Gaveth's Story

He leaned onto the balustrade, on the upper level. His seat nearby, but he had no need for it. Not yet.
Waiting, was what he did for the time being, in a tavern, that he would avoid in any other circumstances. What's the name, that the tavern goes by?
Spicy Jackal, the finest tavern in the world! - His friends used to say, when they were alive that is. Now this place reeks of memories, ones that he'd love to burry under the sea.
Nonetheless he had a good reason to be here, well, fine - as good as it could be. Someone wanted information, about the Troll tribes, that someone intended to pay well, and money... money he could really use right now.
It's embarrassing when he thinks about it, but an old captain like him can barely buy a drink, let alone get something to eat. So yeah, sticky situation. Cause death from starvation is worse, than dying to a sword, spear or whaterver else they throw at you in midst of a battle.
Putting that aside, the employer as he will call him, or she said in the letter to look for the "weird guy".
Well, lower level was full of the weird guys. - The one eyed raving Jack, with one eye missing and a hook for a right hand, that's one. Shady looking trader in the back, that's two, but he's the usual here, or at least he seems to be with the amount of exchanges he did today - was it three, or five times that Gaveth saw people handing him silver in exchange for... stolen goods? Nevermind.
Then there is that weird woman in the corner, in the back of the tavern, she's completely unaware, that this kind of a spot is the worst place if you want to stay incognito. Still, judging by the rag-tag clothes she wears... definitely a weirdo, but not a "guy" - if that part is important.
And there's... hell, weird guy is the worst description he could've gotten. What now? Staring contest? Worst case he'll get out of this with not- shit, what is this!?
All of a sudden a guy clad in full armor, that seen better days, entered the tavern. He had to be five... no six feet tall, while his companion was far shorter.
Shortie, he thought and chuckled, while staring at the two.

"Well, look at that ladies and gentlemen, guess we got a winner." He thought, because there could be no more fitting person, than that guy.
Besides they just looked around, that gives away just about everything.
Gaveth waited for their glare, and just as they turned into the direction of an upper level... he raised his hand, and waved.

"Good, they saw it, and... are going up." - he muttered to himself. It was time to take a seat, and he had just the right table few steps away from the balustrade. He sat, and waited.
Weird thing is... people moved away as these two made their way to him. He couldn't see the eyes, cause helmet, and the other had a mask. But man, there's something cold about them.
They stopped in front of the table, near the chairs.
Gaveth had to speak, with a smile:
"Go on, take a seat. I don't bite."
Masked one sat, while the other stood still, and it felt like he had pierced Gaveth with his eyes, even though he couldn't see his eyes. Talk about creepy.
"You know about the Troll tribes?" – Masked one asked, and Gaveth simply nod.
Now the big guy sat, shit. Do I speak with the masked one or the big guy?
"So you two are keen on learning about the trolls, huh?" – he asked, that should clear up who's interested, and who's just accompanying the other.
"No, you just waved at us, and I've been curious what such a sack of meat would like with us."
Wait, wait, what? Did he just catch the wrong pe-no, they wouldn't ask about the trolls. They are fooling around.
Suddenly Gaveth felt a chill down his spine.
"Wait, did you just said a sack of meat?"

The door went suddenly open and two tall figures walked in. As they went into the reach of the lights, it was revealed that these are two men, one wearing a mage's robe and a pretty silly hat, while the other one, a real mountain when it comes to height, was wearing an armor made out of some strange material no one in the room could recognize. Both took a seat at one of the free tables, contemplating the warmth and the cozy atmosphere the Jackall had to offer.
“Now that's some lovely place, don't you think so, brother?” asked the mage, smirking the whole time. “Perhaps I can make it even lovelier. Hey, bartender, tonight all drinks go on me!” he yelled, so everyone present could hear him. “Now that's how you attract their attention.” he said quiet towards his companion.
“Was it really necessary, brother?” the tall man made himself more comfortable on the table and took off his helmet.
“Well, if you want people to notice you, you have to first pique their interest. And that's what I did. You need a job and this place looks better like an orc's yurt, so stop complaining.” the mage also took off the silly hat.
“I can't say you didn't pique their interest. I just can't stand all those people looking at me like that.” the warrior noticed too many stares coming their way. This wasn't going to be a peaceful evening, for sure.
“Well, I only threw the bait, now I'm waiting for the catch.” the mage didn't see that bothered, smirking a lot. Oh, this evening will be interesting, for sure.

He couldn't tell, but he would bet everything he wore, and had on one thing - the masked one smiled, while she, he thinks she spoke:
"Of course, but I'm just joking."
Yeah, right, just joking - no matter how Gaveth looks at it, it starts to feel like he's talking with an undead. That has a really weird humour. But what on earth would an undead do here? Socialize?
I think not. Still I could use a breather from these two.

"...Hey, bartender, tonight all drinks go on me!” He heard from the lower level.

That just might be my chance, he thought, and raised from the seat.
"One moment."
With that he went to lean over the balustrade once more, to scout out the one yelling - quick and easy, two men, that he didn't see before, nor heard them coming in. One of them had to yell, had to be a mage, judging by his broad smile. The other, warrior seems to be... blushing, poor guy seems to hate attention.

"I would gladly take your offer kind sir!" – He yelled back – "But that will be three drinks! For me, and..." – he paused to look back, they still sat still, oh, sweet maker –"... my companions!"

“See, we already caught someone in our web, brother.” the mage grinned, hearing the man from the upper level yelling. “As I said, kind sir, all drinks are on me, so you and your companions can drink all they want tonight!” yelled the magician back at the one to respond to him.
“He looks like a shabby old man, brother. A soldier... Of the Alliance, if I guess it correctly.” the warrior looked at upper level. “You know I don't want to have too many things to do with Alliance veterans, right?” he returned his eyes to his brother.
“Well, you can't see them all as traitors, bro. I doubt this guy had anything to do with you being left for death... For the millionth time.” the mage chuckled.
The warrior cringed a bit at the memory of betrayal he had to face so many times.

As he entered the tavern named "The Spicy Jackal", Skelly immediately felt the liveliness of the place. It was very different from the undead settlements he is used to come across. When some undead spoke about a place where he could hear a lot of things from a variety of topics, his thirst for discoveries instantly came up. Although he didn't plan for all this agitation. His magical senses were overloaded by the atmosphere, drunken people laughing loudly, the torches and the fireplace brightening the main hall, and the sweet aroma of alcohols in the mugs. A mask hiding his skull under his hood, he felt uncomfortable. Not being very social, and also not used to seeing this much living people, he didn't know what to do nor where he could sit. It was also his first tavern since his awakening, so he was clueless on how things work around here. He proceeded to find a free table, away from the crowd's look, and sat, waiting in hope of some random and valuable piece of knowledge that would at least make this "expedition" worth the risk.

At some point, two figures entered the tavern, one wearing a mage's robe and a funny hat and the other one an armor, though Skelly couldn't guess what the materials were. But he wasn't interested by the armor, nor by the man wearing it. He was intrigued by the mage, and also wanted to see if he could hear an interesting thing or two from them. Luckily, they both sat at a free table near his. The mage yelled :

"Hey, bartender, tonight all drinks go on me!",

soon replied by someone upstairs asking for drinks for him and his companions.

By eavesdropping, he learned that the mage and the armored man are brothers, and are in search for a job for the armored one.
For now, the intel collect wasn't that great, but it was slowly beginning. Skelly sat back and waited for the evening to set.

“So, how's Milina doing?” the mage asked his companion.
“We broke up few weeks ago. It... wasn't working out how I was expecting.” the warrior blushed a bit, while the mage chuckled.
“So, how didn't it work out like you were expecting, brother?” the magician seemed to have too much fun in making fun of his brother.
“Well, you should know, because she's one of your magical friends... She tried to convince me that the Alliance isn't like it was, so I should really got back and you know, fight for them. I asked her to not push me on this topic and we both got really angry and... yeah...” the tall man focused on his beer.
“That's the problem with both of you, bro. You both care about each other so much and you also care about your own ideologies, so it will eventually end up breaking yours and hers heart.” the grin changed into a delicate smile. “The only way for you both to get along is for one of you to stop behaving like a moron and get over it that the other side isn't willing to change. And it will take a while, I guess. Or perhaps you'll find another person. But with your attitude, I doubt it will be ever possible.” the mage chuckled again.
“I know, bro. Changing the topic, if we can: what's your goal in all of this? I mean, I guess it's nice that you try to find me a job, but it isn't all you're looking for and I know it... Wait, did you discover any information about the Soul Shards?” the warrior raised his eyebrow.
“Shhh, don't say it out loud, someone might hear it. Yes, I'm still searching for the Soul Shards. The Alliance wants to know more about those.” the mage seemed to become more serious than just a moment ago.
“So, how do the Shards work, actually? I know that mages use them to power up their magic, but what are those actually?” the warrior didn't want to get off the topic.
The mage became very serious as he answered. “The Soul Shards aren't just a mana fuel... This are pieces of souls, collected after an undead was created. If you gather enough, it is said you can revive an undead and bring them back to actual life. It's only a legend, but there are many to believe that it is true.”
“So... Your friends are using dead people's souls to power up their spells?” the warrior cringed again at the realization.
“Yes. But I don't wanna talk about it anymore. It's an upsetting topic.” the mage took a sip from his cup.

Soon Gaveth, and his... companions as he now had to call them, got their drinks. Served by a good looking, and most of all busty farm girl, with ginger hair.
He took a sip of his drink, and winced. It was a ginger ale, of fucking course it had to be - ginger hair, and ginger ale. What an irony. Especially since he hates it, but to hell with it, he missed a drink for a long time.
He drank like a child drinking mother's milk, all while staring at the two, and the woman to a degree. Busty she was, but not as busty, as his queenie was.
Strangely enough, the two didn't even bother to move, nor look at the woman. Definitely there's something wrong with them, especially that big guy - how can he not enjoy the company of a woman? Just how?
Oh, right, he's dead. Still, dead shouldn't exactly mean he can't... right? Wait, what am I even thinking? - Gaveth choked on the ale. He had to reassure the woman, that he's fine for few times, before she would leave them, after the unfortunate small... accident with ale.
I hate ale, he thought, and sighed. Then carefully examined the smaller one.
Careful examination of the posture, build... could tell a lot, for example, that it was a woman after all. How he exactly knew, with all that traveler's clothes on her, well. Best left as a secret - but the gist of it involves elven women, and a joke.
Time to focus on that face of hers, or rather an old mask with tribal markings, cuts, and signs. All for the sake of a right appearence, a way to recognize to which tribe wearer belongs to, and some... other things tribes tend to do. - Niv really liked that sort of thing, now that he thinks about it...
"Are you done?" – Cold voice brought him back to reality, to the masked one, cause that's the only talkative one so far.
"Done drinking? Not a chance. Haven't had an ale, let alone a good beer in a long time."
Obviously... he'd rather drink something stronger, but beggars can't be choosers.
"No, are you done checking me out?"
"I... – he hesitated –... I would never do such a thing to my employer." – Well, but he just did. Though he doubts there's something interesting underneath, probably just bones, so it's good to see "her" in clothes.
"This is tiring..." – the masked one raised right hand for the first time, and tried to reach own forehead, obviously that would only end in touching the upper part of mask.
"Speak, or we're done."
"Yeah, well, little princess.. I would certainly speak, if I were aware of what you want to know, and... knowledge has a price."
It's hard to tell, whether the little princess part pissed her off, but he'd say yes. Her next words confirmed it.
"Say that again, and you'll be nothing more than a sack of bones!"– She hissed, catching attention of few patrons, well, more than he would hope for. - It's always bad to catch attention.
"Settle down, young one – He said, grinning, for some strange reason he enjoyed pissing her off - even if it meant death by the hands of that big guy sitting beside her.
Still, that armor has to weight a bit, how can you not move at all? - he thought.
"Tell me what you need, and I will tell you what I know, for a price." – Gaveth repeated, clearly now.
A short silence came, before she asked:
"What price?"
Oh, oh sweet maker no! Not another weirdo, that doesn't know they need to pay for information! Oh, come on! - Thought never said, but straining his mind.
"Coins, silver, gold, or copper. The most common type of money in these land, well, kingdom. Some kingdoms have different type of" - he was cut off, due to her putting on a table a type of coin, he had not seen in years.
"That's a coin from Veneria..." – he said lightly.
Kingdom, from which his second in command came, kingdom full of prosperity, and one of the first to fall. Coins such as the one he sees are rare, but worthless in current economy. Even if he were to find a buyer, it would take time, and that's the thing he lacks the most.
"Rare, but worthless."
"It's a currency, money."
"Correct, but long lost, can't use it to buy food, a night in this tavern, or any other. It's worthless, unless you find a collector." Or... reach one of the more prominent kingdoms, that could melt it, and use the materials.
"So, it has worth." – She's still pushing, understandable. But he won't, he simply won't accept it.
"No, not to me, I don't have time to travel."
Silence again, she got up, he had a feeling she's bit resigned - well, she looked like it, but it's hard to tell. Or maybe she's just totally pissed off.
"If you're so keen on getting information out of me, you could just do a quest from the board with me." – He said just in time, just when she turned with her companion to leave.
"A board?" – She asked, caught just like a fish.
"Yeah, on the lower level, there's a board that adventurers most of the time use, with quests to do. You know, like a jobs for people that are willing to risk their life."
"Why..." – she turned, intended to ask why it even existed, he's sure of it. But she never finished.
Why? Why does it exist? Good question, one, that he has no answer for. It's probably a case of who knows - maybe they are lazy, corrupt, or just found that it's best to leave it to people who want to make a living that way.
He took another sip from the cup, last one, with it the cup was empty.

The mage stopped drinking for a moment, taking a long look around the people gathered in the Jackal. There was something odd in the air, like a faint smell of death among the living. He turned a bit, facing one of other customers sitting nearby, one wearing a mask. Something about the eyes of the stranger gave him shivers, though he didn't let anyone know, raising his cup with a smile towards the masked person.
The warrior was looking at the same time at the man on the upper level, the one who had thanked his brother. He couldn't see other people sitting at the table, but he could've sworn he can't see their Chi aura at all, even though he could barely recognize any Chi aura in a place like this. Also, what could be the possibility that a bunch of undead would enter a tavern? That's ridiculous.

Gaveth sighed, with ale being no more, he had no reason to sit. No way to persuade the other two to wait, when it comes to going down, checking the board. If he had another drink... he'd end up wasted again. Not a good thing in the current situation. Not with undead as customers.
He rose to his feet slowly, it's funny that the other two just stood still until now, waiting, and needlessly catching attention of others. Sooner or later someone might just realize they are undead by how stiff they are.
Man, I really need to come up with something to make them more... lively, if I am to quest with them. Stiff people are the worst kind, besides the liars.
He quickly went past them, and gone down. Naturally they followed.
Board happened to be just beside the stairs, fortunately not surrounded by "adventurers", not yet at least. Surely it won't happen for a while, thanks to a round, given by a mage earlier, to which he signaled with his head - it meant something like: interested in a job?
After all... he wouldn't mind a talkative one, talkative would brighten the mood, unless he runs away due to dead ones. Well, shit.

The warrior was still loking at the shabby guy who got his drink, when he was walking down the stairs with two more people. The Chi aura of the tall armored man was dimmed, like something was laying a shadow upon him, while the other person... Yes, she had obviously no aura. The old guy pointed at warrior's brother, obviously asking to join. The man looked at his brother, waiting for something to be decided.
“Don't be so passive, Dranny.” the mage said, while slowly getting up and moving towards the notice board, where the three interesting people have gathered. He noticed the same things like his brother, but he could also tell that there was some demonic influence.
The warrior followed the mage, hands away from his weapon, but ready to reach for it if needed.

Gaveth smiled, brothers chose to join, or at least talk about the possible job. Good thing, after their exchange of glances.
Brothers were on guard, as they drew closer - could it possibly be... a fact? No, they couldn't have realized the two with him were undead, most likely. He's not completely sure about it himself. Then again, mage could know, but the warrior surely can't have a clue.
Unless Gaveth and him are similar, somehow.

“Ah, so you're the person that was so nice to thank me for the ale. And these two must be your companions. Nice to make acquaintance. My name is Kerpheres, Kerph for short, and this my brother, Dranten.” the mage introduced himself and the warrior. “Seems that you're looking for work. That is good, because my brother needs some work too and what would be better than working in such a fine company? I might join as well, although I'm not sure if I won't have to return to my work as an advisor to Lord Kaldark.”
“Why would you...?” Dranten didn't finish, though he wanted to ask why would his brother tell almost everything about himself, but the look on his brother face told him to shut up. There was a slight threat behind the broad smile of the mage.

Gaveth smirked, but quickly wiped the wrong smile off, in its place landed broad, and open one.
"Call me Gaveth, when it comes to others..." He tilted his head.
Come on you two, speak for once.
"Feiska, and... Grim." Grim nod slowly.
Man, this guy really likes being silent.
"Yeah, we're looking for work..."

Skelly was so shocked by what he learned that he did not immediately saw the two brothers leaving their table. But Souls stones ? Bringing an undead fully back to his life ?

Could it be... the way to retrieve his memories ? Would it really work ?

He suddenly realizes that the brothers aren't here anymore. He must not let that magician escape. He wants... no, he needs this information. This goes way beyond what he thought could bring him back to his previous life. But where are they ? Where is the mage ?

He suddenly spots the two of them near a board, and in the company of three other people he doesn't recognize. No matter what it takes, he needs to follow them. Maybe he could join them. They look like a team of adventurers now that he thinks about it.

But how could he join ? He won't be able to talk. Perhaps he could play mute... But that would totally be suspiscious... He doesn't have the time to think. He decided that he would first meet with them, that would be a start. Maybe he won't have to talk. He gets up from his table, and goes to the board to meet this group.

“Well, you don't look like a typical group of adventurers. Two mysterious people and an old soldier... I guess our help will be much appreciated.” the mage looked at the masked person and the big guy. Their life was sucked out of their bones, leaving only shells, though the shells seemed to have much more intelligence than many of the living ones he met. He could only guess that they could help him with the Soul Shards.
“Someone else is approaching.” said the warrior, looking over his shoulder at one of the other guests of the tavern, a person who was obviously listening to him and his brother talking about the Soul Shards.

Noticing a strange behaviour of another person, both brothers raised their eyebrows, eyeing the woman who suddenly grabbed the one who was trying to approach them, dragging him to a nearby table, which actually caused some disturbance due to other guests getting pissed off with someone sitting by their table. Brothers made short eye-contact with each other, Kerph noded and they showed Gaveth, Feiska and Grim to follow. They went over to the table and stood there, looking down at the two weirdos, now more mysterious than before.
“Not the best way to draw attention” commented Kerph, looking in the eyes of the person who caused the most disturbance with her sudden, unexpected behaviour.

The Spicy Jackal… a curious name for a tavern, but Hilda was not one to question it too much, particularly as said establishment offered a welcome reprieve from the open road for herself and her companion. A couple of drinks and a table far enough away from the general hubbub was all that they needed to enjoy themselves.

Yet even from where they were sat, the pair could all too easily hear a loud voice addressing all and sundry, promising free drinks for everyone. The swordswoman glanced in the direction of the speaker to see an armoured warrior and a robed wizard, both clad in quite possibly the most ridiculous-looking garb she had seen outside of circus performers.

“Must be some deep pockets they have, to make such an offer so readily,” Hilda wryly remarked before turning back to her friend. “What is it about these places that attracts such outlandish people?”

Outlandish certainly was the proper word for it. The woman beside the warrior shook her head.

Although truth be told, Bellemere had only duly noted the rowdy duo inviting everyone to buy a drink on their tab. Amusing, if somewhat inconspicuous given that strangers didn’t typically respond well to loud-mouths with money to spend. Not unless they could steal it, anyway. Similarly, the mute woman hadn’t given much thought entertaining the prospect of taking that offer and instead resumed scraping dirt from underneath her fingernails with the point of a dagger; as much a need as it was a way to disguise her spying habit.

She took some notes, like the obvious skeleton in the room (which certainly made her turn for a better look), the giant fellow in armour and its much smaller companion, but otherwise most people went without comment. All the same, Bellemere had her metaphorical guard up. Ears pricked and catching whispers so carelessly dropped.

She paused, looking at Hilda with something not unlike a smirk. The swordswoman caught that look, and flashing back a smile of her own she said, “Heard something interesting, I take it?”

Smirk pronounced, edging the shimmering of a grin at the bemusement. Still, it wasn't exactly high magic to tell from obvious signs. Bellemere, for all her training, never did master subtlety when it came to expressing joy anyway. She nodded, a finger jutted towards the growing mess of a group.

With months of petty payments and guard patrol duty for merchants that sold the equivalent of cow dung, well… Maybe taking a chance with the not so inconspicuous party had some more value.

Plus, free drinks.

Bellemere gestured her companion to follow, shifting behind the swordswoman as to adopt a more obedient and passive body language. She'd trust Hilda to get the hint. Made more sense that she'd take the lead anyway.

Although in their short time, typically, the mute woman jumped for the chance to make would-be friends. There was something about getting a clue from this rag-tag band of individuals who had all congregated around the jolly mage and his less enthusiastic brother.

Hilda took note of her companion’s excitement. It didn’t take long to weigh up the pros and cons of embarking on this venture. After all, if they felt that it wasn’t worth the money, they could always try their luck elsewhere. “I suppose it can’t hurt to see what they’re offering. Shall we?”

The swordswoman got up from her seat, making her way towards the motley group with Bellemere in tow. She gave them a polite greeting as she approached. Bellemere did much the same, nodding along with Hilda's more friendly and approachable introduction.

“Any room for two more?” she asked with a warm smile. “If this is for a job, my friend and I would certainly be interested in joining you.”

Wait? What the hell is going on here? First there's this another weirdo with a mask, then yet another masked weirdo steals him, and leads to a table with random patrons. And now... just as we're following, cause of course brothers had to move.
Well, fine, I would check it myself. Anyway, as we move, yet another two join in.

“Any room for two more? If this is for a job, my friend and I would certainly be interested in joining you.”
Man, crowdy. - He thought, while Lich, and her friend slowly grew annoyed. Too much time is wasted here, in Lich's opinion.

"I guess there is... - Gaveth said -... we could get a bigger fish." Fish? Really? Man, they'll think I'm a fisherman, from a small village, which happens to be the truth, though that's a long, long... gone past.

Not noticing any reaction from the mysterious person, Kerph decided to wave his hand in front of the weirdo, trying to get anything out of the person. Still seeing no reaction from behind the white mask, he looked at the other person, the one being dragged to the table in the first place. “So, I guess someone isn't gonna answer my question. But I have a different one for you, friend: you seemed interested in our little group, probably wanting to join. Is that assumption correct?” the mage took a long look at the second masked figure, this one wearing comfortable robes.
Meanwhile, Dranten looked over his shoulder to notice more people approaching their little squad. On one side, he didn't mind having an advantage in numbers, on the other though: the more people in, the less gold for everyone. Or, like the shabby guy said, they could go for a bigger fish. He saw two women, one of them dressed typically as the Norsemen and the other was dressed more like a lady, though something seemed unusual about her, like some crucial part of her body was probably cut out of her living flesh. The warrior knew there were some cults that cripple their own members, but he didn't see the point in such things.

Lost and confused, the skeleton just realised he had been driven into the group by a stranger who also seemed interested in the party and who understood Skelly was trying to join it as well.

And it wasn't going to end soon. Two more figures were coming towards the party, and their intentions of joining weren't hidden.

As the two newcomers were approaching, the mage spoke to Skelly : "So, I guess someone isn't gonna answer my question. But I have a different one for you, friend: you seemed interested in our little group, probably wanting to join. Is that assumption correct ?". Skelly responded by a nod and a friendly thumb up with his gloved hand.

Though something felt odd. He had this strange feeling that someone discovered his actual condition. How would they notice ? Skelly could only think about some sort of magic to explain how he would have been found out. Has magic evolved that much since he was dead ? Nothing in his book told him about "Necromancing detection". Maybe some other forces could be the reason of how he was revealed. But for now, he doesn't know who uncovered him, or even if someone really did, it was just a bad feeling about all this.