Subject: Chapter 1: Preparations 1,794 views

[Racer Xonclar]

The Wayward Child is calmer than it was the night before, several patrons sitting around with headaches. A stocky and well-built dwarf sits at the bar, holding onto a fresh tankard of frothy ale, while a large half-orc leans heavily against the far end of the bar. Bloodgaze will notice that this is the same half-orc and dwarf she saw from the night before. Two men stand behind the counter as bartenders, neither the same from last night.

The general conduct of the tavern is calm comparatively. People seem to be favoring the tables over the bar and random chit chat about the tournament continues.

[Black_Hawk]

Rayne observes the room silently, noting the odd glances that are now customary on her entering a room. Walking to the bar, she begins talking to the bartender closest to her.

"I would like to rent a room for the night if you have one available. The road has wearied me and I would like to clean up before I partake of your services."

Glancing about the bar and noting its occupants, her interest is piqued at the number of dazed and disoriented patrons. Apparently the alcohol served here is strong.

"Before we negotiate that though, I would like to have a drink. What is on tap?"

[Shiv]

Awake....

Bloodgaze snapped her eyes open. Some days were just like that. You knew you were awake before you awoke...and then you did. Wake up that is. Bloodgaze stretched beneath her covers and glanced at the curtains, the indirect light shining through them telling her it was midday already. Clambering hastily out of her bed she cast a brief glance at her still wet garments from yesterday and shruged, they could be taken care of later. Slipping her lanky form into her deep red trousers and her silver-embroided black tunic, she also applied the compulsory red markings around her eyes. It had become such a part of her by now she felt naked without it.

Striding down the stairs Bloodgaze entered the taproom and meandered over to the counter, stoping next to the tall woman with the bright red hair. "Hey, gimme' what's left from breakfast, or lunch, I don' really care", she told the man behind the bar. Waiting patiently and drumming her fingers against he wood, Bloodgazes lazy eyes fell on the red-head next to her. Though a good three inches taller, thanks to the warrior-womans abyssmal posture their eyes met equally.

"Hey there, g'morn' to ya'", she intoned. "Hope you don't mind me saying so but...that's some pretty stange hair -and eyes- you got. What's the dea-....I mean, is there some story to it?" Flashing a bright disarming smile, Bloodgaze held out her hand. "Name's Bloodgaze, pleased to meetcha'."

[Black_Hawk]

With a slight grin at the commentary, Rayne accepts the proffered hand, nodding her head.

"I am Rayne. There is a story behind them, but not one I tell often. Suffice it to say that it is not one I suspect you have ever heard."

Looking over the stranger, apparently know as Bloodgaze, she takes note of the red about her eyes.

"If I may ask as well, how did you come by such an... interesting name?"

Rayne looks back at the bar, wondering when her drink will arrive. Though not necessary, She thinks, it would be nice to have something with a bit of flavor after such a trip.

[Racer Xonclar]

As Rayne addresses one of the bartenders, he nods, "Aye, give me just a moment." He finishes polishing off one of the glasses and sets it on the counter behind him. Walking up to the edge of the bar, "Well, on tap we have a simple grog and a dark, amber ale." With a clunk, the dwarf at the end of the bar sets his mug down and slides it back, "Speakin' of dat ale, pour me anothah one, lad."

"Will do, sir," the bartender replies as he looks over to Bloodgaze with a smirk. "We've got a little leftover from breakfast, but lunch'll be ready soon if you'd prefer to wait for that."

[Shiv]

"Hrmpf, prickteaser." Bloodgaze mutters jestingly. "So what you're tellin' me is that there is a fantastic story behind it, but you're not telling? What happened to "share your story"? That's what taprooms are made for ya' know." The tall woman grins and casts a quick glance at the bartender. "Yah, lunch'll be fine. I'll have one of hers as well", she says quickly before turning back to Rayne.

"But fine I'm not gonna' press it", she continues and gestures to her eyes. "I got the name from the way I see red when I fight, and I sorta' adopted this eye make up to scare people. And before you ask, yeah it works", a smile splits her face. "Not from around here are ya'? It's that I'm boasting, but most people have at least heard of Bloodgazes Bloodletters, either as a blessin' or a curse. Pro'bly the latter."

[Black_Hawk]

With a bit of laughter, at the comments from Bloodgaze, she turns to the bartender.

"I would have an ale if I may, thank you."

Turning back to Bloodgaze, she continues.

"Sorry, I haven't heard of you. I have been a decent distance from here all things considered. It has been a long path to Suzail."

Taking a pull from the proffered tankard as the barkeep returns, she turns back to Bloodgaze, leaning on the counter with one arm.

"I honestly do not believe that you would believe my story if I told it to you. Perhaps another time."

Cocking her head to the side a bit as though it had just occurred to her, she continues. "What brings you to Suzail if I may be so bold as to ask?"

[Shiv]

Bloodgaze shrugs. "Fair 'nuff. For me it's work I guess. Need to travel. I resigned as leader of the bloodletters just over a month ago. -They better not keep using my name, bastards-." she mutters under her breath. "Anyway, since I'm not part o' the team anymore I was thinkin' I'd see what was happening here in the south. Heard something about a tournament, and with such a large group gatherin' there's always a prospective employer". Pausing to snatch up an ale of her own and to throw a few silvers on the bar bloodgaze continues. "Just came in last night though. Haven't been 'round much. Figured I need to find myself some worthy companions and strike up a new group. Without Thigvar to keep me patched up I'll be spendin' a fortune on healing otherwise".

Taking a chug from the tankard she looks at the other patrons. "But it can wait a few days I guess. I'll need to see people fight in the tourney first. Don' want any rookies who drag me down or get themselves killed goin' in over their heads. I mean they should at least be able to handle an ogre right? I'd feel bad if they'd die under my command ya' know."

[Racer Xonclar]

After serving the drinks, the bartender they had been dealing with walks out from behind the bar and disappears in the back, leaving the other man to handle the drinks. A couple patrons from different table get up from their seats and walk up to the bar, ordering fresh ales. With a nod, the bartender grabs a pair of tankards and starts filling them up.

[Black_Hawk]

"Ah, that would make sense. I am also here with intentions of joining in the competition. "

Taking another pull on her tankard, she reflects on her purposes here, grinning a bit.

"I doubt you will be going against me when you do go about joining the tourney. I don't think we are of the same combat style, you and I."

Reaching under her cloak and taking out the money for teh tankard of ale, if one were to look one could see an image, probably a tattoo, in the shape of a stylized eye shift across her skin and run back up beneath the sleeve of her shirt.

[Shiv]

"Bah", Bloodgaze breaths contemptuously, "I've been up against mages before. Or possibly whatever else you do. Although I will tell you, bolts of lightning smart. Getting hit by one is nothin' I'd recommend." Pausing to give Rayne a long searching look, the warrior woman continues.

"But ya' know. You don't strike me as a spell flinger either. Something about how you stand I guess. So what are you? A fencer maybe? Or do you have some Daeva blood in you that makes you special on some other way?", she prods. Her lazy eyes intensely fixated in Ryanes.

[Black_Hawk]

"No,I'm not your normal spellcaster in the strictest of terms. And lightning was never my forte. Its too loud for my tastes and doesnt really do as much as you would think. It does sting a bit though, that i will agree"

Rayne smiles at the prods for information from the red-eyed woman.

"I am sure that you will find sufficient information concerning my abilities soon enough, though i still have my doubts we will be going against one another."

Giving Bloodgaze a neutral look, Rayne continues, "I look forward to watching you in combat in the event i am not in combat at the time myself. If half of what you say is true, with what you say others will say, it should be interesting, to say the least."

[Racer Xonclar]

As the two women talk between themselves, a group of five men walk in heavy with sweat. A couple of them pull out rags to wipe their faces off as they begin talking amongst themselves. "We'll have to be quick. We're behind schedule on those structures and the Queen would probably hang us if we don't finish in time."

As they sit down on the bar stools behind the two women, "Hey, bartender, five servings of lunch and waters for us." "Alright," he responds. "Brenard! Bring out six instead of just one!" the bartender shouts off towards the back room where the other guy disappeared too.


In a few moments, Brenard comes out balancing six plates of food, four on one arm and two on the other. Setting one plate down in front of Bloodgaze, he walks further down the bar and carefully sets down all five plates in front of each of the men.

[Shiv]

Bloodgaze chuckles at Raynes finishing comment. "I'll enjoy being in combat. That much I know", she remarks with a wide grin, pausing briefly to grunt in thanks as her plate of food arrives. "I'll take your word for that we won't meet in the melee then. Although I've been wondering about those two. They seem more likely opponents for myself", she continues and gestures to the half orc and the dwarf further down the bar.

"The dwarf's a paladin or some such, and I've yet to meet a half orc who did anythin' but bash stuff", she intones with another smile, picking up a morsel of cut meat from her platter and popping it in her mouth. "Except of course", she says while chewing, "... Orc shamans. But they like smashing things just like any other bugger, 'cept with magic".

[Black_Hawk]

Rayne looks down at the two that Bloodgaze has motioned to.

"True on both accounts I suppose."

Rayne looks closer at the dwarf, though her view is substandard due to his location.

"He really doesn't look like a paladin to me. Perhaps a cleric, but not a paladin."

Rayne takes another drink from her tankard, noticing that it is getting low and frowning into the mug. Not a bad ale, but not as dark as i prefer. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers.

"Your outlook on orcs and half's is pretty true, though on occasion you fine one that goes against the grain. I once met a Half-Orc paladin somewhere in Baldurs Gate. Strange fellow, but nice enough. Managed to take me 4 hands out of 5 when we played cards one evening."