define('WP_CACHE', true); {"id":73,"date":"2009-03-10T18:08:02","date_gmt":"2009-03-11T02:08:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crossed-paths.com\/logs\/?p=73"},"modified":"2014-02-02T17:28:17","modified_gmt":"2014-02-03T01:28:17","slug":"chapter-5-preparations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/crossed-paths.com\/logs\/archives\/73","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 5: Preparations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chapter 5: Preparations<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/strong>In Which the Companions Head In to Town to Gather Supplies.<\/em><\/p>\n

———————————————————————————————<\/span><\/p>\n

Catamount says: Eventually the sky outside begins to lighten and the ferret slowly begins to wake.<\/p>\n

Arrin says: The otter remains asleep at her side, one arm flopped lightly around her middle.<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra silently examines her surroundings for a moment.\u00c2\u00a0She smiles a little at the otter before slipping out from under his arm and off of the bed. Standing now, she stretches a bit.<\/p>\n

Arrin says: The otter gives a sudden snort and rolls over in his sleep, mumbling something as he settles back down into a new position.<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret chuckles softly and then turns to inspecting her possessions.\u00c2\u00a0 It would be a good idea to find out what she has and what she\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll need for the trip into the mountain.<\/p>\n

Arrin says: Soquan wakes up not long after, stretching out his muscles with a large yawn.\u00c2\u00a0 After taking a quick note of his surroundings, he smiles.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Mornin\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Jozra.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Good morning, Soquan. How\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d you sleep?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He stretches. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153S\u00e2\u20ac\u2122the best sleep I had in a while, what about you?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: She grins and bobs her head.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Pretty good, actually. I suppose the beds in those inns were just too<\/em> soft.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He laughs. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m glad\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret glances over her stuff.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153So what do we do first today?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He slumps out of bed and yawns. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153First we grab some breakfast, then we hit the town.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra nods.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Right-o. Lead on then.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He nods.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Okay.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0He shuffles his way out of the room and towards the kitchen where a breakfast is already laid out for them.\u00c2\u00a0 Arrin greets them with a smile.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Mornin\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 you two.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra nods and grins at Arrin.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Good morning.\u00c2\u00a0 Breakfast smells delicious!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: She grins. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It tastes even better.\u00c2\u00a0 I trust you two slept well?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Soquan nods. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Aye, we did.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret nods in agreement, eyeing the food set on the table.<\/p>\n

Arrin says: Arrin chuckles as she watches the ferret. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Go ahead, dig in, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve already eaten.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra grins and sits herself at the table, digging into the breakfast heartily.<\/p>\n

Arrin says: Soquan sits at his place next to her and eats the meal just as eagerly.<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret pauses long enough to comment to Arrin. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s delicious!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: She blushes faintly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s nothing really, I learned it all from mum, she was a wonderful cook, she said most ferr-\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Soquan cut her off, a serious tone in his voice. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Arrin\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She clears her throat. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Right\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 Can I get you anything else?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra flicks her ear but doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t outwardly acknowledge the slip up, though she does file it away for future reference.\u00c2\u00a0 She smiles again at Arrin. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Everything\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s wonderful; I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t imagine what else I would need.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: She grins.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Something to drink perhaps?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret shakes her head slightly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Nope, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m fine.\u00c2\u00a0 Thank you anyway.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: She nods.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Okay.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0Soquan pushes over a plate of what looks like very thin pancakes and some jam. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Try some of these, they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re great.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra samples a bit of the dish.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Mmm, you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re right, Soquan.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He laughs.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Have I ever not been?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret grins. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve got me there.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He laughs and finishes off his breakfast before standing.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Almost ready to go?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: She polishes off the rest of her breakfast and nods.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yep.\u00c2\u00a0 Thanks again for the meal, Arrin.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: She nods. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153No problem.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0Soquan waits by the door, his staff now held in one paw.<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra stands and then joins Soquan at the door.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153So, where to now?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He grins.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153To Tor\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s shop to get you fitted for some new clothes.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret nods. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153All right then, on to Tor\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He opens the door and steps outside, offering his arm in a mocking manner.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153My arm, madam?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret chuckles and places her paw on the otter\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s arm.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Lead on.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He leads her through the village, pausing only to greet some other beasts, or to point out a certain location.\u00c2\u00a0 When they reach the shop, the squirrel behind the booth grins broadly.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Soquan! I see you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve come back to us.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d The otter laughs.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Aye, I have, but not for long.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra stands quietly beside the otter.<\/p>\n

Arrin says: Tor grins, nodding at Jozra.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153G\u00e2\u20ac\u2122mornin\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 miss.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0He turns back to Soquan. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Just like your father, ain\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you? Reminds me so much of when he came home with your mother, so many beasts were opposed to him marryin\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 a ferre-\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Soquan coughs politely, cutting the shopkeeper off. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re heading up to the mountains.\u00c2\u00a0 My friend<\/em> here needs some clothing fit for the trip\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: This time Jozra can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t keep her face still and she raises an eyebrow before pretending to ignore the comment.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Aye, all of my good northlands clothes are well used and wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t keep me warm enough if we were to be caught in a storm\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: The shopkeeper nods.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yes, yes, right this way ma\u00e2\u20ac\u2122am, we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll take some measurements\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret follows the squirrel to be fitted.<\/p>\n

Arrin says: The squirrel takes out a measuring tape and begins to take measurements around certain places. After he records them all, he smiles.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I think I have just the right thing\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He disappears into the very back and emerges holding a couple tunics and leggings.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Try them on and tell me which ones fit better.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra takes the tunics and leggings and goes into a fitting room.\u00c2\u00a0 After a bit she emerges wearing the pair that fits best.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153These fit pretty good. What do you think?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He nods.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Aye, they look good, I can do a bit better if you want\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He disappears again and emerges with another set of clothing. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Try this.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret shrugs, examining the outfit in a mirror while twitching the cuffs here and there.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Actually, this is pretty good.\u00c2\u00a0 I like it. Though there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s no hurt in trying on some more\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She takes the new set and goes back into the fitting room.<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He waits for her, leaning against the wall.<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra emerges again wearing the new set. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It does fit a bit closer, though the other set wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t too bad in the fitting either.\u00c2\u00a0 Sort of comfortably, slightly baggy.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He looks her over.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153So what do you think?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret nods. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Pretty good, though I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t quite decide between the two of them\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He grins. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Take both of them then.\u00c2\u00a0 Now come on, you can grab the other things and your old clothes from the change room.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret grins back.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Okay.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She retrieves her older set of clothing and follows the squirrel back to the front.<\/p>\n

Arrin says: Soquan grins as he hears them approaching.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153How did it go?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra folds her old clothes. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, I ended up with a good fit and a spare set of clothing.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: His grin remains.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Great, how much do I owe you Tor?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d The squirrel smiles.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Never mind about that, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s on the house.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret raises her eyebrows.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s most kind of you, Mr. Tor.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: Soquan smiles. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Aye, thank you Tor.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0He turns to Jozra.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Shall we continue on then?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra nods.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Seems we got everything we need here. Where to now?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He shrugs.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We should get some food for the trip.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret nods again. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Good idea. Where would be the best place to get that?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He offers his arm again. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The market.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153All right then. Lead on.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He leads her further down the road. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153So what should we bring with us?\u00c2\u00a0 Bread?\u00c2\u00a0 Cheese?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret looks about the town curiously. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve found in my travels that cheese doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t keep very long, though it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s good to have at first.\u00c2\u00a0 Bread keeps longer but gets too hard after a while\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t suppose they have any dried fruit?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He nods.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Aye, and we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll only be there for a day or so.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra nods as well. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Bread and cheese it is, then.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He looks at her hopefully.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Maybe a bit of fish?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret grins. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Fish? Sure!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He grins.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What kind then salmon? Tuna? Trout?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra smiles.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re the otter and hence the expert. What would you choose?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He licks his lips.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I dunno, it all sounds so good\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret chuckles.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s go with the salmon then.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He gives a happy couple of bounds and a joyful whoop.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Good choice!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra laughs.<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He sniffs the air and guides her in a different direction. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The bakery\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s this way.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret follows, an amused expression on her face.<\/p>\n

Arrin says: Once they reach they reach the shop, he opens the door for her, following her inside. He gropes at his belt, finding the pouch almost immediately.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Two loaves of bread please.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The shopkeeper pulls down two loaves and hands them to Jozra, turning to Soquan for payment.<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He pulls out the correct amount of money and pays the beast.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Thank you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0 He turns for the door.<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra tucks the loaves under her arm and exits the building.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153So where do we get the cheese?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He frowns.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We have to walk along the stalls now.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 Tell me when you see a stand.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d They walk.<\/p>\n

Catamount says: After a bit the two happen upon a stand with a merchant selling cheese. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Here\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s one, Soquan.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He nods, turning towards the vendor.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I need a wheel of cheddar cheese please.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d The vendor nods and hands Soquan the cheese once it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s paid for.<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret takes the cheese and tucks it under her other arm.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153To the fish stalls now, I suppose?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He nods. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Of course, do you want me to carry anything?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: She chuckles.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Probably the fish, now that my arms are full.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He nods yet again. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Okay.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra glances around.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153So\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 which way to the fish stalls?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He sticks his muzzle skyward, sniffing the air, he turns right sharply.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153This way.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret grins.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I knew I could trust your nose.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0She follows the otter.<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He grins.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153The smell\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s getting stronger; can you see anything yet?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: The ferret gazes around at the booths.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not yet\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 Oh! There it is.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0 She leads the way to the stall selling fish.<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He follows, his paw already going for his coin pouch.<\/p>\n

Catamount says: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Here we are.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She looks at the otter behind the stall.<\/p>\n

Arrin says: She grins at the two.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What can I get for you, mate?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Soquan grins broadly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153G\u00e2\u20ac\u2122mornin\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Ari, I need some salmon please, just enough for a day or so.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She nods. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153O\u00e2\u20ac\u2122course.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She cuts and wraps some fish for the two and Soquan pays.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Thank you, Ari.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra nods to Ari and then looks to Soquan. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Now where?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Arrin says: He grins.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Now back home for some water and our packs, then we can head off.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Catamount says: Jozra hefts the bread and cheese.\u00c2\u00a0\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Alright then, back to your place.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Chapter 5: Preparations In Which the Companions Head In to Town to Gather Supplies. ——————————————————————————————— Catamount says: Eventually the sky outside begins to lighten and the ferret slowly begins to wake. Arrin says: The otter remains asleep at her side, one arm flopped lightly around her middle. Catamount says: Jozra silently examines her surroundings for … <\/p>\n