Shaeshormm has the same faint smile and is still staring at you. Neither she nor Teekskrid has moved or changed expressions since saying goodbye. You get the feeling that isn't 100% aware of her surroundings in general let alone remembering you from several centuries ago.
Tae nods, sighs at the floor, then exits. Outside, Heec is full of questions.
That was her, right?
...
It was! Of course it was! Why didn't you talk to her?! I mean, they're both kind of strange, but that's her!
...
Tae?
I'm not wanting to talk about this now. Perhaps later. You go ahead to the gemcutter. I'll see you at the flop house.
Having dealt with similar behavior before with the dreaded "Gebler Fruit" incident, Heec knew it was best to just drop it.
I'll see you back home.
Tae returns to the flop house and reflects on the interaction he just had with Shaeshormm. The hurt still remains. Swells of embarrassment and regret come and go as he replays the scenario in his head over and over. Who was that elf? What was so fantastic about him? Tae being alone with his thoughts have proven dangerous for him in the past. This instance is no exception.
Heec heads to the gem cutter to fulfill the promise made to Seraphina. He hopes Tae will be able to talk about this later as he has plenty of questions to ask him.
Heec starts heading back to the edge of Cragglesfrock. A dirt road turns north on the west edge of town and leads to a small stone building.
Inside is a single square room with a small closet built into the far corner. Chairs are arranged in the front part of the room around a short table. There are side tables for most of the chairs and all of the furnishings are simple but nicely done. In the second half of the room is a workshop are with a large table with several shelves, drawers and compartments built in. A pedal powered grinding wheel is on another with table nearby.
A tall, tan colored half orc with black hair turns from his work. He is holding a loupe in one eye with his thick ridged eyebrow and is dressed in fine clothes. He smiles very pleasantly and approaches you. He extends his hand and says in a very distinguished voice,
Welcome! I have seen you around town but we've never officially meet. My name is Torg Bugnutts.
*Heecrid extends his hand to shake the half orc’s hand.*
H: Greetings Torg. My name is Heecrid. I’m here on an errand from Seraphina and need to pick up some jewelry or gems? I don’t remember for sure. Whatever order is under her name, I’m happy to retrieve!
Can I get you a drink? I have some very fine wines that i picked up in Waterdeep during my last visit. Plus a selection of ciders from the orchards or beer from the brewery. Since living in Cragglefrock I have learned that it is not an insult to offer anything other than wine to a guest!
He goes to a side table along the wall with a variety of bottles and glasses.
Now where is that red, he says to himself?
Ah! He turns to you and takes the loupe out of his eye. It might help to look without this!
Heec Perception Check
There is a very fine looking rapier hanging from the wall next to Torg's work desk. Other than that, you don't hear it see anything that could be construed as a threat. Torg himself seems sincere and friendly.
He lifts a bottle and two glasses. He pours a dark, red wine and sits opposite of Heec.
T: I appreciate the company. I don't get many buyers at my shop here in the village. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy living here and have a very active social life outside of my work, but I do most of business when I travel.
He swirls his glass and takes a sip. He sighs contently and then leans forward.
T: I'll be honest with you, though. I originally came here for much more pragmatic reasons.
He reaches into his shirt pocket and takes out a raw chunk of a yellow gem.
T: This is a very small example of a topaz that I found up by Mount Hotenow. I believe there is a much richer vein up there. Unfortunately, the area is now overrun by goblins, bugbears, orcs, gnolls, bandits, you name it. I didn't dare go closer to the Mount than I did. There is ancient dwarven city carved into the mountain itself, but if the Crags are as bad as they were, who knows what is living in that city now. I know you and your friend are or were adventurers. I would pay handsomely to know the exact location of that topaz vein, as well as for any gems you may find.
He gets a very serious look.
T: I won't lie to you. It would be dangerous work. If half of the legends are true about that place... well, it's not something I would ask lightly of anyone.
He leans back and smiles again.
T: Here I am, talking your ear off and asking grave favors. Tell me what brings you to Cragglefrock?
*Heec heart flutters at the thought of a grand adventure. It’s been many months since he and Tae had gone on a proper mission. Mostly they’ve just done odds and ends around town.*
H: I can’t speak for my friend but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t intrigue me. I’d be happy to discuss it with him tonight and get back to you in the morning. Were you able to locate Seraphina’s order?
*Unable to shake his suspicion, Heec takes a closer look at the wine.*
*Heec rolls an Investigation check of 16 on the wine.*
T: Of course! That's why you're really here. So Seraphina put you up to this, eh? That sly old owl-minx. She really is a fine woman.
He goes over to his work table and retrieves a small chest.
T: Her and I are not so different you know? Both of us were widowed at a fairly young age and both of us are better off for it, truth be told. Neither one of our spouses treated us well. We both could have lived long and miserable lives because we never would have left willingly. But now we are older. We both have a child who has grown and left to make their own lives and families.
He comes back and sets the box on the table.
T: I know we can be happy together. We used to sit at the inn and talk for hours. I wouldn't keep persuing her if she didn't feel the same way. We talked about traveling the world, enjoying all of the fine things that our hard work can now afford us. And we would build a house just outside of town and spend our days growing old together. I know how it seems, a half orc and a halfling together. Not to be too personal but we are well beyond the desire to have more children. Our love is and could be the greatest companionship either of us has known. We could be...
He pauses thinking of the word and then looks at Heec
T: Ha! We could be co- adventurers! I know all these things to be true and she has told me the same. I know she also worries about what others think of her. I fear it's a carryover from her marriage.
He looks down for a few moments and then back up.
T: Well anyway, here are her rings. Do me a favor and please don't open the box. *He winks at Heec
Heec Wine Investigating Check:
You smell the wine and get a lush bouquet of crimson plums, tart cherries, and warm wood. It is a distinguished wine. Honestly it's something you would be more likely to find in a nobles study while he enjoyed the company of old friends and talked of philosophical musings by a fire rather than in a small shop shared with a stranger grimy from a days labour. There are no bitter smells of a foreign substance, though.
H: You have my word. *Heec takes a larger than standard drink for a wine that fine.* This is fantastic! *Heec actually knows nothing about wine and what makes it fine or basic. He just enjoys the sport of drinking.* Torg, if you care so much for her, why not deliver these rings to her yourself and speak to her about your feelings? Women do not want a man that lingers and waits for her to make the first move. If you want this woman, go get her. Tell her how you feel and do not wait long enough for someone else to do what you should have done! *Heec takes another larger than typical drink.*
T: You know she has her rings left for polishing at least once a month. Many of them don't really even need it, but I make sure to put as much care into making them shine as I care about her. I have told her my intentions many times as she has told me. I know I am not as many years on this world as either you or her, but I am old enough to understand that it is now her choice.
He finishes his glass and looks Heec's
T: I'm glad you enjoy it Heecrid. It's a finer wine than many people in this world will ever see, let alone be able to afford. But I am ready to enjoy the things I have acquired. You are right that a woman doesn't want a man to linger and I have not. But a man doesn't want a woman to linger either. I'm afraid I can't wait for her until I wither away into old age. If I didn't feel so drawn in by that topaz vein I would be gone by spring.
H: Well let me go discuss this adventure with my friend and we shall return together tomorrow if we are to take you up on your offer. In the meantime, think about what I said. I’ll happily deliver these rings to Seraphina but if your heart is telling you to go to her, listen to it. I feel you won’t regret it *Heec finishes his glass* And now I must depart. Thank you kindly for your hospitality. It won’t be forgotten. I wish you a good day, sir!
*Heec grabs the box, nods politely at the proprietor, and exits. He heads to the office to drop off Seraphina’s rings and establish his and Tae’s lodgings for the next year.*
Tae Insight Check
Shaeshormm has the same faint smile and is still staring at you. Neither she nor Teekskrid has moved or changed expressions since saying goodbye. You get the feeling that isn't 100% aware of her surroundings in general let alone remembering you from several centuries ago.
Tae nods, sighs at the floor, then exits. Outside, Heec is full of questions.
That was her, right?
...
It was! Of course it was! Why didn't you talk to her?! I mean, they're both kind of strange, but that's her!
...
Tae?
I'm not wanting to talk about this now. Perhaps later. You go ahead to the gemcutter. I'll see you at the flop house.
Having dealt with similar behavior before with the dreaded "Gebler Fruit" incident, Heec knew it was best to just drop it.
I'll see you back home.
Tae returns to the flop house and reflects on the interaction he just had with Shaeshormm. The hurt still remains. Swells of embarrassment and regret come and go as he replays the scenario in his head over and over. Who was that elf? What was so fantastic about him? Tae being alone with his thoughts have proven dangerous for him in the past. This instance is no exception.
Heec heads to the gem cutter to fulfill the promise made to Seraphina. He hopes Tae will be able to talk about this later as he has plenty of questions to ask him.
Heec starts heading back to the edge of Cragglesfrock. A dirt road turns north on the west edge of town and leads to a small stone building.
Inside is a single square room with a small closet built into the far corner. Chairs are arranged in the front part of the room around a short table. There are side tables for most of the chairs and all of the furnishings are simple but nicely done. In the second half of the room is a workshop are with a large table with several shelves, drawers and compartments built in. A pedal powered grinding wheel is on another with table nearby.
A tall, tan colored half orc with black hair turns from his work. He is holding a loupe in one eye with his thick ridged eyebrow and is dressed in fine clothes. He smiles very pleasantly and approaches you. He extends his hand and says in a very distinguished voice,
Welcome! I have seen you around town but we've never officially meet. My name is Torg Bugnutts.
*Heecrid extends his hand to shake the half orc’s hand.*
H: Greetings Torg. My name is Heecrid. I’m here on an errand from Seraphina and need to pick up some jewelry or gems? I don’t remember for sure. Whatever order is under her name, I’m happy to retrieve!
Seraphina! Yes, what a wonderful woman. Please sit down and I'll go retrieve her rings.
He motions to one of the chairs.
H: Thank you kindly!
*Heecrid begins to sit down but can’t shake his caution with dealing half orcs in the past.*
*Heecrid makes a Perception check of 13 (8+5).
Can I get you a drink? I have some very fine wines that i picked up in Waterdeep during my last visit. Plus a selection of ciders from the orchards or beer from the brewery. Since living in Cragglefrock I have learned that it is not an insult to offer anything other than wine to a guest!
He goes to a side table along the wall with a variety of bottles and glasses.
Now where is that red, he says to himself?
Ah! He turns to you and takes the loupe out of his eye. It might help to look without this!
Heec Perception Check
There is a very fine looking rapier hanging from the wall next to Torg's work desk. Other than that, you don't hear it see anything that could be construed as a threat. Torg himself seems sincere and friendly.
H: Much appreciated, friend! It has been quite a long day and I am quite parched. Whatever you recommend!
*Heec has a seat*
T: Here it is!
He lifts a bottle and two glasses. He pours a dark, red wine and sits opposite of Heec.
T: I appreciate the company. I don't get many buyers at my shop here in the village. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy living here and have a very active social life outside of my work, but I do most of business when I travel.
He swirls his glass and takes a sip. He sighs contently and then leans forward.
T: I'll be honest with you, though. I originally came here for much more pragmatic reasons.
He reaches into his shirt pocket and takes out a raw chunk of a yellow gem.
T: This is a very small example of a topaz that I found up by Mount Hotenow. I believe there is a much richer vein up there. Unfortunately, the area is now overrun by goblins, bugbears, orcs, gnolls, bandits, you name it. I didn't dare go closer to the Mount than I did. There is ancient dwarven city carved into the mountain itself, but if the Crags are as bad as they were, who knows what is living in that city now. I know you and your friend are or were adventurers. I would pay handsomely to know the exact location of that topaz vein, as well as for any gems you may find.
He gets a very serious look.
T: I won't lie to you. It would be dangerous work. If half of the legends are true about that place... well, it's not something I would ask lightly of anyone.
He leans back and smiles again.
T: Here I am, talking your ear off and asking grave favors. Tell me what brings you to Cragglefrock?
*Heec heart flutters at the thought of a grand adventure. It’s been many months since he and Tae had gone on a proper mission. Mostly they’ve just done odds and ends around town.*
H: I can’t speak for my friend but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t intrigue me. I’d be happy to discuss it with him tonight and get back to you in the morning. Were you able to locate Seraphina’s order?
*Unable to shake his suspicion, Heec takes a closer look at the wine.*
*Heec rolls an Investigation check of 16 on the wine.*
Torg takes another sip of the wine before rising
T: Of course! That's why you're really here. So Seraphina put you up to this, eh? That sly old owl-minx. She really is a fine woman.
He goes over to his work table and retrieves a small chest.
T: Her and I are not so different you know? Both of us were widowed at a fairly young age and both of us are better off for it, truth be told. Neither one of our spouses treated us well. We both could have lived long and miserable lives because we never would have left willingly. But now we are older. We both have a child who has grown and left to make their own lives and families.
He comes back and sets the box on the table.
T: I know we can be happy together. We used to sit at the inn and talk for hours. I wouldn't keep persuing her if she didn't feel the same way. We talked about traveling the world, enjoying all of the fine things that our hard work can now afford us. And we would build a house just outside of town and spend our days growing old together. I know how it seems, a half orc and a halfling together. Not to be too personal but we are well beyond the desire to have more children. Our love is and could be the greatest companionship either of us has known. We could be...
He pauses thinking of the word and then looks at Heec
T: Ha! We could be co- adventurers! I know all these things to be true and she has told me the same. I know she also worries about what others think of her. I fear it's a carryover from her marriage.
He looks down for a few moments and then back up.
T: Well anyway, here are her rings. Do me a favor and please don't open the box. *He winks at Heec
Heec Wine Investigating Check:
You smell the wine and get a lush bouquet of crimson plums, tart cherries, and warm wood. It is a distinguished wine. Honestly it's something you would be more likely to find in a nobles study while he enjoyed the company of old friends and talked of philosophical musings by a fire rather than in a small shop shared with a stranger grimy from a days labour. There are no bitter smells of a foreign substance, though.
H: You have my word. *Heec takes a larger than standard drink for a wine that fine.* This is fantastic! *Heec actually knows nothing about wine and what makes it fine or basic. He just enjoys the sport of drinking.* Torg, if you care so much for her, why not deliver these rings to her yourself and speak to her about your feelings? Women do not want a man that lingers and waits for her to make the first move. If you want this woman, go get her. Tell her how you feel and do not wait long enough for someone else to do what you should have done! *Heec takes another larger than typical drink.*
Torg laughs and shakes his head.
T: You know she has her rings left for polishing at least once a month. Many of them don't really even need it, but I make sure to put as much care into making them shine as I care about her. I have told her my intentions many times as she has told me. I know I am not as many years on this world as either you or her, but I am old enough to understand that it is now her choice.
He finishes his glass and looks Heec's
T: I'm glad you enjoy it Heecrid. It's a finer wine than many people in this world will ever see, let alone be able to afford. But I am ready to enjoy the things I have acquired. You are right that a woman doesn't want a man to linger and I have not. But a man doesn't want a woman to linger either. I'm afraid I can't wait for her until I wither away into old age. If I didn't feel so drawn in by that topaz vein I would be gone by spring.
Heec make a Constitution saving throw
Heec rolls a 19.
Despite the fact that he quaffed most of a bottle quickly, Heec doesn't feel any effect from the wine.
H: Well let me go discuss this adventure with my friend and we shall return together tomorrow if we are to take you up on your offer. In the meantime, think about what I said. I’ll happily deliver these rings to Seraphina but if your heart is telling you to go to her, listen to it. I feel you won’t regret it *Heec finishes his glass* And now I must depart. Thank you kindly for your hospitality. It won’t be forgotten. I wish you a good day, sir!
T: Good luck and Gondspeed.
*Heec grabs the box, nods politely at the proprietor, and exits. He heads to the office to drop off Seraphina’s rings and establish his and Tae’s lodgings for the next year.*
Seraphina is at her desk when Heec arrives.
*Heec sets the box on the table.*
Hello, Seraphina! I was able to retrieve your order for you. I met Torg. He seems like a great guy!