It's a warm day. The hot, salty air is sticky and uncomfortable. Oredion, you wake in the Dragon's Lair Inn. Half dressed and half in bed, one of your own loud snores waking you up with a jolt. The room spins with dizzying light and makes your head throb. You only vaguely remember the previous evening. Joey pops out with a little hiccup of fire, his scales a violent shade of purple.
Oredion rolls out of bed a splitting headache making his head throb in the light. He shields his eyes trying to find the rest of his clothes. After a bit of painfully looking around he finds and puts on everything not caring that it's all still dirty. He starts to head down to the bar not certain of where everyone is. He sees the bartender and orders a small breakfast and a lot of water trying to sooth his throbbing headache.
Couple minutes pass and Oredion has downed all his drink and barely eaten any of the food being yo full from the night before. He decides it's time to find the others and sets out not sure on where to go he just wonders around.
Etny, you wake in your own room of the Dragon's Lair. It felt so strange to sleep in a soft bed such as this. Too comfortable... You much preferred the wild lands, the fresh air, the stars above you. But it wasn't... Bad. Perhaps. You hear your axebeak clucking outside, perhaps excited at catching a rabbit or a pigeon to eat.
Etny rises drowsily from the comfort of the bed she was sleeping in. She shakes her head, rubbing the sleep it off her eyes. "Ah! That was very...comfortable! Shiza! Do outlanders sleep this good?" she asks to no one in particular.
With that, she swings her legs over the edge of the bed, dons her fur and leather armor, and approaches the single mirror over a wash basin in the room.
Looking in the mirror, she stares at the young woman in the reflection looking back at her, with circles growing under her violet eyes. Shiza! I must be exhausted... With that, she splashes her face with cool water to clean up and wash the grime down.
With that, she offers a quick prayer to the All-Mother, and makes her way downstairs. Still feeling a little emptiness and aloofness, she strives to not bring attention to herself. I must check on Gaare...
Etny makes her way outside to the stables, and finds Gaare munching on corn, her axe beak half buried in the trough.
Etny smiles genuinely at her pet friend. She begins muttering in her native tongue to the large, flightless bird, and approaching, begins to groom her companion.
Atriox, having already donned your armor (cleaning it the best you could), you head outside into the bright morning sun. You ate a little food, but not much sparked your appetite. You spot Alrik sitting on a bench nearby having a smoke. He has all his gear packed up and bundled next to him, as if he's ready to leave.
Atriox doesn't really look at Alrik but merely says, "Looks like you're going somewhere?"
Alrik exhales, glancing in the direction of the Dragonborn. "How much did it cost?" He gestures to the Fang.
Atriox shrugs. "A pretty penny to be sure. But we haven't even cashed in all our jams yet and we still have a lot of gold. It was a good investment. We now have 3 sources of income. And a free place to lay your head no matter what. Paying for a room night after night would have added up in the end anyway. I feel it was a smart decision."
Alrik maintains his stone faced emotion, repeating his phrase. "How much did it cost?" He takes a drag on his cigarette.
Atriox looks at the human straight faced. "9400"
Exhaling again, the smoke sparks and darkens. "So who's share did the rest come out of?"
Etny finishes up grooming Gaare, and pets the bird affectionately, uttering sweet nothings to her.
She makes ready to leave, but stops suddenly, seeing Atriox-Dugairon and Alrik Oros-Udunta. She makes to approach them, but stops herself short, coming to a certain realization.
There is a palpable tension in the air between the dragonborn and the mage. Etny backs up a couple of paces, far out of earshot of the two, and listens.
(Stealth 18...She basically was about to step out of the stables and approach them, but she is far enough away to not be noticed. XD
Atriox laughs. "What shares Alrik ? The money was dumped into one giant pile. If you wanted yours separate you should have said something days and jobs ago."
Atriox flings his arms out exasperated. "If you had went and bought a business this conversation wouldn't even be happening! If it provides income and makes our lives easier I don't care ! And if you want to be technical about it Alrik that said pile of money is in a location that neither Oxious nor you know about. I haven't even given the money over yet !"
He lets out an exasperated growl. "If you wanted your "share" so badly you should have been more proactive in protecting it."
Alrik stands, leering at Atriox. "You may be a prince where you come from, but I don't know if you've realized... YOU AREN'T IN F***ING SKYHOLD!"
He throws the cigarette into the dirt, stomping on it and snarling. "You may be a prince there, but here you're just another orphan living away from their homeland, wishing their parents were still alive..."
He grabs his bag, shouldering it and tying the chest strap before looking at Atriox again. "You should have talked to me beforehand..."
Atriox takes a deep breath blowing steam out his nostrils. Reigning in his temper he looks at the human.
"Theres a lot of times when you should have talked to me Alrik. Alot. Instead you blow up and make everything such a hard matter to deal with. True to your name tempest. I hope that anger of yours doesn't get you killed. I suppose I'll see you at the trial..........
Alrik kicks the dirt, looking at his feet. "Well from here on out, let's make sure to talk to each other before we make a big decision... I'm man enough to admit when I'm wrong..." he says sheepishly, turning to walk off.
Atriox clenches his fist hard......but let's go. "Ughhhhh ALRIK" he calls
"Dont go to far why don't you. Never know when we might need our Tempest. Having a living storm on your side helps. Just so you know........... I'll always be on your side. Even if you don't know or understand it."
"Not..."
"A prince...?"
Etny continues to listen to the exchange, seeing the waves of tension pass between the two.
"I'm not going far... going to head down and meet the Elite... I'll probably join their encampment for the duration of their time here."
(16 insight)
"Very well. Tell me. I've heard tell of a powerful female dragonborn amongst the elite. Is that true ?"
(He's telling the absolute truth. Gonna go camp with the Elite for a while. Mostly because The Enigma, his surrogate mother figure, doesn't approve of places like The Fang... lol)
"I haven't met her, but yes... The Blizzard is a Dragonborn..."
Atriox thinks it over. "I'd like to meet her if she is here that is. Do you think that'd be possible?"
Alrik shrugs. "I don't know who all is coming, apart from Magus Jaundree... if she is among then, I'm sure I could set up a meeting..."
Atriox nods gratefully. "I'd be most appreciative. I don't get to meet many of my own kind often."
Etny, having heard enough, steps away from the stables, and departs, heading the what she hopes is the opposite direction of either of the two men.
"Arach...," she mutters under her breath. Turning down a side street, she spots Oredion.
"Oredion-Antrahtu! Wait up!"
She jogs to the dwarf, landing in lock step with him.
"Are you well, elenn?"
---
Oredion sees Etny jog up to him. He looks up at the sky not meeting her gaze.
"Ah Etny I'm doing swell got a killer rumble in my noggin but peachy none the less. How'd you fare last night? To be honest I don't remember much!"
"Well, you drank quite a lot of argaklel, and nearly passed out. Everyone was...cheering you for it. Your customs...they are strange to me. In my tribe, we do not drink silly until we pass out. I guess things are just different outside my little world." She smiles briefly, but it fades.
"Oredion-Antrahtu...I do not feel right here, in this place. I feel...unfit and out of place. I am so unfamiliar with..." She gestures, "...everything."
"Ah, and maybe we can find something for your head shakes."
Oredion looks at her meeting her gaze.
"I to am not accustomed to these customs. I drink to forget. To cope. Liquor helps me stay sane, for others it's for fun or an addiction but, not me... Sorry idk why I share so much with you Etny. You are quite a listener."
He laughs a jolly laugh on his final words.
"It is alright, Oredion-Antrahtu," she smiles again. "I suppose listening is what I do best. I am a hunter, after all."
She is silent for several moments, her gaze lost somewhere distant. "Did...Did you know? Have you known all along that Atriox-Dugairon is..." She can't quite finish the sentence. "Nevermind. It us not important."
Oredion looks at her confused.
"It's alright continue I think it's finally my turn to listen."
He gives her a wink on the last part.
She leans toward him as they walk, and rests a hand at the side of her mouth. "Atriox-Dugairon is not a real prince," she says in a whispered tone. "Did you know this?"
Oredion lets out a loud laugh.
"Well he has no land lass. I don't know a prince without land."
He leans in meeting her gaze and whispers.
"I still wouldn't tell him that he may try to flay you alive for insulting his royal lizardness."
He lets out another laugh.
Etny laughs aloud, the humor not lost on her. "And if he does, he may need to grow his tail back!" She doubles over laughing.
Oredion pats her on the back. "See there we go you do have a sense of humor." Oredion begins to laugh aloud.
"Are you saying I am boring?" Despite that, she has a bright smile on her face. She continues laughing with Oredion.
"Oleah! I've needed a good laugh...Harra, elenn. Thank you!" She gives his shoulder a squeeze.
Oredion embarrassed but trying to stay calm nods.
"So about are companions. What do you think of them? Honestly?"
Joey crawls out or Oredions beard and jumps into Etny laying down in her hair. Oredion visibly confused gives an awkward laugh.
"Sorry idk what came over him. The little traitor."
He tries to pick up Joey but Joey persists to stay...
She chuckles as the lizard leaps on her shoulder, resting in her auburn hair.
At Oredion's question, her expression changes to a more somber one. "I...I do not know what to think. Alrik Oros-Udunta is enigma to me. He seems like a good man, but I cannot get much of a read on him. Atriox-Dugairon..." her expression darkens. "He is torn within. I feel he sometimes has a right to be angered, but at the same time..." She trails off.
---
The town is abuzz with excitement. Room at the docks has been made for the Court of the Magi's ship, a great behemoth of a vessel with bright white and gold sails. Over the last few days, word has spread and people from the surrounding areas have flooded in. The market is fuller than its ever been, and when the ship docks there is a continued celebration--carried over from the previous evening.
The first man off the ship is most definitely Magus Jaundree, the Inferno. His bright attire and his cheerful attitude radiate through the crowd like a flame, almost as bright as his bushy red handlebar mustache.
Following behind him is a tiny woman. You could easily mistake her for a child if it weren't for the abundant wrinkles and grandma-like aura she radiates. A little bird flits about on her shoulder, watching the crowd eagerly. This is most definitely Sage Breehani Giantsbane, The Enigma. Wrapping a light blue shawl around her, she peers out as if searching the crowd.
Behind her walks a tall, thin woman dressed in deep purple--almost black. Something about her gait gives off an aura of superiority, her dark skin and pointed ears very stark against her silvery hair. She's a dark elf like Magnolia but with none of the gentleness or sweetness. Her glance is like a delicious cyanide. Sage Nathbryn T'sossz, the Scourge.
Last but not least, another woman exits the ship. Sage Thayassa Kelxul, the Blizzard. A dragonborn of esteemed regard, her scales shimmer like icy crystals. A stern, noble expression on her countenance, she draws a cold breeze behind her as she passes through the crowds.
Jandree puts a hand to his brow, scanning the crowd against the growing warmth of the sun. "AH! MY BOY. TEMPEST." He waves, glowing at the youngest Mage Guard in their court. Breaking apart from the others to come talk with you, he pulls you into a tight hug before shaking your hand. "Good to see you again. Knew you couldn't keep your head down for long..." He smirks.
Alrik pulls his hood up a little further, trying to shove his head back as far as it can go inside it, but the damage is already done. People are staring, and worse, crowding their way to see him. "Thanks for that, you damn old bastard!" He calls from across the growing group in between them, a grin plastered on his face underneath the hood.
Upon Jaundree getting through the crowd, he pushes his hood back and shakes his hand. "Yeah, that isn't quite my style..." he says as he sparks the old man's hand, a sly grin on his face.
You see him grin wide. You know he did that on purpose. "Oh, I'm well aware, youngin'. I'm well aware." He takes the spark and you feel your hand grow uncomfortably hot within his own. "Fancy a walk? Before ol' Breehani gets sight of you... I won't be able to get a word in for an hour." He waves off the crowds, gesturing for you to walk forward.
Alrik nods, gesturing to the side with a quick jerk of his head. "Try a couple days..." he unbuttons his jacket slightly, showing the bandages. "Dragon..." he mutters as they walk out of the crowd.
"Ooooh boy, button that back up. She'll have a heart attack she will--or give you one--HA." He playfully pats your back. "Had no idea dragons were still around these parts."
"They aren't... this one was..." he scowls, not exactly sure how to explain it. "This one was back close to home... some sort of teleportation ritual in a nearby temple ruin... kobolds were worshipping it like a god..." he waves it off, as if he doesn't want to go into all the details. "It doesn't matter, much... we killed it."
"Looks like it almost returned the favor." He gives you a wink, waggling his bushy eyebrows. "Glad you're alright, boy. Your letter seemed urgent... nothing about dragons or kobolds. You still have this strange mage in custody? We plan on the trial at 10 o'clock. Gotta get moving... many places yet to go."
"We do. He is in the cells at the courthouse. The second letter... it is about... well, another fellow in town. Gives me a weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. Used a spectral hand to hold down one of his employees and ripped the memories out of her head with a pair of runed gloves... you know the spell I'm talking about. He's the reason I sent the letter saying bring Trak'skulan..."
"Aaaaah, I see..." He scratches his nose. "I trust you, if you feel something's amiss. Misuse of magic is a tricky business." Clicking his tongue, The Inferno glances over his shoulder. "Good thing I brought The Corpse with us. I figured you of all people wouldn't request his presence unless there was a sincere need?"
At finding out that he is indeed on board the ship, Alrik looks like he's about to be sick, quickly changing to anger and then back to sick. "I... don't know. I've never met him, but... if anyone can get these guys to talk... it will be him." He kicks the dirt, not sure how to explain what he meant. "I have no idea what to do... I just know the truth needs to be found..."
The Inferno nods, patting your back. "I understand. He's... on the ship, lad. He doesn't come out often." After a few minutes of walking, he asks, finally using your real name. "Alrik? Is there something you have evidence of for the trial against this man? Or just testimony? Share with me."
"Perhaps..." He strokes his chin. "We'll put in an inquiry. I suppose we could give him a trial first, then deal with the mad wizard you wrote to us about... madness is a tricky business. It'll take more effort to get any wise words out of that one."
Alrik simply nods. "Madness... I hope it never happens to me."
He nods in silent agreement, the idea a rather sullen and taboo topic among even the most elite mages.
"ALRIK!" You hear a chirping crack of a voice behind you, and Jaundree hurriedly straightens up. "Well that'd be my que to leave... Good luck my lad." With a hurried pat, The Inferno shuffles off. You turn to see the pouting face of a little gnome reaching up to grab your cheeks. She pulls you into a hug, almost knocking you off your seat.
"Oh goodness, it's been AGES since you've been back... how are you? How is everything going? You look sick... are you alright? Is it the scar?" You can see Breehani's beady black eyes peeking through her wrinkles, eyeing you with sincere concern.
"No, I'm fine Breehani. Promise. Just been busy with keeping this town safe." He groans though his teeth as he tries not to let on that he's injured and in pain. "How are you doing?"
She gives him a hard look. "You know you can't hide anything from me. Something's changed in you. But I'm well dear, thank you for asking..." Pattering around to sit next to you, she waves her hand and places it in yours, depositing a biscuit.
"You've been touched by something." She leans forward, her voice quiet. "Your eyes, son. It's not hard to see." Conjuring a mirror, she holds it up to you--your normally stormy blue eyes still have a rather draconic shape to them, the pupil slitted and reptilian.
She gasps, running her bony fingers over the scales and up your fingers. "By the great Io himself... when did all this start dear? Surely you haven't been gone THAT long from the Court in the West... this kind of transformation usually takes... easily a lifetime of study in the arcane."
"A few days ago... a very old elven woman I met said my birth mother most likely is of a draconic bloodline..." he points in the direction of the grove. "There's a dragon skeleton that I touched... that's when this happened." He holds up his hand again.
She chants quietly under her breath, running her hands over your arm and over your chest. They hover an inch or so above your clothes, but you can tell she's feeling for your magical aura.
"Alrik..." She says with a seriousness you've seen many times. "My boy... you are strong. But dragon's blood..." She tsks, blinking her little eyes. "This is altogether a strange circumstance. I know it... likely saved you." She gives you a look, and you feel the back of your neck tingle.
"In small amounts, with proper control, it is manageable. In large amounts... without control... it is deadly. Not only to others around you, but to you yourself." She touches your hand, "You could lose yourself. The feral tenacity can take your mind as much as it is taking your body." Her eyes dart over the scar on your eye again, wondering.
"I... I'm not trying to make it happen. It just... happens. The scales happened after I touched the bones. I'm guessing this..." he points to his eyes. "Happened when we fought and killed the drag..... on." He let slip
Knowing she won't let something like that slide, he sighs and stands up. "I have a small group I'm traveling with here. We fought a dragon yesterday. It managed to get me, but I'll be fine." He tries to wave it off
She puffs up a bit. "Darn right it got you... I could see you limping a mile away! Just waited til the guilt set in so you'd tell me..." She grumbles. "Or you'd let it slip. think I didn't see you with Mr. Inferno?"
She stands, prattling on. "Come on. You know you aren't getting out of my sight now. Let's head back to the ship. The Juniper is rather lonely without her Tempest."
Alrik grumbles, but knowing this isn't an argument he can win, he leans in his staff and stops trying to feign strength. "Lead the way, ma'am... I'm done fighting you on it."
"Darn right. Eat your biscuit." She smiles, shuffling her way back to the ship. The little bird flutters up high on the wind, watching over both of you.
Alrik follows after her, taking a small bite of his biscuit, grimacing at the bland taste and tossing it over his shoulder with a cough. "Thanks for coming, Breehani..."
"Of course... I wouldn't have dreamed of staying behind. Oh believe me, Jaundree tried, said I would be more useful there in the Court... pah."
She leads you onto the ship and down into her quarters. A quaint room filled with comforts and cozy things, it's both intriguing and soothing. Conjuring a very comfortable chair, she motions for you to sit.
Alrik sits down, grumbling. "So, I may as well get this over with..." he unbuttons his jacket and lifts his shirt, showing her the bandages, slightly tinted pink from oozing blood from the massive wounds beneath them.
You just hear a great deal of tsking from her as she clicks her tongue. "Spider silk... clever. Very clever. Looks like work Miss Bryn would use, if she ever cared to..." The little Enigma circles you, conjuring up special concoctions that engulf and enshroud your skin, seeping into your wounds. They're several different colors and thicknesses, layering their healing effects one after the other.
"Thank heavens I came along after all.... I'm going to chew Jaundree's ear off the whole ride back, I swear..."
Alrik sighs, realizing he's damned The Inferno to very long journey back. "Breehani, I really do appreciate your aid. No one has your capabilities in healing... perhaps you could share a thing or two with the local priest and some of the healers at the..." he chews his words, trying to find a nice way to phrase it. "The Velvet Fang... the local house of company."
She gives you a queer look. "The priest yes. What is this... house of company you're trying to ply? What place other than a temple of a god has healers?"
He rolls his eyes. "Oh come off it, Breehani... it's a brothel. You knew what I meant." He lets out an exasperated sigh.
"It's the nearest town to a military outpost... the men get leave and want some company. It's not a dumb place for such a business..." he picks at his fingernails, avoiding eye contact.
"They have a few healers there. The priest at the temple isn't always available, and the girls at The Velvet Fang know how to use a needle and thread."
Alrik feels a heavy WHAP on top of his head. A book falls into his lap, a set of holy works for Pelor, conjured out of the ceiling.
Breehani tsks more as she walks around the room, fuming. "Of course I know! I wasn't born yesterday... Do you know how much disease can be found in a place like that? Bah!"
She walks over, pulling his mouth open and sticking in a spoonful of honey... or at least what looks like honey. It has the taste of tar mixed with tomatoes. She takes out an eyeglass, looking closely at the scar tissue that's healed on his purple scar.
Alrik wrenches his head sideways, trying to get away from her. "It's fine, Damnit! It hasn't changed since the last time you looked at it!" He waves his hand in front of his face, trying to swat her hands away.
She snatches the book off of his lap and whacks him on the head with it again. "Don't you take that tone with me young man! Who's been taking care of you since you were a wee boy? Getting into all sorts of trouble at the college..." She snorts, shoving the book into his hands. "Tussles and scrapes every other day it seemed."
She goes to pull a leaf off a large plant she has hanging in her room. It's leathery and strong, and she rips it in half almost like a cut of meat being butterflied. "You're still as young and cocky as ever. Here, put this on your eye." She takes the sticky sap side of the plant, emitting a sweet smell like a rainforest, and slaps it onto the left side of his face. It easily covers his forehead down to his jaw in the cooling, rather uncomfortable gel.
"Found this in the jungles to the east. Very highly favored there as a use against poisons... strong poisons. Immediately thought of you and your condition, and took home a sample with me. Been waiting til I could hear from you again. It works wonders on the boys in the desert. It's cooling, and can be used topically, orally, even as a suppository!" She chuckles, fishing out something else from her pantry.
As soon as she turns her back, Alrik bolts for the door. "No suppositories necessary, Breehani! I'll see you later!" He shouts over his shoulder as he makes a break for the gang plank back onto the docks
You can hear her calling after you, but you can't make out the words. You easily make it to the docks and walk briskly, blending into the crowd. A different voice calls out to you.
"Hey mister!"
---
Atriox... You head down the main road to the blacksmith, checking on the commission you requested the other day. Your side still aches quite a lot, but you know the fresh air and the clean poultices are good for you.
Entering the shop, you smell the familiar tinge of metal shavings and oil. Axemage is busy heating a sword in the forge, but looks up when he hears the door. "Hello there! Welcome back. Got that special something you ordered. "He smirks. "Well, mostly. I have a few more details to add, and haven't gotten the stone yet."
Atriox smiles at the smithy. "I have the stone I need thankfully. Do you think you could finish up the bracelet physically and then I'll take it to the temple for blessing."
He hands the stone over to have it installed on the bracelet.
"Have you found or heard anything about your son my freind?"
Ferrar takes the stone with a sad look in his eyes. "I haven't... unfortunately. I'm not sure what to make of it." He holds the rock up the light. "This... work keeps my mind busy though. I thank you for the opportunity to work on another piece."
He takes a few moments to properly set the stone and bind it into the bracelet cage he's made. Handing it to you to inspect, he sighs. "It's all ready to go. Pretty sort of thing... that stone you found seems a fair fit."
Atriox nods thankfully. "How much did we agree on good sir ?"
Ferrar chuckles. "You know... I don't think we agreed on one." He looks down at the trinket in his hand. He passes it to the dragonborn.
"Here... I know you're doing a lot for our city. For me. Thank you. This kept my mind busy for a day or two, and for that I'm equally grateful. I hope it proves as useful as you planned."
Atriox smiles and pats the man on his shoulder. "Today is a very busy day sadly but after today I swear I'll make the time to track down your boy wherever he be. Itll be ok Axemage."
"Thank you... I know you'll do your best. I'm sure he'll come back soon. I just have to wait out the storm, as they say." He feigns a smile, walking back over to the forge to work on the sword.
Atriox says his goodbyes and then heads to find Mayor Cere.
You walk for some time, heading to the upper side of town. You make for the town hall, sure that Cere is probably there. Once inside, you are positive--more people than you've ever seen are milling about. It seems a tribunal is no small task, nor a small amount of paperwork.
Atriox heads up to Ceres office.
No one really cares to stop you, knowing you've been helping the mayor with important business. You come to his door, finding it slightly ajar. He's inside, leafing through a large pile of paperwork. When he sees you, he straightens up and strokes his beard. "Why Atriox! Prince of Skyhold, welcome. I pray the alcohol came in handy?" He smiles.
Atriox smiles back nodding. "It did Cere. It did indeed. I thank you again for that. Busy day I'm guessing?"
"Oh you have no idea... The amount of paperwork the Order needs is atrocious." He ruffles his papers and sets them to the side.
"But it's worth it for what they can do. Thank you again for your help with that wizard..." He gives you a steady look, one of respect.
Atriox is curious nowhere rubs his chin with two fingers.
"Think nothing of it Cere. We were more than happy to help and in the end it more than payed off."
He gives you a curious look. "Well I will need to get back to my work... Is there anything else I can assist you with? More acquisitions?"
Atriox slowly nods. "Indeed there is something I would like from you cere. Something I know you will not want to give that easily but if you simply listen to me I think you will find that what I propose will only help Dragonshore."
Atriox moves casually a little closer to the man.
"I'll admit when I first came here Cere that i just wanted your position. I wanted to strip the position of Mayor completely away from this town. I saw you as my political enemy. But I've gotten to know you a little more. We've worked together to help protect this town and I know that you care about this town. That tells me all I need to know. I want you to stay Mayor Cere. For as long as you wish. But I want you to respectfully bend the knee. I want Dragonshore to become the first outer territory of the Empire of Skyhold."
Atriox paces around for a second. Letting what he just said sink in
"At first it might not be an easy transition but it is doable. And years from now once my Empire is complete that is. I will have the resources to upgrade Dragonshore into a vast and huge port city. One of the biggest. Plus I will remember which was my first subjects that chose to follow me and I will favor them. Dragonshore has become near and dear to my heart."
Atriox gives the dwarf a serious but sincere look
"What's more have I not already shown my capabilities? First I saved the town from an undead invasion then we drove off a bandit attack and captured one of the enemies. Me and my people also found an enemies missive about the Orc army they are hiding. If it wasn't for us your city would have never know until it was to late. Now we have destroyed a whole encampment of fortified goblins, encountered the kobolds in the forest for Dragonshore, fought there leader a white dragon named Tyranus, killed said dragon, took its wealth and army and are now using both to fortify and protect Dragonshore from two more sides. We are also working closely with Stonebreak outpost."
Atriox finds a map for surely the mayor has one handy if not hanging out in the open. He points to where the two camps are.
"This is where my fortresses are being built. Together they house an army of 1200 strong and able kobolds who follow me. An army that is defending Dragonshore to the last kobold. Tell me cere have I not offered much ? Would it not make a better Dragonshore ? I dont want to usurp you. Only to help this city."
(Persuasion 15+4 yeeet!)
The mayor sits back in his chair, listening to your proposition.
The speech is moving, and although you see the concern on his face--Especially at the part where you craved his position--it melts away at the shared interest in making Dragonshore a larger, more affluent city. One that you could both work together towards.
"I see... I see." He strokes his large beard in contemplation. "I will admit, I knew when I first saw you that you would try to be a political rival. Especially hearing the slander of my name around town..." his mustache twitches.
"Vincent Fereness looked into your kingdom... It seems Skyhold fell almost 10 years ago." His eyes glint a little. "But I do recognize your commitment, and the extraordinary effort you and your compatriots have put forth to protect this town."
Mayor Cere stands, looking out the window over the bustling city. "If you are truly trying to rebuild your kingdom, and are able to claim that throne again... I would be honored to become the first province to support your kingdom. Currently we are under no Barony ourselves, but the additional support and protection... It could prove quite beneficial."
He turns his face looking at you carefully. There is a shrewdness in his eyes. "I can't announce that we belong to a kingdom that doesn't exist... But when that day comes it will be a grand day. Until then ... I would like to extend an offer to make you an honorary captain of Dragonshore. One of our esteemed elite. You can receive compensation for your assistance and lodging... food... whatever you need. You and your associates. If you need something more it just has to be discussed with me. Is that reasonable, Prince Atriox?"
Atriox thinks it over.
"I understand you wanting to wait till I actually have my throne. You don't want to pledge yourself to a lost cause. Not very noble. But practical I suppose. Very well Cere you have a deal. Dragonshore will join me once I sit on my throne and I'll join your Elite on two......understandings.The first is that when the day comes and I have my throne and Dragonshore chooses to not submit........I will not ask twice. I will just take it. Secondly this town will have my continued support just like it has but I will not be controlled. I hope we can agree on that."
"It is not that I don't find it Noble, but politically I have no decree from a legitimate, active Kingdom... otherwise what would make your claim any different from another traveler who washes in from the sea?"
Cere sighs. "I seek to work with you on the basis of future prospects, yes, but more so on the content of your character thus far. Assisting our town in the ways that you have has proved your mettle."
He turns, looking up at you with a serious expression. "As for your requirements, if your kingdom is established someday soon, AND is a righteous and noble kingdom, I would not hesitate to join."
He shrugs. "And of course I don't control you. But you and your associates must still operate within the bounds of our laws."
Atriox nods. " But of course Mister Mayor. I have a deep belief in rules and laws. They are just as sacred as any religious mandate."
(Deception 14)
(Only a half lie lol)
"These terms are agreeable my freind. I look forward to working with you. Now I would like to discuss the mage guard and its presence in our town."
"Yes... Alright. What of the Mage Guard?"
Atriox gives the dwarf a sideways glance
"Are you aware that they also intend to interrogate Oxious and put him on trial for trumped up charges ?"
Mayor Cere looks taken aback. "Oxious?! What ever for?"
Atriox looks just as upset
"My freind Alrik believes he saw some things that were damming. He believes Oxious to be involved with this necromancer business. Oxious explained everything but Alrik refuses to see any sort of reason. It'll make more sense if I explain what Alrik saw and what Oxious told me but you must swear to secrecy."
(Atriox tells Cere everything that Alrik saw and what Oxious told Atriox)
"So you see. Oxious merely was protecting his property and employees. Our employees and property I suppose. I will be defending Oxious. Despite the old goats stubbornness and occasional rude behavior he has done good things for this town. I will not let him go down for this just because Alriks has some grudge."
Cere wanders around his office. He looks extremely pensive. "I see... Yes, Oxious doesn't seem the type, however... being caught in a compromising position by one of the Mage Guard isn't the greatest either."
He chews on his thumb nail, deep in thought. "The fellow has done a lot for this town. Works as one of the fire brigade, even. But I know, ah... His business." Cere coughs a little. He gives Atriox a strange look.
"You seem so forward and open about your relationship with the Fang. And your... Preferences." He raises an eyebrow. "People talk about you and that dragonborn girl from there. You don't seem shy at all about what that says politically."
Atriox raises a ridged eyebrow
"Why should I seem anything but open. I am not married nor as you said yourself have any lands or nobles etc. To impress. Besides my god and religion do not look down on such things. Lust is a basic instinct for any creature big or small. Even dragons desire. Gods even. Nay I am not ashamed. Those girls are brave providing a service that is needed and being proud of what they do. Such places are not just about flesh you know. Its relaxing.therapeutic even. You can go in there eat have an amazing bath and cry or talk your hearts desire out. It is not just A
a sex house. I've never even payed Dahlia to lay with me."
Atriox gives him a steady look
"I am not ashamed at all. In fact Oxious and I have made a deal to build a much larger version of the fang once I take back my mountain. Itll be grand. Anyway off topic. I see no reason Oxiouss business should even come into this matter."
He nods, stroking his beard. "That is an... interesting outlook. When he first came to this town I was rather unimpressed with having a... well, an establishment like his in the area. It can stir up undesirable effects. But I won't deny it is--has been--" He clears his throat a little. You can tell he's uncomfortable talking about it for some reason.
"You are correct though, it should not make much of a difference in the conversation with the Mage Guard. We shall see."
Atriox nods to Cere. "Then I'll assume Oxious has our combined support. I will leave you to it. I'm sure we both have last minute things to attend to before the trial."
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