Black Rose Chronicles

Discussion in 'The Library' started by Belladonna Rose, Mar 5, 2018.

  1. Belladonna Rose

    Belladonna Rose Bug Hunter

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    Visiting the various shops in Crossroads she made her way to the docks and spoke to the town crier who told her she could take a wagon or walk up the road a bit to get back to the main roadways. She decided to take the wagon. Once back on the road she looked out over the hillside and there near the coastline was a huge metropolis of buildings. The one in the center was very fancy looking. Walking down and bidding good day to those she passed she reached the gates of the city. Over the gate was a sign. Central Brittany. This must be where this Lord British fellow lives. Smiling she started towards the gate where one of the guards stopped her. He asked her name and her business and was a rather rude sort but she answered his questions. Once she gave her name and told him she was an Avatar he immediately saluted and offered to open the gate.

    Before she could step through someone grabbed her arm and pulled her to the side. The lady seemed quite pleasant and very enthusiastic. She started going on about the Hidden Vale and how lovely and secluded it was there. Explaining that there was plenty of adventuring to do there and even some towns to call home. Pulling Bella towards the docks she pointed to the large ship and explained that this ship would take her to the Hidden Vale if she decided to take a look. Then she patted Bella on the shoulder smiled and walked away.

    Shaking her head at the lady who was waving to everyone she passed Bella decided she would take a look around Central Brittany first.
    The city was massive and there were a variety of homes throughout the streets. Some fancy some not
    so much. Would prove to show who had and had not. Finally making her way to the docks she asked about for the boat to this Hidden Vale. The few dock workers were kind enough to point in the right direction and she once again on her way. It was nice to set foot on the deck of a ship even though it was a small vessel.

    After about an hour or so the bells on the ship deck chimed alerting all that they were setting sail. It was coming up close to dusk and she hoped it would not land them on shore after dark. That was always the one thing she hated about sailing. Coming into port in the dark. Although most of her arrivals were of that kind it still gave her an odd feeling. She had had many altercations with other ship captains and even authorities when she made landfall. Either to rob her, investigate her cargo or to just out right arrest her. The latter was more common though. Shaking her head and laughing to herself she thought back to many of those times. “You transport one bad shipment and they always think you are up to no good.”
     
  2. Belladonna Rose

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    As the ship entered the harbor she looked out over the prow to see the upcoming town come into view. It was not what she had expected. Ramshackle buildings and a few folk wandering about. Not what she would think of being a port town for sure. As they set anchor at the docks she started down the plank to the landing. Many of the buildings she could see had been boarded up and the town looked like it had and was having a rough time of it.

    Stepping up the rickety walk there were several boats anchored there. A few to different towns and such. But not the hustle and bustle that would normally be seen at a port town. Sadness seemed to steep into her veins the further she walked. Most of the folk here were ragged and tattered. An old man approached and she tossed him a coin. Smiling his toothy smile he thanked her and went towards what looked like an inn. She followed him and went inside. This was not what she expected but it would do for now.



    Sitting at a table a barmaid came by and told her what they had on hand and she ordered the meager meal and a tankard of ale. Hopefully one of the two would be good. Wiping the crumbs off the table she looked about. No one really noticeable to the likes of anyone in charge of a port town. After a bit the girl came back and set a average sized tankard down and smiled. “Food will be around in a bit love. Its not been too busy today so having to scrap up a decent meal fer ya.”

    Belladonna smiled back and took a swig of the ale. Not too bad she thought. She tried listening to the folk about town and heard names barked out of the surrounding area. Alot of hushed talk about the undead and such. Typical talk she had heard on her travels there. She heard a bit of chatter about the sewers being haunted here and in Owl's Head. About missing folk from Braemar and about some bad goings on in the Owl's Nest Mines. Shaking her head she thought that this place was just as riddled with bad things as the rest of the world.

    Moments later the girl returned with a platter of assorted dried meats, cheeses and vegetables. Nary a fruit to be seen. Once she found a place and set down some roots she was for sure going to plant her some fruit trees if she could find the seeds and any other things she could grow. Her cousin, Aletta would be so pleased to hear that Bucaneer Bella was thinking of becoming a farmer. Biting into a crusted piece of bread from another platter she laughed at herself. That would be a different thing to do for sure. Farming. Goodness gracious how she had fallen.
     
  3. Belladonna Rose

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    As she continued with her meal she listened to some conversation amongst the patrons. Even enjoyed a lively tune being sung by a gentleman wearing tattered and worn clothing. Seemed to her that most all the folk in this town had once seen better days. Ragged and faded and weathered faces but all still willing to continue on with life. That to her was a good sign. At least they hadnt given up just yet. As she finished her meal she lay some coin on the table..walked over to the minstrel and tossed him a coin and made for the back door.

    The alley was dim but not yet dark as it was still pretty early in the day. Many market tents were set up and she could see that some folks had found a way to make some sort of living. There was a nice man with a fish cart. A tailor selling bolts of fabric. And even a vegetable cart. She walked over to the man and asked if he carried seeds for planting. He smiled a toothy grin and told her he had several seeds for planting depending on what she wanted. She asked about fruit trees and he laughed and said yes but unless she was willing to set down roots somewhere there was no point in trying that. Said it takes a bit for them trees to grow and even in the soil around these parts they wont get too big. She smiled and told him she would keep that in mind.

    Further up the alleyway she found an alchemist wagon. The lady was kind and gentle and offered many potions for various ailments. She would keep her in mind for later as well. Although Bella knew a bit about alchemy from her cousin Pol. She continued on up to a stone bridge and stood there looking out at the harbor. Again she found herself whisked away to another time and place. She thought of her cousins, Aletta, Pol and Katrina and wondered if they were worried about her. She thought too of her sisters, Crimson and Scarlet and what they might be up to. With a sigh she walked over the bridge and saw a gate leading out of town. There were still a few hours of daylight left. She might as well make the most of it.
     
  4. Belladonna Rose

    Belladonna Rose Bug Hunter

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    Making her way out of Kingsport she saw vast lands before her. From what she could hear in the conversations in the tavern there were several towns dotted around the massive island. Many boats were anchored on the shorelines and she could see smaller islands off in the distance. Turning around she saw massive groves of trees and even a swampy area along the coast. This should make for some interesting exploration. Right outside Kingsport proper there was a huge galleon ship. Assuming it only takes me back where she came from. Then a few strides away were a couple smaller towns. Heading to the west along the coast she walked to the gate of one of those towns. This would be a good start. The sign at the gate said Silverston
     
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  5. Belladonna Rose

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    As she walked across the bridge the center of the town looked pleasing. Central crafting area with all needed to use. Vendors along the edges to buy what wares would be needed. Tavern that looked promising for a hot meal and drink. There were several row houses staggered along the walkways that seemed to be occupied and several along the river's edge as well. Further back there was a most beautiful home she assumed was the mayor's house. Fountains and other buildings dotted the area. For some reason as she took in the sights she felt at ease. A sort of peace fell over her. After a few moments a kind looking gentleman and another more regal figure appeared walking down the cobblestone pathway. They both looked up at the same time and saw Bella standing there looking about.
    Gently she pulled her backpack from her shoulder and sat it at her feet as the two men approached. The one man smiled brightly and outstretched his hand.
    "Welcome welcome to Silverston. My name is Andrew Silverston and this is my town. I seen you have that look of a well traveled sort." The other gentleman gave a slight cough and smile behind his hand.
    "Thank you kind sirs. Yes I have traveled quite a bit over the last month or so. Came all the way from Soltown."
    The more regal gentleman offered his hand and introduced himself. "Aye are you one the Outlanders that have arrived in Soltown. My name is Astor Cerberus."
    She looked the man up and down. His demeanor was casual and not offensive. "Yes Sir. I arrived from the sea by way of some vortex. I have lost my ship and crew along the way. I hope to one day find
    some of them if they survived."
    Both men shook their heads and then took her by the arms gently. The regal one hoisted her pack on his shoulder and they led her to the tavern.

    "Let go into the tavern and have a pint while you tell us your tale." Winking at Astor . "And we might tell you our tales as well. For we too are or once were Outlanders as well."

    She let them lead her to the tavern and for the first time since she had arrived in this strange land she felt safe and well met. This might just be a good place to set down roots as she had the feeling she would be here for a long while.
     
  6. Belladonna Rose

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    Sitting at the table with a pint of ale in hand. She regaled the men with her story. They both nodded often at the things she said . Once she was done they chimed in as well often repeating things she had said. They too had similar experiences . They talked about the area and what they had been doing for a what seemed like to them ages. They both agreed that for their troubles and adventuring they had amassed some wealth and established themselves
    Clearing his throat Astor spoke up first.
    " I have been all over the lands and currently live in Beran's Reach. Its a nice place and I have many a friend there but I would like to settle in my own town for a change. Master Silverston here has gotten an itchy foot and wishes to travel so he has offered to
    sell his fine village to me for a reasonable fee." With that comment he winked at Andrew and they both chuckled.
    "If you are of a mind to settle M'lady we or should I say Astor would love to have to take up residence here. "
    Smiling at the gentlemen she nodded and from there they discussed the costs and such to gain a home in the town.

    After a few more months of traveling about Hidden Vale she had gained the funds to purchase a plot of land. Small to start out with but was enough for her. With tools in hand she cleared the parcel and set about gathering the materials she would need to build her
    first home. Tired, dirty and sore for most of the time she was pleased to have busy work to keep her mind occupied. Something other than rescuing folk and killing the evil in the lands. Although the latter part was always present. With the crafting tables in the middle of town it was easy to do what she needed. And her little spot by the river was just perfect for her.
     
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  7. Belladonna Rose

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    Bella had met many a folk in Hidden Vale and even in the small town she now lived in. She helped others gain wood and stone to build their own homes. And as new travelers found there way into town she aided them as well. It was becoming quite a bustling town. So much that Astor decided to expand the town. And that is where Knight's Watch came into exisitence. She was pleased with the name as it seemed fitting. The town sitting seaside faced outwards to the horizon and they could watch as ships came in and out when they happened to do so. Alot of trade ships were far and few between lately. Apparently the unrest across the lands had caused problems on the water as much as on land. As they sat around the tavern one evening her and a few of her friends in the town decided they would work together to thwart the lands of the madness. They all agreed and she formed a guild of her friends. They then became the Keepers of the Watch. Fitting name for sure. As the town grew so did the guild.
    Standing on the docks one evening Astor was watching out across the waters. Bella approached and clapped him on the back.
    "Master Cerberus. Tis a fine evening dont you think?"
    Not turning to look her way he smiled and nodded
    "Yes indeed."
    They stood there for a fine long time watching as the sunset on the horizon. Turining towards town he started telling her what he had planned for the town and asked if she would be interested in becoming a steward and helping out. Stopping she looked at him and smiled. Extended her hand and there they shook in agreement. First building was the Guild and Magistrate building by the stone bridge. Easily seen from the docks and the bridge. Here they would conduct their guild and town business. This pleased her very much.
    Just outside the hall there were wagons that could ferry folk to neighboring towns like Kingsport and other smaller villages about. On the docks once shored up a bit and more stable there were also transport ships to some of the island towns around Hidden Vale.
    Things were defintely looking up for Knights Watch.
    So many new folk were coming into town Astor decided to place some Row houses along the dockside.....he called it a Promenade. He always like using fancy words. Here he hired vendors to sell the residents wares and also offered temporary housing for those who have yet the means to build their own homes. It was all working out for sure.
     
  8. Belladonna Rose

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    Standing high on one of the rises in the back of town Bella looked out over the sprawling landscape. Houses dotted the scene all about. Dirk Blackpool had claimed the land on the small island at the lake. Others had claimed spots within town. To make room for more homes in town Astor had built and elegant shogun crafting pavillion to hold all the crafting stations. It was wonderous to see when you walk through the clock tower from the docks and thriving Promenade. The vendors were often busy there now and it was nice to see more folk come to town and visit. With the boats and wagons commerce picked up a bit from Kingsport. Many adventurers found there way to Knight's Watch. She smiled as she saw a ship come into the bay. One day she thought to herself. One day she will find her ship or better yet build another Black Rose and sail around this new land she had started calling home. She knew she would never make it back to to where she came from. It weighed heavy on her heart that her family was still there and she had no way to let them know she was alright. And there was no way for her to get back. Often she missed the old lands, friends and her family. But she was making new friends and her guildmates have become her new family. With that thought in mind she made her way down the path and back into the town. She had a task at hand and had strayed from it for long enough.
     
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  9. Belladonna Rose

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    After a lengthy talk with Astor she explained she wanted to go back out and try to help once again with this threat from the Undead. He agreed and said that things will be fine and for her to come home as often as she could. Although the lands seemed huge they were not. Many of the locations were within day or two for travels. And with the wagons and ships and even the Lunar Rifts it was easy to fast transport to anywhere in the realm. With that she donned her newly crafted armor and freshly honned weapons. Packed her backpack with a few necessities and she headed over the stone bridge towards the exit of town. She would hop the ship from Hidden Vale to Brittany and then take the ship from there to Ardoris. Might as well head back in that direction since she had already started some work there. She was not too thrilled about doing back there but she did what she had to do
     
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  10. Belladonna Rose

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    After what seemed like months she walked into Knight's Watch. Tired, dirty and hungry she trudged to her house by the river. When she walked up she notice that her quaint little house was no longer little. It had been built up to a sprawling stone building.
    It was near dark and she did not enter the house. Maybe Astor thought her dead after so long away and let someone else build in her place. After a good nights rest she would seek him out. So she headed to the tavern where she could get a quick meal and a cot upstairs.
     
  11. Belladonna Rose

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    When she made her way through the door the tavern was crowded. Many folk stood and sat around. Some gent named Omegaflux was at the piano banging out a lively tune while another named Ozzy Questor was trying in vain to keep up on his bagpipes. The laughter and talk was so loud even over the din of music. Bella saw Astor standing behind the bar and she approached. When the door slammed behind her the noise died down. Many of the faces she did not know or did not know that well but she kept moving.
    "Master Cerberus" she said once she found her voice.
    "Did you give me up for dead?"
    Smilling across the counter he shook his head in humor
    "Nay, M'lady. I know it would take more than some undead rabble to take you down."
    She looked at him for a moment and slapped her hand on the counter.
    "Then purhaps over a pint you can explain why my house is missing ."
    All the fellows in the tavern broke into laughter. Some shouting to Astor I told you so and such.
    He too chuckled at her comment.
    "Now now Bella. Don't get your knickers in a twist. You were gone but a month when we all here
    in town decided that you needed a much better house than you had built."
    Putting up his hand to stave off her retort he continued.

    "Bella we all in apprcciation for what you did to help the others build up their homes decided
    to make you a grand house indeed. Furnishings and all. So when you come home you can sit back
    and tell us your tales from your journey."

    The man named Ozzy came forward and peeked sideways at her.
    "Tis a fine fireplace i built ya Miss. Hope it keeps ya warm on cold nights"

    Others approached and told of the things they did to help as well.
    Bella couldnt help but blush, smile and even shed a tear for all the welcomes and the
    help.
    She looked back at Astor as he stood beaming behind the bar. She pointed a finger at him as if
    saying...I will get you for this . Then immediately rounded the counter and started pouring more
    pints for all.
    "Drink up my friends and celebrate my return.....but i have you know I wont be cleaning up the mess."
     
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  12. Belladonna Rose

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    As the revelry continued into the night Bellad snuck up the back stairs and found an empty bed in the far corner. She cared not if anyone else came up there. All she wanted was sleep. As soon as her head hit the pillow she was out like a light.
    The next morning she rose from the bed and quickly made use of the washstand. Washing the smell of pipe smoke and ale from her face and neck she quickly changed into some regular clothing. She would definitely have to brush out her leather armor later
    in the day. Gathering up her things she hoisted her pack on her back and made her way down the stairs. Setting a chair upright she sat down for a moment. The fire had gone cold in the fireplace so she gathered up some kindling and small logs and got a nice fire started. Going behind the bar she looked about for a kettle and a tin of tea leaves. Both were nicely stored underneath the counter. Checking the bucket of water next to the counter she deemed it quite fresh so poured it in the kettle and set it on the fire to boil. Searching around she found some food and quickly made a trencher of assorted items. Cheese, lemon bun, apple, grapes and a jar of butter. Plate of food in hand she placed it on the table. Then pulled the porcelain teapot from under the counter and a cup. This will be the first good tea she had had in a while. Those taverns elsewhere could not make a decent cup of tea for anything. As her tea steeped she nibbled on the food in front of her. It was very peaceful and quiet inside. There was not much going on outdoors either except the chirping of the birds. This was one thing she did enjoy about Knight's Watch. The quiet.
     
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  13. Belladonna Rose

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    As time moved on and the town grew she was able to do more adventuring. Often the residents of Knights Watch gathered and went on hunting parties. This she enjoyed alot. She felt more at ease and enjoyed the company of her town companions. Often as not they would get into some real messy hunts but the revelry of the group made it enjoyable. She was feeling quite content with her life as it was going. Still at certain times of the day or night her thoughts drifted back to her crew from the Black Rose. And of her old world where her family was. But it wasnt long til alot of those memories were just that
     
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  14. Belladonna Rose

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    Waking one morning early she slipped her feet into cozy kidskin shoes and grabbed her oversized robe. Funny she thought to herself the men in this town still have not gotten the right proportions in making clothing for her. Usually they had to take in and stitch up once she put them on. But this robe she would not allow them to adjust it. She loved it just like this. Slowly walking down the staircase she ran her hands along the stone. "Tis a fine house we built ya lassy". She could still hear them the night they told her about the house. Pffft. It wasnt a house at all but a small castle keep. Huge in her eyes and all hers. Often times she would have them over for pints and meals and often times she would find someone sleeping off the revelry by the fireplace. Indeed she had a grand fireplace.
    She loved it all the more because they worked so hard building it for her. Fine furnishings and the occasional knick knack decorations they thought a fine lady would like. Although she had been far from lady like they still regarded her none the less.
    Reaching the ground floor her trusty dog Roofus greeted her. Twirling in circles the lunk of a dog followed her towards the back door where she opened it up to let him out. Then she made way to the kitchen. The men wanted very much to provide a fine kitchen for her but she refused. She had no idea how to cook on such things as they called pot belly stoves. She liked cooking on a heart. The jug of water sat on the table and she filled the kettle full . Stoking up the fire she put it on to boil.
    Taking down her fancy tin of tea leaves that Astor had gotten her on one of his adventures she sniffed at the aromatic leaves. Smiling she took a pinch and put them in the teapot and waiting for the water to boil. Today was to be a busy day. Many chores waited for her and the first thing she planned on doing was going into Kingsport to purchase some seeds. She had ask a couple of the men to build her some planting boxes as she was determined to grow some fresh vegetables and she was going to start some fruit trees as well.
    While out she planned on riding up to Owl's Head to get some other things that she knew she couldnt find in Kingsport. It was going to be a busy day indeed.
     
  15. Belladonna Rose

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    After many months of being idle in her mind. Bella decided to venture back out into the lands. She had become restless staying in the Hidden Vale. She felt the draw of the sea and the need to put some newer lands under her feet.
    Sitting around the large table in the tavern of Knight's Watch she chatted with the others on places they had been and things they had seen. Since there were all brought to this world much the same as her she knew they too had been
    of the adventuring spirit. Whether from needing to do so or hired to do so they had covered the entire realm. Many of those places she had travelled with them and many she traveled alone. But she felt she needed to move. At least for a couple months.
    The Fall season was approaching so it would be a good time to travel.
    Packing up her travel pack and gathering up her weapons she looked it all over to make sure she was set for a journey. Food was carried light as she was able to hunt and forage for pretty much what she needed. And when near towns she was
    sure she could come up with a decent meal in those. After the talk a few nights back with her fellow townsmen she knew where she was heading. Now to just get on the road and start moving
     
  16. Belladonna Rose

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    Traveling up the road to Owl's Head she determined that going on foot was getting weary. She went there to pick up a few supplies but decided to take on a new task. Not that she was an expert on riding it was time to put four feet under her opposed to her lowly two. So she headed to the stables.
    There she found the stable boy Nob. He was a rather chatty fellow and seemed a bit lazy as well. Leaning against the fence post her snorted and spit on the ground. Rude . Yes he had little manners for sure but i guess dealing with horses all day he lost some skills in dealing with people. He grinned when i approached.
    "Afternoon outlander. Be lookin for a horse for your jouney?'
    Over time she grew tired of that term...Outlander. And she was going to see to it that he didnt use it again.
    "Mind your manner boy. I have been in these lands long enough and done more than you have seen to deserve being called more than Outlander."
    Jumping up and standing straight he changed his demeanor quickly.
    "Beggin your pardon Madame. I meant no offense. I should of know'd better. Things have for sure changed around here and i should watch my tongue."
    Bella smiled and walked up to the corral fence. Look into the corral she saw a couple horses grazing on some fresh hay and just minding their own. She looked
    particularly close at a nice black stallion standing off from the others. Curious she walked up the fence line to see if she could get his attention. Sure enough he walked over
    to her and pushed his head up over the fence. Slowly reaching her hand out she opened her palm for him to sniff. Softly he nuzzled his nose into her palm.
    Reaching into her pack she pulled out a carrot and broke it in half....holding the carrot top end in the palm of her hand she reach out to him. He snorted and then took the carrot
    from her. She too took a bite from the other piece and chopped along with him. Then she handed him the rest. After he finished the second piece he shook his head proudly and
    nodded it up and down. Softly pawed at the ground as if telling her he wanted to go.
    Patting him softly on the head she turned and walked back to where Nob stood.
    " Amazing M'lady. That horse doesnt take to no one. He is a mean sort for sure. But you seemed to have made an impression on him."
    Bella smiled and looked over her should and saw that the horse had followed her down the fence line.
    "Well Mr. Nob. How much is this horse gonna cost me?"
    "Well M'lady. Dont rightly know. He has been here for a long spell. Seems his owner disappeared and no one has been interested in him since he is so mean in spirit."
    Bella looked Nob up and down. She wasnt sure how to access him. He could be trying to sell her someone else's horse for all she knew.

    "Who has been paying the stable fee for him if he has no owner then."
    "No one. I dont stable him. He just stays out here in the corral or shelters inside the barn.....but no stall for him. Last time he broke through the wall and that took a bit to fix
    up. So i just feed him and leave him be."
    " And you are for sure there is no owner?"
    "Aye . I wouldn't dare sell another man's horse. Not wanting to end up in the Clink for such dealings. "
    "Very well then. I will take him. I will need a saddle and some saddle bags. And i will pay you kindly for him"

    Nob looked her up and down as if trying to decide if she was gonna be able to afford such a luxury of a horse.
    "Beggin your pardon M'lady but that could be a bit expensive....mind you look a well off sort but horses arent cheap."
    Smiling she pulled a piece of parchment from inside her jacket and handed it to him. Nob handed it back quickly.

    "Sorry M'lady but I cant read. If you wouldnt mind?"
    Smiling softly again she read what the parchement said. It stated that she lived in Knight's Watch and stated she had a healthy bank account with the Britannian bank.
    With that info Nob smiled and gave her a price. She told him she would walk up the hill to the bank and get the gold while he readied her horse. Nob jumped up and over the fence to get busy
    Whistling as he walked into the barn he muttered to himself. Ole Nob be eating good tonight.
     
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  17. Belladonna Rose

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    Riding out of Owl's Head was a pleasure indeed. After looking about the town she was sure she didnt want to come back too often. It was rather oddly laid out. As she exited the gate back into Hidden Vale the air as strange as it might sound felt cleaner. And that awful buzzing sound soon went away the further from the town she got. Riding back to Knight's Watch was much shorter than walking up that road. She truly loved living in Knight's Watch. The coastline made her feel at home and inside the town the docks seemed to be her new found solace. Many an evening she sat on the end of the pier. Bare feet dangling over the edge and her toes barely touching the water. On occasion she would grab a fishing pole and just toss the line in to see what she would catch. After a few months her new found passion had become fishing. She made sure there was a pole and bait whenever she left town. And having fresh fish as a meal was always a welcome from hardtack and cheese.
    She often talked to folks about fishing. And soon learned that there were different fish for different types of water. There was even tales of being able to fish in lava. She would have to investigate this one for sure. And the rumors told of enormous fish that could be caught in lava as well. She decided one early morning that she was going to set out on an expedition. She was going to go all over Novia and fish from where she could. She was sure this would be an interesting task.
    Asking around town she found out there was a book seller in Owl's Head and another one in Brittany Estates. She was for sure not going to Owl's Head. So she pack her saddle bags with a few staples and heading to the docks in Kingsport. She was off to the Regalis region to find Brittany Estates and the book shop. Here she would buy supplies so she could write and sketch pictures of each fish she caught. There was no way she would be able to make it back and forth that often to haul fish back home. And well quite honestly she felt that the smell might attract unwanted attention with the wildlife.
    Once in Kingsport she found a vendor that was selling blank books. She bought one and some charcoal. Why not just start right here. She asked a couple folks on the docks about the waters in Hidden Vale and they told her. She jotted down the names of the areas and water types and there is where her expedition was to start.
     
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  18. Belladonna Rose

    Belladonna Rose Bug Hunter

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    Wandering around the docks in Kingsport she happened upon a fisherman and started up a lively fishing conversation. As usual his stories seemed exaggerated but he was a funny fella none the less. So buying some bait and fishing pole from him she ambled about the edges of the bay. Setting down her backpack she baited her hook and made her first cast. Not too long she snagged her first fish. It was not much to think about. Getting a strip of leather from her pack and a small piece of drift wood she strung the fish on the strap and stacked it to the ground...to allow the fish to float in the water. Live fish are best for selling anyways. She chuckled and baited her hook again. Seemed to her that Mahi was going to be the catch of the day. But the fisherman assured her there were better and bigger fish out there would just take time and skill to snag a big one. Again and again she pulled up the Mahi. After about 3 she opted for the Catch and Release method. Looking about as she waited for another hit the local cats made their way onto the pier. And the local birds were very noisy as well. A few seagulls flew about swooping down and around to see if they could snag something smaller. Soon enough she pulled up a small fish. Very brightly colored. She thought to herself that it was a quite pretty fish and would look nicely in a bowl on display. She waved at the fisherman and he ran down to chat. He told her about a traveler in HIdden Vale that sells recipes for making fish bowls. She would have to look this fella up. In the mean time she put the tiny fish in an empty jar she had in her pack. So much for using that for anything else. Laughing to herself she thought that this 'fishing' thing might be just what she needed to pass the time and relax a bit. Another cast and she sat on the bank of the bay and enjoyed her afternoon of fishing
     
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  19. Belladonna Rose

    Belladonna Rose Bug Hunter

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    After several weeks of travel she sat quietly in a tavern having a nice meal. The place was quiet. The food was good and it was nice to have the comforts of a roof over her head for a change. She pulled her pack to her side and pulled one of her books out. The loose sheaf of paper had her list of places to go. With a check mark next to the ones she had visited she scan down the list. Now from her other adventures she knew this next region was going to be a bit more tedious. Not even knowing if there was fishing in most of these places. It was nice that the town folk here and about were informative and were becoming quite a good source of information. But this region the folks seem to be a bit more tight mouthed. Seems this region is a bit under quite a bit of turmoil. What with the Norgardians, barbarians and kobolds all fighting everywhere you turn. Even the roads were treacherous. And as usual there were always the damned Undead in the way.
    Thinking back on her past adventures she would of thought something more could be done against them. She fought hard to release the Titans so they could try and put things back to right. Alas that didnt happen. Her her mind this was a neverending fight between good and evil. Both of which she could do without. Survival was the key now. And since she was here for the long haul she was gonna make the best of it. Make a home. Make some coin. Make new memories. That is the plan for sure. Once she was done with her fishing travels in this place she was gonna head to that new place folks were talking about . Mistrendur.
     
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  20. Belladonna Rose

    Belladonna Rose Bug Hunter

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    High atop a hillside with a small fire going Bella curled up in her bedroll. The night sounds were normal for this time of year. Nothing ominous moving about. It was nice change from the usual night sounds of late. She pondered a bit about the many nights on the road. She tried hard to make it to towns before nightfall so she could get a nice meal and warm bed to rest in. It was not always possible. Traveling the roads at night we just as dangerous as the daytime if not more. Something was making these creatures restless and bringing them out in the daytime. Looking up through the canopy of the trees she could see some stars. And those shooting stars flying over from time to time. She remembered her first season here with the Comet. That was strange and unnerving. But after a few seasons its not so much a bother now. If anything it alertred her to what was going on in the world. Nothing like wandering into an area for some fresh venison or some wolf pelts to sell and along comes a dragon. For the most part she can handle them. She summons a trusted pet and they take it down. Dragon meat is good to sell on the market. But first time she saw one of them blue glowing dragons she knew she was in for trouble. So she made sure she didnt tangle with those beasts.
    Sleep finally came to her and there the dreams started again. Dreams of the sweet little cottage by the coast. Surrounded by flowers and herbs. Vegetable garden growing full and strong. The sounds of the milk cow in the corral and the clucking of the hens all about the yard. The cottage was surrrounded by trees but arranged in a way that anyone could be seen if they approached. Aletta was good at keeping her haven safe. And not to mention the wardings she had in place as well. Of course the birds would alert her but her magical wardings were in place as well. So not many could sneak up on her.
    Walking in the door the scent of something cooking on the hearth was nice. There was always something in the pot. Of course she had two hearths. She was well known for her herbal tinctures and such. But her food was well known too. Many could not wait for her to come to town and sell her wares. Breads and sweet treats. Healing and medicinal balms. Even bits of furniture she made here and there as well. She was quite the crafter. Bella thought to herself that must be where she got her knack for such things. Little cousin was quite the handy one to have about.
    As she stepped through the doorway the slight voice from the other room yelled out. "Dont foreget to wipe your boots. Or ye be cleanin up the mess yerself"