Scuffle & Stew

It was snowing again. This being winter, that asn't much of a surprise. In the case of the scene in front of Harrad's Breakfast counter, a small shop specializing in quick, hearty meals to go for the average worker, this may actually have been an improvement. The scene didn't exactly look like a war zone. The street was currently littered with broken furniture. a handful of people, 3 or 4 were either being tended to by friends for broken noses or knuckles. A few more were sitting under awnings, out of the snow looking slightly more injured or dazed. All in all, not your usual mid morning scene in this area.

One of the people, kneeling in a patch of dry ground under an awning next to Harrad's serving window was watching the scene quietly. Dressed in a pair of Black linen pants and a White tunic of the same material, the dark haired Aesir man didn't seem to notice the cold, or possibly that a dwarf, presumably Harrad himself, was talking to him about the scene. "..An then that man started yelling about the beef in the sandwich! I din't skimp on it none Sloan, You been eatin' here for years, You knows I don't skimp! Next thing I knows, It's a brawl outside my window! How am I supposed to get more stools before the lunch rush?"

People have to eat. That means there are always hungry people. That means eateries like Harrad's can exist and emply cooks and servers and the like. Who can then provide for themselves and their families. It all just works.

Except there are those who can't afford or grow their own food, or lack other necessities. It's worse in the winter, when not having a blanket or cloak, much less a roof overhead, can be disaster. The temples have always helped with this, with Althea's Kindness often at the forefront. So it is that Kira is walking through the district to help with the lunch rush, in a manner of speaking, carrying a basket of bowls and a large cauldron of still-hot stew. She wouldn't be so rude as to set up in front of any food-serving businesses, of course, and is mostly passing by. At least until she sees the chaos of broken stools and people injured.

With her usual smile turning concerned, she hastens her way over to ask. "What happened?" She looks to those looking battered. "Does anyone need aid?"

Turning his attention from the scene, Sloan Motions to a couple of people propped up against a wall. Their injuries weren't life threatening at all, but One couple probably couldn't smell anything but his left ear by the way his nose was currently shaped. The other one had definitely taken a stool to the ribs, his breating shallow as the pain preented him from doing much more than shallow gasps. The worst of them seemed to be a large man. An adventuring sort judging by the leather armor he wore. He looked like he'd been run over by a cart with missing teeth, a pair of swollen black eyes and a definitely broken arm. "It would appear the large gentleman over there took violent exception to Master Harrad's portions. He had a bit of an altercation with some of the Regulars."

As he speaks, Sloan abesntly pulls a pair of black linen gloves from his belt and begins to pull them on over hands that were scarred and currently sporting bleeding knuckles. "If you are willing and have the ability madam, I would appreciate any aid you could give. In exchange for which, I would be honored to make donation to your temple of preference."

"Oh my! Of course..." Kira looks between those mentioned as she sets down her burden quickly, but carefully. She moves to the large man, first; not because he may have caused the alteraction, but because he looks at a glance to be a priority due to the arm. Kneeling near on the arm's side, she bids that he remain still. "May the Healer's Grace mend you and ease your pain..." she intones as she places a hand upon his shoulder, infusing it with warm light to repair the arm.

Which is her focus, rather than the bruises. "There," she smiles, " but be careful with the arm. I will be back after I check on everyone else." Then she is up to move to the one that could have bruised or broken ribs. On the way, she offers to the helpful Sloan, "Thank you for pointing out the injured. I will look at your hands, afterwards, if you wish."

Looking down at his now gloved hands, Sloan offers a polite smile as he motions to the others again. "I believe I will survive Madam, but I thank you all the same. Merely a bit of clumsiness on my part." At this Harrad snorts and rolls his eyes towards the heavens. "Righ' lad. An' I appreciate yer clumsiness, but I have to find stools an' get this mess cleaned up before the lunch rush."

Looking around again, Sloan leans a bit closer to Harrad and says. "A proposition Harrad. Were you to go enquire at the Islington estate, I think you will find they just remodelled their banquet hall. Lady Islington did not appreciate the Aesthetic. Should you speak to the right person, I believe you will find that not only will you be able to replce your stricken fictures, but they may pay you a small sum to dispose of the rest. In exchange for the name of said right person, you allow this young mendicant the use of a table when she is finished to continue her ministrations." Before Harrad can object, Sloan adds. "She ministers to the poor Harrad. They are famous for being bereft of Money, thus not customers in any case." Harrad frowns for a moment then finally spits on the ground. "Fine. It's a deal."

The large man being ministered to by Kira groans as she manipulates his arm, then offers a half hearted smile as the swelling in his eyes comes down enough for him to see. "Thanks lady. Don't know what hit me."

As Kira moves to the next man, he smiles greatfully as she tends to his ribs. "Big man broke a stool across my ribs. Thought I migh not make it for a minute there."

Kira gives the wheezing man a bright smile. "Don't worry, you'll be fine." She knows only what was mentioned, but the how or why aren't as important as dealing with the what that's in front of her. Again she invokes the Healer's Name and Grace, mending the internal injuries. Kira then watches to ensure the man can breath easier. "You should take it easy today."

She never commented to the large man about what hit him, though she may have a theory on that. With the most dire needs addressed, she continues to the more superficial injuries, starting with one very obviously broken nose. Her smile turns apologetic to her patient as one hand goes to his shoulder and the other puts fingers gently, but firmly, upon his nose. "May the Healer easer your pain." This time, there is no glow of light and only a quick twist to set his nose back into place.

Her lips purse as she offers the man a moment of mundane comfort in eyes, smile, and hand upon his shoulder before she offers aside, "There are better ways to resolve disgreements than ... clumsiness."

Watching Kira go about her ministrations, there is a momentary wince that is almost, but not quite completely hidden when the healer goes old school on the man's broken nose. A name is given quietly to harrad and the Dwarf takes off to get his furniture replaced after having a couple of his cooks bring out a large table for Kira to set up her Cauldron on.

As she speaks to Sloan about clumsiness, the Tall Easier man nods once more, a polite smile on his lips before he speaks in an equally quiet tone. "Indeed there are madam. It is not my way to resort to 'Clumsiness' when other means are available, but..." At this point sloan motions subtly to the man whose ribs Kira had healed. "Danny Fletcher there, works for the butcher down the street. He makes 2 silver a day and has a wife and 3 children." Motioning to another bystander, he adds. "Frode...Aside from having a rather unfortunate name...is on his second strike at his place of employment at the Flannery Estate where he is employed as a stable hand. He has been late for work twice this month. I fear this will be his third and lead to his employment being terminated. Unfortunately, his mother has been feeling poorly for the past year and his is their only source of income." Eyes turning back to Kira, the Dark haired Aesir man's smile tunrs downward slightly with a sad tnge. "Sometimes Clumsiness as a quick reaction is necessitated for the greater good."

Kira waits for the man to recover, still offering an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry for that. It will heal on its own, but you should visit a temple or the Soldier's Defense if it gets worse." Now she stands and turns her attention in full to the Aesir man. "You're familiar with those here, and you defended them. I thank you for that. I didn't mean to criticize, just ... remind that there are always other options."

Iskandar has arrived.

The man with the broken nose nods gingerly. Likely he had a concussion to compliment the broken nose, but he stands quietly. "Thank you miss. I'll be sure to." before he heads off down the street a little unsteadily.

Sloan's smile widens somewhat as Kira addresses him once again. "usually, there is madam, you are right. and you are an astute observer. I do know these people." Motioning down the street, he adds. "I grew up, and still hold residence in this area. They have always treated me well."

even as they pair seak, the streets were coming back to some semblance of order. residents of the area and shop keepers alike begin to clean up the broken furniture in the streets and life begins to go back to normal after the morning's excitement.

Iskandar wanders through the district. Wisps of steam coming from his mouth and nose with each exhaled breath. His heavy steps occasionally causing a slushing noise. A few of the shops and carts are closed of course, but only a few. Even in this climate the enterprising trader finds a way. Iskandar's main concession to the cold seems to be that he's draped a short furred pelt over his shoulders and back. His wandering brings him closer to where Kira and Sloan are. Iskandar slows and then stops, watching.

"It is good that they have someone looking out for them," Kira agrees, "and good of you to look out for them. If everyone helped everyone else, even a little, the city, and the world, would be much better for everyone." Her smile then turns briefly embarassed at an oversight. "I'm sorry. I'm Kira, Sentinel in service to The Healer. It is good to meet you."

The scene in from of Iskander if that of a recent brawl. The locals in the area are busy cleaning up, but a streetside meal counter known as Harrad's seems to have been ground Zero for the event. the place is closed at the moment. A large table set in front of it where Kira and Sloan are in discussion. "I agree with you. If more were civic minded, there would be fewer issues." As Kira introduces herself, Sloan's polite smile turns into something entirely more genuine. "

The scene in from of Iskander if that of a recent brawl. The locals in the area are busy cleaning up, but a streetside meal counter known as Harrad's seems to have been ground Zero for the event. the place is closed at the moment. A large table set in front of it where Kira and Sloan are in discussion. "I agree with you. If more were civic minded, there would be fewer issues." As Kira introduces herself, Sloan's polite smile turns into something entirely more genuine. "You are the Healer I have heard about? Then I am doubly charmed to make your aquaintance! I have heard tell of your good works in the area. I am Sloan. Currently in employ as Butler to the shining Chalice."

As things continue to return to normal, more of the less fortunate in the area begin to notice Kira's cauldron. A young human boy and a Goblin girl of roughly the same size stand downwind from it sniffing the air in a totally unsubtle manner.

Crik has arrived.

Iskandar runs his gaze over the scene. The comment of 'civic-minded' helps him fill in a few pieces, as well as a certain familiarity with the general aftermath of a brawl. "Greetings," he offers to Sloan. He offers a small nod to Kira and then turns his attention back to Sloan. "The Shining Chalice?" he repeats.

Kiras cheeks color when Sloan mentions reference to herself. "Possibly? Many of my temple, and many others, do what we can to help. Oh, the stew!" That she now remembers. "Pardon me..." She moves to retrieve the cauldron and basket, as well as spy the interested children. Normally she wouldn't impinge on the business nearby, but it was arranged and agreed upon by the owner. "One moment, and I'll have this set up for you, and everyone else," she assures the interested kids.

Not only does the Kira's cauldron draw attention from the less fortunate, Iskandar also seems to draw attention from the less-scrupulous. In this case, a bundled up pile of... snow, that had been trailing after the large giantborn. Perfect timing. Creeping closer, the snowfall gets a touch nearer - and then there's a sudden flap of black wings that tosses the snow out, leaving Crik with his hand reaching out towards Iskandar's pelt.

A moment later, the dark corvid lets out a long, uncertain throaty click, as he surveys the area.

Sloan nods again as Kira mentions many of her faith being in the area. as Kira begins to set up her makeshift soup kitchen, Sloan turns his attention to Iskandar. "Indeed sir. Not that this is germaine to the current circumstances. I happened upon this situation while going for groceries." As he finishes the statement and Crik makes their presence known in fantastic Crovid fashion, there is a quick moment as Sloan's chance changes to one less stiff and proper to something more ready. His feet sliding in the snow to something more of a boxer's stance, and shoulders squaring for a split second before recognition downs once more ant the Aesir man relaxes once more, going back to the unobtrsive Butler's stance again. "Master Crik." is all that is said as he offers a nod.

The less fortunate in the area begins to make their way out of alleys and down side streets. the word passing through the area that Kira had warm stew for a cold day. It's not long before a line is forming along the street.

Iskandar glances back casually. The sound of wings, even so unusually close, is not typically one that alarms him. But he blinks and then turns halfway when his eyes fall upon Crik. Iskandar's focus then shifts slowly to the outstretched hand reaching for his pelt. The broad face shows surprise and then a hint of...eagerness? It's only then that his mind seems to finally place what Sloan has been sayinh. "Greetings!" his enthuses. "I'm Iskandar. Crix, is it?"

Kira is occupied in setting up the cauldron of stew upon the provided table and then dishing out bowls of it for the children. By the time she completes that much, the line has formed. A line that she is happy to continue serving. It is good that so many can be fed, less so that so many are in need. She will probably need to get more stew. Still, she calls out to assure, "There will be enough for all who are hungry."

Crik, caught. Continuing to hold out his hand towards the pelt, as Sloan moves to greet him. His head bobs down for a moment - he should change his name now - and then bobs back up. "Master Sloan." The corvid greets in turn. "A pleasu-" Suddenly cut off as Iskandar turns to look at him, and his black eyes look up. This is the part where he pulls out the smoke bomb he was holding onto.

Except not. Eyes and beak widening, he holds out his mouth. A moment later, his head bobs forward and a throaty creak rings out. No, that was just 'Crik'. Gesturing at the giantborn vaguely, as he looks about. "... that is a nice pelt." He finally offers, shoulders slumping.

Shifting to watch Kira while he speaks with the others, Sloan speaks to the healer idly. "If you need, I could pay a couple of the local kids to retrieve more food for you Mistress Kira."

As the line builds down the street, a few amongdt the group begin organizing others for a more orderly procession. Apparently there were natural ushers everywhere in the world.

Iskandar grins broadly at Crik. He tugs the pelt a bit - not to make it tighter but more of a preening gesture as he looks at it, his expression growing distant for a moment before he remembers something. And then booms, "Why thank you! I too like it. And you might also like the tale of how and where I acquired it. You may find a few other members of the Guild around the city wearing one just like. For Winter Wolves you see, just like we adventurers, tend to be found in packs..."

Crik looks back up at Iskandar with a long stare, before he slowly leans towards the side and looks towards Sloan. Gesturing with his fingers and beak, he would have been quietly mouthing 'save me' - but all that comes out are beak like manners. Where is the egalrin when you need one? Snapping back up at Iskandar, he bobs his head down momentarily. "A tale of bravery and valor, sure. Many carry the pelts in town?"

Kira serves several more as she considers Sloan's suggestion. "That is a wonderful idea," she admits to him before she calls over the pair of children that were the first to be fed. "Please, could you seek out Daedra at Althea's temple, and tell her that Kira needs more stew here?" She offers each a coin for their trouble. After sending them off and continuing to ladle bowls, she looks to the gianborn and egalrin at talk of pelts. "Are either of you hungry? Would there happen to be more pelts, or blankets?"

Kaj ambles in from the south. He's got a raven on one shoulder, a goblin on the other. He's wearing a blanket, tied around like a toga, precariously so, with a rope or something. He's barefoot and looks like hell, a look probably aggravated by his snow-white hair, which, medusa-like, swarms and swats around in a multitude of snakeing dreadlocked tentacles. He is grinning like a fool, his moonstone eye reflecting the light of the low-angled winter sun.

Watching Crik and Iskandar, Sloan looks back to Kira as she mentions blankets. Stepping away from the group for a few minutes, he has a quiet conversation with some of the residents of the area. Coin changes hands after the conversation and Sloan returns looking to Kira. "Blankets will be brought to your temple within the week Courtesy of the Area's merchant's associtation." Looking up to the sun, Sloan adds. "I apologize though, I must get going."

Murder is settled on her haunches on Kaj's shoulder, having been pointing out points of interest. "Hmmm, maybe that guy over there? Green banner, yeah..." She peers at the others gathered below, offering a wave to Kira, Iskandar and Crik. Standing, the Gobbo jumps from Kaj's shoulder, plummeting towards the ground for the briefest of moments, before her speed slows to that of a gently falling feather.

Iskandar shakes his head at Crik. "Not -many- have them. Or at least, not like these." He raises a hand in farewell to Sloan. Then he grows more somber as he looks to Kira. "And I don't have more. Certainly not enough for all of these folk, if that's what you're hoping for." He runs his gaze along the line queueing up for Kira's apparent charity. Then he glances at the table and cauldron. "I can help you move all of this to someplace more sheltered, perhaps. If you have any place in mind. This cold doesn't bother me as it does most, and I don't even know where would be better..."

Crik opens up his mouth and lets out a brief disappointed sound. Maybe he really wanted that pelt. Maybe someone else wanted it even more. Finally remembering to put his hand somewhere, he pulls it under his cloak and looks over towards Kira. "Blankets? Yes, I can bring blankets." Won't even be stolen. Mostly.

When Kaj and Murder alike appear his head tilts - then his beak opens further apart at the sight of Kaj. Before snapping shut. "Raven." A moment later, he adds. "That is a transformation." Small notebook is pulled open and scribbled upon.

Kira blinks at Sloan's mention of blanket donations. "Oh! Thank you! May The Healer's Grace be with you." She bids Sloan farewell before addressing the other two nearby. "Thank you, but I don't need to move all of this now, and ... we may not need more blankets for a time...?" She is still a bit dumbfounded.

Then she spies the conspicuous Kaj and accompanying Murder. She returns the wave energeticall and calls out, "Are you hungry?"

"Chest-ies (Crik and Sloan get a smile)!!! Waist-ies (Kira and the other humans get a wink)!!! and Best-ies (Iskandar gets an updnod)!!

Well met! We are Kaj, or Krakenkaj as this damn bird insists. Well met indeed!"

All this is accentuated with a clap of his cymbal-like hands as he beams down on everyone, radiant with joy, arms opening wide as if inviting /everyone/ into a hug.

"I swear I will bite you if you call me knee-sies.", the Gobber says with a snort and display of fangs and teeth. She glances around. "Don't mind him too much, he's recovering from a resurrection spell at the Althean temple." Murder eyes Kaj, "Maybe Iskandar can suggest a place for new sandals, hmm?"

The Gobbo steps over to Kira then, her stomach growling its wants and desires. "Erm. Stew?", she wonders, "Got a bowl big enough for him?" Kaj is gestured at by a hand. "He's probably starving... er.. what kind of stew is it?"

Iskandar smiles good-naturedly at Kaj. He seems tempted to go in for the hug, yet at the same time mindful of crushing others between them. In the end he settles for glancing down at the aforementioned sandals. They look fine to Iskandar, and so he lets the comment pass and instead turns his attention to Kira's cauldron. "Well it seems things are well in hand. Perhaps all that's missing now is...a bit of entertainment!" He looks at Kaj. "Ressurected, eh? That sounds to be quite a story!"

Crik tilts his head sideways. Slowly taking a step forward, then another - but he cannot resist making a little bit of a hop as he steps near the jubilant giantborn, looking up at him with a near neck-breaking twist. "Did you see the other side?" He asks flat out, a small nub of a pencil at the ready. "The gods of beyond?"

Kira assures Murder there is, or will be, enough for her and Kaj, both. It just so happens that the line is a bit long right now. That doesn't mean she can't speak to them... until the gobber goes to find sandals, that is. So Kira looks to, and UP at, Kaj. "It's good to see you up and about again!"

Kaj smiles at Iskandar and places a huge palm on Crik's shoulder, if allowed.

"Synestheasia, it was: tasting the light, feeling the warmth of the song, smiling at the scent of shivering skin!"

He then turns to Kira, "Soul-giver, honour upon you and your House," he adds, bringing his palm to his chest.

Iskandar nods as he listens. It takes him a moment to realize Kaj is done describing his experience. "Not an exploit I care to try for myself!" he admits. "And yet, I find myself all the more impressed at those of you have." He watches the others - to gauge their reactions, judging by his curious expression.

Crik continued to scribble down messy, but meticulous details. The egalrin was utterly unbothered by the large palm landing on his shoulder - it simply made him flatten more towards the ground. It seemed this particular topic seemed to interest him greatly. "... and the shadows, did they taste of worn wine, left out on a wooden table with the last rays of the sun?" A moment later, he looks up at the raven, before glancing back towards Iskandar. "Only when it happens to others." Another note is jutted down.

"I am sorry," Kira notes as she ladles out the last bowl, "but that is all for now. More will be here soon!" She looks to Kaj and blinks at the gesture. Her cheeks then redden at offered title. "It's just Kira," she corrects a bit sheepishly, "and I am just glad you returned. It's a trying experience, but a happy one. Much more pleasant than the going."

Kaj gives Crik a squeeze (Fortitude check ;). "Like honey and roses, Birdman, like honey and roses!"

GAME: Crik rolls fortitude: (4)+0: 4

Iskandar says, "More pleasant than the going..." he looks at Kaj wondering. "Is that true? How was the 'going'? And what manner of monster, could have defeated one such as you?"

Kaj frowns, "Kraken," he says, knowing that is sufficient.

Crik tilts his head up in surprise, hand quickly writing down notes... and then his beak slowly opens and he lets out a slow, high pitched sound. "Ah-nnghh..." The rogue egalrin slowly fades away as something uncomfortably shifts near his shoulder. Eventually, he slumps forward on his face.