Calimari

Tenebrae - Tuesday, April 22, 2014, 7:35 PM

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-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* A07: Fernwood Pub *>--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The common room of the Fernwood Pub dominates the inn, spacious and airy because of the high, vaulted ceiling. Ornately carved beams of dark, polished wood form a lattice overhead, supporting the arched roof two storeys above the floor. To the right of the double-door entry is a spiral staircase, winding upwards to a balcony that rings and overlooks the main area. Large windows at this level grant an excellent view of the river to the west and colorful market stalls to the north and east. An air of coziness is salvaged by keeping the pub dimly lit; parchment-shrouded mana lanterns hang at intervals from the base of the balcony, nestled amongst lush, magically propagated ivy and ferns that grow over this false demi-ceiling and the struts that support it.

The bar is sleek and simple, comprised of meticulously polished black lacquer. Tables are set under the darker niches formed by the balcony floor as well as on the balcony itself. A few are deliberately sized to accommodate halflings and gnomes, but the majority are meant for human-sized individuals. A large common table is on the main floor, set before a semi-circular stage situated against the western wall. Beside it, with pipes mounted upon the wall and running up past the balcony and almost to the ceiling, is a refurbished pipe organ made to look like the one lost when the Fernwood was destroyed during the Merkabah Siege.

As the festivities continue, The door creaks open rather slowly and in ducks a fairly large sith'makar, sniffing his way into the building as he looks around. "Mmmm....magic water.....created." He says with another sniff, ashe finally raises up to his full height after he makes it through the door....the most impossible of all obstacles.

"No no, that's an entirely different species. Much smaller and different color. These are perfectly safe." Holding a large platter of fried rings, Mikilos exits the kitchen, chatting with one of the regular chefs. Setting down the platter on the central table, the wizard glances around the tavern. "Okay! Fresh calimari rings! Try a few, let me know what you think! Careful, they're still hot. Let everyone try some before you come back for seconds." Fried squid. Not the most popular of dish, but it does have the three most important words for making something delicious; 'fresh', 'fried', and 'free'.

Kerbasy looks up at the calling-out. He smiles, the gesture warming his features and as part of his Phurai Dae heritage as anything else. He wears his robes, the robes of his order, though they're wrinkled from a long day's use. One of them is rolled, folded up to his elbow, while the other hangs loosely and risks dipping itself in the ink pot he has on the table. In front of him is a single piece of paper, now half-covered in words of prayer. "Fried, you said?" he asks.

Fried squid rings? Interesting. Enough to prompt Verna to lift her head from the tome that occupies a spot before her where most would place food. She looks in that direction. "What species are fit for consumption versus those which are not?"

"If it talks, I won't eat it." Embrey replies in answer, as he gets up from his chair near the fire and walks past Verna. "Otherwise, it's fair game." he adds with a grin, making his way over to the central table. One of the samples is speared by his knife and held up for examination while he waits for it to cool.

"Murkacians are perfectly edible. Actually Pink Caramanie are edible as well, it's their bite that's poisonous. But these snailsquid can eat everything but the shell... well, I guess you could eat the shell if you really wanted." Mikilos frowns thoughtfully. "Mad Manny eats them whole... but he also eats them raw and wiggeling... I recomend the fried version."

Redmane, a short-ish Arvek Nar sits at the same table with Verna. He's quietly shovelling food into his lantern-like maw and, let's face it, it's not a pretty sight. Greasy clumps of hair whips around slightly as he moves his head and literally lifts it at one point to swallow a mouthful of bread and food down, half-chewed. Finally he finishes the meal and pushes away the emptied plate with a resounding belch that smells like the bad end of a dwarven crapper furnace. He wraps long fingered red hands over his swollen and distended belly that pushes outwards against his clothing and chain shirt and sighs in contentment, though he does watch the newcomers intently for any sign of trouble. "Verna, I think you said? That was divine...Not know what it be, but know it taste good. And ale is better." he takes a drink from the mug set in front of him then sets it back down on the table. "Do have question though, but don't want bother you if you busy."

The blak sith'makar makes his way over towards the central table and looks at the calimari rings for a moment, even sniffs at them for a moment before looking towards the tall, willowy elf. 'Edible?' he says pointedly to the elf before spearing one on a claw.

"I imagine a great many of them," Kerbasy responds, though the question wasn't addresed to him. He grins as he leans forward on the table. "Frying has to make them better, though. I'd love some, Mikilos, if you're offering." He leans back then, and carefully sets his work aside. He holds the paper carefully, almost delicately as he does. They contain, after all, Prayers to the Gray Lady.

Rhodes is at the same table with Verna and Redmane, having finished his late lunch, but gives a curious look at what Mikilos is daring them with. "Fried squid?" He asks curiously, but isn't sure if he wishes to partake of it. However, his own curiosity gets the better of him and he gets up. "Alright, I'll try one. And hello Kerbasy, how are you doing?" he asks the other Mourner with a smile before seeing if he would be allowed to do so, over by the Sith-Makar, whom he gives a smile to.

Verna turns her head to Redmane and his statement. "I gathered that you enjoyed it, were quite famished, or both." A white brow arches at this statement of question. "Make your query. You do not interrupt. I was merely considering some of the fried squid."

The Arvek nods his head, hair all awry, "Glad I not interrupt. I question to find out if you are Adventurer Guild member or not. I have hear-ed of this thing and want know what kind of work they give member. If worth join or not...what benefit are. I new in town, obvious, but don't like rush into thing, so it better to get story from horse teeth," he thinks hard for a moment then shakes his head, obviously struggling for the phrase for a moment, "Horse MOUTH than buy pitch at sale."

Mikilos grins, grabbing a piece for himself and popping it into his mouth. A brief chew and swallow to prove that yes, it's safe. "Just meat, fry oil and batter. That being flour and a bit of spice." Lemon pepper by the flavor of it. And in the name of full disclosure, the wizard called it calimari... he never said they were squid... Murkacian SnailSquid look and taste a bit like 'normal' squid, but the creatures from the elemental plane of water aren't actually related.

So far as anyone can prove.

"Busy," replies Kerbasy to Rhodes. He sounds content, and flexes the fingers of his hand against the table. They're ink stained, with dirt beneath the nails. Busy. "Master Acleese and I have been catching up on some of the documentation," he says, then pauses. "And I've been busy, asking the Lady's blessing for a local warrior. You may see him helping around the temple. Achala, he'd said. Have you met?" he asks, before turning his attention to Mikilos. "Fried in butter?" He grins as he asks, and the tones suggest he hopes this is the case.

Embrey has his sample of calamari finished off before Mikilos can complete his run-down of the ingredients. "Rather chewy, but not bad." he declares, wiping his knife clean of oil with a cloth.

"The Adventurer's Guild is quite popular," Verna informs Redmane, "and profitable in most instances. The two are related, I imagine. It is an easy means to introduce yourself to others, if nothing else."

Mikilos shakes his head to Kerbasy. "Not butter, just plain fry oil." The wizard frowns a moment, not certain what the Fernwood uses. "But might try butter next time." Glancing to Redmane, he nods. "The Guild is dangerous, but pays well. And they strive not to give their members more than they can handel."

Kerbasy stands and starts to move towards the food. Before he does though, he runs thin fingers over the paper's surface, as though reassuring a friend he'll return soon. "Heh. Now...chewy?" he asks when Embrey speaks up. ...and then the gangly Mourner makes his way towards the fried goods. "An' no butter. Well, if you do, let me know."

Dur'ankar sniffs at the fried squid again, and nods to Rhodes before popping into his mouth and chewing for a good long time before swallowing it. it's not even a few seconds before he lets out a thunderous belch that would make a dwarf weep. "Taste funny, but good." he then lashes his tail as he looks to Mikilos. "Look funny too. Didn't eat meat when younger." He says before looking to Kerbasy and then Verna. "Interesting people here." His tradespeak is getting better it seems."

Rhodes shakes his head to Kerbasy, "No, I have not met Achala," he picks up one of the pieces and chews it, thinking for a moment. "Quite good... but yes, chewy... What is this called again?" he asks, brushing off his fingers.

Redmane nods and says, "Aye, but what cut they take from your money you earn? That big question. I look for people to maybe learn from. I fair scout but hard find work out in wood. Come to city, learn city way. Learn people not like what Da told. Da big fat liar. Liar? That right word?" he peers around for a moment then nods, "Liar. Him say Redmane younger never accepted, say run out on rail. No idea what need rail for to run out on, but it be important to Liar." he shakes his head, "Da is idiot." he looks over to Mikilos and says, "You speak plain...many your kind hate Arvek, but you," he peers at Mikilos intently for a moment, "You not got rail, do you?" he looks apprehensive for a moment.

Mikilos nods to Rhodes. "'Calimari'. It's fairly new. They serve something similar up at the Academy, but the frying is new." The Academy Menu, more commonly known as 'I dare you to eat one.' Glancing to Redmane, the elf blinks. "Er, no. I have no rail. And no need for one."

Verna decides to leave the consumption of fried rings of squid to others. Perhaps it is in deference to their apparent hunger, her conversation with Redmane, or possibly the saurian belch of power. "The pay is fair, from what I have experienced. As for your father, some of the advice seems sound. Opinions are... well, they are precisely that. Bias and prejudice remain common. My journey to the city was oft unpleasant due to fear and hatred."

"A few of the calamari make their way into the lean Mourner's hand, and into Kerbasy's mouth during the ongoing conversation. He chews for a while...and then some of them make it into his pockets. One of the Seers learned and lined them long ago, bless the woman. "Not bad. ...heh, ah. Have you talked with Myrana about these? They'd go great with a beer batter. What is that dish of hers--"

Redmane nods succinctly when Mikilos denies owning a rail. "Good. I like city. Think I stay for while. You people nice," he looks at Verna and says, "Da idiot. You nice. You put up with Redmane. I think I want join Adventurer Guild. Make money. Make friend. Arvek not know what they miss. Stupid Arvek."

Embrey plucks another ring of calamari off the plate with his knife, lightly twirling it about on the tip before tossing it into his mouth. After chewing the morsel and swallowing, he declares. "I'm going to need more wine." and wanders off the bar counter.

Rhodes nods to Mikilos at the name a bit and listens a bit, but catches a few words that Verna is saying. "The Guild is good, it has good work, and mostly good people in them. Might be drafted into a few things, with the whole Dragonier thing going on, but that's just the city trying to protect itself. And we know an Arvek, a fellow worshiper of the Grey Harpist. He's... interesting," he smirks as he sits back down on the table.

Mikilos glances to Kerbasy. Was that a wince? "Ah, no. I havn't talked to Myrana in a while. I was helping refurbish the Ox with stone walls, and there was a miscommunication of timing, and... and I havn't talked to Myrana in a while."

A few more are tucked away, though the look Kerbasy gives the llyranesi is one of gentle benediction. Bless you, kindest of llyranesi, that says. And bless all kittens, puppies, and sparkley goldfish everywhere. Bless little grandmothers and small babies.

Let us join hands, and help them across the street while singing chants of...

...okay. It is not quite that bad, but someone practices in front of mirrors. So bless the kittens.

Bless the kittens everywhere.

"Heh. You know, that's too bad. They'd be great with a beer batter. Sort of like that...what was that green snail Mage Korbair served, at the Progressives' dining hall?" ...a few more get tucked away. When Embrey speaks up, he looks distracted for just that moment before returning his focus to the conversation at hand.

The Arvek nods to Rhodes, but seems disinterested in another Arvek. He's probably met a few. He does say though, "Need one more question." he blinks in slow, steady cycles now, "What good place to stay in city? I sleep soon and not want sleep under another table."

"The snail is now a popular ...delicacy," Verna speaks up to comment acros the room, "for the new initiates. I do not know if it is prepared in the sae manner, or even cooked beforehand." She returns her attention to Redmane. "There are one or more inns, I believe. I admit that I am not familiar will all, as I rest within the temple."

Mikilos shakes his head to Verna. "That's these things, just raw. And alive." The elf obviously prefers his dead and fried version. Frowning thoughtfully at Kerbasy, he shrugs. "Korbair? ...oh! Those things! ...I'm not sure where he got the green ones. One of the Elemental Planes, be my guess. But what part of which one I don't know." The wizard ponders a few mometns more. "Those were pretty good, though."

Dur'ankar smiles at Kerbasy and the rest of them, but it's Kerbasy that gets the most preferential treatment as the Mourner speaks.....

By Giving him a pat on the head. More gentle than it looks at the moment.

Then the Sith'makar turns to make his way out of the hall. Perhaps to find the adventurer's Guild that was mentioned before....before he forgets.

"Ah, my mistake. I tend to avoid both initiates and squirming food," Verna notes before her attention returns to her tome. Others continue to suggest that she get out of the library and catacombs more often, and she does. They never once declared that she could not undertake the same activities in the altered setting.

"Heh. You know, it may not be the one I'm thinking of. ...the one I was thinking of was served raw. I'll have to ask Korbair next time I see him." One or two more vanish before Kerbasy grins, and makes his way back to his table. He stops by Rhodes' and Redmane's on the way there. "I didn't get a chance to say so more directly earlier, but it's good to see you," to Rhodes and Verna. And then he's patted on the head. He blinks once. Twice. Then adjusts his lenses because he can't quite believe that ha...

...Bless the Kittens. The smile reappears, and he raises his hand in benediction towards the retreating sith-makar's back.

Achala pushes in through the door, taking a look around. He's got road-dust on him, and enough stubble to mark him as having been out and about for at least a few days yet.

Rhodes shakes his head at the mention of snails and raw. "No thank you. I'll take my meat cooked, thank you." He smiles at Kerbasy. "It was a shame I was called away from the gathering a few days ago. I had to tend to my mother, there was no getting around it."

Mikilos shrugs. "No shame in tending to a mother, espically your own. Though the time does often leave a bit to be desired."

Rhodes smiles at Kerbasy, "I understand, and everything is fine now. It was a close one, and nothing my prayers would fix. She just needed tending and care. Had to convince my father not to get anyone from the Althean temple, but she is better, and back on her feet." He looks over as another comes in and it seems to be the person that the other Mourner had mentioned. "Ahh, you must be Achala." He stands and offers his hand to the half-orc, the TALL half-orc, at least compared to him.

"I can't believe that happened. Heh," says the Mourner who can't believe that happened, as the sith heads away. Kerbasy's smile stays in place, riveted by iron, but the eyes show something of a shock and curiousness. Rhodes' mention of his mother brings a, "Well, I hope things are better. If you--" he breaks off, and then wryly rubs at the bridge of his nose. "--there's no good way for me t'offer assistance without it coming off badly, is there?" he asks, bemused. When Achala happens in, he raises a hand in greeting. "That's the fellow I'd mentioned," he adds to the other two Mourners at the table, before turning around. "Hey, there. I'd just mentioned the prayers you'd requested, earlier. You've met Mourners Rhodes and Verna?" He probably suspects the man knows Mikilos. (lengthy repose)

Mikilos does tend to stand out in a crowd. Even if it's some group he doesn't loom over top, the elf tends to be a great deal more slender than others of his height. And that's not even considering the faint rays of sunlight that seem to dapple the elf's skin, even at night. For now he just take another piece of calimari, listening to the assorted followers of The Patience.

Achala glances down, and shakes Rhodes hand firmly, all requisite swordsman's callouses in place. "I am Achala Sevenskins." He nods towards Kerbasy, "Mourner Kerbasy. Other Mourners." His smile is pretty toothy. Mikilos does get a nod. "I've stood in front a time or two, yes."

"Mentioned you'd be helping out among the Temple. Er, things we're not as readily able t'do. I wanted you to know we appreciated it, you comin' by like that." Kerbasy pauses, then takes a half-step to the side as Rhodes stands up, to make room for the other man. "These are two you'll be working with. I ah...I'm afraid I have to be rude and get going. Acleese was expectin' me back a half hour ago. ...oh!" Kerbasy exclaims, then looks to Verna, "Acleese also...he said an odd thing. He said he'd been outside precisely two more hours than you had in the last week," he says. He says it in a way that suggests he's somewhat confused. "Anyway, I'll leave you folks to it, with m'apologies." He steps back then, and goes to gather the items he'd left at his table.

Achala hand waggles towards Kerbasy's departing back, then looks over at Rhodes. "So, what'll it be? Gravedigging? Making coffins?" A pause. "I've done this before, y'see."

Rhodes blinks as it seems he'll be working with someone. But he also doesn't know what. "Kerbasy, what?" But it's too late. The Mourner is gone. "Verna, do you have any idea what he was talking about?" He looks quite lost at this.

Mikilos coughs softly. "Ah, I'm not much for digging, but if you're in need of crafting, I make mundane items as well as magical ones. Coffins aren't my typical fair, but wouldn't mind the practice."

Achala pauses, "Verna was the short one that left with Kerbasy?" A glance at Mikilos. "Everything has it's price, mm?"

Rhodes sighs as it seems that his potential answers from the Mourners have left, then he turns to Achala. "I honestly have no idea what work we will be doing, at this time. But I am sure once I can corner one or both of them later, I will ask and find out. You ahdn't been given information yourself?"

Achala grins again, showing sharp teeth. "Well," he drawls, "I was supposed to find out next time I saw Kerbasy, so..." He gives an eloquent shrug. "Look, you thirsty? If we're going to be digging together -- it's always digging, in the end, I'm sure it's his way of reminding me how stupid I am -- we might as well like each other."

Rhodes shrugs a bit at this, "I'm not one who usually ends up digging for anything. But once I track him down and figure out what he is doing with this, then we can get to work on it. But we can work on getting to know each other..."

Achala nods, points to the table. "Well, let's sit down, then. What're you drinking?"