Elendor
Where are you off to, Mister Mayor?
Cordelia and Torebras discuss Bree's worst-kept secret, Aldog seeks premises for his business, and Keldean annoys folk by simply existing.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Bree Market - East
Game Date: April 30,1445 (3045)
IC Time: Daytime
Weather: Clear
Description: Bree Market - East(#29123Rto)
This part of Bree is known simply as Market East. The street here runs east and west, with east leading to the Great East Road, and west leading to Market South. There are shops all along the north side of the street, while to the south is a collection of pens, corrals and watering troughs.
It is winter and the animals have been taken home. The corrals are empty, the watertrough filled with snow. A wooden sign with last fall's prices chalked on it is nailed to a post.
Obvious exits:
West leads to Bree Market - South.
East leads to GER: Centre of Bree.
Barber Shoppe leads to Barber Shoppe.
================================== Bree Time ==================================
Real time: Fri Oct 31 09:34:26 2008
Bree time: Daytime on Sunday of Spring - April 30,1445
Moon Phase: Waning Crescent Moon
Breelands Weather
The early afternoon spring air is cool but pleasant around you. The sky is clear and the sunlight shines brightly.
===============================================================================
Keldean says, "the scene is that Keldean is arguing with a vendor about the price of a meat pie, and Aldog just walked up to chat with him."
[Keldean(#23332)] The youth, Keldean, glowers at the man with his arms crossed tightly. "This isn't fair." He says in an almost whining voice, but the hobbit approaches then and the teen is distracted. The shopkeeper just grunts and keeps a close eye in case Keldean decides to snatch something.
Keldean looks the hobbit over with a wary expression, then says in a reluctant voice, "Hello. I'm Keldean." He shakes Aldog's hand, his own calloused and dirty.
Aldog presents a warm smile. "Nice to meet you, Kind Keldean. If you have a moment, I'd like to talk to you about your present shopping needs. Obviously this particular establishment looks to cheat you. What do you find you most often need?"
[Keldean(#23332)] The pie vendor snorts at Aldog's words, but Keldean grins as he stuffs his hands into his pockets. "He is a cheat! He sold his food at half the price two days ago and now he's raised it for no reason at all!.. " The teen shoots another glare at the portly merchant before looking back to Aldog. "What do I need? Money."
Aldog turns his head in an inquisitive manner. "I know not what you need, to be honest. For I am but a lowly merchant in search of his fortune in this beautiful town."
He waves his smallish arm in the direction of the shops.
"What I need is a place to call my own, so that I can offer you the goods and services minus the cheating aspect of the vendor in front of which your good self finds."
[Keldean(#23332)] "I just said what I need.. money. I can't buy anything without it." Keldean mutters. "What kind of shop are-"
The vendor clears his throat, speaking up now, irritated. "Listen here. I have a right to charge whatever I like, and I think this boy is a liar about what price he got the other day from my brother. Don't be telling people I'm a cheat or you'll be finding yourself a lot of trouble getting your shop started."
The teen rolls his eyes and lets out an audible sigh, but doesn't directly refute the merchant's claim.
Aldog waddles up to the shopkeeper and looks up at him with warm eyes.
"Pardon me for my rather wicked speech good shopkeeper, for I fear to offend. I simply put forth an inquiry to you regarding the needs of pleasing a customer. By the looks of you, you do more than alright financially. Can't you see that my friend here is looking for nothing more than fair and honest business dealings? Surely you can lower your price to meet his needs."
[Keldean(#23332)] The vendor sets his hands on his hips, at first looking pleased at Aldog's praise, but the scowl returns again swiftly. "Your friend?! You don't even know the lad! My price is honest and you're taking the word of a known thief and liar over my own. I will -not- lower my price for him or anyone else because I would be -losing- money."
While the two argue, Keldean sidles away to lean against the wall of a shop, his hands still stuffed into his pockets.
Aldog folds his arms and simply shrugs. "Well, I suppose you know your business best. Far be it for me to attempt to recommend the prices to a fellow merchant. For I engage in the business of fine wines and beers. Far from the business of regular foodstuffs for which you are charging my new friend here, in what is clearly his view, extravagent prices. Take no offense my dear sir."
It's a fine spring day, just the weather for a walk - and who should come strolling through the marketplace than Mr Torebras Bywater, the Mayor of Bree! He is dressed in a fine smart black overcoat, his favorite dark-green hat with its pheasant's feather proudly erect, and carries a comfortable walking stick, which he taps on the ground as he goes. Over his shoulder is slung a leather satchel that looks to be brand new. A smile is on his lips as he puffs contentedly on his pipe.
One or two heads turn (though most folk are far too concerned with their own business), and one cheery old woman calls out, "Lovely day. Where are you off, Mister Mayor?"
[Keldean(#23332)] "I do know my business best, master hobbit. I raised the animals all winter to make the meat and bought the finest ground flour for the crust.. that boy is nothing but trouble. You watch yourself, talking with him." The vendor seems to have said his piece because he gives one nod and relaxes.
Keldean is watching the people in the street now, giving up on procuring the lunch he would prefer. He notices Torebras and pushes away from the building he's leaning against, and starts walking to intercept the mayor.
[Cordelia(#24827)] At the sound of the mayor's name, Cordelia turns--she is standing near a stall selling bolts of material. "Ah, Mr. Mayor...are you all set to do that, erm..investigation?"
Aldog bows and smiles to his fellow merchant. "Solid advise, to be sure. Thank you, kind sir."
He then turns to the mayor. "Greetings, your honor, I am Aldog Underhill. Owner and operator of Underhill Vintage Vineyards, specializing in far away and local great wines and spirits. I had great interest in setting up residence and a shop here in your lovely town. Might you be able to offer some assistance?"
The old lady's question bring Torebras up short. "I .. ah, that is ... just off for a stroll, you know," he replies rather unconvincingly, before turning to tip his hat to Cordelia. "Good day, Miss Wood. Ah, yes, ready and waiting." He favours her with a smile and a wink.
"It's the treasure!" someone else exclaims. "Must be, I heard Lek talking about it. Ooh, count me in." The portly lad who has spoken looks a rather unlikely treasure seeker.
Torebras next turns to Aldog. "Good day, Mister Underhill" he exclaims. "A pleasure to meet you, indeed. Wines, you say?" There is a gleam of interest inhis brown eyes.
Keldean, on the other hand, receives only the look that one gives on finding a slug or some other such creature is in ones path.
[Keldean(#23332)] "Mayor!.. I need to speak to you." Keldean says firmly, ignoring the look that Torebras gives him, though the teen doesn't miss the wink that Bywater throws towards Cordelia. The youth scowls at her, then drags his brown eyes back to the mayor. "Right now."
Aldog bows to the Mayor.
"Oh, yes your honor. Vintages from all over the area and even some from across the sea. Some people like to get their drinks from a simple tavern, but I provide only the best and most sophisticated nectar of grape and fine spirits that those other taverns could not possibly hope for. I only require a shop of my own in which to offer my wonderful goods to the people of Bree."
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Oh, good to hear it. I've...well, I've arranged for a wagon, since it seems that so many folk are your close friends and wanting to come and investigate the treasure," Cordelia says, grinning slyly. She then turns to follow the direction of the mayor's look, her own gaze now finding Keldean. Folding her arms across her chest, she now gives the teenager a self-satisfied sneer.
Torebras listens politely to Aldog. "Well, we do produce some very fine wines locally," he remarks mildly. "I do hope you intend to sell the fruits of our local vintners?" he asks, adding in a much lower voice, "as well as the best." He taps out his pipe on a bare piece of ground, then goes on, "Commendable idea, quite commendable. So how can I, the Mayor of Bree," here he places a hand on his breast, "be at your service?"
Cordelia's words bring a look of ill-concealed relief to Torebras' face. "That's an excellent idea!" he tells her, beaming broadly. "Much better than riding one of those befusticated-" He recollects himself in time and breaks off.
Only then does he favour Keldean with an answer. "Then talk. What is it? Speak up, boy!" His tone is sharp.
Keldean resists the urge to snap some nasty words at woman, and crosses his arms. "Cordelia told me that you're angry with me and I'd like to know why. And what treasure are you talking about? The dwarven treasure?"
Aldog bows again, this time with a flourish.
"M'lord Mayor of Bree, I, your humble servant Aldog, simply require a building, for I did notice that there were a few available, in which I can base my business. I am sure a person of your greatness must have exceptional pull among the landowners in your fine town. I simply require a building people can visit that I may offer them the wines of this great land."
[Cordelia(#24827)] A nod is given to the mayor's reaction to the news about the wagon, but otherwise Cordelia remains quiet.
Torebras blinks up at Keldean, nose wrinkled in disdain. "I am not angry with you, young Master Pinewick. I, like the rest of Bree, merely have little time for those who have proven untrustworthy. I'd heard you were back - naturally the Breeguard will be keeping an eye on you. Now, if you'll excuse me ..." Jerking his hat a little more firmly onto his head, he makes as though to sidestep the youth.
His head twists to look round at Aldog. "I see, Mister Underhill. As you say, there are several buildings available at present ... wasn't there some fellow who tried to set up a bookshop? I think he moved out recently, not much call for idling around with books round here, is there? But I'm sure the person best placed to make a choice of premises would be yourself."
Keldean looks like he's going to argue with the mayor, but Torebras has already shifted his attention to Aldog. The teen sighs in frustration and moves over towards Cordelia. "What treasure?" He asks, and then lower his tone, "And why are you so friendly with the mayor?"
Aldog brings his hands together. "Certainly I would anticipate the greatest demand as close to the Prancing Pony. That seems to be the haven of the traveller and those that look for fun times and drink. If I could secure a location close to there, I might offer an alternative to those that look for cheaper wines and beer and might wander into my shop."
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Oh...it's nothing more than a trinket," Cordelia answers Keldean casually, witha quick look to the mayor. "Though I suppose it won't hurt for you to come along on the wagon. Not as if there isn't enough room, after all." She shrugs to his second question. "I told you, Keldean. I did community service at the healers for 6 months and haven't been in any trouble at all since I returned. The mayor is pleased with me."
Torebras frowns thoughtfully at Aldog - letting out an audible sniff as Keldean moves past - then answers, "Near to the Pony? I suppose you'd be looking for somewhere in North Market, then ... Hmm. Let me see. Perhaps if I had a word with the local vendors and property-letters I might be able to locate something suitable, Mister Underhill. Unfortunately my schedule at the moment is rather busy, with this ..ah, investigation to be made," he coughs delicately, "but Bree is always delighted to help promote local business, you know." He turns his best 'canvassing' smile in his fellow hobbit's direction.
Aldog smiles. "Oh indeed, that would be wonderful. I would greatly appreciate your kind assistance in this matter. Oh, and I wish you luck with this treasure business. Were I more of an adventuresome kind of Hobbit, I would have like to assist. But that is not my forte I'm afraid."
Keldean watches Cordelia closely, untrusting in his words, "Are you trying to get me in trouble?" He asks, glancing between her and the two conversing hobbits. "The mayor is going?" Perhaps he figures if Bywater is going along that legitimizes the outing.
[Cordelia(#24827)] "The mayor is going, Keldean," Cordelia assures him. "In fact..." and here she beams at Torebras, "it was even his idea. Wasn't it, mayor?"
"Hmm? What's that?" Torebras blinks at Aldog, his smile slipping, then shakes his head. "Oh, I quite agree with you about adventures, I have no great fondness for such things myself. No no, this is just a simple trip there and back, to check out some .. ah, findings of Miss Woods. My own interest is purely professional, you know." He glances to the eager market-goers hanging on his every word, then lowers his voice and murmurs to Aldog, "Perhaps a merchant such as yourself might locate some items worth selling. I have reasons to believe that the jewelry she found was rather .. valuable." Almost as soon as he's finished he takes a tobacco pouch from his pocket and starts refilling his pipe, trying to appear casual.
Cordelia's question takes him by surprise. "I really don't think so, Miss Wood," he proclaims airily, with another headshake. "Of course, I was happy to help .." Of course.
Aldog obviously has had his attention tweaked. "Valuable you say? Most intriguing. I shall inquire after this Miss Woods as you call her. I'd be most interested in locating some pieces of value. Never know when cash may be needed."
[<#23332>] Keldean watches how Cordelia speaks to the mayor and a sour expression fills his face again. He mutters softly in foreign words that sound almost musical in nature, "" The teen then gives Torebras a smile, 'Can I come along and give you a hand, Mister Bywater?'
[Cordelia(#24827)] "I'm not trying to fool anyone," Cordelia answers Keldean. "But yes, you're right, mayor. Muirgheal and I found it. I do think it's worthwhile investigating it, though. And, sir," she says to Aldog, "I'm Miss Woods."
Aldog appears embarrased but then addresses Cordelia. "My apologies for not knowing your name, Miss Woods. I am but new to Bree and have not yet had the pleasure of meeting you. I understand there is some wealth in items you have found? Wealth is sort of the watchword for me and would like you to know that if I can be involved in a wealth generating venture, I'd be more than happy to accomodate."
Torebras' attempt at composure fails miserably. At Keldean's words he gives a start and almost drops his tobacco pouch. "Master Pinewick, you are the /last/ person I-" The words break off suddenly as he no doubt recollects that, should he not go, Keldean will be left here to get up to mischief. "A hand, indeed! But if you insist on going I won't be letting you out of my sight." He glowers ferociously (well, as ferociously as a pompous hobbit can) at the teenager, leaving Cordelia to make her own introduction.
Keldean frowns at the mayor's reaction, an injured expression on his face. "I haven't -done- anything." He mutters, but doesn't push the issue. If Torebras is still mad at him months later, what can he do to change the hobbit's mind? "Where's the wagon? I'll go right now to help."
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Well met, sir," Cordelia returns Aldog's greeting. "The ....items are old jewelry. Gold. And other things. All lying there for the taking, so we thought we would go see why. After all, noone has claimed them...The wagon?" she turns to Keldean. "It's in the inn-yard of the Pony."
Aldog smiles and nods. "Well, then you can count 'ol Aldog amongst your travellers. I'd love to get my hand on some fine and valuable items."
"Good, good," murmurs Torebras to Cordelia, tearing his gaze away from Keldean. "I think I'll just go and - oh! There's one more thing I've forgotten. Don't leave with out me. I'll see you later Miss Wood, Mister Underhill ..." Poor Keldean, once more, does not get dignified with a farewell. Then the smartly dressed hobbit trots off up the hill as fast as his short legs will carry him, leaving the marketgoers to speculate on just what the Mayor thinks he's up to this time/
[Keldean(#23332)] "Nob's wagon? Did you ask him?" Keldean has that wary expression on his face again, his brown eyes scrutinizing as he looks back at Cordelia. "And you said it was just a trinket.. I'm going to double-check with Nob. Not about to get in trouble again over something." He grumbles, and moves to go off as well.
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Go find out for yourself," Cordelia answers Keldean, her tone angry. "I'm afraid I have shopping to finish, sir," she then says to Aldog, more pleasantly. "But you can meet us in the Pony when we are ready to leave--it will be early in the morning. Good day to you." WIth that she hurries off into the market.
Aldog nods. "Good day to you. Well met." He turns and begins to wander about the market in search of shop space again.
This part of Bree is known simply as Market East. The street here runs east and west, with east leading to the Great East Road, and west leading to Market South. There are shops all along the north side of the street, while to the south is a collection of pens, corrals and watering troughs.
It is winter and the animals have been taken home. The corrals are empty, the watertrough filled with snow. A wooden sign with last fall's prices chalked on it is nailed to a post.
Obvious exits:
West leads to Bree Market - South.
East leads to GER: Centre of Bree.
Barber Shoppe leads to Barber Shoppe.
================================== Bree Time ==================================
Real time: Fri Oct 31 09:34:26 2008
Bree time: Daytime on Sunday of Spring - April 30,1445
Moon Phase: Waning Crescent Moon
Breelands Weather
The early afternoon spring air is cool but pleasant around you. The sky is clear and the sunlight shines brightly.
===============================================================================
[Keldean(#23332)] The youth, Keldean, glowers at the man with his arms crossed tightly. "This isn't fair." He says in an almost whining voice, but the hobbit approaches then and the teen is distracted. The shopkeeper just grunts and keeps a close eye in case Keldean decides to snatch something.
Keldean looks the hobbit over with a wary expression, then says in a reluctant voice, "Hello. I'm Keldean." He shakes Aldog's hand, his own calloused and dirty.
Aldog presents a warm smile. "Nice to meet you, Kind Keldean. If you have a moment, I'd like to talk to you about your present shopping needs. Obviously this particular establishment looks to cheat you. What do you find you most often need?"
[Keldean(#23332)] The pie vendor snorts at Aldog's words, but Keldean grins as he stuffs his hands into his pockets. "He is a cheat! He sold his food at half the price two days ago and now he's raised it for no reason at all!.. " The teen shoots another glare at the portly merchant before looking back to Aldog. "What do I need? Money."
Aldog turns his head in an inquisitive manner. "I know not what you need, to be honest. For I am but a lowly merchant in search of his fortune in this beautiful town."
He waves his smallish arm in the direction of the shops.
"What I need is a place to call my own, so that I can offer you the goods and services minus the cheating aspect of the vendor in front of which your good self finds."
[Keldean(#23332)] "I just said what I need.. money. I can't buy anything without it." Keldean mutters. "What kind of shop are-"
The vendor clears his throat, speaking up now, irritated. "Listen here. I have a right to charge whatever I like, and I think this boy is a liar about what price he got the other day from my brother. Don't be telling people I'm a cheat or you'll be finding yourself a lot of trouble getting your shop started."
The teen rolls his eyes and lets out an audible sigh, but doesn't directly refute the merchant's claim.
Aldog waddles up to the shopkeeper and looks up at him with warm eyes.
"Pardon me for my rather wicked speech good shopkeeper, for I fear to offend. I simply put forth an inquiry to you regarding the needs of pleasing a customer. By the looks of you, you do more than alright financially. Can't you see that my friend here is looking for nothing more than fair and honest business dealings? Surely you can lower your price to meet his needs."
[Keldean(#23332)] The vendor sets his hands on his hips, at first looking pleased at Aldog's praise, but the scowl returns again swiftly. "Your friend?! You don't even know the lad! My price is honest and you're taking the word of a known thief and liar over my own. I will -not- lower my price for him or anyone else because I would be -losing- money."
While the two argue, Keldean sidles away to lean against the wall of a shop, his hands still stuffed into his pockets.
Aldog folds his arms and simply shrugs. "Well, I suppose you know your business best. Far be it for me to attempt to recommend the prices to a fellow merchant. For I engage in the business of fine wines and beers. Far from the business of regular foodstuffs for which you are charging my new friend here, in what is clearly his view, extravagent prices. Take no offense my dear sir."
It's a fine spring day, just the weather for a walk - and who should come strolling through the marketplace than Mr Torebras Bywater, the Mayor of Bree! He is dressed in a fine smart black overcoat, his favorite dark-green hat with its pheasant's feather proudly erect, and carries a comfortable walking stick, which he taps on the ground as he goes. Over his shoulder is slung a leather satchel that looks to be brand new. A smile is on his lips as he puffs contentedly on his pipe.
One or two heads turn (though most folk are far too concerned with their own business), and one cheery old woman calls out, "Lovely day. Where are you off, Mister Mayor?"
[Keldean(#23332)] "I do know my business best, master hobbit. I raised the animals all winter to make the meat and bought the finest ground flour for the crust.. that boy is nothing but trouble. You watch yourself, talking with him." The vendor seems to have said his piece because he gives one nod and relaxes.
Keldean is watching the people in the street now, giving up on procuring the lunch he would prefer. He notices Torebras and pushes away from the building he's leaning against, and starts walking to intercept the mayor.
[Cordelia(#24827)] At the sound of the mayor's name, Cordelia turns--she is standing near a stall selling bolts of material. "Ah, Mr. Mayor...are you all set to do that, erm..investigation?"
Aldog bows and smiles to his fellow merchant. "Solid advise, to be sure. Thank you, kind sir."
He then turns to the mayor. "Greetings, your honor, I am Aldog Underhill. Owner and operator of Underhill Vintage Vineyards, specializing in far away and local great wines and spirits. I had great interest in setting up residence and a shop here in your lovely town. Might you be able to offer some assistance?"
The old lady's question bring Torebras up short. "I .. ah, that is ... just off for a stroll, you know," he replies rather unconvincingly, before turning to tip his hat to Cordelia. "Good day, Miss Wood. Ah, yes, ready and waiting." He favours her with a smile and a wink.
"It's the treasure!" someone else exclaims. "Must be, I heard Lek talking about it. Ooh, count me in." The portly lad who has spoken looks a rather unlikely treasure seeker.
Torebras next turns to Aldog. "Good day, Mister Underhill" he exclaims. "A pleasure to meet you, indeed. Wines, you say?" There is a gleam of interest inhis brown eyes.
Keldean, on the other hand, receives only the look that one gives on finding a slug or some other such creature is in ones path.
[Keldean(#23332)] "Mayor!.. I need to speak to you." Keldean says firmly, ignoring the look that Torebras gives him, though the teen doesn't miss the wink that Bywater throws towards Cordelia. The youth scowls at her, then drags his brown eyes back to the mayor. "Right now."
Aldog bows to the Mayor.
"Oh, yes your honor. Vintages from all over the area and even some from across the sea. Some people like to get their drinks from a simple tavern, but I provide only the best and most sophisticated nectar of grape and fine spirits that those other taverns could not possibly hope for. I only require a shop of my own in which to offer my wonderful goods to the people of Bree."
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Oh, good to hear it. I've...well, I've arranged for a wagon, since it seems that so many folk are your close friends and wanting to come and investigate the treasure," Cordelia says, grinning slyly. She then turns to follow the direction of the mayor's look, her own gaze now finding Keldean. Folding her arms across her chest, she now gives the teenager a self-satisfied sneer.
Torebras listens politely to Aldog. "Well, we do produce some very fine wines locally," he remarks mildly. "I do hope you intend to sell the fruits of our local vintners?" he asks, adding in a much lower voice, "as well as the best." He taps out his pipe on a bare piece of ground, then goes on, "Commendable idea, quite commendable. So how can I, the Mayor of Bree," here he places a hand on his breast, "be at your service?"
Cordelia's words bring a look of ill-concealed relief to Torebras' face. "That's an excellent idea!" he tells her, beaming broadly. "Much better than riding one of those befusticated-" He recollects himself in time and breaks off.
Only then does he favour Keldean with an answer. "Then talk. What is it? Speak up, boy!" His tone is sharp.
Keldean resists the urge to snap some nasty words at woman, and crosses his arms. "Cordelia told me that you're angry with me and I'd like to know why. And what treasure are you talking about? The dwarven treasure?"
Aldog bows again, this time with a flourish.
"M'lord Mayor of Bree, I, your humble servant Aldog, simply require a building, for I did notice that there were a few available, in which I can base my business. I am sure a person of your greatness must have exceptional pull among the landowners in your fine town. I simply require a building people can visit that I may offer them the wines of this great land."
[Cordelia(#24827)] A nod is given to the mayor's reaction to the news about the wagon, but otherwise Cordelia remains quiet.
Torebras blinks up at Keldean, nose wrinkled in disdain. "I am not angry with you, young Master Pinewick. I, like the rest of Bree, merely have little time for those who have proven untrustworthy. I'd heard you were back - naturally the Breeguard will be keeping an eye on you. Now, if you'll excuse me ..." Jerking his hat a little more firmly onto his head, he makes as though to sidestep the youth.
His head twists to look round at Aldog. "I see, Mister Underhill. As you say, there are several buildings available at present ... wasn't there some fellow who tried to set up a bookshop? I think he moved out recently, not much call for idling around with books round here, is there? But I'm sure the person best placed to make a choice of premises would be yourself."
Keldean looks like he's going to argue with the mayor, but Torebras has already shifted his attention to Aldog. The teen sighs in frustration and moves over towards Cordelia. "What treasure?" He asks, and then lower his tone, "And why are you so friendly with the mayor?"
Aldog brings his hands together. "Certainly I would anticipate the greatest demand as close to the Prancing Pony. That seems to be the haven of the traveller and those that look for fun times and drink. If I could secure a location close to there, I might offer an alternative to those that look for cheaper wines and beer and might wander into my shop."
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Oh...it's nothing more than a trinket," Cordelia answers Keldean casually, witha quick look to the mayor. "Though I suppose it won't hurt for you to come along on the wagon. Not as if there isn't enough room, after all." She shrugs to his second question. "I told you, Keldean. I did community service at the healers for 6 months and haven't been in any trouble at all since I returned. The mayor is pleased with me."
Torebras frowns thoughtfully at Aldog - letting out an audible sniff as Keldean moves past - then answers, "Near to the Pony? I suppose you'd be looking for somewhere in North Market, then ... Hmm. Let me see. Perhaps if I had a word with the local vendors and property-letters I might be able to locate something suitable, Mister Underhill. Unfortunately my schedule at the moment is rather busy, with this ..ah, investigation to be made," he coughs delicately, "but Bree is always delighted to help promote local business, you know." He turns his best 'canvassing' smile in his fellow hobbit's direction.
Aldog smiles. "Oh indeed, that would be wonderful. I would greatly appreciate your kind assistance in this matter. Oh, and I wish you luck with this treasure business. Were I more of an adventuresome kind of Hobbit, I would have like to assist. But that is not my forte I'm afraid."
Keldean watches Cordelia closely, untrusting in his words, "Are you trying to get me in trouble?" He asks, glancing between her and the two conversing hobbits. "The mayor is going?" Perhaps he figures if Bywater is going along that legitimizes the outing.
[Cordelia(#24827)] "The mayor is going, Keldean," Cordelia assures him. "In fact..." and here she beams at Torebras, "it was even his idea. Wasn't it, mayor?"
"Hmm? What's that?" Torebras blinks at Aldog, his smile slipping, then shakes his head. "Oh, I quite agree with you about adventures, I have no great fondness for such things myself. No no, this is just a simple trip there and back, to check out some .. ah, findings of Miss Woods. My own interest is purely professional, you know." He glances to the eager market-goers hanging on his every word, then lowers his voice and murmurs to Aldog, "Perhaps a merchant such as yourself might locate some items worth selling. I have reasons to believe that the jewelry she found was rather .. valuable." Almost as soon as he's finished he takes a tobacco pouch from his pocket and starts refilling his pipe, trying to appear casual.
Cordelia's question takes him by surprise. "I really don't think so, Miss Wood," he proclaims airily, with another headshake. "Of course, I was happy to help .." Of course.
Aldog obviously has had his attention tweaked. "Valuable you say? Most intriguing. I shall inquire after this Miss Woods as you call her. I'd be most interested in locating some pieces of value. Never know when cash may be needed."
[<#23332>] Keldean watches how Cordelia speaks to the mayor and a sour expression fills his face again. He mutters softly in foreign words that sound almost musical in nature, "
[Cordelia(#24827)] "I'm not trying to fool anyone," Cordelia answers Keldean. "But yes, you're right, mayor. Muirgheal and I found it. I do think it's worthwhile investigating it, though. And, sir," she says to Aldog, "I'm Miss Woods."
Aldog appears embarrased but then addresses Cordelia. "My apologies for not knowing your name, Miss Woods. I am but new to Bree and have not yet had the pleasure of meeting you. I understand there is some wealth in items you have found? Wealth is sort of the watchword for me and would like you to know that if I can be involved in a wealth generating venture, I'd be more than happy to accomodate."
Torebras' attempt at composure fails miserably. At Keldean's words he gives a start and almost drops his tobacco pouch. "Master Pinewick, you are the /last/ person I-" The words break off suddenly as he no doubt recollects that, should he not go, Keldean will be left here to get up to mischief. "A hand, indeed! But if you insist on going I won't be letting you out of my sight." He glowers ferociously (well, as ferociously as a pompous hobbit can) at the teenager, leaving Cordelia to make her own introduction.
Keldean frowns at the mayor's reaction, an injured expression on his face. "I haven't -done- anything." He mutters, but doesn't push the issue. If Torebras is still mad at him months later, what can he do to change the hobbit's mind? "Where's the wagon? I'll go right now to help."
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Well met, sir," Cordelia returns Aldog's greeting. "The ....items are old jewelry. Gold. And other things. All lying there for the taking, so we thought we would go see why. After all, noone has claimed them...The wagon?" she turns to Keldean. "It's in the inn-yard of the Pony."
Aldog smiles and nods. "Well, then you can count 'ol Aldog amongst your travellers. I'd love to get my hand on some fine and valuable items."
"Good, good," murmurs Torebras to Cordelia, tearing his gaze away from Keldean. "I think I'll just go and - oh! There's one more thing I've forgotten. Don't leave with out me. I'll see you later Miss Wood, Mister Underhill ..." Poor Keldean, once more, does not get dignified with a farewell. Then the smartly dressed hobbit trots off up the hill as fast as his short legs will carry him, leaving the marketgoers to speculate on just what the Mayor thinks he's up to this time/
[Keldean(#23332)] "Nob's wagon? Did you ask him?" Keldean has that wary expression on his face again, his brown eyes scrutinizing as he looks back at Cordelia. "And you said it was just a trinket.. I'm going to double-check with Nob. Not about to get in trouble again over something." He grumbles, and moves to go off as well.
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Go find out for yourself," Cordelia answers Keldean, her tone angry. "I'm afraid I have shopping to finish, sir," she then says to Aldog, more pleasantly. "But you can meet us in the Pony when we are ready to leave--it will be early in the morning. Good day to you." WIth that she hurries off into the market.
Aldog nods. "Good day to you. Well met." He turns and begins to wander about the market in search of shop space again.
Players: Keldean, Aldog, Torebras, Cordelia
