LoF: Lockesville

[Larry_OHF]

For Sever:

The guard leads the way to the tavern from the medical building and as you both walk in that direction, you get many waves from townsfolk or shouts of praise and applauds from several as well. As expected, as you go into the tavern the patrons stand up and applaud your bravery as the guard makes a clear path for you through the crowd.

"Mr. Sever, not often is it that a stranger comes to town and saves a boy's life without hesitation. What you did back there earlier today was worthy of all this attention. The last person to do such as you is still revered even to this day. That would be the smith, Vindson. He was new in town when we had the misfortune to be in need of a strong leader in a battle to defend our lives against an onslaught of Orcs, fifteen winters ago. But the story is his to tell, so I'll let you get aquainted with him another time.

The town's founders are the Lockes. It was their family that grazed a trail through the forest for several days and settled here from the east. They brought family and friends with them, and that's how this place started. They are really nice. Just, trustworth, kind...The best governers any town could hope for.

There's a friend of Vindson's...Oley...he's the town's magical expert...when he's not hungover or trying to get hungover...which is basically all the time. The word is, he's gone crazy after seeing too much with his powers. I suppose if you live a life of danger and fight horrible man-eating monsters on a daily basis...that'll kinda mess with a guy's head, you know? But I think there's more to it. I think he lost somebody close to him, and could not save him for all the powers he claims to hold. That's what I think, anyway. Some in town don't trust him, but the Lockes tolerate him...and Vindson seems sympathetic towards him...so I have no problem I suppose.

Basically, that's it. We're all just a town of farmers living the simple life outside the hustle of big cities. We're sort of secluded out here and that is why the people like it. Not many people leave here...but once you get to know the place, its hard to leave."

As the guard was thus speaking to Sever, several people had moved thier chairs closer and were now surrounding the two men. It was not often that a stranger in town was so fascinating. They all wanted to listen in and have something to talk about.

[Larry_OHF]

Simon

Simon had turned with Vindson to see the elf that was speaking to them, but Vindson was first to react. Simon politely waited his turn in the conversation, which at this time Vindson had now made open.

He had remembered seeing this elf earlier, but now felt even more the desire to make his acquaintence.

"A pleasure to meet you, Milanthir of the elves. As Vindson has said, we know little of what happened at this time, but there is the possibility of arson involved in this tragedy. We are searching for the culprit even now and the town's exits have been made secure."

[ 01-21-2006, 11:31 AM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

[Milanthir]

Milanthir, the Elven Mage

----

Interesting. The idea that Arson is not so much a requirement but a possibility is odd - living wood rarely burns near an elfhame unless it is intentionally set fire. Nevertheless, their precautions seem well-founded, and explain the events of the past few minutes.

----

Milanthir frowns. "I did have chance to examine the ruins of that building for a short while, but I am no expert in woodwork - merely familiar with the normal growth of wood, the ebb and flow of life within its branches. Thus I must regretfully say that I have no ideas as to the whether or whom of the culprit." He nods to Simon; "I do, however, well appreciate the breadth of your concern as regards this event. I would be honored to help in any way I can, though I know not how I might offer assistance."

----

The life-spirit in these humans always amazes me. It almost casts a mournful pall upon the longevity of the Fair Folk: do we sacrifice this depth of emotion for the gift of long life? I have no idea. Still...

----

Spells Memorized (5/4/3/2): disguise self (1), silent image (2), friends (1) / forget (1), THUL (1), Knock (1), rope trick (1) / suggestion (1), dispel magic (1), major image (1) / fire charm (1), magic mirror (1)

[Keal]

Kasimno

Kasimno also notices the newcomer and introduces himself along with the others, "I'm about as clueless as the rest of them, but I still have questions about who this man he saw could've been. Maybe we can see if he remembers anything about the man other than he was at our shop," He said "Should one or two of us talk to him?"

[Sever]

At the town guard's last comment, Sever drained his glass and sank into an introspective silence.

"...but once you get to know the place, it's hard to leave."

But what was there to know? It was a small town, the same as any other he'd been to. And yet, it was different. What made it different? Did the people who lived their entire lives here know that it was different?

Sever turned on his bar stool and despite his inner emotions offered a well-practiced, friendly smile to the locals who'd gathered about him. By his garb, Sever was obviously a thief. And yet they seemed in awe of him. Did it not matter what a person had done before coming to this town? Only what they did once here?

Is it making me different?

The thought struck him like a blow. He'd achieved some pretty daring stunts in his time, but nothing ever as selfless or - his mind stuttered - as heroic as the warehouse rescue. If it'd been another place at another time, would he have still thrown caution to the wind to save a child's life? The thought disturbed him, but still he smiled and laughed openly to those next to him. And with that laughter, whatever introspective emotion he'd felt, left him. He was here to do a job. Nothing more. With the morning's achievments, he'd made the first part of that job easier. Or was it harder now?..

Oh this is doing my head in!

Sever turned towards his guard escort who politely declined another drink.

"This is a nice town with many interesting people. I think i'd like to talk again with Simon - our last conversation was a bit rushed - as well as this Vindson and Oley also. I'm sure they all have some interesting stories to tell.

"But all in due time. This ale is working wonders and i can't very well negotiate business when i'm half done in... Not that Vindson would take advantage of a poor herioc thief when it comes to mending what gear i've lost. As you can see, i'm only half the picture of mischief i was this morning."

With that, Sever appraised himself of the gear that he wore. His brown, tattered peasant's cloak was the only item that was completely destroyed and it was also the only item that didn't immediately identify him as being a thief. His black leather cuirass and gloves could not be worn due to tender skin leaving only the thin, black bodysuit on his upper body contrasted by white bandages lightly wrapped around his hands. His black leather greaves and boots, undamaged by the heat, were still worn on his uninjured legs and feet.

In all, he'd fared pretty well. Only his cuirass and gloves needed minor repairs and the red, blistered skin on his hands would heal in a day or two.

Feeling pretty good for himself despite what deeper concerns were troubling him, Sever reclined against the bar, ordered another drink and continued to smile and chat with whatever local approached him.

[Larry_OHF]

Simon

To Kasimno, Simon responded first.

"I already have that taken care of. In fact, I see the my message relayer coming this way now from the medical building. He'll have the word on how our search is going."

He turned to Milanthir.

"I appreciate your concern and generous offer to assist our town, Milanthir. However, I am sure we can handle the matter. By the way, what brings you through Lockesville? Not many elves find anything worth seeing in this area of Ironworks. This is a rare honor."

================================================

For Sever:

"Yeah, I am pretty sure that Mr. Locke would not appreciate it if I were wasting my time by bringing you to him while he's trying to figure out this whole building-burning mess. I have been assigned to help with anything you need while the town's running around crazy. We don't need to go bothering the boss-man right now.

Why don't we go on up to Vindson's and get your stuff taken care of? Whatever you pick up, it'll be on the Lockes' bill. Vindson's the best smith around. Ready to go?"

[Milanthir]

Milanthir, the Elven Mage

----

I suppose it's not common to see elves around here, but the distinct novelty that I seem to be getting across doesn't seem to be quite usual. I wonder why so few elves take to wandering... Or perhaps Lockesville is just a little too far out of the way.

----

"Quite honestly, I don't tend to have an agenda, when it comes to these sorts of things. I've made it my business to collect magic, though of course I'm not particularly good at it, and to do so effectively I choose to travel... I do also quite enjoy speaking with people in general." He sighs. "As for... I was wondering myself why it seems that elves are so scarce around here."

----

Hmm. If they believe that their mystery is one they might solve themselves, then they're likely correct in that assumption. Nevertheless, I suppose it wouldn't hurt for me to pry around inconspicuously... Or.. Considering people's reactions to me here, perhaps less inconspicuously than I'd like.

----

Spells Memorized (5/4/3/2): disguise self (1), silent image (2), friends (1) / forget (1), THUL (1), Knock (1), rope trick (1) / suggestion (1), dispel magic (1), major image (1) / fire charm (1), magic mirror (1)

[ 01-22-2006, 08:25 PM: Message edited by: Milanthir ]

[Larry_OHF]

Simon

Still influenced by the spell that the elf had cast upon himself, Simon seemed to be in an excellent mood for chatting with this stranger. Moreso than anybody had ever seen before. Maybe it was because elves were so rare in this area.

"Albeit a rarity, and as well I must ask that you overlook our little trouble we're having here today since it is not usual to have so much tension in our town like this...you are quite welcome in Lockesville to stay as long as you see the need and we hope that you will speak highly of us amongst your travels to other places. If you will all please excuse me, I have to see about this matter..."

Simon excused himself from present company to meet with the messenger that brought word as to how things were going in the search of the stranger that had caused this mess. Human ears would be hard-pressed to overhear this conversation, but elven ears were probably not considered as the messenger said,

"Sir. The boy has not identified any stranger in town as the culprit...and we are sure that we've rounded up everyone that was within reach to grab! If there's a sinister man in town, he's already aware that we're looking for him and is hiding somewhere until he can figure out how to get past the gate guard. What are your orders?"

"I want every available man scouring this town! Find this sneaky bastard and get it done immediately! I will not accept a failure to apprehend him. Go."

"Yes Sir!" The guard saluded in the expectant manner and marched off as fast as he could to relay the message to the rest of the town's guard.

Simon headed back towards the manor, leaving everybody to do their jobs. He had his own to deal with. However, another guard intercepted him with an urgent message. He did not even try to keep his tone low.

"Sir! There's been a prison break! Mr. Edward Locke sends this word that Tanor Kolbite has escaped with the help of an outside source. It is believed now that the fire was a diversion set by the man that helped Tanor escape! They are believed to be together and still within the town's walls!"

Simon spoke in a lower tone to the man, and even an elf's ears could not pick up those syllables. The guard reddened in the face immediately and looked down at the ground as a young boy might if his mother were scolding him. He simply nodded, saluded Simon, and ran off in another direction to take care of gods know what. Simon continued his march towards the manor, albeit with more fire in his step.

[ 01-23-2006, 12:53 AM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

[Milanthir]

Milanthir, the Elven Mage

----

Hmm. It seems this man would be best served by allowing him to go about his business untroubled by incessant questions. By Mystra's stars... There's something odd about this place.

----

"I'm afraid I've already taken too much of your time. Good luck to the three of you - may the gods watch your footsteps."
Milanthir bows, then takes his leave of the place, heading vaguely in the direction of the Temple of Demeter.

----

A good smuggler knows that the best place to hide is where people won't look at all. That'd likely as not be the Manor, but as I'm not confident of my ability to allay suspicion, I'll leave that to the people who know what they're doing. The temple, however, stands out as a large place likely to be filled with people, and conveniently far from either the Inn or the Jail.

----

Spells Memorized (5/4/3/2): disguise self (1), silent image (2), friends (1) / forget (1), THUL (1), Knock (1), rope trick (1) / suggestion (1), dispel magic (1), major image (1) / fire charm (1), magic mirror (1)

[ 01-23-2006, 02:19 AM: Message edited by: Milanthir ]

[Sever]

At the mention of the Lockes' store account at the local smithy, any other thoughts on Sever's mind were pushed aside. Without too much delay, he found his escort leading the way out of the tavern. Sever politely declined the offers from several tavern patrons to carry his gear the short distance - opting instead to look "heroic".

When they arrived at the forge, it was clearly locked. The town guard pointed out the large frame of Vindson amongst a small group of people having a discussion not far from the smouldering ruin. Sever recognised one as the man who held the keys to the warehouse and who organised the fire-fighting efforts - Simon Locke. And another man who very much looked to be an elf! And...

Sever put on his best casual act as he made his first visual contact with the man who could only be his mark.

"Let's not disturb them, eh? Whatever they're talking about, it looks important. I don't mind waiting until they've finished."