“If you'll excuse us sir Tristifier, Yn and I need to get properly outfitting per the standards of Balder.” Jezibel offered to the man. She gave a nudge to Yn to excuse the man as well. Giving a polite nod they both moved from the table and headed towards the barn. Yn let Jezi lead the way, having not been sure.
“Can't believe I finally get to see Balder again, and I now actually work with him.” Yn spoke absentmindedly. Jezi looked at the man curiously, wondering what connection they had. She marked it up to just good research and traveling.
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As Su Lin leaves the meeting with Harken and has secured her room she had given the possibility of being only a one night stay, now her home with this new group, one she oddly feels a connection with. One she does not have the same lingering thought of ‘when is the master going to turn on his hunter’. She steps back down the stairs back to the bar proper on her way to find this Blader she is told to seek for her equipment, she catches Mynx and Jamon still at their table. ‘Fish out of water’ drifts through her mind as she gazes at Jamon a brief moment while approaching Mynx table. Her tone a little more … not friendly, just less monotone than usual “Would like to speak about your possession…” nodding to Jamon “...upon my return.”
Not waiting for a response, she simply gives a slight bow of her head then turns walking out from the Gallery so as to locate this quartermaster and obtain her equipment and to saddle her horse. A secondary thought drifts through her mind ‘I imagine that cat is going to bring her new possession with her, suppose I should give the child some pointers on how to stay alive on his own.’ with a sigh as she continues to where she was told to seek out Blader, hard to miss as he would be ‘..suppose I should teach the child how to at least hold a blade. The baby will probably cut his own hand off without training.’ as her footsteps are near silent along the ground she walks on.
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“But seriously, the first major mission I get tasked to is hunting down a crown?” Yn asked, leaned against a pillar. Jezi gave him groan, annoyed at the man now. Despite his desire for a mission, the man had a narrow scope of the reality of it all. She herself was waiting patiently, standing at attention. Yn gave her a grumble as he went about looking over Faur, seeing how he had fared for the night.
“As well, what kind of equipment…”
*I smell another coming.* Faur spoke up to his brother, tensing some as his nose twitched. Despite how he grew, his senses had never dulled, and very few of the world could honestly sneak up on one of his styles. It didn't help that the being smelled wrong, like the shadows of his brethren who hunt those in the world. Yn patted the side of his brother and tensed some. The last time he had been approached, it ended with his situation with Jezibel.
“Be another new recruit joining us?” Yn asked the air, turning to look towards the location of the being.
As Su Lin silently continues toward the slender woman, the rather large well built male and the good sized deer, she is impressed that at least one of the group were aware of her approach though neither her expression nor level tone would not make that evident.
As she comes closer she offers “recruit I am, I would be correct were I to view you as recruits as well?” looking upon Yn assuming he would be the first of the group to make an aggressive move if these were thieves, her chocolate brown eyes watching the man for any sign of aggressiveness, hands down to her front, one hand a top the other close to her wristband.
From around the back of the equipment barn came a deep laughter followed by the low rumbling of a mammoth. “You have a very roundabout way of speaking Miss Mok.” Soon Balder appeared his mammoth in tow the great shaggy beast looking down on Faur his trunk coming up to poke the deer’s antler idely. The Giant moved closer studying the new recruits carefully and he smiled at Yn. “Good to see you again Yn. Maso missed Faur.” He chuckled looking back at the two large animals the mammoth still playing with deer’s antlers. “Now if you three will come with me. I have all our supplies for the journey already stored in the wagons.” He motioned for them to follow and began walking back to the field.
As Su Lin heard the deep laughter nearly echo through the air they were standing within, she relaxes her stance softly turning toward where the voice came. Having expected yet another male of large size and frame, she took a second look as the massive Giant dwarfed the sunlight she enjoyed the warmth provided.
Her thoughts on how formal the two whom have already spoken to her, something she could grow accustomed to. Seldom those she provides her service to speak her name, when spoken, it is often ‘wench’ ‘girlie’ or ‘fetch the death bitch’.
As Balder’s massive form starts walking back to the field, she follows, her tone lacking emotion “Good sir, again I am with one more aware of me that I am of you, by what name may I address you by good sir?” in a lower tone for those who may be along or behind her “I am known as Su Lin, as the good man we follow has said, my family name is Mok.” remaining focused on the Giant she tries to keep pace with.
Balder chuckled at the woman’s word again. “I am Balder of Stonestead, a pleasure to meet you Su Lin.”
“Faur, keep Maso company.” Yn said chuckling, looking at the two looking like lost friends. He could already feel the minor annoyance from Faur at being left behind like a pack animal. Sure Maso had intelligence, but there was difference between the two of them mentally. Jezi followed behind shortly, somewhat surprised by it all.
“Ah, my name is Yn and that was my brother Faur. Jezi here is a recent friend and the giant is Balder.” Yn followed up.
“I'm his servant, not friend. How in the hell do you know Balder.” Jezibel corrected her master, clearly annoyed at his complete lack of decorum. He was going to be the death of her at this point.
“Oh, I grew up near the Giant’s Homeland up north. I've met Balder at shops and even the rare chance of seeing the Giants games as my tribe went to there. We've traded goods back and forth, and I hung out with him when I could.” Yn commented to the two girls as he followed the giant, his eagerness beginning to bubble. When Balder was around, things were always fun. Jezibel just looked at the man, wondering how someone so connected was so lacking in the world?.
Balder chuckled again. “Many servants can be your friends Ms. Lupin. And sometimes they’re the only ones you can trust. But I digress come, we’ve got a lot to go over.” Even though he took one step for about every two of the others they arrived at the wagons easily enough. He waved for them to stay here as he moved around the back of very large covered wagon. It looked to be a cargo gallion with some wheels and axles slapped onto it.
Having kept up by keeping a light running pace, as Balder waved their wait, still took 50 yards to get to where they were to stay. She remained watching the Giant awaiting what he would ask them to do or what they would be provided. If provisions were to be given, she would base their travel time and expected terrain on what this Giant might provide.
“So, what kind of provisions are we given? I've got myself pretty set up.” Yn spoke, nodding backwards from the barn. It was obvious the man traveled light for his needs. Jezibel just looked at him and sighed. Deciding to ignore the idiot he turned towards Balder.
“What about travels? I've only ever been loaned mounts when going on far off missions? Will they be offered with this?” Jezibel respectfully asked the Giant.
“Why do you need a mount, Faur can carry both of us easily.” Yn offered.
“I am not riding on one of my masters, nor side saddle with my master.” Jezibel spoke in anger, only to flush with embarrassment. She hadn't given thought to what was saying, nor how it would sound. Just the idea of a servant and master sharing a mount, and even more with Faur technically being a master, it wasn't something she could do. But the way she spoke sounded close to offering her body for them.
Soon the Giant returned carrying three large bundles. They were the dull orange color and he was carrying them in one hand. He handed a bundle to Jezi and Su Lin, but kept Yn’s and knelt down so he was slightly closer to their levels. Though that still meant he was ten feet tall and still hand to hunch even lower as he placed the third bundle on the ground and opened it carefully spreading the contents around for display.
“If you want we do have some spare mounts anyone who needs them can have, but that’ll be between you and the Stable Master. As for me I’m giving each of you the standard provisions every member of the Guild gets when they first join us. No some things will be restocked as you need them, but most of it is meant to carry you through our missions until you die or quit.” Settling in and began a speech he’s done so many times before he could do it in his sleep. “For starters women get a couple more supplies than men and restocking them will be done through Shel not me.” He felt he didn’t need to go into those so he just carried on though the rest of the supplies. “Next comes the bundle itself.” He pointed to the orange hide. “This is your multipurpose blanket, made from treated mammoth hide to be both warm and waterproof. Aside from the obvious it can also be used as a tent, a distress signal, a ship’s sail, a cleaning rag, a towel, a deer sized cape or dog sized house, the sky is really the limit. Any questions so far?”
Su Lin attentively listened, the blanket provided already has far more use as well as being more adaptable for climate change than what she carries. Although her bed roll is better for blending in multiple landscapes, she already has decided on the Guild's more durable and practical blanket. As Balder inquiries on if there questions yet, she quietly shook her head no, curious on if the bickering couple had any.
Yn was rather unimpressed by the supplies so far, yet he himself was rather different. Born in the cold and used to living in the wild, weather didn't have much. The free dish rag was going to be helpful, or maybe he could allow Jezibel to have it on the colder nights. Jezibel in that regards was thankful that the young man didn't speak up. She would have to meet the stable master to get a decent mount, one that could keep up with that deer, if one existed.
Balder nodded then continued on pointing to some kind of axe with a posable shovel on the back of the axe head and a removable knife on the top. “Next is the Woodsman’s tool. Axe, shovel, knife the basics for surviving the wilds.” His large hand moved on to a long spool of white glossy line. “This is fishing line, it’s good and strong. Also like everything else it has multiple uses you can even use the W-tool as a fishing pole if needed.” Next he pointed to a small metal stick and a triangle of flint. “This is a fire rod and flint, they are used to make fires. The rod is a flammable material the shavings being needed as tinder and using either the knife of the W-tool or your own knives you create sparks.” He was fully aware how obvious most of this was, but he was paid to keep everyone alive for as long as he could and not everyone was quick on the uptake. Pausing he smiled. “How we doing any questions now?”
Su Lin processing each item through her mind, each has usefulness, something she is not accustomed to, usually it is her that tends to her own provisions. Again she shakes her head no to the question.
“Fishing line seems helpful.” Yn mumbled as he picked through the items, studying each piece as they were explained. The fire rod sounded like a good tool for making fires when needed, but he had his own stuff for fire starting. He had to honestly wonder how many people joined the guild without even the basics such as a fire starter set. He looked over to the silent girl as she studied the woman looking over her goods as well. This guild was starting to seem stranger by the minute now that she actually worked for them.
Balder chuckled approvingly. “So glad you three are smarter than some of the people we’ve had come through our doors.” He pointed to a long strand of much thicker line this one made of what looked like animal sinew. “Next up is your rope, one-hundred feet long with the strength to carry someone my size with some clever knots.” He then pointed to an ivory object hollowed out with one small end and a much larger one. “This is your distress or communication horn. There are times we’ll be separated on the road and this little object has saved many lives mine included.” He reached down to his waist and tapped his own horn though this one looked to be made out of a whole mammoth tusk and was decorated with various religious carvings and Balder’s name. “It can be heard for at least mile, and only use it in an emergency.” Next he pointed to flat leather pouch made of bear or deer hide. “This is your water skin, it can hold a great deal, but can used to boil water in if you know what you’re doing.” The next thing he pointed to was a folded piece of paper, some charcoal sticks, and a small circular object made of a kind of green metal. It was much to small for Balder to grab so he once again reached for his belt and pulled out a similar shaped object only about the size of a dinner plate. “Next up are arguably the two most important objects you can own. A map of Esignol and a compass. Pretty much everything else you see here you can live without if needed or easily replace. But these two things are key to anyone.” He looked at Yn. “Even experienced travellers. Sure if you know how to navigate by the stars you can live, but on cloudy days or times where there is no sky these will keep you alive and let you find your way back home or at least to a road or friendly town.” He put his compass back then gently unfolded the map showing the trio the masterfully created map complete with a legend, landmarks, named towns, safe places, there was even some colored areas that marked which of the four great nations the spot belonged to. “Each map comes with a few charcoal sticks so you can write on and add to your map.” He leaned back trying Yn’s bundle back up and pushing it towards him. “Well that’s it, I think?” He tapped his chin then snapped his fingers showing the group his leather brace where a large pin was displayed. It was the Rogue’s Gallery membership pin. “Oh before I forget, be sure to openly wear your pins. They’re what allow us to bypass border patrols and get safely through hostile territory. They are mildly enchanted with a calming aura charm. While it won’t be of much good if a wild beast comes after you it’ll calm the hand of most sentient species and give them pause. Plus our guild is well known as a neutral and peaceful group so unless you actively piss someone off they’ll usually let you go. Su Lin yours will be in your bundle somewhere, Yn and Jezi already got theirs last night from Dagur.” He grunted slowly and worked himself back to his feet, the group could hear his joints and bones popping loudly and as he stood to his full height again he smiled down at them. “Now if there are no more questions I recommend you three go secure your mounts and finish packing if you haven’t already. You can alter or supplement your basic bundles with your own supplies if you want. But do not leave any part of them behind, while you may not need the item someone else might and as a Guild we should always be able and willing to help our comrades understood?”
Su Lin still looking upon the compass, she had seen travelers holding those over her years, finds having one in her own possession would be invaluable. The multi tool she already intends on providing to the child prince if Mynx has her possession accompany her on this journey, with the child's owners permission, she will teach the child to use it as both tool and weapon. She looks up to the towering Giant, places her hand to her chest, bows her head slightly offering “your words are understood kind sir.”
She takes one step back before picking her new provided items. She has already readied her gear, she only needs stow the additional before grooming and saddling her mount.
Yn and Jezi had no more questions so with bows to Balder they turned to leave, but stopped and watched the cat woman and her boy march right to Balder’s wagon, pilfer a bundle, then walk to the stables behind Su Lin. The Giant simply grumbled before going to his wagon to see what else that psycho cat might’ve stolen. With more questions than answers Yn and Jezi followed the other three to the stables hefting their bundles over their shoulders as they went.
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