After the bustle of Fendoon Aodh was glad to stay away from the primary roads and pass quietly alongside them instead. Keeping mostly to his fox form he moved quickly and headed due South for the legendary Dwaelven city. It took him seventeen days journeying before he finally came to the borders of the famed city and its outer towers. Apart from some travellers and a few troops of Dwaelven units he’d not had any meaningful meetings or interactions along his route since Fendoon. His travels had in fact been surprisingly peaceful.
Once he was in sight of the outer watchtowers he felt it time enough to head back onto the road proper. The well paved cobbled path made for a pleasant change after so long traversing through forest and fields.
Eis Diem was still an hour's walk away when he first came in sight of its tallest spires. A city over 5,000 years old it was way beyond anything Aodh had ever seen or expected. Built into a valley he looked up to see the famous ring of flames surrounding the city. All around the mountaintops to each side of the city a series of barracks, tower and walls had been put in place. Upon every 100 yards a fire was lit. In all the years of its history many had thought to come down upon the city from up high. The ring of fire had stopped all of that. The first line of defence for the city, its flames had now been alight for over a thousand years uninterrupted.
Aodh marvelled at their construction but his eyes and focus were soon diverted as the city itself rose up before him.
It was huge.
A wonder of both Elf and Dwarf creation, the city served as a monument to the alliance of the two. It was little surprise then that it was oft referred to as the city of jewels. The name was certainly apt, for the entire city seemed to radiate in an evanescent glow as Aodh looked on it. Each wall, home and rooftop was designed with glass of Denduin. Though it looked fragile it was anything but. A Dwarven invention the elves had taken it and used it to form structures both big and small. As hard as any stone the illusion of its delicacy had been proved wrong time and time again as armies of humans, and even Vampirii had faltered at its walls. Walls which rose up 90 ft high and wrapped 30ft thick all around.
There was quite the que of people, caravans, and merchants waiting to gain access to the city. Aodh estimated there must have been at least a thousand awaiting access. All eager to be inside Eis Diem’s storied walls. Thankfully the line moved quickly.
The gates were open and on both sides soldiers waited to grant or refuse people entry. Most seemed to have no problem, though a few destitute looking types were forced back for one reason or other. There was an image to maintain after all.
Aodh strode up confidently when his time finally came.
“Name and purpose,” an elf guard asked sharply.
“Aodh Rua. Merc.”
“A mercenary? With who?”
“Self. I come seeking contracts.”
“Right.” The elf motioned over a few of his fellow guards, two dwarves approached.
“Another looking for contracts. Check him over would you.”
The dwarves grunted in response, both looked quite bored. Aodh clearly was one of many mercenaries hoping to get inside their city.
“Ah,” Aodh coughed lightly, “Perhaps we could skip such formalities.” Aodh pulled back his cloak to reveal a pouch, “I’m in a bit of a rush you see.”
The elf smiled, “Ah yes, I do see. A moment dwarves, this one has certain documents which afford him entry.” Both dwarves stopped, again the scene was one they appeared to have seen many times before.
Aodh nodded at the elf and with one fluid movement passed the pouch into the guard’s hands. Quickly he hid the pouch inside his own mantle and looked back down at his board.
Brushing himself down Aodh made to move inside.
“Ahhh a moment please sir. We have to check you over first.”
“You…..” Aodh was pushed back by a heavy dwarven hand.
“I just gave you…”
The elf looked up at Aodh with a stoney expression.
“Just what? You have something to say?”
Aodh flicked the dwarf’s hand away and took a step back. Looking around he saw that he was being watched by more than just the three guards dealing with him. By their faces alone he knew this was standard procedure.
Closing his eyes he sighed deeply. Embarrassing.
The outer cities were always greatly impressed by the promise of gold, so much so that Aodh had taken it for granted it would work the same here. Clearly he was very mistaken.
He supposed he could have tried to make a scene, but that was no doubt what most tried to do. He doubted it would get him very far, at best he’d be forced out from the city, at worst he might be placed in one of its cells.
With a heavy smile he raised his hands. Wordlessly the dwarves came forward. Quickly, but with expert eyes they scanned first his armour and then weapons. His sword on his back along with the array of knives and throwing discs around his waist and calves.
With the elf taking careful notes the dwarves announced each one as they went, each piece of armour and weapons given a different name and term.
By the end the elf had a significant chunk of text in front of him.
“Well, you are certainly no ordinary brigand. You have the armour and weaponry of one far above your apparent station. Yet you claim to work alone.”
“Yes, indeed I do.”
The elf eyed him warily, “Seems likely you robbed them. Though since I have neither the means or will to pro3ve such a fact you shall be allowed pass. You will naturally have to pay the tax however. Any who wish to carry within the city must do so prior to entry.” The elf looked back down at his board.
“Your fee amounts to twenty gold pieces.”
“Twenty? And I take it that the amount I have alrea-”
“Twenty gold pieces. You will pay now. Or you will leave. What shall it be, Ser Rua?”
Aodh took a moment. In truth there was no need. He knew he would have to give in. There seemed no other option available to him. He wouldn’t be getting his bribe back, and he would never have given up or left his weapons behind to enter the city. No, all that was left to do was pay.
Reaching once more into his pocket Aodh took out another small pouch. He had many hidden about his body, but it stung all the same. His visit to Eis Diem was proving a costly one. He’d already handed over fifteen gold pieces with the first pouch.
This time the elf came forward to take the pouch from him. Opening its contents he counted out the gold.
Aodh struggled to hold back his anger, at the elf, but far more at himself for being so easily fooled.
“Twenty gold pieces. Very well then, you may enter. Resan, a stamp for this one if you would please.”
One of the dwarves took Aodh roughly by the wrist before pressing down with some force to leave an imprint of Eis Diem across his skin.
With that Aodh was ushered inside the gates and into the city itself.
He took several deep breaths to calm his growing annoyance and frustration. I am here now, and there’s absolutely nothing I can do to change what happened. Only forget.
Still, though he walked through streets beyond his wildest imaginations, each one wider, more elegant and fabulous than the last, his mind remained on his lack of know-how when dealing with the gate guards. He paid no mind to the stream of stylish and luxurious markets and endless stream of storefronts, tailors and merchants.
He kept walking until he came to the city centre. There he did manage to forget a little under the dazzling and overwhelming awe of the glass fountain. A symbolic image, it had been created as a monument to the alliance of Dwarf and Elf. The water burst up hundreds of feet directly up into the air, revolving and reforming into a series of images representing the signing and first Declaration of their Grand Alliance. Even in his preoccupied state Aodh could not help being impressed by the spectacle. Amongst a throng of similarly impressed newcomers to the city he found his spirits somewhat improved. Keen to build on his growing mood he decided it was high time for him to visit one of the city’s many taverns. Heading away from the centre and its enviable riches he made his way down towards where the poorer of the Elves and Dwarves lived. In such areas were the best taverns inevitably located.
He wandered rather aimlessly, taking his time as he passed through the increasingly narrow streets. Already starting to grow dark he found that he had both a hunger and a thirst.
He was not long finding a place suitable for his needs. Even at this early stage ‘The sole motive’ was already lively. As he passed onto its street the light, sound and general cheer emitting from the place drew him instantly in. That and there were a bevy of rather attractive looking elf ladies seated outside the tavern doors. Aodh made sure to hide his smile as he spotted one of the same elves nudge their friend to point him out. This is the spot.
He made his way straight to the bar to order the local dish of the day, some dwarven style boar, and a black beer, also from the Dwarves. Most of those working behind the bar were dwarves, so it would follow that their food and drink would be best.
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Easing himself back into his chair Aodh exhaled deeply and glanced around him. Most of the patrons were gathered around the fire, where next to it a young elven male was busy entertaining the onlookers with some song of his people. The elven influence was quite apparent in the lyrics. Aodh only half listened, but he caught the gist. Sad, weary and lovesick, three themes the elves described better than anyone.
“And now I know you have left me here,
my eyes they tremble and fill with tear,
And everything you’ve said to me,
Will soon become fading memory,
Have you gone to another, greater than me,
Should I make him now my enemy,
To fight, to struggle, to yearn for thee,
Is that all you want, all you need from me,
But I have fought too many and too long,
So in the past I’ll leave you, that’s where you belong”
Aodh sighed, such songs were not what he wished for at the moment. He turned his attention instead to his surroundings.
There was quite the mixture of people in the tavern, most were elvish males and females, but there were plenty of dwarves along with them, and even a few satyrs sat around one large table. They spoke most loudly, and their tables were full of both food and drink.
Interestingly there were also quite a few humans present. And not the slaves that Aodh had seen employed for manual work on his ramble around the city, free humans. Several had the gait of mercenaries, but there were a few merchant types too.
Only an elf or dwarf was permitted to live inside the city. But wealthy humans could work around this through the many Inns which provided rooms for such clientele. It seemed the ‘Sole Motive’ was one such place.
“Quality spot this eh?”
Aodh was surprised by the sound over his shoulder. He was not used to being snuck up on. He was being careless.
He turned slowly, fortunately the owner of the voice was not looking at him but over towards the fireplace. For Aodh failed at hiding his shock at seeing a Beastling addressing him. Yet it was unlike no Beastling he had ever seen before. It was what looked like a…..a Hare. Aodh had never heard of such a beast. It was undoubtedly a beastling yet it was more human than hare, generally with Beastings it was the opposite. Only his ears and animal nose truly set him apart from an ordinary human. Though his eyes too were different, huge and brown they flitted across the room too quick for any humans.
Gathering himself Aodh turned back around and took a large drink.
“It is. You have been here before I take it?”
“I have,” the Hareling finally took his eyes off the singing and pulled up a seat beside Aodh.
“I am one of those few outsiders who’ve managed to set up shop here in Eis Diem. A few bribes here, some gifts there. All worth it in the end I assure you.”
“Indeed. And the elves, the dwarves. They are willing to trade with a …..”
“A beastling? Oh yes, so long as I supply what they need.” The Hareling laughed hard at his own joke, “And there is precious little I cannot supply I assure you. So then, aren’t you going to ask?”
Aodh frowned, “Ask? What?”
The Hareling rolled his eyes, “The same question everyone wants to ask on meeting me. Come now, you of all people should have no fear of such enquiries.”
“Why me of all people?”
The Hareling blinked and leaned in, “Why a fellow beastling of course?”
Aodh raised a brow, “Is it so obvious?”
The Hareling waved a hand dismissively towards the other people around them, “To them no, I am sure you just look like a rather well constructed human. A bit too handsome maybe, the elves wouldn’t like that, that’s their thing. And those orange eyes of yours are rather odd, but I doubt anyone here has had much interactions with Foxlings. Certainly not enough to recognise one.”
“I see, and you have?”
The hareling shrugged, “I’ve had enough. I am old, there is little I have not seen. Desra could vouch for that.”
“Desra? You know him?”
The hareling laughed, “Know him? Me and your esteemed Leader were once cellmates. Both prized pets of Alacrand.”
Aodh had another glance around the room. No one seemed to be paying much mind to them, he would have imagined a hareling would have garnered far more attention.
“You met Alacrand?”
“I did more than just meet him. I was a constant at his side for many years. An assistant if you will. Another one of his precious creations to showcase. He of course grew bored of me eventually, he was always more fond of Desra anyhow. Though I do not think Desra felt the same. How is he anyhow?”
“Desra?” Aodh shrugged, “I am afraid I could not say. I may be a Foxling but I have had precious little interactions with your former cellmate. I imagine you know him far better than I ever will.”
“Well that is certainly true. Fifteen years of imprisonment together will do that to someone. Though, I would very much like to see him again someday.”
Aodh nodded but said nothing, whether the hareling was a former cellmate or not the location of the Manor was not something he would ever reveal.
“The Maegist Alacrand, what was he really like?”
The hareling stopped smiling, “Ah, I am afraid that is a topic best left unsaid. The less I think of that man the better. A tavern as fine as this is no suitable place for such talk. Just know that he was greater and yet worse than all you have heard. Let that be the end of it.”
“Consider it ended.” Aodh imagined discussing one’s former slave master was not a pleasant topic.
“You are a regular here?”
“Pretty much.” The hareling’s smile returned. “I like the mead they have. Tastes better than the posh stuff, though that has its place too. Then again,” He bobbed his head from side to side, “It takes more than a little gold for me to get up there. Couldn’t be frequenting the upper echelons too often, even I’d soon go broke.”
“So what is it you do then? You don’t look much like one of the mercenaries about.”
“A mercenary? Heavens no. Nothing so base as that. I am a trader, a merchant. And quite a successful one too I assure you.”
Aodh stopped with his cup to his lips, “You assure quite a lot don’t you?”
“What?”
“Nothing. You were saying?”
“I deal in precious gemstones, I’ve always had an eye for them. After over a hundred years or so you pick up a few things. My stores now hold a reputation for the finest pieces. They are a luxury, a statement. Elves, dwarves, even a few discreet Vampirii come from all over to sample my treasures, and are more than willing to pay my prices, high as they may be.”
“I see, rather impressive sounding. And the others of your kind? They are similarly employed? I’ll admit I had not heard or seen another like you in my travels.”
“Ahh, well that is the thing isn’t it. There are no others of my kind.”
The hareling smiled sadly, “I am alone in that sense I’m afraid. So far as I know I am the only one. I was created as the result of some bet or another. Alacrand was feeling a little adventurous I suppose. I was a test, to show that he could create Beastlings not only for war but any reason he so wished. It does rather make sense, not sure what about a hare would make Alacrand create more than one of us. I am certainly no Vampirii killer.”
“And yet you have done well for yourself, better than most of our kind certainly.”
“In some ways yes, this is true. I live a better life than most Beastlings. Most anyone for that matter in fact. Gold is a fine equaliser, no matter how one looks, you have it then you have friends, comfort, love even should you have enough of it. Well, of a kind at least. Speaking of gold,” the hareling pulled out a handful of gold pieces, “Barkeep, two cups of your finest red if you please. You have Ambrosi I presume?”
“We have a bottle somewhere yes,” the dwarf did seem familiar with the Hareling, he neither batted an eye at him nor his request.
Ambrosi, Aodh looked down at his own cup of admittedly far inferior wine, he’s got expensive taste. A fine drinking companion. Even Arrendale was not so costly.
“The drink is much appreciated, to whom should my thanks be directed.”
The hareling gave an elegant bow, “Ser Rolan de Valois.”
“Ser Rolan de Valois? That is your name.”
Rolan looked at him with feigned insult, he placed a hand to his chest, “You don’t agree that it suits me.”
Aodh laughed, “It certainly sounds extravagant, no wonder you sell precious gemstones.”
“Aha, and therein lies the truth. It is not for nothing I have gotten to where I am, young Foxling, I assure you.” Rolan winked, “And what pray tell is your name?”
“Aodh. Aodh Rua.”
“Aodh Rua eh. Very well Aodh. Let us get down to business. I have a use for you.”
“Yeah? For a merc?”
“For a…..God no I am well covered on that front, I assure you.” Rolan gestured over to a table Aodh had not seen before, sat at it were two wolflings. “Not all us beastlings are so fortunate as ourselves, I got those two from an Elf, I treat them better than any other house guard though, don’t doubt that. And they make sure no one ever gives me undue bother or worry. A worthy trade. As for you, no I was thinking about quite a different matter. Namely, making use of those good looks of yours.”
“Ahh,” Aodh put his cup down slowly, “I am afraid I deal exclusively with the female variety when it comes to such things Rolan.”
“You…” Rolan scowled, “No you fool I mean use you to get the girls. You attract them, and I’ll…..well you know, flash the gold a little, whatever. Drinks, charm, all that good stuff. It’s just the initial part that causes me the bother.”
“Aha, yes I see, that would suit me just fine.”
“But there is plenty of time for that yet. We’ll need to drink first. By the way, do you like dwarves?”
Aodh coughed a little, “I would say not no. They tend to be a bit…. well a bit on the rougher side, both in looks and manner. More like to pick you up then be picked up. And besides all that, to be perfectly honest I always was a bit confused about the…..well the practical aspects of it.”
Aodh used his hands to illustrate what he meant by the practical aspects.
Rolan rubbed his hands together, “Good, that’ll make things easier. I myself am quite fond of them. And about the practical side of things, I assure you, they are more than capable of working around such difficulties. We are all the same lying down, I know from experience. But very well, you are more of an elf guy then yes?”
Aodh nodded.
“Ah yes, I went through that phase a long time ago. I would say I’m a dwarf man now however. I love snuggling up to a burly dwarf maid, makes me feel all warm and safe. Well then, come on there’s no point hiding away up here at the bar, I have not resigned myself to there just yet. Come, let us go get us a table. There, we shall drink.”