Posts from Ad aspera

Well, he's not that young, 35 is almost an old man for the Middle Ages.

I guess we're roughly at the same level in the church hierarchy.

-- You'll get two silver coins per shift, from nine in the morning to six in the evening. Every fourth day is a day off. Will you start today or tomorrow?

-- Help... You've already met our wonderful captain of the guard, haven't you? If you have some free time, could you fill in for me sometimes during sermons? Maybe they'll listen to you better; I think I'm getting on everyone's nerves...
The priest pondered. He stood in silence for half a minute, looked to the west, where mountain peaks could be seen in the distance, and continued.
-- There are many strange things happening in this city, young paladin. Tell me, have you seen the temple of the old celestial gods in the Eastern Quarter?

A drunk recognizes another drunk from afar, so upon seeing Ruven's familiar, bleary face, the guard at the eastern gate let him pass without questions and even offered a semblance of a bow instead of a greeting. Or perhaps it was the self-assured way he walked past them. If a person looks like they know what they're doing, then everything is fine...
But not everyone missed the arrival of yet another stranger in the city. Ruven hadn't even walked a couple of streets when he attracted the attention of two boys. One, apparently from the slums, had tattered trousers on his legs that clearly didn't match the current cool weather, and his clothes, obviously made for an adult, were covered in unpatched holes. He looked about ten or eleven years old. The second, decently dressed, was only a little older, if not the same age as the first, but significantly taller and, apparently, more energetic – as soon as he saw the warrior, he got up from the bench and greeted him with a bow.
— Sir! Good day, sir, is this your first time in the city?

"It's a trick question. By tomorrow, his horses will have done their business all over the place in two days, but he'll only be paying for one day."
-- Today -- will do.

- I'd be happy to take over... You're saying something strange is happening, - Unus didn't hide his interest. - So far, I've only been with the captain; tell me more.

- Excellent. Then I'll come by again in the evening, - whistling a melancholic northern tune between his teeth, Krait left the inn and went for a walk around the city - somewhere in the general direction of the square, so that he would be in its vicinity by noon. Who knows, maybe he'll get lucky, and today there will be a town crier looking for a specialist with refined skills?

Having reached the city without any problems and passing through the city gates, Ruven automatically walked a little further. Seeing a crossroads ahead, he stopped, trying to remember the location of the streets.
A clear voice was heard - someone called out to him. It seems that he had aroused the interest of the local children.
- Hello, kids. No, it's not the first time. Although it's been a while since I've been here, I've already forgotten a little about where things are.
Maybe in a normal situation, I wouldn't bother talking to them, but now it might be useful. And I was in a good mood.
- So, I'm trying to remember which road leads to the square. Can you tell me? I'd like to get there, and then I'll figure it out.

-- Then your shift is starting. I hope you have something you don't mind getting dirty with dust and manure; I won't be giving you any easy tasks.

-- Listen...

Ment, you'll still have to work as a content creator for the Revan and Ples expansion.

-- I'll find it. I'll go get dressed and start...
Entering his room, which the attendant pointed out to him, and spending only a moment looking out the window to assess the situation (whether it overlooks the courtyard or the street, how high it is from the ground and close to the roof), Dunkaniell put on clay-stained trousers and a shirt, and similar gloves, after which he went to the stables, acting seemingly unhurriedly and calmly, but in fact quickly.

- Hmm... The Almighty has marked out a path for each of us. If everyone were warriors, who would grow bread and raise livestock? Who would forge weapons and armor? Who would teach people the Word of God? You have done everything that was required of you. God does not want to take you, otherwise you would have died in the first attack. For now, I will behave quietly. It is not worth attracting the attention of the guards prematurely. Perhaps I will be able to find our brothers who are capable of fighting evil. As they say, trust in the Almighty, but don't be lazy. But if I don't find them, I will act alone - that is the will of the Almighty. However, I will have a small request.

-- A sound idea. We need to approach this with caution. My hands are tied, but you're new to the city and can act more freely. There's no great rush. What is your request?

The city changes before your eyes as Kotori walks through its streets from the outskirts to the center. The winding streets of the port district straighten and widen, the spring mud underfoot gives way to pavement, and the townspeople themselves change not only in their clothes but also in their faces, walking slowly and proudly with their shoulders squared, sometimes even resembling nobles, but more like angry turkeys.
The Town Hall itself is perhaps one of the most remarkable buildings in the city; the high spires of the red brick building are crowned with gilded weather vanes. At the entrance, two guards stop Kotori. Imposing, with gleaming equipment and stern faces that seem carved from stone, they bear no resemblance to the louts who greeted her at the port.
-- State your business at the Town Hall.
Attachment 66477

-- Well, well, still alive. Not everyone can handle the workload, especially on the first day. -- The old stablehand finally stops his frantic movements as the workday ends. He doesn't even seem tired. -- You want some?
He offered a goblet to Dunkaniël.