Whispers on The Wind

It’s an average day in Volaire, people are milling about their daily chores and jobs. The tavern is bustling with activity like usual. However, people are looking thin and tired as they go about their days as the effects of the famine are being felt strongly now.

Voices drift down the street, carrying the latest of the towns gossip on the breeze.

“Did you hear? The Seneschal of Forsetidale is courting the Baroness! Isn’t he an Oathbreaker?”

“The Baroness of Seshtau left her people to die in the swamps. She doesn’t even bother to go out to see the people there.”

"Yeah, but did you hear that she dragged those people from the tavern through the streets? She's scary!"

"By the planes, I know! And I heard she had civilians with her the whole time. I guess you can get away with anything when you're the Baroness' friend."

“The Guildmasters of the Mage’s Guild and the Guild of Light have been gone a long time now! You think they’ll ever come back?”

And the whispers and chatter among the people continue.

“There have been a lot of people with those purple marks on their necks. Who are they? Do you know?”

“Are we going to survive the winter? All the crops are either dead or nearly dead.”

“Have you heard? The Baroness of Seshtau has been seen with some new guy! They were holding hands! Is the Baroness getting settled now?”

“Jeez. Love must be in the air if both the Baroness of Seshtau and Foresetidale are settling down. Who’s next do you think?”

The gossip continues to spread from civilian to soldier and back again.

*Blodwulf pushes his way past the patrons as he opens the taverns door *

"Move" he hisses at them.

*Walking to the bar purposely, he sits down and orders his usual cold ale*

*Saying to himself*
"How could she leave the people of Seshtau to die when they're already dead to begin with? Stupid commoners"

"Where is everyone else at?" He asks noone, but looking around anxiously. Feeling the pommel of his sword brings him some comfort, but not enough to soothe the anxious feeling he has.

The tavern doors swing open and a tall, female Draconian steps in with an Elf clinging to her arm. She looks around the tavern and spots Blodwulf. She grins.

"Alright. Have fun but don't get into trouble, okay?" Storm says and leans over to kiss the top of her head. 

She then continues on to the bar as the Elf bounces away to cause mischief. She claps Blodwulf on the shoulder before taking a seat on the stool beside him. She smirks at him.

"What's up, Blodwulf! Hadn't seen you in a while!" She turns to the tavernkeeper. "Draconian whiskey please."

The tavernkeeper turns to fulfil her order.

*When Storm claps his back, Blodwulf is taking a sip of his ale and spills a little*

"Storm, you're such an asshole. You waited for that" he says, wiping the froth from his moustache. Tussling her hair. "Man, am I glad to see you. Really could have used you on the fairy the last few months, though. Can you fill me in on what has the common folk all in an uproar? I've been on the water for the past 7 months and all I've got to show for it is a bad back and unhealthy coping mechanisms." He holds up his ale and "accidently" spills her whisky. "Don't make me spill my ale again" he chuckles.

Saige springs into action, weaving through the tables until she’s smack in the middle of some poor group’s conversation. She beams like she’s been invited, already talking before they can get a word in.

With a sudden flourish, she points to the favor on her belt, displaying the bizarre anti-spoon symbol sewn into the fabric. Her expression flips through a rapid-fire spectacle of emotions before she spins on her heel and dives towards the next unsuspecting table.

Storm chuckles and fixes her hair then shouts "HEY!" as he spills her whiskey.

"Dick! You don't fuck with a Draconian's liquor! Or her hair. For fucks sake..." She fixes her hair and growls playfully at him. "You've been at sea too long my dude. Gotta re-teach you some manners!" She laughs. 

"So you wanna know what's been going down? Well... A lot honestly." She sighs. "So, the latest is that some mercenaries were poisoning the local water and we put a stop to it, cleaned up the river and all. That's what all the talk is about the prisoners getting dragged through town. Baroness Jade put em on display for their crimes. Well, that's not all she did but..."

Storm taps her chin. "Lets see...." She grins. "Saige and I are buying some land! Or planning to rather. Have to check my gold situation first."