Drard guided Gizmo smoothly, the clockwork twirling and clicking, the steam hissing and whirring as he steered the mech to be striding beside Ivellios, allowing himself and the elf to converse. Ivellios was obviously struggling a bit, his right arm kept tucked in, his shield over it, the bite injury was more sore than the warrior was letting on. Drard glanced back briefly to the twins only but some four or five paces behind them, before speaking to his friend. "The boy is hurt worse than he's letting on my friend. Besides that, so are you, I can tell. You'll need to stitch and bandage that arm up before him, or you'll be no good to him. Gizmo needs to recalibrate shortly as well, that little tussle cut into his remaining stable power more than I'd like to admit."
Ivellios nodded, the parts of his face that were visible were sweating and a bit pale. He had enough medical knowledge to know that the injury itself wasn't to bad, but also knew that the jungle was doing him, nor the young man Alexi, any favors, as clouds of mosquitos had been drawn to them both for the last hour or so. Ivellios armor did little, if anything at all, to protect from the dastardly insects, and with such vicious puncture wounds, both he and Alexi might as well be naked, the blood upon them both screaming free meal. They were going to be sore and itchy for many days, and if unlucky, far worse. The tiny insects were notorious for being bringers of a handful of really terrible illnesses.
As they crested another little rise in the land, looking down into a small opening in the jungle itself, Ivellios felt his spirits lift. There in sight again was the Ishi River and the delta of it, and now dominating their direct horizon was not endless jungle, but a serene lake, Lake Ishi. Approaching it from the north as they were, they could not see in the low evening light across it to see Ishvi directly, however they could see the smaller village, the many lanterns and torches or candles in homes flickering, the docks still in use as one or two fishing boats were still in the process of mooring. Eel's End, there it was, less than an hour down a hill road that wound its way through the last three quarters of a mile or so to the village outskirts and palisade itself.
Eel's End was not very big, the entire settlement only made up of some seventy or so buildings, and only about ten of those were larger than simple private dwellings. The village was said to have a population of around five to six hundred itself, yet was the largest village within half a day's journey in any direction, thus its official distinction as a 'township' that encompassed roughly two thousand people. As the structures and simple palisade came into view, Ivellios allowed a small smile to find its way onto his lips, pointing down the hilly land for Drard, knowing the gnome's eyes, though sharp, were not as good as his in lower light conditions. "We'll make it my friend, as promised, and though it may look simple, we'll find as good a rest as we can hope at the Giggling Eel. Comfortable, decent food and most importantly, a well constructed and mostly mosquito free building."
Ivellios raised his voice now, calling out to Alexi behind him. "Almost there now young salt, perhaps another quarter of an hour. Are you going to make it?" the elf yelled out with strength he didn't fully feel, taking a stab, correctly, at the type of person Alexi was.
"I'm just fine back here, old knife-ears, are your old bones going to make it?" the Renarii youth returned, a smirk cracking forth and dominating his facial expression, despite his pale face and the obvious pain, discomfort and fatigue he was feeling. "So let's keep moving and chatter less aye? Try and get to shelter before sundown and before we truly get set upon by proper swarms of these blasted and cursed mosquitos. Besides, I wish proper introductions as you promised, and my sister and myself owe the pair of you a drink at the very least. Lead the way."
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Eel's End was a rather quiet and quaint little fishing village on the south-western banks of Lake Ishi. It was a simple place, with mostly private residences dominating its twin streets. It got its name from the plentiful bounty of yellowtail eel that could be fished off the southern cove and waters of Lake Ishi, which were the village's staple resource. In recent years a small cannery, run by a halfling family, had opened up, and now employed roughly sixty to seventy people in town. The fishermen made up another seventy to eighty, providing the dominate industry. Besides this there was a general goods store, a boat-maker, a tanner, a small dockside chapel to Captain Black Jeremiah, and perhaps half a dozen other small businesses run by individuals, as well as two bars and of course the Giggling Eel Inn.
The village itself was surrounded on all sides by a simple wooden palisade, about fifteen feet in height, the wood treated regularly with water from the lake to insure it was as fireproof as possible. Ivellios was happy to see the village was still open as the group approached. Two volunteers were about the walls, one with a musket, the other with a hefty crossbow, and he counted another half dozen or so spread out at other points on the palisade. Eel's End had no real military presence, aside from a small Wastonian River Brigade station that housed two crews and their boats, but the locals did run a volunteer based militia of sorts, and the local Jurist organized it and deputized it. As the four approached, the expected call came down, for though the palisade gate was open, night was swiftly falling, and it was likely close to the hour they'd close it up and bar it for the day.
"Who goes there! State your business arriving at such a late hour!" came the yell, a high voice, female, though with no accent. Likely human though. Human or gnome, but it was a voice that rang with authority, though also with no hostility.
"Weary travelers, some of us injured. We had a bit of trouble but two hours north of here on the road. A small pack of young Scrimclaws, likely a roaming pack of males that wandered further south than normal. We put down two of them, the third ran off, but not before inflicting a rather vicious wound to my friend's shoulder.' Ivellios called up. "I've been in your fair village a few times before. Ivellios Zastriel and my companion driving this interesting device is Drard Fizbogwaan. We simply come seeking lodging for the night at the Giggling Eel."
The other voice rang out, this one deep and with a thick timbre. "Ivellios as I live and breath! I was just mentioning to Hallibrook here but two days ago that I'd suspected you and Drard would be around within the next week or so. The pair of you seem to possess a steady wanderlust. We'll have to catch up on the morrow if you're still in town in the evening. For now, come on through, I'm sure you don't need directions to Maevlin's fine establishment by now."
Ivellios grinned through his own discomfort and pain, recognizing the voice. "Ahh Trent, I recognize that timbre anywhere. I hope the missus and little 'uns are doing well. Yes tonight me and my companions need rest and time to patch ourselves up, but on the morrow I would love to catch up my friend. Its been some time." the elven warrior led the group as he spoke, strolling through the gate into the small village.
"Count on it, now go on and get some rest my friend, you're among a safe haven this night." came the call back from the large Tantur on the palisade as the party strode through into the village proper.
The buildings were as one might expect, simple but sturdy, mostly timber constructions with simple woven reed, kelp and Eros frond leaf thatch. There were but three stark exceptions to this basic principle, the town hall, which doubled as the Jurist office and had a seven cell prison of sorts in the basement, the Tullibank Cannery, and the small River Watch station known as the Vizcal Watchpost. These three structures were built of clay bricks and limestone blocks quarried and shipped from a fairly long distance away and were by far the largest buildings in the village.
Despite this base level of rather simple and utilitarian architecture for the rest of the buildings, the village was not bland or drab, as much of the flora within was bright, vibrant and lively, and many buildings were also thusly decorated, the simple plank constructions painted and stained with dyes derived from various flowers and colorful fruits and leaves that could be harvested from the surrounding jungle. The streets, such as they were, were not exceedingly well lit, but were well enough naturally by the flicker-flies that were common enough in droves in this part of the nation of Mora. Combined with the full moon, it made it light enough even those without naturally adept eyesight in the dark could see well enough.
Ivellios guided his companions down the sloped main street towards a large timber building that was a vibrant yellow with orange and blue accents upon the hand rails, window ledges and balconies that it had. The three story construction was vibrant and alive at this hour one of three such places they could all see. The Hagfish and the Boatman's Barn were the other two, the taverns. The large building had a garish sign hanging from the bottom of its larger second story beside the door to the establishment, that depicted an almost comedic version of a yellow-tail eel, its mouth wide, its eyes popping and vibrant, seeming as if laughing. The body of the image was purposely in a wriggling pattern, as if the creature was giggling or laughing, its body writhing with amusement. The sign had the establishment's name written in bright red letters in Rengab, above the image and in Valarian below it. 'The Giggling Eel'.
Gizmo stopped moving, and the cockpit door opened. Drard hopped out, giving Alexi and Leisa their first proper look at the little gnome. Like any gnome he was of a small stature, yet he did not give off that sort of demeanor. Less than three feet tall, his presence seemed much larger. He had wild shoulder length bronze hair that was seemingly permanently stained like his skin and clothing, with oil and grease and other mechanical fluids. His face distinctly lacked any eyebrows, likely burnt away permanently in some lab accident or another, and his eyes were a vibrant and lively copper that seemed to sing with brilliance and innovative madness. His garb was no different, decent enough in a fashion, though the heavy and heavily stained blacksmith's apron that bulged with tools and various bits and bobs in its many pockets was a sight to behold. He was dressed in a simple hide tunic, that was beyond any dye it may have once had, with the various stains and burns upon it. Much the same could be said of his legs as well, the simple cotton garment much maligned with stains from grease, oils and coalsmoke. His boots were of solid steel plate, as one might expect from a mechanic of sorts. All in all, he looked the part, Alexi could not deny, as he scrambled out of the Mech's cockpit, stretching his small arms briefly.
Drard carried no visible weapons at first, but Alexi, even in his exhausted and pained state, did not miss the small single shot pistol, not unlike his or his sisters, tucked into a holster just under the apron on his waist line. The gnome stretched happily, and eyed up his taller companion. "I'll wait here to keep an eye on Gizmo, can you speak to Maevlin and get our accommodations set up, as well as a hot meal, and a table in the corner if possible, to give us some small modicum of privacy? Oh, also make sure to mention I would appreciate if I could bring Gizmo around back and into the cellar again, as he does need the night to recharge and I need to spend a few minutes insuring his calibration is properly aligned. Thank-you kindly Ivellios"
Ivellios chuckled at his companions demeanor, the choice to word the request as a question, but to thank him pre-emptively. Some might take offense to being talked to in a fashion you might speak to an apprentice, however Ivellios knew Drard well enough to understand that sort of tone and dialogue to be the term of endearment and trust that it was. "Of course my friend, I'll take care of it. You stay here with Gizmo for just a moment." Ivellios turned to Alexi and Liesa then, gesturing to the duo, but speaking mostly to Liesa.. "Follow me, let's get this all set up so we can get a table and get your brother off his feet before he falls over."
As they entered through the door and into the actual tavern and common area of the establishment, the group were immediately assailed, pleasantly so, by the mixed aromas of Elis Flower pipe smoke and a thick and hearty smell of salt, various herbs, vegetables and spices, that brought to mind some sort of thick and hearty stew. Music also washed over them, a pair of individuals playing, likely locals, Alexi noted immediately, given their similar garb to many fishermen here and the familiarity with which those nearest the small raised platform in the corner seemed to speak to the performers. They were playing an upbeat and joyful tempo working shanty, a song Alexi actually knew, 'Hook and Jig'. A very familiar tune to anyone who'd ever spent any time around fishermen or on fishing vessels.
The trio approached the bar where a human woman, one of Renarii heritage judging by her garish garb, her obviously dyed hair of near royal purple, and her skin tone, similar to that of Liesa or Alexi, as well as her many culturally suggestive tattoos. Ivellios smiled as he approached the bar, having removed his helmet and strapped it to his pack, which he'd left in Gizmo's holding compartment with his flail and shield. "Maevlin, you are looking well and business seems as steady and solid as ever!"
The woman turned to eye the speaker, and smiled, showing two fake silver teeth amongst her real ones. "Ivellios, it has been a while hasn't it. Where is my dear little friend Drard though, I hope no ill fortune has befallen him." she replied, leaning forward whilst gesturing to her dwarven assistant to take over the bar.
"No no, nothing so drastic I assure you Maev. In fact its myself and this young man here who are injured from our scuffle on the road. Drard merely is outside with Gizmo, you know how he gets about his contraption. He told me check with you about if he could store the thing in the cellar for the evening as we have in the past?"
"That won't be a problem at all Ivellios, of course. So along with that I see four individuals then, counting Drard. I don't have four beds for the night, only three unfortunately."
Before Ivellios could respond, Liesa spoke up swiftly, "That's quite alright, myself and Alexi here will share, we'd rather stick together anyway." Ivellios glanced at her, raising an eyebrow, but saying nothing to the contrary, instead turning his attention back to Maevlin.
"We'll take all three then, as well as a bowl of that fabulous stew we can smell, for each of us. I'll take a tankard of mango ale, as will Drard." he glanced to Alexi and Liesa whom both nodded. "So we'll make it four tankards all around. Also, not for drinking purposes, but if you have any particularly strong hooch or liquor lying about, I'd pay for a mug of that as well, we need something strong to clean these injuries. Scrimclaw bites, sting like hell."
Maevlin nodded once. "Got it all, worry not. Go let Drard know the cellar will be open for him when he gets back there. He's to make sure he locks it otherwise, I've not a worry in the world. Then you and your friends get yourselves seated, we got a table over in the corner opposite the little performer's square there, got proper chairs and a table to work with at least, and its just being cleaned now. Best I can offer for any first aid work ye thinking to do."
Ivellios nodded once, having already collected the coin from Drard, laying two silvers out for himself and then for Drard. Alexi and Liesa followed suit, and Ivellios then tossed a half orb coin, worth five silver, on the counter. "For the trouble, and with gratitude Maev." the elf said with a kind smile.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Drard saw Ivellios moving towards him, so to save him time he waved the elf off, and popped open Gizmo's cockpit. The magickal instruments that tracked the mech's magni-core reactor stability and charge both lit up warning him of low power and a beginning of de-calibration. "Yes, yes I'm aware Gizmo, I am most aware. Only a few dozen feet of travel left and we'll get you resting, charging and re-calibrated." the gnome muttered as he cleared the warnings, and began working the control sphere smoothly, getting the mech into motion.
Striding around the building, he arrived just as one of the kitchen staff popped open the cellar door, clearly on orders from Maev. Drard spoke through Gizmo's vocal amplification system, expressing his gratitude as he walked the mech into the cellar. Moving it to an unoccupied corner, the cockpit popped open again, as Drard powered down the device. Popping open its storage compartment that was attached to its back, he took out a hefty tool bag. Moving to the left side of his creation, he entered a specialized code onto a series of small buttons, undid two locks with their keys, and slipped on some lead lined gloves. Then he opened the hatch to reveal the Magnicore Reactor, the power source for his marvel of technology.
The reactor hummed even when powered down, the Mithrium-Obsidian alloy core creating a near constant manna field that acted much like a magnetic field might. Orbiting the perfectly spherical alloy core were eight tiny shards of raw manna crystal, one of each type. Carefully referencing his own diagram and notes about their proper alignment, Drard used the gloves to very slowly and smoothly adjust their orbits, resetting the calibration from its natural slow drift, to insure no two shards would eventually collide. This task was thankfully not a nightly affair, but did need to be done once a week to avoid risking catastrophic failure and detonation of the engine.
Once that was done, Drard closed up the hatch, re-securing it, and removed the protective gloves. Then he took out a variety of interesting looking tools and began etching a variety of specific symbols on the floor around the mech, as well as upon its legs and torso. These would fade by morning, despite scoring the floor boards or the metal, such was the nature of the magick of this strange process. Each symbol had to be exact, so Drard took his time, knowing full well Ivellios would have himself and Alexi bandaged up right and proper by the time he'd join them. Eight symbols on the floor in a perfect circle around the mech, eight upon the mech each aligned with their opposing symbol on the floor, to create a sort of power nexus within the Aether. It was a sort of magick, but one not wielded, as Drard never had any power moving through his body, and therefore was not subject to the Magisterium's rules, nor the laws of the churches.
Once the task was complete, Drard noted a key hanging from the cellar door, and took well the message. He climbed the stairs, taking the key, and exited the way he had entered, locking the cellar behind him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ivellios continued to ignore his own wound for the moment, for his would be a relatively quick fix, comparatively. As their ales and the hooch were delivered, he popped open his field surgery supply bag, beginning to lay out a few small tools, some clean bandages, and one or two other implements. "Alright let us get this over with before food arrives, Alexi remove your cloak tunic, and any other shirt you may have beneath the armor please. Climb up on the table and lie down with the injured shoulder facing me."
Alexi's shoulder was throbbing mercilessly, and he glanced to his sister, whom nodded, helping him remove the garments. Ivellios felt the glances of a few of the patrons, but for the most part no one paid that much attention. This was a rural community of fishermen, hunters, trappers and foragers. The people here were no strangers to someone getting patched up a bit in public, it was a common enough day to day occurrence. One or two of the closest patrons did do a double take when they saw the injury, the wound obviously a powerful bite from some sort of predator, but no one approached or made it their business to ask any questions.
As Alexi climbed up on the table, Ivellios smiled at him. "Also, it'll be a two silver if you still insist on having bought the drinks. The food and lodging are cheaper than the ale." Liesa slid the coins to Ivellios without saying anything. Ivellios noted that Maev had provided a pitcher of the hooch and four small glasses, for which he was very appreciative. He poured hooch into each of the small glasses, and used the rest to soak his instruments and then his hands. Taking a strip of cloth from his kit, he wound it into a tight spiral, and held it up to Alexi's mouth. "Bite down my boy, hard. This will keep you from biting your lips or tongue, cause some parts of this are gonna hurt."
Alexi did as he was bid, and Ivellios inspected the wound closely. Though the scrimclaw had bitten clean through the young man's leather armor and tunic underneath, he saw no evidence of any fabric pushed into the wound, which was a good sign. Also there were only perhaps eight or nine punctures in his shoulder, deep ones, but no tearing. "Your armor didn't fail you, that's good to see. It was punctured yes, but the beast didn't have a proper grip on you, it didn't tear any of your flesh, merely poked you full of holes with its teeth and tossed you around. That is good, it means no sutures or stitches required, just cleaning and proper wrapping. Bite down on that cloth, this part is gonna be unpleasant."
Alexi did as he was bid, and to his credit though he twitched and convulsed, he did not scream through the rag as Ivellios carefully poured and guided the hooch into the injuries, despite the obvious pain and discomfort it was causing him. Ivellios noted the foaming around the tooth marks with a small smile. That was a good sign it meant the strong alcohol was killing things left in the punctures, insuring no infections would set. He set about wiping the excess booze away, and applying a proper bandage. "You'll have to wear this for a few days at least, and myself or someone else should likely change it every day or two in this humid environment. But you'll heal just fine, you got lucky."
Alexi spit out the rag, sweating a little and swore. "Son of a whore, lucky, aye I feel real lucky right now, by the High Captain's arsehole." He sat up when Ivellios was done and slid off the table, accepting his sister's help to redress himself gingerly. Ivellios turned his attention to himself, a much more superficial wound, and had it cleaned and dressed in but a few moments.
As he finished, Drard joined them and the bowls of stew arrived, Maev smiling at them all as she laid them out. "Yellowtail and wild pepper stew, it'll warm you up, and have you feeling well and full I promise you that. My grandmother's own recipe, enjoy."
The four of them dug in with gusto, settling in for a fine meal. Drard was the first to speak. "I do believe my friend promised proper introductions? So allow me to be the first to reciprocate upon that promise. I am Drard Fizbogwaan, war-crafter, magni-mech pilot and mechanical engineer. The bulwark pattern mech you saw me driving is called Gizmo. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, both of you."
Alexi considered briefly giving false names, but brushed off the idea, knowing that he had already spoiled that option earlier that day. He glanced at his sister, who gave him the a very subtle nod that she understood, before speaking. "My name is Alexi Tomlinson, and I would have to say it was our pleasure, you saved our arses. I don't really have a proper title or qualifications like you master Fizbogwaan, but I've spent some time dabbling and learning a few trades, never settled and finished my apprenticeship though. Lock-smithing, brick work, carpentry, glass-blowing. I've dabbled all my life, I've had to, since we're orphans you see. Picked up a bit of skill with a blade along the way too, since sometimes that's the best work available."
Ivellios didn't seem to catch or read much into what had been said, but much to Alexi's embarrassment, Drard raised his glass and gave the young man a wry grin. "A jack of all trades, useful, and someone who would never lack...opportunity." the gnome replied, taking a long swig of his ale. Alexi ignored him as best he could, but felt the gnome's eyes on him.
Liesa cleared her throat. "My name is Liesa Tomlinson, we're twins you see. Much like my brother I've done what I can where I can, but never earned any sort of trade title. Sewing, serving, bartending, house cleaning, whatever I can do to scrape by and earn a bit of coin really. Never really picked up blade work, but I've learned to shoot well enough to defend myself at the very least." She really went all in on the beaten down orphan story here, Alexi noted, purposely leaning back, setting herself lower in her seat, making herself look as small, road-weary, and bedraggled as she could.
Ivellios immediately slid the two silvers back across the table at this. "We don't need this, the pair of you need it far worse than we do by the sounds of it. My name is Ivellios Zastriel, and much like the pair of you, though in a different way, I wander much and have no real defined trade or skillset. I've been a mercenary, was a sailor for some length of time before that, and picked up a bit of medical know how in the field along the way." Ivellios kept his answer short and concise, but the elf was not as skilled an actor as Alexi or Liesa, and both could tell there was more to him than that, much more, but they didn't press. Alexi did note the left hand of the warrior however, seeing the glove had kept its form, and seeing the elf was missing his ring and pinky finger. Alexi raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. It wouldn't be fair to push for information when he and his sister were at best really stretching the truth themselves and at worst, outright lying.
Ivellios noted the young man's gaze and hid the hand, picking up the glove as he slipped it back on. "Old injury, it doesn't bother me anymore. I have wooden prosthetics in the glove to get it to hold its shape." Alexi nodded respectfully, not intending to press. Ivellios sat in silence for a few moments, but then smiled, though both Alexi and Liesa could tell the smile was somewhat forced, for it didn't extend to the warrior's eyes. "Alright, well introductions aside, where are you two headed exactly? I would imagine this wasn't the final destination?"
Alexi thought about it for a moment, really considering the answer. He didn't know why he said it, for in truth he and his sister never, up to this moment, had any intention of returning home. After all, Alexi had really screwed up, and pissed off some truly dangerous people. And yet that was the answer that popped from his mouth, unbidden as if a will of its own. "Well we were taking the scenic route obviously, but our eventual destination was and is Port Renis, though we are in no rush. In fact, we likely were going to rest here for a few days, try to find some work, make a bit of coin for the road."
Ivellios glanced at Drard, whom shrugged. "Up to you my friend." the gnome told him, picking up his stew to drain the broth. Ivellios smiled, and clapped his right hand on his dear friend's shoulder.
"That just so happens to be our eventual destination as well, though we had much the same intentions, perhaps less the work, though we are a little short on coin, so we'll see what we can do. But at least to rest a few days before purchasing crossing to Ishvi from here, and from there take the overland trek along the Rum Wheel Road south-east to Port Renis. If we could afford it we'd hire a barge and take the Vizcal River, it would be safer and swifter, but we lack that sort of coin." Ivellios took a moment, sipping his ale and sighed. "Delightful, sweet and strong. Now, there is safety in numbers, and my companion seems ameniable to the idea. Would you perhaps wish to travel together then. It seems we intend to go the same way."
Liesa glanced at her brother and Alexi could see the hope in her eyes. He knew the likely eventual outcome, and yet he couldn't begrudge his sister the attempt, he didn't have the heart for it. So despite his instincts he smiled, and raised his mug. "Why not. Safety in numbers after all. A traveling company it is."
