Back to Basics Chapter 1: Where are we ?

[steveflam]

Arnulf gets bored after a few minutes of being outside a lone and wanders back in. He heads to get more food. With a hefty plate, he moves to sit next to Dalorna and begins eating again.

[ewancummins]

''Ah, Arnulf. We were just discussing our nets- you know, those wonderfully well made metal nets that we took in battle when we beat the monkey-men. We're discussing their market value, given the fine workmanship and unusual materials.''

[steveflam]

Arnulf eats a few bites then listens to his sister. Swallowing, he sips some water. He knows his sister well enough to realize she wants to get a good deal here. "So, Mr Ping, I these are really well made nets. I am a fisherman as well as a guard and know them to be well crafted and made. I am young, yes, but know good equipment. Whatever my sister Dalorna says they are worth, I will back her up one hundred percent. We won't accept anything less than what she says they are worth."

[ewancummins]

Dalorna smiles again, this time at her brother.

''Oh, I am certain that Mister Ping intends to make a fair offer, Arnulf. I simply wish to obtain a good price for our hard-won booty, that's all. This is a festive occasion, though, so perhaps such business ought to be conducted later? Let's enjoy ourselves. Perhaps Alia would sing for us, if we asked her very nicely?''

[steveflam]

"Yes, this business should be conducted at the appropriate occasion, sis. Not at a party." He frowns. "Alia does sing, doesn't she. I Guess a party is as good a place as any for a pretty woman to sing." He blushes slightly and turns away, embarassed.

[kintire]

In fact, as their attention turns to the party again they realise that Alia IS singing, and dancing. Currently she is singing the Ballad of the Rescue, Canto III (The Fall of the Chieftain) Verse 7, in which the heroic Arnulf, muscles rippling and face set in a terrifying snarl of fury, confronts the enemy chieftain and sends him staggering with a hail of unstoppable blows, beating aside his furious riposte.

[steveflam]

Arnulf listens and his chest puffs out with pride. "Hey that's about me!", he whispers to his sister.

[Lord Skybolt]

The villagers cheer at hearing how the party vanquishes the "forest goblins" and there killing of the apparent chief of the tribe of child eating monsters in song . Several of the kids saved that can see the group at Pings table points them out to any in the village that don't know about them personally . Especially to there fathers that were out fishing when the kids were grabbed . The relieved fathers make toasts at their tables about the rescuer's of their children .

[ewancummins]

Dalorna smiles as she look about the room.

Hob croaks a few times, takes off, and makes a circle over the table before settling again near Arnulf-

''Boy! Fish-Eyes! Good boy! Give Hob, give!"

[steveflam]

Arnulf nearly jumps out of his seat, then calms himself. He motions to his plate with a finger. "Take it Hob, eat what you want."

[BigBadQDaddy]

The Professor beams at Alia while applauding respectfully"Well done, Child, Well done!"

[ewancummins]

Dalorna joins in the applause.
After a moment, she turns her attention back to Ping.


''You speak of our homelands as being foreign to you- and you also say that this country of Nova Vaasa is not your homeland. How exactly did you get here may I ask? ''

[VAN]

Sara applauses as well:

"Very well done Alia!"

[Roofdrak]

Isidar applaudes and compliments Alia, "Quite an accurate account of the tale, I would say." While listening to Ping and Dalorna's conversation, Isidar turns to Sara and asks, "You mentioned something about the mists getting us here. What did you mean by that?"

[steveflam]

Arnulf claps. "Wow, that was just wow, Alia. You sing really well...." The young man blushes and looks at the ground, embarassed.