Open [Red Diamond] Speaking of Spelunking

[Sliver]

A single eyebrow was raised at Garran's comment about her name. He didn't imply anything in particular, yet it was what he didn't say that piqued her interest. It certainly wasn't conventional, not by Vantha or really anyone's standards. The story of it took a bit longer to tell, however, and it was one she did not often share.

Despite her own emotional reservation, the Kelvic had to smile as Garran and Lehvanti's words reassured her of her own temperament. She would not trade her profession within the Icewatch for nearly anything, yet it was indeed a taxing work environment at times. Well, of course now she had her tea...

She took a sip and listened to the two Frostfawn males discuss the benefits and downsides of exploring the potentially dangerous caves, nodding a bit every now and then. Yes...their Queen would certainly know what to do, and once news of the caves reached her ears, surely a formal expedition would be sent out, perhaps one that she could actively participate in.

And then Garran mentioned the two figures. Sliver in truth did not know either of them, and was about to say something to that effect when she realized that both of them were headed their way. The one she could now identify as Jesslyn seemed to be escorted by the obvious foreigner...the merchant. Sliver didn't mind the idea of a merchant from across Mizahar peddling their wares in Avanthal, but this one in particular had a look that was almost too clean...not like the ruddy and calloused Vantha, who lived a life in the indeterminable cold of the Reaches.

Regardless of her preliminary opinions of the man, however, she was the strange overseer of this table which was rapidly growing in number.

"Do you want to sit down? Plenty of room." She wasn't particularly sure as to what ailment the female had, but her eyes when they caught the light of the lanterns in the inn seemed a little too dull...blindness was not the first idea to the Kelvic's mind, but perhaps this woman just had impaired sight. She took a long sip of her tea and pulled out two chairs for both of the newcomers as the merchant addressed Garran.

[Garran Frostfawn]

Garran blew a silent snort of air from his nose when Levhanti politely referred to having missed out on the pleasure of meeting the Syliran when he had been at the their Hold. But he said nothing. He always maintained that people should be allowed to make up their own minds about others – he rarely tried to influence one’s opinion against another. So he listened instead to the positive things the groom had to say about the young woman who had been verbally sparring with the one hunter. Garran didn’t really know Levhanti all that well, so there wasn’t any particular reason to either put great stock in nor to discount what he had to say. And apparently Levhanti did not know this Jesslyn all that well either. Sliver was keeping her own counsel, and so Garran could presume – perhaps incorrectly so – that she knew neither of the two individuals which he had pointed out. So he merely nodded at the other Frostfawn and said, “I see. You didn’t miss much.” He left it at that rather ambiguous turn of phrase, and added, “I only asked about the girl – Jesslyn – because one of the hunters over there seemed to have some quarrel with her. I wondered what it was about. Sorry – just being nosey.” He smiled with a little quirky upturn to one corner of his lip. He knew his own curiosity and his tendency to stick that nose in where it didn’t belong had been, was, and would always be one of his more significant failings. Almost the second he stopped speaking, another voice had sounded and Garran turned then to look at the young woman in question, who was looking their way, and addressing Levhanti. Garran would not have been especially bothered if she had, in fact, overheard his last comment. Perhaps if she had she might be forthcoming about what it was all about – not that it was any of his business. He just wondered where all the acrimony came from. The merchant was already risen and apparently, the two intended to switch over and come sit with Sliver, Levhanti and Garran. Garran held his tongue for the moment, as the Syliran helped the young woman to the table, and Sliver took up her role as keeper of the hearth for this impromptu, cozy little gathering. Garran scooted his chair over a bit, to make some more room for the two, and then the merchant was looking at him with some curious introspection, asking if they had met. With his elbow resting on the table top, his cheek pressed against his knuckles as he looked up at the guy, Garran gave a soft laugh. “Ah…yes, though I’m sure the meeting was far less memorable to a busy man such as yourself – so many different customers and all that. You dropped by the Frostfawn Hold, to peddle your wares, um…” Garran was counting in his head. “Eight days ago, I guess it was. I helped bring in some of your boxes…and offered to buy your dog.” He left out the bit about calling the Syliran a wanker, but the man had probably (hopefully) not even heard that, for it had been something he had said to his friend Nikomas after they had stepped away from the merchant’s display. Garran felt a bit bad about how that encounter had ended, and he was the type of man that was always ready to think the best about someone, and believe there was always room for improvement. So he extended his hand, saying, “I’m Garran.” He nodded in turn to the Icewatch guard and the groom. “And this is Sliver, and Levhanti. Please, join us.” As Sliver had already invited them to sit, Garran felt it was not out of place to echo that suggestion. “We were discussing the ice cave that’s just been discovered.” His gaze went to Jesslyn, though he realized that she would not necessarily know that. “Jesslyn – Levhanti has told us your name. You seemed a bit…adamant in your thoughts, there at the bar. That exploring the cave would be too dangerous? Or perhaps I misunderstood what you were trying to warn the hunters about?” Now that was always a possibility – for like most people, Garran had a tendency to put his own spin on what he heard coming out of other people’s mouths…

[Levhanti]

Levhanti looked up at the sound of his name to see Jesslyn walking over to their table. Levhanti could not help but smile at her cheerfulness. "Well, if it isn't my favorite blind girl. How are you doing?"

Levhanti knew that Jesslyn did not want people to pity her for being blind. He knew she had come to terms with her blindness and joked about it freely, so Levhanti did not feel bad for the remark.

Levhanti took note as Garran slid his chair over, and then did the same, to make room for the newcomers to the table. He allowed them to get seated and situated at the table before attempting to continue the conversation as Garran brought the ice cave once again.

"Yes, I heard you had some negative things to say about investigating the cave. Garran seems to be very reserved in his opinion, but I honestly would like to be involved in any exploration effort. I was not here for your take on this earlier, but I would like to hear what you have to say."

Levhanti looked down the table at both Jesslyn and Ronan, waiting for either to share their opinion.

[Jesslyn Skyglow]

OOCOMG im so sorry that its long! "Allow me." Jesslyn went to shake her head but soon found her blur blending with Ronans. Jesslyn sighed but let the man guide her to Levhanti. It's not that she had anything against the man but she really didn't like being treated like glass. She wasn't the breakable snowflakes outside, she was a blind woman with a stick staff... that was missing. As they got closer Jesslyn was able to pick up on three separate blurs and looked for the familiar one. "I'm the only blind girl you know. And I've been right, still getting used to the colder whether that comes with Spring. You know how Morwen bring the ice with her but also the love." When Ronan let go of her Jesslyn found her own balance and feet and smiled at the womans voice. Finally she was able to pick up the blur and actually 'see' it more. Even sitting the woman appeared large. Which didn't startle Jesslyn being 5'11" but the muscle mass this woman appeared to have was more than Jesslyn could ever get. As she watched the blur of the woman's arm disappear from her sight and the sound of chairs being scrapped on the floor had her nodding her head, "But only if there is plenty of room. No need to be cramped around the table and uncomfortable." As Jesslyn moved over the the seats and situated herself in one of them, with a little trouble as she had no idea where they were at first. They when she moved closer she had better sight of them and moved to the one closer to the woman. She really didn't want to get stuck next to two men when she could share company with a woman. As she settled she felt several pairs of eyes on her and realized she had been addressed. Jesslyn turned and set her jacket behind her. Then turned back around and set her hands on the table. Lightly tapping them to get a look of the blurs around her. "Well Garran - as your friend said." Jesslyn gave a smile in the direction of his voice, "I am originally a Whitevine. But because I'm blind I was found more of a disappointment as a healer. I didn't have to leave as my parents were able to support me but you can only live with the blood and gore for so long before you become so haunted by the feeling, smells, and sounds that come from injures of all sorts of beginnings." Jesslyn was pretty open with this topic. People always wondered, those that knew her, why she had left the Whitevine hold. And she wasn't bothered to tell the haunting tales from a blinds' view. It was worse for her, because everything else was a little better at doing its job ,body wise, than most Vanthas. Or human period. "So now you take the tension between Holds, add a group of mixed Hold hunters and outsiders, add a little more tension, oh and don't forget the cave, "Jesslyn added in sarcastically as she counted off each finger, "And then add some injuries and BAM!" Jesslyn quickly placed her hands on the table and smiled, "Even more finger pointing to who's to blame and if it was staged." Jesslyn went lax and continued her tapping but held her head on her hand as her elbow rested on her chair, "Ya get it now or do I need to sprinkle some snow on it and make it colder?" Jesslyn had forgotten about Garran's ending comment until she thought over the questions. Jesslyn raised her hand for anyone who was talking to pause before she addressed the middle of the table, "Garran, I'm blind. What in the frost makes you think I would venture out and go caving? Who in the snow of Morwen would ever take a blind man out of the city?" Jesslyn shook her head but smiled, " I can't stop them but I can be trisky and unsettle them with tales of horrible injuries close to the ones they could get if they go." Jesslyn did have a good head on her shoulders. Actually a great one considering the fact that at least five of the men thinking about it before had gone sense left after her share. And any more noisy ones were sure to get more if those in this Tavern didn't believe her when she said those things had and could happen. To anyone.

[Ronan Dugal]

Ronan looked at the man he supposedly had met on his trip to Frostfawn hold. Now that he saw him from up close he did recognize the Frostfawn. Tilting his head slightly Ronan remembered the worse than bad situation he had created by attempting to scare of a dog of Frostfawn hold with his foot. That hadn't been the best move ever he realized now, in hindsight. He took Garren's hand and shook it, squeezing a little more than was necessary. "Ronan Dugal, Trader Extraordinaire." He took of his imagined hat and made a half bow towards the woman on the other side of the table. "At your service." There was a big smile on his face as he looked at her. He seated himself on the only chair left, after Jesslyn had taken her seat. Then the conversation went on towards the ice cave and its discovery, exactly where Ronan had hoped it would lead to. Ronan, like everyone else at the table, listened as Jesslyn spoke about being blind and wounds and blood and everything. Ronan respectfully remained out of the conversation as to not betray his uneasy with the topic. He sipped a little from his tea, which was basically empty, but it kept him busy. Jesslyn had quite... strong feelings about going into caves and people getting hurt. What was the worst that could happen in a cave? Somebody could break an ankle if they were very unfortunate? Maybe a bear if you were lucky... He didn't really see the problem with going exploring. "I heard this rumor once about a blind guy traveling halfway across Mizahar to deliver this book to some temple or something. He went out of the city..." Sure, that was just a rumor but Ronan felt like he should mention it. As the practical side of exploring caves and underground caverns and daring each other to do so wasn't as interesting to Ronan as it seemed to be to everybody else, he once more tried to steer the conversation. There had been mention of the queen doing something about the cave and possibly setting up an exploration party in the near future. "What happens with the cave when the exploration party returns? I mean, who becomes the... owner, sort of speak? The person who first found it? The members of the exploration team? Or is it just handed over to the city?" Ronan hoped it was the second one, as that would allow him to work the system in his favor, possibly. As he spoke, he leaned in on the table, his elbows resting on the hard wooded surface. His view on things was probably going to clash with each of the Vantha at the table but he was sure he would survive.

I heard this rumor once about a blind guy traveling halfway across Mizahar to deliver this book to some temple or something. He went out of the city...

[Sliver]

Sliver smirked at Jesslyn's smile and following comment. It was nice to see the boisterous woman was not simply that. "Being a little crowded aint bad I don't think, makes it nice and cozy." She observed silently as the woman sat down next to her, frowning a bit as she leaned in close and got a good look at her eyes. After Levhanti's comment she most definitely saw how the woman could be blind, but despite the fact the merchant trader....Ronan, who smiled a bit too widely at her, had guided her over here, she seemed more than able to move on her own.

Everyone seemed to be keen on the former Whitevine's opinion, and Sliver certainly wasn't one to argue. She couldn't help but feel the tug of a smile upon her lips as Jesslyn so nonchalantly described her life, and grinned with unbridled humor as she reemed out Garran for suggesting she go into the caves, which....now that Sliver thought of it, she didn't think he had. The Icewatch nudged Garran lightly with a hand, voice filled with light sarcasm, deciding to go along with it. "Yes Frostfawn, not so eager to go to the caves yourself, yet willing to send our blind friend here? Quite the nerve."

At Jesslyn's concerns Sliver nodded, clearing her throat. "You're right, could mark some trouble. I am hoping with the addition of the Icewatch to help the people who go, order can be kept, but..." Sliver shrugged. "You all know your Holds better than I."

Suddenly the Kelvic's gaze was drawn to the trader. She had vaguely heard him mention a tale about a blind traveler, and had put the comment to the side, but she saw a glitter in her eyes that could be traced even to Vantha merchants in time. His question steered quite clear from the adventures they had been discussing, clearly aiming toward a topic he was more familiar and comfortable with. Sliver's eyes narrowed somewhat.

"Counting a few eggs before they hatch, Trader Extraordinaire?" There was still sarcasm in her voice, but it was not unkind...yet. The Kelvic shrugged. "There's no guarantee we'll find anything down there that a profit could be made on, but I suspect that your second option is the correct one, unless an entire Hold claims the investigation, most likely the set of caves, if stable and all that, would be property of the city, and used communally." She grinned. "Perhaps there will be a secret underground Hot Springs!" The very idea sat well with the Kelvic, who always appreciated Makutsi Springs whenever she had a chance to visit.

[Garran Frostfawn]

The Syliran merchant took Garran's proffered hand and gave it a firm shake. At least he seemed not to be holding any grudges – in fact, he seemed to have no recollection of Garran whatsoever, which was fine, and amusing. The two newcomers took their seats and after some comments to the others, Jesslyn turned her attention to the question he had put to her. Garran listened to her reply without much commentary. The hunter that had gotten into it with Jesslyn was not his friend, merely one of a group of which his buddy Malick was part. That was why Garran had been listening in on their conversation in the first place, and it had been Malick who had taken such pleasure at trying to tease him. But he didn’t see the need to go to great lengths to clarify that with the young healer. The way she spoke was interesting – her mannerisms and how she said what she said, as much as the substantive content. Garran thought she sounded bitter, and he thought that was a reasonable place to be, if a person had a disability that limited their perceived usefulness. He was impressed, though, that despite the vision problem she was able to learn and use her skills as a healer. At least she had not taken a dependent and needy role in their small, tight knit community, where, really, everyone needed to pull their weight. She was certainly flippant, and her little barbs made him smile. Perhaps it was another defense mechanism – strike first before she was struck. But Garran had a very slow temper and a very, very high boiling point and her sarcastic jests were nowhere near enough to really bait him. When Sliver decided to put in her two cents, though, he turned his grin on her and said sotto voce, but still clearly loud enough for all to hear,“Oh, you know it. Send in the women and children first – just in case there are some, oh… dire bears or maybe a journeyman or something lurking down there. I’ll stay outside and make sure someone lives to return to the Queen and make a report.” To Jesslyn, he said more directly, “I wasn’t really thinking that you’d be part of any such explorations – though, I suppose your services as a healer would not go astray – should any of those happenings that you’ve envisioned for us should come to pass.” He shrugged. “But I’m sure whoever organizes it – if indeed anyone ever does – they’ll have enough smarts to take a healer along.” Next to speak was Ronan, and Garran did refrain from rolling his eyes but he found the merchant’s questions so very typical of his kind. Garran lifted his cup and took one last, long swig of ale, emptying it, as Sliver replied admirably to the man’s inquiry. It seemed most logical, that any profit or use of the cave would become the proprietary interest of the city as a whole, If not, it would simply be the cause of more internecine grumbling and bad feelings. At her ending reference to the hot springs, Garran smiled, saying as he rose to return to the bar for a refill, “The hot springs! Gods, I haven’t been there in a long while. Going for a soak there sounds much more my kind of thing than sliding about in some dark cave. I think I’ll organize an expedition for that.” He chuckled and moved off, adding, “Be right back.”

[Levhanti]

Levhanti listened patiently as Jesslyn explained why she thought any expedition to the cave would be a bad idea. He had to admit, her viewpoint had merit. But..

"I understand what your concerns are. But at the same time, maybe this is exactly what we need to help with the suspicions between the holds. It could make matters worse if things go wrong, true. But, if things go right, it could set things back on the right track. If an expedition went into that cave, including members from all of those holds, and it was successful, it could be a nice kick and the pants to the holds and make them realize how important trusting and relying on each other is. As Sliver said, with the Icewatch going along, I would not expect problems during the expedition. At least, not from the people. It may be worth it to try."

There was no real reward if there was no risk. No one would really know how the expedition would turn out until it was over. Levhanti listened to the banter back and forth between his companions, smiling between them. He turned his grin on Jesslyn.

"You know, I would believe that if I didn't know you at all. Fact is, if you wanted to go, you definitely would not let being blind slow you down."

Levhanti turned at the comment from Ronan. The trader obviously seemed interested in trying to make a profit. Levhanti really didn't blame him and wasn't surprised. Making money was his job. But still, this was not about money, and Levhanti doubted the existence of anything that would truly turn a profit. More likely than not, the cave would hold nothing of true interest. But it was the experience and the potential that was important.

[Jesslyn Skyglow]

Jesslyn was actually perplexed about the idea of a blind man going halfway across Mizahar just to deliver a book! It just didn't seem logical nor reasonable. She usually got lost in her home, and Avanthal was a big city so how big was the world? Before Jesslyn could get lost in her thoughts the others began to comment on her thoughts.

The woman didn't seem to have any comments other that to tease Garran. Garran thought she wasn't going to be part of the exploration, and nor did she plan to, but thought she or another healer would be a great idea to bring. But Jesslyn wasn't a healer anymore. She gave up that practice and took up something less.... mortifying.

And Levhanti, the dear he is, knew her too well. If she really wanted to go then her being blind would be the last thing she would worry about. Actually it would probably be the last. Finding her staff is her first priority. Actually she really needs to find that.....

Jesslyn was lost to her thoughts of where it could have been when they ventured to Soren and her brain frizzled a little. They had an interesting meeting indeed. And an even more interesting relationship that sometimes made her head spin. But Morwen be dammed he was a fine looking blur of a man.

Jesslyn was finally pulled from her thoughts with dull dirty pink eyes as Garran's blur moved from her sight, "Done so soon? If you're off to get more food or something I could go for some more tea... less on the honey though. Not too much of a sweet tooth." Jesslyn smiled but stayed in her relaxed spot not knowing her eyes had changed in the first place.

It was an interesting concept that they even changed even if it was just a little away from being a full dull grey. But Jesslyn didn't know how they changed or what colors were so she didnt bother with trying to keep tabs on what the different colors of her eyes mean't. It was interesting to be with Sylvia and have her try and put emotions with colors, though.

[Ronan Dugal]

Ronan got the general picture of the people at the table around him. They were all Avanthalian through and through. Not a sliver of common sense in their heads. All empty headed aimed for their communal. Maybe in the future, somebody smarter than Ronan would invent a word for a place where nobody owns anything and the government makes them think they all own everything. A much smarter person... "I sure hope it won't be just eggs in there..." Half mumbled, Ronan shut up as the rest of the conversation continued. It was interesting to see what you could learn by listening to a conversation. Talking often drew your mind from the important things in a social event. Whatever 'little' disagreement Ronan had once had with the Frostfawn next to him, he couldn't help but smile at his comment on the hot springs. "Should you ever get around to organizing that expedition, I'd be more than interested in joining you." Ronan joked at Garren's expedition idea towards the hot springs. He hadn't had the time to go and visit those. Perhaps... He was sure the woman from the market wasn't interested in going with him. A mental shrug and Ronan sipped once more of his tea, which was already starting to cool down. The honey did give it a nice touch, though. From listening to his fellow table companions, Ronan started to understand a little more about the holds and different sections of the city, the different groups of people. And it seemed that things weren't going well between the holds, the exception being the Icewatch, apparently, as they were often named as the peacekeepers when the caves were mentioned. Sliver... A strange name, even for an Avanthalian. From the little bit of Icewatch knowledge that he had, he recognized the colored band on her arm. Although Ronan did not participate actively in the conversation about the holds, the tensions and the cave, he was observant to no end. The blind woman spoke to the Frostfawn as he got up to get another drink. Her blind eyes were... different. Or maybe it was just the fire reflecting on her eyes.