Tales of Faerun

[Llhunara]

Llhunarra dismounts as well, not wanting to overstay her welcome on the back of her borrowed mount. Lightly landing on her feet she moves with the group, feeling a bit odd still considering that she had only met them a short while go. How sad was it that being around a collection of friendly individuals felt so off in this world? Give her a tavern with whores and drunkards and she felt perfectly at ease…go figure. Not dwelling on it the rogue’s eyes narrow slightly as the three servant men arrive. Imhiros had mentioned nothing of his acquaintance being a slave owner, the half-elf’s mind immediately jumping to the conclusion based on their attire. A small part of her hoped they were instead paid servants, something she would make sure to find out later.

 

As serious as the potential slave issue was to the girl, the mention of bathhouses had her mind shifting gears. Able to feel the dirt and sweat all over her body Llhunarra was more than ready for a warm bath, one she planned to soak in for hours if she was allowed. Private or public did not matter to her, all that she cared about was the warmth and relaxation such an accommodation could offer. When allowed, that was going to be her first stop.

 

With the merchant obviously leading them towards the dining hall at this point she couldn’t help, but follow his gesture towards the structure that was off limits. Something “off limits” might have well as been described as “please explore” as far as the red head was concerned. Of course the idea of food and a nice warm bath might get in the way of her normally…adventurous spirit when it came to other people’s homes.

 

Entering the vast dining hall her nose was immediately assaulted with a variety of scents. Inhaling deeply before her eyes settle on the table lined with fruit bowls, Llhunarra was second only to Argyros in finding a seat. Hopping into a chair near the middle of the table, several down from the polymorphed dragon she starts to reach for an apple before realizing the others had yet to even sit down. Withdrawing her hand she does her best to be patient, chewing on her lower lip as she waits.

[Deleted6317247User]

Shalena looked around as Menarses showed them around his mansion. She smiled ever so slightly when he mentioned his personal quarters being off limits to the group. Words like that were an invitation to do the exact opposite. Nawen on the other hand had no intention of sneaking around this man's home. In fact she'd be happier if she could stay outside or in some inn. She didn't like the idea of having servants all over the place let alone clapping to call them for something.

 

When they returned to the dinning hall, the piratess noticed that Rhaine was somewhat reluctant to sit down, hoping not to get to sit next to Menarses most likely, as something told her that she was the only one who found the merchant and his remarks amusing. She sat down on one of the cushions leaving one seat between herself and another of their companions empty should the Doomguide wish to sit by her.

 

Even if Nawen didn't wish to sit next to Menarses either, she didn't wait around and sat wherever she found an available seat.

[josh900]

While Tannin was appreciative of the luxury surrounding them, he was nowhere near as impressed with it as Azuris, Lucas, and even Hexol was. Keeping his eyes on their new host, Tannin watched him like a hawk as his eyes roamed over the bodies of the women in the group. His manner suggested he was the type that was used to getting his way, and it certainly wasn't anything Tannin was comfortable around.

 

This factor wasn't lost on Azuris, who managed to pry his eyes away from the architecture and lavish decorations, and focus on Menarses himself. When brought to the dining room, Azuris made a point to take a seat opposite of their host, as to keep an eye on him.

 

Noticing Rhaine's hesitance to sit, Lucas moved to stand next to her and spoke quietly to her. "Umm... am.. I the only one who doesn't like the feel of this guy?" He asked in a concerned tone.

 

Tannin approached where Nawen was sitting and motioned to a cushion next to her. "May I?"

 

​With the group moving around, Hexol's curiosity got the better of him, and he somehow found himself separate from the group, wandering around on his own.

[AurianaValoria1]

Rhaine saw the opportunity to sit away from Menarses and took it, establishing her place at the table between Shalena and Lucas. As the Doomguide sat slowly upon an overstuffed cushion, she murmured a quiet but simple answer to the squire, "No."

 

While everyone took their seats, Menarses clapped for the servants' attention and then spoke rapidly in Mulhorandi, presumably giving them instructions. Imhiros then exchanged a few quiet words with the merchant, nodded to Rhaine with a smile, and dipped back out of the dining hall into the night.

 

Menarses himself sat across from Azuris with a grin plastered to his face, "So...you all shall soon find yourselves enjoying the pleasures of our homeland's exquisite cuisine. By all means," he gestured at the fruit bowls, "ease your growling stomachs while you wait."

 

Argyros didn't need to be told twice, immediately reaching for a date and popping the whole thing into his mouth, only to find that it had not been pitted. His teeth crunched loudly on the pit, and his wince elicited a light laugh from their host, "Ahhh...never had one of those before? You see...you eat the fruit around the stone, then spit out the stone. I see your dragon teeth do not translate to your humanoid state, yes?"

 

The silver removed the pit from his mouth and grumbled, "Unfortunately, you are correct."

 

Almost immediately afterwards, the doors at the end of the hall opened, and a train of servants carrying steaming platters strode forth. The women, clad in simple white linen dresses, quickly and efficiently set golden plates before the party members and then stepped back to let the men put the platters on the table between the fruit bowls. The aroma accompanying the food was tantalizing, and once the platters were presented, the group could clearly see the source of the wonderful smell - massive fish seared whole, sprinkled with lemon and lime juice and pungent herbs. Without being told, the women then set two-pronged golden forks upon the plates and freshly filled wine goblets beside them. Then, the servants disappeared into the shadows once more, never saying a word.

 

Menarses beamed, "Go on, go on! I wish to know what you think!"

 

Conall shrugged and took his fork, stabbing the nearest fish and expressing mild surprise when the fork easily tore the flesh from the bone. Inside, the meat was beautifully white and flaky, and the werewolf eagerly carved a portion for himself. Zorica followed suit, unable to resist the lure of the smell and the loud insistence of her stomach. Argyros, not wanting to waste his time poking and prodding at the fish with a utensil, merely tore the tail end from the fish in front of him and took a bite...bones, scales, and all. Rhaine, however, waited to serve herself until the others had obtained their share.

[Deleted6317247User]

Nawen was looking at the fruit upon the table when Tannin approached her and asked if he could sit beside her. "Sure." She said without looking at him, even if she wished to stay further away from him, this was not the best time nor place for personal dramas, so she continued looking at the fruit before taking some grapes. When the servants brought the fish she stabbed then nearest fish with the fork but before she could take a single bite she noticed Argyros eating the tail even with the bones.

 

Shalena grabbed the whole bowl of fruit and began eating as soon as she sat down. When the servants brought the fish she pushed the fruit bowl to the side and helped herself to the delicious smelling food. She took a large bite and grinned as soon as she was done chewing. "Now this is a great fish." She said.

[Flipout6]

Weyland narrowed his eyes at Menarses as his eyes raked the women of the group, Dri included. He felt unease- whether it was his or Dri's, he couldn't tell - faintly in the back of his mind. It was a brief moment, however, and then his servants appeared.

 

Beside him, Arland mumbled, "Oh, this one's a character.." but shrugged and played along.

 

Both of the Grey brothers couldn't help but look a little bug-eyed at the luxury within the mansion. Sybille, having lived in a decent-sized house for a few years, had a less pronounced reaction. Even the Ordains looked impressed, however.

 

At the table, Weyland sat beside Dri, to nobody's surprise. Rather unexpectedly, however, Marie actually took a set beside Arland. Sybille sat beside Annette, and Amendale beside Zorica. The Greys were quick to dig into the fish, with Sybille grinning at Menarses and praising it.

"It's been years since I've had a great piece of fish like this." Weyland said, impressed. "Compliments to the cook!"

[josh900]

Tannin looked down at the plate and gave it a scowl before grudgingly cutting a piece and taking a bite. "Nope." He half mumbled. "Still not a fan."

 

Azuris on the other hand, despite his cautiousness, found himself unable to help himself devour the delicious helping in front of him.

 

Lucas watched as the others began to eat and compliment the cooking, but held himself back and waited to see what Rhaine did. He still didn't trust the lecherous looking man and wasn't about to risk ingesting any poisons or such things before Rhaine made it clear that it was indeed safe to eat.

[Llhunara]

Pulling herself a little closer to the table as the rest of the party took their seats Llhunarra was a little relieved that the dragon turned elf was so quick to stuff food in his mouth. While his poor judgment on how to eat the date was his misfortune it was all the half-elf needed to feel comfortable with stuffing her face.

 

Having a bowl of grapes and another of apples closest to her, that is what she goes for first. She wasn’t really a picky eater. As long as it wasn’t moving she was just fine with it and fruit was actually one of her favorite food groups anyway…right after alcohol. Popping several of the fresh grapes into her mouth she cannot help but smile as she chews, they were delicious. Such quality was not always easy to come by with these types of food, a testament to how much money this place brought in. The group was staying there for free, but the normal patrons had to pay. The rogue could only imagine how much several nights in this establishment might cost. Glad her coin purse wasn’t getting lighter for it she picks up an apple next; already able to taste the crisp skin and juicy inside before she ever takes a bite.

 

When the servants came out, something she still wasn’t exactly comfortable with, she shakes her head at the offer for wine, instead requesting an empty glass. When it was delivered, and it was delivered promptly, she shifts some to unclasp the flask she wore at her waist. Pouring her own delicious mixture into the empty goblet she was not against sharing if someone were to ask, but then again she wasn’t going to offer it to anyone. While the container did refill itself each day at dawn, there was only so much alcohol in it to start. Llhunarra preferred something much stronger than regular wine and when given the chance to indulge she was usually capable of emptying the flask all on her own.

 

Lifting the goblet to her lips she takes in a mouthful, smiling at the smooth liquid and its burning aftertaste.

[AurianaValoria1]

Rhaine at last served herself a bit of the fish, finally satisfied that the others had gotten plenty. After she took a bite, she elbowed Lucas, "It's fine. Trust me. If anything was wrong with it, my amulet would be singing a frightful tune by now. Eat up."

 

Menarses, meanwhile, was eating up the praise instead of the food, quite pleased that the adventurers were so obviously enjoying themselves. He laced his stubby fingers over his plate, eyes glimmering as a satisfied smile affixed itself to his round face. After a few moments, he finally spoke up over the clatter of forks and goblets, "So, tell me - from where do you all hail?"

 

Before anyone could answer, however, the servants were already on their way with the second course - huge trays of roasted quail, which were arranged in neat rows alongside stalks of fresh celery, pickled quail eggs, and mounds of black and green olives. Rhaine had just managed to finish the last bite of her fish, and she briefly wondered exactly how many courses Menarses had planned on feeding them...

[Deleted6317247User]

When most of them had been done with the fish, Nawen saw servants bringing in even more food. This time roasted quail. Not being in the habit of overeating, she took only the small portion of roasted bird as well as a couple of eggs. The piratess on the other hand seemed to have a rather big appetite as she kept adding more and more food to her plate, and the drow couldn't help but wonder if she's going to eat all of it. When the merchant asked where did they come from she was about to reply as vaguely as she possibly could but Shalena spoke up before she had the chance.

 

"From all over the Realms, dear man," the piratess chuckled, "some from as far as the Sword Coast, myself and a few others hail from the glorious Westgate." She said as she added some olives to the ever growing mountain of food on her plate. "Have you visited many places outside of this corner of the Realms?" She asked.