Offerings to the Three and the Wolf

[Kerstman]

A foreign stout man receives many odd looks as knocks on the door of Jezebels. The sun is close to setting on a late winter day. Some of the noblish looking bystanders wrinkle their noses. Others create more distance between them and the visitor. He is very much out of place in this part of Sarshel. Being clad in an outfit suited for outdoor survival that is made up of a suit of chain mail, furs and leathers. A helmet with long horns is hooked to his belt and he holds a massive looking hammer that seems taller than he is. On his back he keeps a bow of good quality and a quiver that holds several bundles of arrows. The difference with the fancy suits, dresses and coats is striking. The firm grip on the maul is much different than the delicate handling of the crystal glasses that hold the expensive drinks. Obviously there is whispering and murmuring amongst the small crowd, but the man at the door does not seem disturbed. He remains calm and focussed on the door. As if on a mission.

Having noticed the strange and armed guest, the door is opened slower than usually. Jezebel's captain uses less words than he usually does when he is greeting a new customer. 'Yes, what is it?'
Aleks does not change his stance and responds quickly, but calmly. His common tongue thickly accented. Those with knowledge of foreign lands and cultures might place it to the east, but not to the extreme east. 'I is hear you sell Jhuild. I bring coins to exchange for your bottles. More than ten silvers. Golds if needed.' Apparently he expected to be treated like one who seems he cannot spare the coin, but it is tackled before the captain has the chance to ask him about his cash flow. He nods and again keeps it short. 'How many bottles?' Aleks shows him four fingers that stick out from a fingerless leather glove.

The exchange is completed and it seems the Rashemi was well prepared. Each of the bottles of his homeland brew is treated like a newborn child. After carefully wrapping them up in pieces of cloth and fur they are slowly put in a bag. He offers a final nod and leaves this part of town. The bystanders seem surprised to have been a witness of this scene, or they at least have found something to talk about for the remainder of the evening.

// For DM consideration, if you are interested:

Spoiler:

(( He bought the bottles IG and they cost him 8 silvers. I'd be happy to make it more if the captain or any other at Jezebels would charge more for such an obscure customer ))

[Kerstman]

The air is dry as Aleks stands in Sarshel's meadow. He faces the rising sun hanging above the treetops to the east. After calmly taking in the peaceful atmosphere of the meadow the maul is set beside him, head resting on the ground. He stands on the shore of the lake with one of the bottles of Jhuild in his hand. Then with a firm grip between thumb and index finger he twists and pulls the cork from the bottle. Another pause and then the barbarian looks solemly to the east and murmurs a few lines in the langauge of his homeland.

This offering is for you, spirit of the wolf. Spring shall be soon and it shall be the time for much running in the lands. together with the other spirits. If you come here to drink may you grow in vigour so you can run further and longer.

The exotic drink flows smoothly and slowly from the bottle's neck. Aleks moves it in an eight-shaped pattern as it is emptied. As if he wishes it to mingle with the whole body of water. When the last drop has fallen into the lake Aleks corks the empty bottle and packs it away. He nods softly, picks up his maul and makes way for Outentown.

[Kerstman]

On the next Morning Aleks stands in front of a statue which was carved from a single piece of stone. It depecits the image of a joyous woman who raises her arms to the sky. To most she is known as Chauntea, but in Rashemen her name is Bhalla. For most of the people in Outentown the hour is too early to wake up yet. Only one of the merchants on the square is busy setting up shop.

Aleks holds another of the bottles of Jhuild and between him and the statue there is a stone basin of water, the surface of it frozen. With a plop the cork is removed from this bottle and before closing his eyes, the barbarian provides a calm look to the face of the statue.

'I offer you this, Bhalla. May it feed and strengthen you as you feed, nurture and strengthen the lands and what grows in there.'

With a resolute but still gentle punch of his fist the icy surface is cracked. The cover of ice that had grown over night is subtly pierced as if it symbolizes the upcoming piercing of Auril's veil which was laid over the lands. The thick brown liquid agains flows smoothly from the bottle and it mingles with the body of water. Instantly providing it a light orange colour. Similar to how spring brings colour to lands that have seen a long and hard winter.

After the last bit of liquid has been poured into the basin also this bottle is packed away and the Rashemi man heads to the local tavern.

[Kerstman]

About twenty days after the events at the Sarshel meadow and the statue in Outentown Aleks is found in Vlasta. Here one of the bottles is presented to whom the Rashemi refers to as 'Elis of Khelliara'. There are others present. Some locals, but there is also Aryen Caladras. Although the ranger seems preoccupied with wanting to resolve the threat of orcs close to the road, he is a witness of the gift.

Similar as with Artemis, Aleks makes clear that it is a gift from Rashemen and it is up to Elis how to use it, but it is expected to be used within the next cycle of the four seasons.

This leaves the barbarian with all bottles from Jezebels spent. One unexpectedly, as it was not foreseen that one would be handed to Artemis. Yet it seemed most fitting after having been part of the ceremony at the Shrine of Lathander. Despite the hard and long winter he decides it is needed to return to the south. To find another bottle and to learn what the current haunts are of Peveril, user of the Hidden Ways.

(( OOC disclaimer in spoiler ))

Spoiler:

(( Anyone who wishes to respond about any part: feel perfectly free. DM's and players alike. Also if a character of you was not mentioned in this thread, but might well learn of Aleks his business. ))