preferring a full meal Reghys..." The monk wasn't thinking food. Oh no. She'd chuckle to herself and let out a soft sigh. "I think T'chal'fronack'zcinicker has been making an impression on me..." The blonde would mutter under her breath as she'd shake her head to herself. A smirk would grow on her face and she'd correct her posture to stand how she imagines T'chal'afrosnack'zcinicker would. She'd adjust her clothes professionally before she'd speak. "Hawke, I have a proposition for you." She'd pause trying not to giggle, probably doing a poor impression of their tiefling. "Would you be open to a small business venture? I'd be interested in partnering with you on a research and development experiments. Should the project prove to have fruitful results..." She'd pause trying not to snicker at her own pun, bobbing a brow. "We could discuss a product launch. What do you say?" After possible awkward silence, Ebele would snort, deflating, returning back to her own posture. She'd grab the wineskin from her hip and jiggle it. Then hold out the last berry in her palm beside it. "But seriously. Wanna try brewing some cider?" Obviously she didn't mean right this second. But while they were waiting for T'chal'fronack'zcinicker.

"60 gold for a horse I don't want? Goodness.  Let me see this creature. I have no idea what to do with a horse, but I suppose if it's the only one in town, I can probably make back some of my losses by renting it out.....so...let's see if it'll get the job done." 

"Follow me then"

you follow the shop keeper around back and see "“a bony,underfed, and dispirited animal; but it did not look like dying just yet.” 

**J R R Tolkein

"Yeeesh. That thing is in a poor state. I don't really know horses but even I can tell. Feels like you're trying to offload an animal that can't do work and consumes costly feed.  I will relieve you of this burden for 30 gold, since he may yet be able to give us a few days of labor." 

"what this is a fine beast and able to pull many loads, i couldnt part with it for less than 55, and ill throw in some tack to connect to a wagon, i assume you have a wagon?

Kerric:

The elven warrior slowly draws his silvered Elven Curved Blade and angles it to reflect the sunlight, saying, "Kerric is my given name and it bears no special meaning of which I am aware, though in Elvish it means masculine or royal.  Brightblade is a family name and refers to the signature sheen of our ancestral weapons and armor employed in service to the crown for millennia, though this blade is one of the lesser examples.  I have yet to earn even the lesser version of the elven chain, but I hope to be promoted if I succeed in my mission here."

(The blade is silvered, but his chain armor is not.  Kerric's references to the 'lesser' blade implies that 'greater' versions exist--likely mithril or some other highly reflective rare metal).

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker sighs heavily, "Very well, I will take the horse now, and we can resume our discussion of your services later. I'll need to come back for the keg's as well."  

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker counts out 55 gold in a small pouch, but doesn't hand it over yet. "I have a simple contract here for the purchase of a horse."  He pulls out a contract and begins scribbling on it, then passes it to the man.  Assuming he agrees to sign the contract, T'chal'fronack'zcinicker passes over 55 gold in exchange for he paltry animal and barding, and walks the poor thing back to the group.  He hopes beyond hope that this new friend of their, the druid, can somehow offer some care and to the poor creature and give it the strength to pull the wagon. 

Gaelkur looks the contract over   makes a simple untidy X on the signature line  and says Done and Done holding out his palm for the coin

"Oh, the berries themselves just nourish you and give you enough energy to survive the day. Don't make you really feel full or nothin', so you can still eat a Gods damn feast if ya wanted!" He grins to Reghys. "Just good when you're a wild man like me and sometimes don't wanna go huntin' for a full meal."

When Kerric speaks, Hawke gives him his undivided attention, and when the elf brings out his blade, the druid looks to it with much interest. "Even if it's the lesser version, it's still an impressive blade. Same with the chain," He points out. "Though, I can't imagine how the greater versions look. Kinda hopin' to stick around long enough to see it on ya. You'd wear it well and wear it proud, I can tell." If allowed to, the Kalashar gives him a strong pat on the shoulder. "I believe in you, brother." He would say in Elvish.

With a final nod, Hawke would turn to Ebele as she started to speak, cocking his head to the side. When she straightened her posture, he did, though he wasn't entirely sure why until she spoke again, this time in a more... dignified manner. Like she was trying to impersonate... His lips would thin, trying to suppress a laugh. He would clear his throat after her piece, relaxing a bit near the end. "You're scary good at that, ya know?" He says with a smirk dancing at the corner of his lip. "After that, how could I say no. It's definitely worth a shot... Can I take a swig of that--"

He cuts himself off at the sight of T'chal returning with a... very sad looking horse. His smirk falls into a frown. "Ah, shite..." The druid says under his breath jogging over to meet with the two. "Guess they, uh... gave you a good deal on this one, huh?" He questions, giving the poor horse a pat on the neck. "Don't worry, buddy, we'll take good care of ya. Give me about 10 minutes to get the spell goin'. I'll see what this guy is really capable of, yeah?" 

If given the okay, Hawke will go off to the side somewhere so he can properly perform the ritual to speak with horses. Once cast, he'll start off easy with the beast. "Hey buddy, how's it goin'? What's your name?"

the horse neighs

Hawk you understand the neigh to be Bill

The monk listened contently, enjoying Kerric’s exchange with Hawke. It was a nice insight of their elf warrior. 

Ebele would trot after Hawke to catch up with real trots of a horse alongside the familiar steps of their tiefling. She’d stand back silently, but at the ready, holding out the lone Goodberry for Hawke to offer the horse if he wanted, in one hand, and her wineskin in the other for the druid himself. Though... she couldn’t promise there was any left. Did they finish it last night?

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker motions to the horse, "Yes, thank you Hawke. I was hoping the poor animal, the only of its kind within a thousand miles, will do the job of pulling our wagon.  It may need some love and care but you seemed the type to give it. Also, if we care, we can get this guy to procure the equipment we needed to make cider for the low low price of double whatever it's worth.  Goooood deal."   He then perks up and winks, "That was fun. Alright, shall we head off?"

Hearing that they could still enjoy a full meal, Reghys beamed again. "Ah, the simple pleasures!" Learning more about their elven friend, Reghys feels a bit bashful, for only now getting to hear these details, because they simply never asked.

"T, I actually don't mind you hoodwinking this fellow. You hve my blessing." The satyr knew that T'chal'fronack'zcinicker would do what he wanted regardless of their opinion, but they actually meant it. They had no objection to trick another sleazy business man, or maybe even pull a prank on him.

Before starting to walk off, Reghys would look curiously towards the group's newest addition. "Is she going to be able to pull the cart by herself? Or will we have to push again?"

“Bill’s a nice name.” Hawke says affectionately as he pets the horses mane. “You’re in good company now Bill. Promise we’ll take the best care of ya.”

When he sees Ebele offer the berry, Hawke urges Bill the horse to eat it. “It’ll keep you goin’ for the trip ahead, buddy.” And when he sees her also offer the wineskin, he takes it and takes whatever gulp he can of it (assuming there was some in there) before handing it back to her. ”Thank ya kindly.”

At Reghys inquiry, he can’t help but laugh and ask, “You guys pushed the cart before? I commend ya!” He gives a final chuckle before turning to Bill. “What do ya say, Bill? Think you can help us pull a cart?” 

the horse neighs loudly already looking better or at least happier

Ebele --your wineskin is now empty