spiral origin

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place

(in response to Ludwig) @KITCHEN GUN

The Captain didn't recall seeing this rather uncouthly dressed fellow at orientation the previous day. He took a lingering gander at the man to size him up, before huffing out an answer.

"The previous expedition consisted of two of my scouting men, tasked with investigating the ruins. They've now been missing for days. Needless to say, they ran into trouble, and can now be counted among the missing."

He hoped he wouldn't have to go over much more than that. Such details should have already been sorted out during the briefing. Anyhow, there wasn't enough time now; any new arrivals adamant to join the expedition would have to fall in line.

–

(in response to Sonia) @Mas Bagus

Sonia's displays of impertinence did not go unnoticed with the Captain, and he had to bite back his building vexation. But on the cusp of departure there was little time to be entering into conflicts with the volunteers. Reminding himself of the vital importance of the mission ahead, the Captain strove to address the situation in a more constructive manner, even if it meant swallowing his pride.

"Adventurers – I acknowledge that there have been fewer answers than you all might have liked, and that our mission now has you marching to risk your lives. I commend your courage and honor. If only the circumstances allowed for a more calculated approach–yet time is a luxury we cannot afford. For what it's worth, I will be right there with you, risking my own life and those of my men. I only ask that you heed my leadership, for dissent during a moment of urgency can quickly become disastrous."

The Captain took a moment to regard the motley gathering of men and women.

"I do not doubt your competence as individuals, yet success requires cooperation in our efforts. Regardless of your personal feelings towards me, we must establish an understanding of harmony, for the sake of one and all."

He looked to Sonia, summoning a nod of acknowledgement as an extension of an olive branch. It was all he could muster at the moment, and he hoped the speech would engender some sense of unity amongst the group, especially from the more outspoken ones.

And with that, the Captain didn't wish to delay much further, making for a final call.

"Let us steel ourselves now, for Duke Blackthorn, Lady Miralys, and the rest of the realm depend gravely on us. Expeditioners!... finalize your gear and stand ready. We aim to depart in five minutes."

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place

(in response to Sonia) @Mas Bagus @JP

The Captain had to stifle a groan when he found Sonia approaching him as the first order of the morning. Her cheery expression seemed to herald further questions and concerns regarding the mission – and sure enough, he was soon met with her incessant inquisitiveness.

"Morning to you..." The Captain uttered with a sigh, no pretense of a smile at his lips. "...Our plan is to travel to the ruins where her personal effect was discovered, and scour the place. With any luck, we will find her there, alive and well…" A recurrent, haunting thought crossed his mind, more unsettling each time. If the Duke's daughter had indeed perished… he dreaded the conversations and consequences that might follow.

Pushing the darker thoughts from his mind, the Captain unfolded a map, eyes focusing on the hand-drawn route leading to a destination in the unlabeled wilderness.

"The site is about six hours of travel from here, northwest. We'll start off on the main road, then eventually branch into the highlands to the north."

He soon caught sight of Kaelara's approach, and let out another somewhat audible exhale. He had almost forgotten about her, after that curt exit during the briefing. Between her and Sonia, the Captain could feel it was going to be a very long day.

"Hopefully you're ready for the journey." He fired before either of them could speak up with further questions and comments. "We'll be taking minimal rests along the way. And there's no saying what we'll find lurking inside that place once we get there. Best be prepared for anything."

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place

After the bar was clear and the last of the patrons had left the common area, the bartender gave a last wipe of the countertop and let out a sigh. It had been a long shift for the young man, yet he wasn't particularly tired. Rather, his heart yearned to explore the outside world from where these varying travelers had hailed. Glancing at his father cleaning up the kitchen, words lingered at his half-open lips with a growing determination to be spoken.

Meanwhile at the herbalist's home, the elderly woman lay awake in bed. With contemplation in her eyes she stared up at the thatched roof, memories and curiosities intertwining in her mind. Solemnly, she glanced at her granddaughter sleeping quietly on the bed next to her.

In the village hall, Captain Greystone rested on the hard wooden mattress of the makeshift barracks, stern gaze fixed on the piece of parchment in his hand with Lady Miralys's portrait. The portrait was an ink printing of the noblewoman's appearance, its details limited, but able to portray her general likeness. Miralys had raven hair, styled in a medium length bun framing her face - soft delicate features, the hazel of her eyes absent in the monochrome drawing. Looking upon her now, the Captain was only reminded of his failure to bring her back from the consequences of her own unhinged curiosity. With a grumble, he threw the paper aside and shut his eyes.

---

The village slept soundly under the glow of fireflies in the clear night sky. Hours passed, and the inevitable wake of dawn arrived, with the first rays of light dabbling color upon village roofs.

Captain Greystone was up to an early start as always, pacing the outside staging area near the village hall and making final preparations for the expedition that would shortly ensue. The grave expression on his face remained as it had the previous day, his dark blue pupils going from inspecting gear to anticipating the adventurers' arrival. He hoped at least an adequate few would show.

Nearby, a table was set up, where a younger soldier was seated with parchment and ink. With the first signs of the adventurers gathering, the soldier began to declare: "If you are here to join the expedition, please register your full name here at the desk. This is how your contribution to the Duke's cause will be recorded and verified." It was also to manage roll call and headcount.

The soldier repeated the statement as more adventurers showed, while the Captain assessed the attendees. From the peripheries, several early-bird villagers watched, their eyes squinting from the dawn's rays.

Close by, a cart was parked, containing the likes of rations, equipment, and medical supplies. At the head of the wagon sat the quartermaster, pipe in mouth, holding the reins to a pair of mules that would be pulling the cart.

"Stock equipment is available in the cart." The Captain instructed with a wave toward the back portion of the cart. "Each man is permitted one weapon and one piece of armor." The boxes of stock equipment included the likes of daggers, short swords, axes, maces, sickles, spears, slings, and bows. And for protection - bucklers and leather-padded armors.

"Food rations will be distributed during rest times," the Captain continued, "medical supplies provided if the need arises. Likewise with tools."

In addition to Captain Greystone and the quartermaster readied for the journey, two other soldiers stood nearby, their demeanors indicating they'd also be in attendance. One appeared to be a younger boyish soldier with a focused determination, while the other was older and more lax, almost with a subdued smugness.

With the continued arrival of adventurers, the party was beginning to assemble in full. Once the adventurers had registered and any last minute preparations addressed, the expedition would be ready to set out.

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place

(in response to Robert) @wierdw

The herbalist's muted smile remained after Robert accepted the trinket. With a blink, the foreboding glint in her eyes vanished, and she reclaimed the casual demeanor of a shopkeep.

"Ten coppers for the bandages. Twenty-two for the salves." Her smile grew, yet with disinterest. The mousy girl was already sorting out Robert's purchase, obedient, glancing up occasionally at the man's broad form that starkly contrasted with her own. The respective items were soon left on the counter, awaiting Robert's claim following payment.

"We hope to see you again, traveler." The herbalist remarked, that curious glint reappearing in a brief conclusion. "May the winds of fate carry you gently."

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place

(in response to Robert) @wierdw

"The best protection against disaster is to avoid it altogether… yet you walk straight for it, while asking for the help of a bystander like myself." The woman tsked her lips and shook her head mildly in admonishment. "I am but a simple woman, and such knowledge comes at a price too high for my taste. For who knows calamity better than those who fall victim to it?…"

A distant memory flashed in the woman's eyes – the nostalgia of youth, the warning of a long-gone guardian. It was another life, reawakened by the fuss of the present.

"How I came to know of the disaster waiting within those ruins is of little importance – but if you must know, it is a passed down belief, an intuition, an arcane sensing." A scene flutters in her mind, of tomes containing details and diagrams of strange rituals. "...I know what you may be thinking: superstitious hogwash, am I right? And who knows, perhaps it is all a great pretense."

Amusement colored the woman's expression, and she chuckled out momentarily.

"I suppose you may soon find out for yourself. I am beyond my years to try and stop you if you wish to follow this yarn of curiosity into the dark."

For a moment, she paused, and then produced an odd trinket out of her long-sleeved garments. It was a small circular mirror, with an intricately carved wooden frame. Coolly, she handed the miniature object to Robert with a faint smile. "Here. A good luck charm, if you will. It was once handed down to me, but I fear you may need it now more than I."

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place

(in response to Robert) @wierdw

The woman contemplated Robert in silence for several moments after he finished speaking, varied sentiments shifting in her eyes. Finally, she let out a sigh that whispered of uneasy resignation.

"...So, you have come for these 'words of warning', then? If I were to deliver them to you in thunderous decree, would you heed them? Would you truly reconsider the path you unwittingly tread?..."

Curiosity flickered in her otherwise grave expression. She glanced away, and her voice adopted the polite detachment of a shopkeeper.

"Bandages and salves, we've plenty. Cloth and linen; ointments for broken tissue; balms for infections; antitoxins for the local fauna." She seemed to shrug without moving her body. Meanwhile, the small girl that had been in the corner appeared all too suddenly to place the respective items onto the counter in front of Robert – substances housed in miniature bottles and kits with homemade labels.

The elderly woman turned back to Robert, the look of appraisal returning. "I won't waste my breath trying to steer you from your course. If you insist on going to those cursed ruins in search of your missing mark, I'd only advise that you are fully prepared to meet the same fate as she did…"

Subtly, she wrung her hands, fingers counting over a bracelet of beads around her wrist. "...Let us hope that you, too, do not end up among the 'missing'."

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place

"Good evening!" he opened, after closing the door behind him. He hoped he wasn't too late to catch the shopkeeper before they closed for the day.

@wierdw

(in response to Robert) @wierdw

Behind the weathered wooden counter, an aged woman sat roosted like the guardian of a hawk's eyrie. Her silvery-gray hair fluttered gently in the wake of evening air washing in, as her sharp gaze locked onto the man entering. For several moments she remained silent, motionless like a statue save for the pale green of her pupils studying Robert.

"...Evening." She finally spoke in a soft, time-worn voice, her chin lifted toward the visitor. "...You're not one of them. Not entirely, anyway…" The woman mused, her gaze unblinking. "...You've been here before. Yet… your visit this time is unusual." A subtle smile shaped her wrinkled lips, before dissipating all too quickly with a furrow of her brows. "...How may I help you?..."

Meanwhile, huddled in a corner was a mouse of a girl dressed in unassuming cloths, dusting off the shelves with a feather. She snuck a tiny peek at Robert, before quickly returning to her duties.

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place

The gray-haired young woman waved to the bar-keeper, a friendly gesture that caught his attention. "Anozer round, bleaze," she called out, her voice clear and confident. "Und pring tvo more peers for mein friends, Kaelara und Zonia. I'll coffer zee tab." She gestured toward her companions.

@Soldat Elf

"Certainly!" the bartender chirped. After refilling Engi's mug to a foaming fullness, he reached toward the others'. However, both Sonia and Kaelara seemed hesitant to indulge further, with Sonia diverting the drink to Jean before standing up to leave. And so, a fresh mug was poured for Jean. The young man had been rather quiet up to now, and the bartender wondered where he was from and the places he may have traveled to. Jean didn't seem entirely dissimilar to himself, after all.

All of the travelers seemed to hail from different places, and seeing them with their foreign customs and conducts roused the wanderlust that had been latently brewing inside the young barman. He'd always been curious about living a life similar to his uncle's – roaming the lands freely, making his home wherever his feet happened to be planted. His father would most certainly disapprove though. He knew about the disagreements his father and uncle often had about lifestyle choices and preferences. Wistfully, he sighed, listening to the strangers discuss their upcoming mission.

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place

(in response to Ludwig) @KITCHEN GUN

One silver coin was still a very generous offer for the meal, which the bartender was all too happy to accept with Ludwig's push of the coin forward. "Th-thank you for your patronage, sir!" He enthused with a small bow before pocketing the coin. Who knew that travelers from other lands could bring not only novelty but profitable business too. With enough savings, maybe he'd be able to travel to these distant lands one day.

Ludwig's order of the day's special was soon served, hot and spiced. "We hope you enjoy your meal, sir!" the bartender beamed, feeling the satisfying weight of his pockets. The tavern had received so much extra business that evening, the kitchen was starting to run out of mushrooms and herbs.

--

(in response to Robert) @wierdw

The shopkeeper was aware of the high prices he'd set, and if it wasn't for the fact that Robert looked less outlandish than most visitors did, the prices would have been even higher.

"Ye haven't seen my bargains at their hardest, boy…" He flashed a jesting smirk at Robert before looking down to count the coins, mumbling under his breath. It took him a little while to figure out how many pencils were paid for.

"Right then – the satchel, ledger, and three pencils if I'm not mistaken…" Scooting the goods toward Robert, he looked up with contentment. "Thank ye for yer business. Ye have a good evening now."

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place

(in response to Robert) @wierdw

The shopkeeper nodded at Robert, slowly stepping out from behind the counter to fetch the requested items off the shelves. "Ah, it's nothin'. Jus' that, well, I hope they won't be bringin' any trouble with 'em to our peaceful 'lil abode." The man commented as he foraged through the wares. Quietly, he trailed off with a vaguely griping mention of soldiers forcibly occupying the village hall.

Soon he returned with a leather rucksack - dusty but in sound condition, consisting of one large main compartment and several smaller pouches. Placed on the counter alongside it was a leather-bound ledger held closed by an iron buckle, and several charcoal pencils, all with rustic craftsmanship.

Appraising the goods, he mumbled some quick math. "So that's… twenty copper for the backpack, fifteen for the ledger, and two per pencil." He looked to Robert for payment.

–

(in response to Engi) @Soldat Elf

A jumbo bowl of stew was soon brought and placed in front of Engi, the haunch of venison within it so large that a part of it protruded out. Barley bread was served alongside the meal, in addition to a full, foaming mug of alcoholic nectar.

"We hope you enjoy the meal, Miss!..." The barkeep offered an eager smile and a light bow.

–

(in response to Ludwig) @KITCHEN GUN

Indeed, the glimmer of silver coins caught the bartender's eye; such a sight was as rare as the travelers occasionally possessing them. In fact, the last time he had seen such coins was when the missing Lady Miralys had come to stay at the inn.

"--W-welcome!..." The bartender was momentarily stunned, glancing from the coins to the strangely-dressed patron to whom they belonged. "O-of course! - today's special is venison stew with mushrooms. A-and, we don't have any policy against smoking–so feel free to, sir…"

He glanced again at the coins atop the poster, hesitant to retrieve them just yet. "...Sh-shall I return the difference, sir?..." Given that the order only cost a small fraction of the worth of the coins, the bartender didn't dare assume anything.