The Briarstone Tavern

[Zhym]

"Hey, I got an idea," says Lug. "I'll get a private room in the inn. Orrin, please meet me there. I got one more errand to run and I'll be right there." He downs the rest of his whiskey and heads out the door.

I think it actually makes sense to have the timeline go as it has so far—Bertram raises the topic of a rescue mission, then Lug and Orrin go off and talk knowing that's on the table, then come back.

[Keehnelf]

Grisela sighs at Odium. "Gods, that knight from the South is giving out titles to anything that breathes, seems to me." She waves him over to the bar. "Have a seat, your majesty, and relax your feathers before they get in someone's soup."

[Marullus]

Nihilius

As Lug and Orrin depart, Nihilius places a hand on the chair by Bertram. "Would you mind if I joined you?" he asks. A wiry teenager in wizarding robes by appearance, he nonetheless possesses a formal bearing of antiquated but impeccable manners. His hound sniffs under the table, not quite as polite. "For dinner, of course, and then perhaps for your expedition as well. Lug has proven a good companion and I'd appreciate a chance to be among a first, and well accoutred, foray to the mountain."

Nihilius, or 'Niles,' is a gangly youth, with long, skinny limbs; his large head is topped with an unruly mob of shaggy brown hair and flanked by protruding ears. A steep, imperious nose and pointed chin fit his long face and his generally somber and unamused expression. He wears an over-large travelling cloak meant for a slightly larger man, and the well-worn, almost threadbare robes of a sorcerer. He is inclined to observe quietly from the sideline, and is accompanied by a large, wiry-haired wolfhound named Ferris.

[KingOfCowards]

Impatiently waiting for Lug and Orrin, Bertram is distracted as Nihilius approaches him.
He's none too impressed by the youth at first glance, but his experiences in Vaul have taught him to respect arcane prowess enough that he does not dismiss the boy on appearances. Albeit young, at least he is well mannered. Unlike that Wendall, who runs the Order of the Skull outside of town.
"I don't know that I'll be leading this foray, but I'd welcome another hand, gladly. If you've been out there in the wilds, you know the dangers we'll be facing."
He offers Nihilius his hand.
"I am Bertram...Sir Bertram, now. A pleasure to meet you."
More quietly, he asks, "What can you tell me of Lug? The songs speak of his prowess in battle, and he's a likeable fellow, I can't deny that. But is he trustworthy?"

[Marullus]

Nihilius accepts the hand and shakes it. "I am Nihilius, or as Lug says it, Niles. I understand the dangers of these lands well enough. I ventured east with Valorei to treat with the griffon, to the grove of the centaur to speak of the Wardens of the West, observed the dragon on its flight after escaping its imprisonment in the mountain, and aided in bringing the gnomes who now help rebuild and ensorcel this city. I bear no special title or guild membership, I fear, to commend me." He smiles. "Magic tutelage is not what it once was, I fear, so I understand your apprehensions. I assure you, I will do my best to remedy that in the future."

He nods as Bertram whispers, responding in equally low tones.
"Trustworthy? More honest than even the stars. He lacks the wisdom to understand guile, let alone attempt it. His quest showed his deep loyalty to his friends, even at the expense of himself... commendable. However, we couldn't discern if he was beguiled magically or simply by poor judgement when we encountered a now-slain enchanter. Like a strong-willed child, he benefits from firm parenting." He smiles.

[KingOfCowards]

Bertram nods thoughtfully.
"That is good to hear. I didn't mean to question his motives. Its just...this business with Adria...with the captives. I admit I had my doubts. And then he disappeared with Orrin just moments ago. I am sorry if I have given offense. If you vouch for his honor, who am I to doubt it? Come, we'll have that dinner you spoke of while we wait."

[Marullus]

Nihilius smiles. "While I appreciate the gesture, you know less of me than of him, to accept my word so surely. Have no worry, you will find it to be true in its own time."

[Spartakos]

Rhodri ambles over and sits down at the table with Bertram and Niles without waiting to be invited, or indeed sparing more than a glance at the young man. "Bertram," he says in his funereal voice, "Looks like we both managed to live through the invasion. Of course, being the sort of folk we are, we'll blunder headlong into the next dangerous catastrophe. Which is why I came over."

Idly stroking the hilt of his new-made dagger, he continues, "I hear you're headed for the Finger, or what's left of it. I actually made it inside, briefly. I'd like to try again. From past experience, I'm most likely to bring death and ruination on myself rather than others, so it's probably to your benefit to bring me along."

[Marullus]

Nihilius pauses, his private conversation with Bertram interrupted with Rhodri. After a moment, he continues cutting up his baked potato and roast beef, listening politely to Rhodri. "It is a difficult life, laboring thus under a curse," he says, making small talk.

[AleBelly]

Varas returns to the tavern. Seeing Nihilius in conversation, he simply gives him an affectionate slap on the shoulder as he makes his way to the counter. Knowing it's a bad thing to be in a barmaid's bad side, he goes up to Grisela and apologizes. "Sorry about that ruckus earlier. The big guy was under a spell a few days ago, but seems to be better now. Turns out he was just looking to apologize to me. Can I get an ale?"

The tall thief sips his drink, looking with satisfaction at the adventurers filling the tavern. He takes a seat next to Ghrym. "Glad to see you among the living, friend. Should have known it would take more than some ogres and hobgoblins to put an end to you." He drinks again.

"I only wish I had been here to lend my longbow to the cause" he adds, half-truthfully.

[Keehnelf]

Ghrym simply nods, a slightly faraway look in his eye, still sitting on the patrons' side of the bar. "Well, we all do what we can in our own ways, lad. I'm sure you were doing something important as well."

[KingOfCowards]

Rhodri's presence is a dark cloud descending on the table. Bertram had some history with the mercenary elf, and its obvious that it was not all pleasant.
Eventually he breaks his silence, "I had heard you came back from the mountain, though its said Numen never returned with you.". He doesn't wait for a retort, something you're sure to get from the sarcastic elf if given enough time. He continues, with a growl, "It matters not. Our motives are not for profit, so you shan't be interested. Its a rescue mission, above all else."

[Spartakos]

"It is a difficult life, laboring thus under a curse"

Rhodri's eyes widen a fraction at the comment, and he favors Nihilius with a somewhat less-than-baleful glance. "Truer words were ne'er spoken, fellow," he drawls. "But I've found that when you expect misfortune, at least you're only miserable due to your horrible circumstances, and don't have to suffer crushed hopes on top of it."

"I had heard you came back from the mountain, though its said Numen never returned with you. It matters not. Our motives are not for profit, so you shan't be interested. Its a rescue mission, above all else."

If Rhodri is offended by Bertram's words, it doesn't show on his face, which remains as stonily glum as ever. "Numen didn't return, though neither did he die under the mountain...more's the pity." His voice is surprisingly soft, and nearly monotone as he says this, but then he shakes his head minutely and resumes his normal volume. "You're right...if it isn't likely to turn a profit, it's not in my line. Good luck with your rescuing...but I'd be careful, were I you. Remember what I told you about Fangir, and the Mountain is the last place I saw him." Finishing his ale, the gaunt elf gets up from the table and wanders off for a refill.

[AleBelly]

Varas' shoulders tighten at the mention of Numen. His tankard clunks as he sets it down on the thick wooden table. He speaks loudly, interrupting "Numen didn't die under the mountain, that is true. But he did die by my blade. And Vaul's the better for it."

Whether this is a boast or confession is anyone's guess.

[Zhym]

After a while, Lug re-enters the tavern. Pointing to Varas, he tells Grisela, "Whatever he's drinking, I'm paying for it." Spotting Niles, he adds, "Him too." He hands her three gold pieces (-3gp) and takes a seat near the others.

"I, um, owe you my thanks too," he tells Nihilius. "Varas tells me it was your idea to try to un-mojo me. So, uh, thanks, and sorry about all the mess back there."

[Marullus]

Nihilius smiles up at Lug as he enters, patting the chair next to him at the stone table, across from Bertram and Rhodri. He briefly sums up the conversation for Lug. "Rhodri here has been cursed to bring misfortune on all his companions. He wished to join you and Bertram, but not if its not profitable. He has something to say about Fangir as well." He turns back to look at Rhodri, waiting for him to continue.

[Zhym]

Lug frowns. "Maybe he brings misfortune on his companions because he's only interested in profit?" says the big oaf in a rare moment of insight.

"Anyway, if it's about Fangir, maybe it ought to wait until Orrin gets here too."

[Zorroroaster]

Orrin enters the tavern and walks over to Lug and the others. He catches the tail end of the discussion.

"What's this about Fangir?" He looks very pointedly around the group.

[KingOfCowards]

Bertram stares at the tall man blankly, trying to interpret the intention behind such a bold confession.
Openly admitting to the murder of a Vaul citizen. This man must think he is beyond the law. One wonders what the Duke would think of this. He strokes his beard thoughtfully, but turns his attention to Lug.
"Do you have an answer for me then, Lug? Shall we make another attempt at rescue?

[Keehnelf]

There's the appropriate dramatic timing I was waiting for!

The door of the tavern opens slowly. Backlit in the doorway in the diminutive form of halfling Sergeant Largo Goodbarrel, adventurer-turned-city watchman. He steps almost hesitantly into the tavern, hand on the pommel of a brilliantly-shining dagger hanging at his hip and decked in his town-issue chainmail, his helmet under the other arm. He peers around the taproom slowly, until his eyes come to rest on Varas at the bar. He nods to those he passes, silently, his boots scuffing slightly on the wood floor. Pulling up beside the lanky thief, he looks up-up-up until the two make eye contact, and he says, simply. "If you'd be so kind as to come with me, sir," and extends the hand that had been on his dagger toward the door way.