(1865-12-7) A Needed Distraction
A Needed Distraction
Summary: Gavin and Artos discuss current affairs and preparation for a future back northward to the front lines.
Date: 12-7-1865
Related: None
NPCs: {$npc}
Players:
Artos  Gavin  

Aequor - Murnord - Trampling Warhorse Inn

The inn is one of the main social venues within Murnord proper as is evidenced by how busy it is almost all year around. Tables are constantly filled with patrons looking for good food and drink a well as conversation, those present both familiar faces as well as strangers here on business or just passing through on their travels. The servers, cooks and those who pour the drinks are kept on their toes.

There is a staircase that leads up to the second floor where the rooms to rent can be found and a door behind the bar leads to the kitchen.

7th of Decembre, 1865

Despite it being just after the lunch rush for the Trampling Warhorse Inn, the common room is still rather busy…and more than a little noisy. The constant motion of patrons passing through, coupled with the hushed tones of a dozen different conversations, all blend together to a low, constant din that fills the room, but never overpowering. The topic of the day seems to be the nuptials of the previous day, as most of the patrons seem to be in town specifically to capture a glance of the new couple. Or perhaps of the bride's twin sister, judging from the comments of a few male customers.

Yet, there is one person that is not participating in the gossipping. In fact, for a busy common room, the individual in question managed to find a table free, and in currently in the midst of reading. The text in question is seemingly of a medical nature…and the blonde gentleman reads intently, scribbling notation upon a piece of parchment nestled to the right of the tome. Gavin reaches over, with the left hand, to take the glass of simple water, sipping from it as he continues to study the text. With his attention fixated on the book…coupled with the auditory camouflage provided by the environment, he is very much not aware of anything outside of his immediate table.

Arriving in the inn wearing a fur cloak over his shoulders is Artos d'Acuto. The baron grumbles at seeing the tables full, he is not surprised, just not pleased. This grumpiness is soon relieved by the finding of Gavin at a table, so Artos approaches and says to the physician, "Cousin. What book currently has your attention?"

The quill pauses…and brown eyes lift up to regard the baron. "Ah…Artos. Good…." There is a glance towards a window, to see what time of day, perhaps…"…afternoon, I see." He places the quill down, closing the inkwell. He turns the book around, towards a chair opposite him while he offers the chair to Artos in the same gesture. "Here, feel free to look for yourself. It is a tome of anatomy, taken from the healer's college. This one, however, is annotated with various apothecary remedies to relieve or at least lessen the effect of several ailments." There is a slight smile as he continues. "In order to remain a wonder of the West, one has to study."

Artos takes the offered chair, "Interesting. I wonder if I own a copy of this book…" he thinks for a moment and shakes his head, "I do not know, but I will have to inquire on this, can not let a book not be in the collection." When the d'Augustino refers to the comment made by Artos at the wedding he smiles, "You deserve the reference, your talents are of much use to whoever has the privilege of your services. Have you read anything interesting in the book?"

"Little of what I do not already know…though there is always more information to gleen with each reading." Gavin leans back in his chair slightly, reviewing what notes he scribbled down. "Although, there are some insights in helping the Archduchess al'Mordran with her ailments. Though, it is still merely treating the symptoms rather than providing a cure…but it is better than nothing." He leaves the book before Artos, knowing full well that he is going to look it over anyways. "I do appreciate the compliment. I haven't a chance to thank you last night for it. Perhaps a loan of the book would be appropriate gratitude for the high praise you hold for my abilities."

"Perhaps you should see what we have in Garfana? I am sure that if it has a treatment that has been written down in the West or beyond, it is most likely in there." Artos nods after the remark, "You deserve it, you would not be trusted with the Archduchess' health if you were not among, if not /the/, best." He looks over the offered book for a bit. While medicine and alchemy were not his usual interests, he cannot turn down the offer of looking at a book.

Gavin says, "Well…that is more due to the fact that Jasmina and I are friends first, among other things, I would imagine." However, the offer to visit the libraries of Garfana is certainly appealing, if the introspective look given by the physician is any indication. "I believe I would very much like to do just that, Artos, if you did not mind. Part of why I remain the Archduchess' personal physician is so that I may be able to return her to the health she once had, before whatever disease ravaged her family." As Artos looks over the book, Gavin continues. "Jasmina shares your appraisal of my skills, it seems. When word came down from Mastings on the possibility of sending assistance, she chose to not simply send more troops…but a method to keep the existing troops as healthy and capable as possible. She sent me northward. Of course, the fighting came to a minor impasse when I had arrived…the initial push was repelled. And the healers present seemed capable of handling what was necessary."

"I am sure we both agree it is better for you to be bored than having to use your skills, thank the One," Artos nods. The visit to the library is also given a nod, "You are my cousin, and can always visit for what you need, or if you need copies, I am sure they can be acquired." He relaxes in his seat a little, "I pray that your skills will not be needed soon, but I fear that this peace is only temporary."

There is a nod of agreement from Gavin, as he takes another sip of his water. "I fully agree, on all counts. On both the benefit of being a bored healer than a busy healer…and also on the fact that the peace is only temporary." There is a sigh that escapes from the normally composed man. "I believe that the recent wedding, while certainly welcomed, was merely a distraction…and that the worse is still yet to come. But, for now, we should take comfort in the peace that we have now."

"A needed distraction. Few things wear down morale faster than constant fighting that saps the spirit of the soldiers," Artos shrugs, "But I will be returning to the front soon enough. I am of little use here, but the rest and chance to see my wife and children were most welcomed. Did you bring your family with you to Rhone?"

Gavin nods. "I did. With the amount of time I spend there, it seemed appropriate to have Rene close, as well as Olivia and Aiden." He pauses…"regrettably, they are not here with me presently. They are my eyes and ears in Rhone…keeping an eye upon the Archduchess for me while I tarry here." A shift in the chair, then a glance out of the window…briefly. "You will see me at the front as well, though it is my sincere wish that it is in a setting more like this…and not for the reason I was sent in the first place."

"Sensible, Tereza came north to serve as a healer, so you will likely be working with her," Artos nods, "But I do not wish the front on anyone who has no reason being here. There is little in the way of comfort, the food varies in quality, and there are few books." The last is given a weak laugh. "I would suggest getting things to help with the comfort issue while in Murnord."

There is a dry chuckle that escapes from Gavin's throat. He indicates the book in the middle of the table. "It is certainly not light reading, but I do have one or two more of those with me, with the specific intent of passing the time. It may not be the idea of comfort to some, but it will work well enough for me." A solitary fingertip reaches up, tapping Gavin's right temple lightly…once, twice, thrice. "Though, I will be certain to take your advice to heart, cousin, and procure some alternate means of comfort…even if it means raiding the wedding feast." That last was a joke…a rare one given from the d'Augustino.

Artos nods, "I brought a couple that I have not read, though I fear they may not last me much longer." The joke gets a raised brow, and a laugh. "I will see if there is anything in the market worth procuring, but I will most likely look to a new cloak and the like to deal with the bitter winter. It has been long enough since I wintered this far north, and I do not wish to do so again without being prepared."

"Ah, yes. That is a wise decision, if I do say so myself. I do have the sense that the concept of warmth shall be most welcomed before too long." Gavin leans back in his chair…as that same tell-tale sign of thought crosses over his features. He leans forward after a moment, focusing upon his cousin. "Is there anything more I should know before we both return? Anyone in particular I should keep a watchful eye on?"

"At Benide it got pretty bad at times, but I survived it, obviously." Artos says and answers in a hushed tone, "Nothing terribly special, just keep your wits about you when things get hairy, these barbarians are likely to do whatever it takes. They have nothing to lose but their lives and I would not expect any mercy from them, outside of a cut throat, and even that is not much of a mercy."

The slight mirth that was present slowly drains from Gavin's features…replaced with a more stern facade. There is a nod, barely perceptible, before Gavin speaks. "Then, it seems, I should visit the markets as well. It sounds that I may have a need for a blade longer than my usual tools of my trade. Also, perhaps more than a winter cloak for protection."

"Fortunately, some of the finest smiths in the West are here in Murnord. If leather armor is something you would prefer, I am sure you can find something more than suitable here." Artos nods again, "If you need any advice on the issue, I will be glad to help, as well as with anything else you should seek my help for. Steel is expensive, but it is a worthy investment if it is made right."

"I think that it would be best to not sacrifice mobility. I am no knight and would much rather wield a scalpel instead of a sword. I am sure that the proper accouterments will be obtained." It seems Gavin may already have something in mind. "However, I will be certain to take you up on your offer, should it be needed. I feel I would greatly benefit from your experience."

"If things go well, you will never need to use it, but best to be prepared," Artos thinks for a moment, "A crossbow would not be an unworthy use of funds, if anything you can simply practice with it for something to do during those brief and strange moments when books are not enough to fight boredom."

"A crossbow?" The thought seems rather foreign to Gavin, as apparent by the tone given to his simple two-word question. "That is certainly not something that would have come to mind under normal circumstances. Though, perhaps, that is why I didn't think of it. This would not be a normal circumstance, by any stretch of the imagination."

"I am useless with them as I am with bows, but it would certainly be a way to pass the time, and no such thing as wasting time when learning a new skill." Artos shrugs, "It is simply a suggestion, but one that could prove to be useful in a few circumstances."

"Ah…of course." It is a polite response…something that Gavin may take under advisement…but….perhaps not. "Then let us hope that the fate of the campaign does not rely upon our ranged weapon skills." It might have been phrased as a jest, but there is little in ways of levity in the comment. "Though, I agree. Learning is never a waste of one's time." Another sip from the cup…and Gavin finds the water has run dry. With a slight frown, he places the cup off to the side. "It seems that I have some preparation to do, then. If you would excuse me, I would like to return my writing instruments to my room before I make my way to the market with your advice still fresh within my mind." He does start gathering his things…though he still does leave the book before Artos. At least, for a few moments more.

Artos gives a snort of amusement, if it came down to his skill with something that required a range longer than a lance, he may as well be dead. "Indeed, I had best tend to my own things before I depart. Should you need to seek me out, I am not too difficult to find. Good evening." He notices the book before him and glances over it for the few moments granted him by Gavin's packing.

"And a good evening to you, as well." Gavin stands…and slowly slides the book back to his grasp. "I assure you, cousin, if all goes well and we find ourselves in need of entertainment, however paltry, you will have the opportunity to peruse this book further." He chuckles softly…"Until next we meet." And…with that, he turns to head out, leaving Artos with the table free for his own purposes.

Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License