Silent Slough

[Bhaern Quel]

"I thank you for the offer of fire"

Walks near the fire and studies it as you roll your logs into it.

"My Lady I could have done that for you. "

Considered your other words.

"So mostly deserted. Two orcs about, not warring with either or others. The shopper keeper clearly might have goods to trade and might have interest in some things I carry with me. At least no need to fear a battle. . I might even have something you could use, however perhaps now you will accept some sweet bread to have with your tea."

Reaches into a pouch and pulls out a couple of sweet rolls to offer to you.

"Should the orc require payment I should be able to pay her any reasonable price. Now as to you, maybe I have something that you might want for your healing? We can talk of that if you wish."

[Drathiranon]

Llelanni passes a bowl of tea to Tarvis and gladly accepts the sweet roll. Nods her head with gladness. She feels comfortable enough to talk more to the human stranger.

Ah, the fresh herbs I have need of require waiting for proper season to grow and/or harvest.

She shows him the dried mushroom Kena gave her to find and identify that smells powerfully of shellfish.

This one grows near cedars in early autumn. I will be looking for them then.

She shows Tarvis the lotus seed pod.

In fact, it looks like I will be introducing this new species to the area in early spring. I will plant it here in the swamp mud and hope to grow at least one of the large blossoms.

Llelanni then mentions the swamp is protected by the Dark Maiden until these things must come to pass for her healing. The dark elf's eyes are filled with enthusiasm, she smiles.

I'm sure it would very much please Bludgeon to finally have a paying customer. Maybe it will lift her spirit today.

[Bhaern Quel]

Takes the bowl of tea and smiles as you take the roll. Sips the tea.

Fresh herbs of course I do not carry with me, as you well know. I do have some died herbs and spices that some do use."

Looks at the mushroom and studies it for a moment.

"crab brittlegill I believe that grows in shadows of cedars . A somewhat rare mushroom."

As you show the seed, nods in agreement.

"Yes it is a lotus, I did not see any near here in my travel here. So likely is an addition. Should it do well. Some plants do not spread and only grow from new seed. A few years will show which happens with these."

As you mention that Eilistraee watches over and protects the swamp, nods head.

"It is said many watch over these swamps and one should always take care in what they do here.

As you mention the orc's name and likely seeks a paying customer. Nods.

"So the owner is Bludgeon and she has few customers. Well I certainly can buy , and maybe sell her some things."

Smiles

"Maybe after this small meal we might meet her. Is there any thing that you might want from the store. I ask only to make sure I see something to purchase that will be of use. I do have limits in what I can carry you understand."

[Drathiranon]

GRAB, ROOT, & GROWL

BLUDGEON

Bludgeon awakens to hear the plaint of Mouxsie's harp. The mood in the store is calm. She opens her window to let in fresh air and notices a human talking to Llelanni.
At last, maybe she will have her first paying customer! And maybe drow good luck after all! The orcan woman walks up behind the counter to check her stock and make sure everything is presentable. Before Llelanni is able to give Tarvis an answer, Bludgeon tosses her bucket of dirty mop water by the side of the back door and yells to the human,

Hey! Come in now! Got all you need! We trade now!

She has lots of fruit preserves, dried meats, all kinds of tools, maps, things for travelers. Yes, everything is ready. Her joyful smile exposes her tusks.

She takes up the jar of fairy from the shelf and looks into the glass.

Ok, you work now but how I know you keep word?!

Bludgeon set the jar down on the counter.

MOUSXIE/Delbachaem

The fairy abruptly stops playing her harp. Her tiny eyes fly wide open. Standing on the counter next to her is a leprechaun holding a stout knotty stick with a large knob at the top. He taps it lightly on her jar.
He has fiery red hair, is dressed in green clothing, leather vest and shoes, wearing a leaf green felt fedora. He smokes a long, curved clay pipe, blowing smoke rings over his head. He lowers his red eyebrows and tighten his lips.

Eh, so here's me wee gombeen!

His stands there, holding his pipe in one hand while shaking his finger in a gesture of disaproval.

Never thought I'd see the day me and yer mammy would have an unseelie in the family.

The leprechaun father lowers his little head in shame of his wayward fairy daughter.

Delbachaem, if you don't make this right with the orc, we'll have ta trow ya out with the bad fairies!

The leprechaun turns over his pipe to tap the fire out into his hand. He then tucks away the pipe into his vest pocket while it's still smoking.

Not only has her father used her real name, giving Bludgeon power over her, but is threatening her position in the Fairy Court! Delbachaem (MOUXSIE) stands in the jar frozen in fear, her mouth hanging wide open and hands pressed against the glass.

With a wave of his finger, the leprechaun 's fairy daughter appears wearing a tiny tavern server's dress!
The leprechaun brushes his hands together, tucks his shillelagh under his arm and with a twinkle in his blue eyes, as he walks off singing, his voice is carried away.
A toora loora loo
Too-ra-loo-ra-lay,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo,
Too-ra-loo-ra-lay
A small bird sat on an ivy bunch and the song she sang was the jug of punch...
Slowly he disappears into thin air.

And so, this is how the fairy becomes an indentured servant to an orc. Mouxsie...er Delbachaem ( sounds like Del-ba-vame) lowers her head, her tiny hands slowly slip down the glass jar to rest at her sides.

Well this is fine mess. Da didn't even give me a chance to explain meself.

[Bhaern Quel]

Tarvis smiles to Llelanni

"It appears we are invited to go shopping. Shall we do so? "

Offers his arm to aid her if she wants, to enter the store.

"My Lady Bludgeon We will be with you soon."

[Drathiranon]

BEHIND THE GRAB, ROOT, & GROWL
Finding the whole situation intriguing, the dark elven woman takes Tarvis' arm and thinking perhaps he hasn't known many drow. She' should protect him while he is here.

Thank you kind, Sir. But, I don't believe I'll need much as the land itself is a good provider.
Perhaps she might have a map or maybe be willing to speak about the history of the slough.

Llelanni hadn't thought much about having a life of her own. This place is much like the Underdark in its own unique way. A nice place to start living.

As they enter the general store they see tools hanging on the main entrance wall, food supplies on the back wall behind the counter. Several large barrels lined up in groups along the center floor, and 3 stools at the counter.

BLUDGEON & DELBACHAEM

Bludgeon looks out the front entrance windows. She can see someone pushing a full wheel barrow up the hill and come this way!
As the figure moves closer she can see it is an orc farmer. In his barrow are a few slain wild boars. She can't believe her eyes! What a good day for business!
Bludgeon opens the jar and turns it over to release the fairy. The orc hands her a small piece of cloth.

Delbachaem! You dust everything!

Like a robot, having no will of her own, the tiny fairy automaticly marches to the end of the counter and begins to dust, rubbing the cloth along ever jar of preserves.

[Bhaern Quel]

With Llelanni on his arm enters the store with her. One should never guess what another knows. Sees tools and maps along with the food..

My Lady Llelanni. there is much here. Map, maybe one to help to pick a site to plant your seeds. Tools to help you as well to plant it.. I am willing to purchase some thing for you to thank your kindness to me.

Notices the fairy and sees the orc order it about and its reactions. Turns to speak to Bludgeon

My Lady Bludgeon, I have some interest in maps should you have some of the area. Also might need to purchase some items for the Lady Llelanni. However your servant has caught my attention and I wonder if she is for sale or hire.

[Drathiranon]

Bludgeon holds onto a map for Tarvis and responds.

Fairy has geis, must work.

The orc woman thinks a moment then replies again while giving the map over to the human, in his hand.

Maybe we bargain for fairy work.

SLOG

The orcan farmer parks his old barrow of boars just outside the store. He is also carrying a bushel basket filled with carrots, crowder peas, potatoes, and parsnips. He hopes to strike a good deal and maybe she will cook some for him in return. Slog is nervous to finally meet the exotic orc girl next door and thinks perhaps to win her favour with the meat.
The orc farmer slowly opens the door and bells jingle. He then sees the orc woman with dazzling emerald, green eyes putting on her apron, the fairy busily dusting the jars, and a human entering the back door with a drow on his arm. Slog raises a hairy eyebrow. He wonders, how many more people are around and hoping they are just passing through the village, not planning to stay.
The orcan farmer is wearing his weathered hat, dried muddy overalls and boots. Upon seeing Bludgeon turn around to face him, he removes his floppy leather hat and rests it against his chest, his red eyes quickly look away to observe the general store wares as if he were looking for something in particular to purchase.

He stands there listening to the conversation while he waits.

[Bhaern Quel]

Bludgeon takes the map to look at. Considers the words about the fairy.

" My Lady how much do you ask for this? Well I do have interest in such items as your servant, I would need one that is not cursed. The type of work I had in mind I need to be not bound to another. Could you tell me more about how you got control of her? "

SLOG turns to bow slightly to you.

My Lord, I am Tarvis. A dealer in spices rare and common. I greet you."

Steps to Llelanni's side to show her the map. Waiting to how the two orcs deal with each other as much as to ask her a question.

My lady Llelanni, what think you of this map? Have you seen any thing you might want to purchase."

[Drathiranon]

Slog is releaved to hear they are only travelers. He nods in return to Tarvis.

Me Slog, farmer.

-BLUDGEON-

The orc woman is quietly taken aback by the appearance of the orc man. She had never seen him before. There looks like a lot of meat in his barrow. She wonders if he is bringing to trade or for his own family. She hoped he was the only orc in the deserted village. He looks unkempt and care worn. The orc woman walks right passed the others to the orcan man.

Trade for meat?

Slog, still looking around the shop, he answers.

Need iron.

Bludgeon opens one of the barrels to reveal iron ingots of all sizes. She continues,

Ten for 2 boars!

Slog looks in the barrel to inspect the ingots.

Bludgeon walks over to help her other customers. She knows there will have to be some haggling for the goods. Best to wait for Slog to approach her first.

Bludgeon continues talking with Tarvis.

Copper, silver, gold, or good trade!

She watches Slog and with a sideways glance she says again to Tarvis,

When I done, you come back for fairy.

Llelanni accepts the map from Tarvis and has a seat at the counter. She smiles.

Tarvis, you don't owe me anything. I would however like to learn a few things from you about your trade. Perhaps make a bargain for training?

While they haggle, the drow opens out the map on the counter top to.have a look at the ley of the land before inquiring about the slough history.

[Bhaern Quel]

Seeing that Slog offers no threat, nods head in acknowledgement to his name and trade.

Slog, I might have some seeds that you might want to plant. Says no more as the looks at the iron.

Turns to Bludgeon

My Lady BLUDGEON, I have Silver and some goods. Herbs and spices, some for cooking, some for perfumes and some for magic. If you name it, I likely have it or can find it. Of course the first thing is what you ask for the map? I could also use some smoked meat, or jerky for trail food. Many a few other items. As to the fairy I can come back for her when you are done with her.

Llelanni looks to you,

Kindness should be repaid with kindness. If you only need knowledge I certainly can share that with you. After the bargaining we will find a place to talk

[Drathiranon]

-SLOG-

The orcan farmer takes up 6 iron ingots, looks to Tarvis,

Many boar, destroy garden. More coming. Might lose crops.

Slog scratches his head, his red eyes look back around at the tooling.

-BLUDGEON-

The orc woman seems pleased to hear about the many boar. She slides open a hidden door behind the tooling to reveal basic hunting weapons and fishing gear. Then speaks to Slog.

Give You Good Deal!

Bludgeon fixes a broad smile at Tarvis' mention of herbs and spices.

Keep map! Need much! I cook for you!

Bludgeon looks at Llelanni.
Upon Llelanni's request for the slough history, the orc woman calls to the fairy.

The fairy drops her cloth and immediately marches over to the middle of the counter, standing ready to verbally interpret the orc womans sign language. As Bludgeon relays the story, it becomes well understandable in the way the fairy relays the messages.

Delbachaem talk what hands say!

Before my time, our ancestors told us this misty place used to be a happy one for ancient Red Eye Clan until it became a killing field. Yes, we orcs span back many generations. Many bones buried here under the years of decay. Too many were greedy. Too many were full of hate. My clan did not live here but I remember the stories. Two brothers of Red Eye Clan took all the wives, all the slaves away so no one with bad intentions could have them and they went to a deep valley in the east. So, no more women to share. I ran away from Red Eye Clan at this time. Many years of hiding, killing, and members fighting for control inside of other clan's boundaries.
This place is taboo. Orc think ghosts live here. They think it sacred. No one comes accept those who do not know the truth. You would do well not to draw too much attention here, if you know what is good for you.

With a few more signs the fairy turns around and notices Bludgeon is focused on Llelanni, the little fairy looks to Tarvis and cups her tiny hands around her mouth to send her voice clearly to him.

Pssst, she wants pink lipstick! I have to actually work for pink lipstick!

The tired, dirty little fairy walks back to go back to wearily dusting shelves.

[Bhaern Quel]

Slog. considers what to say to a boar threat. Hardly a equipped to kill them. Looks about the store to see what weapons are displayed.

That could be a hard battle to protect the crops. No point in buying seeds unless the battle won.

Bludgeon wonders how good her cooking is, to pay for his wares. Maybe no coin to be had here. While barter certainly can serve well at times.

I do hope I have all of what you desire in spices and herbs. We will barter latter for amounts.

Delbachaem nods at what she indicates. Nods head and smiles to her.

Considers the story told. So no likely help coming to fight boars and asking friends here to fight boar would be a bad idea, unless want a war with the orcs clans of the area. The best solution might be for all to retreat however that appears unlikely. Giving up claimed land for no land is rarely considered a good plan. So the orcs would plan to stay here. The elf here for her mission until complete. The only one that is not bound to stay is himself. Herbs can be found other places, as can customers. For now it is wait to see what others decide to do.

[Drathiranon]

Bludgeon quite fancies a hunt so she has a nice display of average spears, bows/arrows, clubs, machetes, a couple of halbreds, some spike strips, short & long swords. Nothing fancy but can get the job done. She has some typical assorted leather armor pieces as well. Shin guards, helmets, bracers, and a couple of leather shields. Basically, they appear to be left behind from ravages of war.

The tooling consists of pick axes, shovels, spades, hoes, shears, basic hand held tools.

Slog takes up a halbred, smiles. It his favored choice of weapon. Skilled in the blacksmith arts, he can easily fix these items for the better. He thinks....maybe another time.

Llelanni speaks up amidst the silence.

Those spike strips might slow the boar down, especially if you have a trap dug to lure them.

Slog turns to look at the drow then back to check out the spikes.
Takes down the spike strip.

Yes, trap.

He walks out the door, dumps out the dead boars, the bushel of vegetables, and puts his new wares in the barrow, pushing it back across the way to his shack.

Bludgeon looks to Tarvis and Llelanni.

Cook now!

The orc woman hurries out front to remove potted plants from a table. She immediately drains the blood and starts peeling the hides before dissecting the bodies into choice cuts. The bodies will start to stink soon so there is much to do. Bludgeon doesn't see a need for formalities. Time is of the essence!

She points to the drow,

Bring much salt! Keep fire burning!

She looks to the human,

More wood! Make fire hot!

And with that, Tarvis & Llelanni are dismissed to accomplish their given tasks

[Bhaern Quel]

Gives a chuckle as he looks at the active Bludgeon and does wonder if Slog plans to kill all the boar by himself.

My Lady Bludgeon you are not my clan chief. You offered to bargain food for spice. That did and does not include service helping to cook the dinner. A deal is required for that or the trade becomes a simple food for work bargain. The deal for my wares will become something else. The elf of course agrees to her own deals.
The food needs to be preserved, cooking is just one way.
I can offer to help, I will not be ordered as if I am a servant.

Looks to Llelanni to see her reaction to the orders and his response yo his.

My Lady Llelanni have you any thing to say to her or request from me>