Gustav gets up the morning after going through Malkar’s crucible. He got plenty of sleep, but looks exhausted by anxiety. The large gleaming crow keeps poking at Gustav’s side since it hasn’t eaten yet and is hungry. Gustav ignores the crow and mindlessly throws some hard tack pieces and a bit of leftovers from Mavon’s dinner the night before on the ground. The crow quickly plops down to the ground and eats the kernels of food.
Gustav sees Ethelred is up and inventorying his remaining equipment.
“Ethelred, Do you like being in the city? I am getting confused.
There are so many people, so many factions all in such a small area. Gangs, Guilds, Collegiums, Temples, Stores, Taverns, Stalls, Houses, Barracks, Briggs, Jails, Mansions, Palaces. Then there are Thieves, Priests, Scholars, Brigands, Mercenaries, Soldiers, Dogs, Rats, Cats, Barkeeps, Torturers, Executioners, Nobles, Mongers, Engineers, Mages and Morticians. And we have met and dealt with many of these just in the last few days.
Sure, I meet these people and factions over time out across Aegir, but it takes years and many miles of travel. Most days out in the real Aegir are just travel, eating, talking to your team, sharpening weapons, shaving coins. Every once in a while meeting another group of travelers. And then repeat the next day.
I wonder if Sutheron was created by evil magical forces as a way to enslave a large amount of people to keep them busy arguing and fighting against each other. There are small groups helping each other, but usually created in opposition to another group. Gangs created to protect their neighborhood eventually take to stealing, blackmail and the “protection” racket in their own neighborhood. Before Aegir took over Sutheron and before Aedelfried and the Red Cloaks took over, was Sutheron a wonderful place where everyone helped each other? I doubt it. I suppose that is a question for Alexis.
I feel lost in Sutheron. I will stay and help as long as Alexis needs. But this place is well outside my heart. What do you think about Sutheron now? I know you are interested in becoming a member of the Collegium as there are many gifts of knowledge of materials for pit fighting they can give you. But what about after? Are you getting used to the city, do you like staying here? The rat is good I guess.
Perhaps this is just a reaction to Malkar’s Torture and I am feeling down today. Ignore me if I am talking nonsense. But I do miss Aegir.”
While Ethelred seems to be in thought as to his answer, Gus notices Rask listening:
“Oh, and what do you think Rask? You are an Aegerian too. I haven’t known you for as long as I have known Red, what do you think about the city. Do you like it? Do you find it invigorating? Do you prefer the city or the wilds?”
Rask’s nose twitches.
“This place stinks.” He spits on the ground.
“There are too many people all in one place here, and certainly not enough trees. All these people piled on top of each other means a lot of fighting though.”
Rask smiles slightly, comforted by the thought of something he understands.
“It’s like a big, slow battle, and like a battle it’s exhausting and most of all I look forward to telling great tales about it around a camp fire when it’s done.”
“Being raised in the capital I find noting shocking here in Sutheron, beyond the decay of once grand buildings… I supposed.
Being in Sutheron wasn’t for pleasure, we have a mission. What is getting me down in the lack of focus. We have spent time in sewers, time in libraries, time chasing a necklace, time debating me joining the Collegium, time feasting and bathing with Mavon.
Well the bathing has been nice.
What has gotten me down is our lack of focus. We arrived with something that felt like the edge of a sharp knife, and now that we have cut into some bones, the blade has dulled, or focus lifted to the chaos of this city.
Do not blame Sutheron for our woes, blame the lack of allegiance to the goal. We have a possible option to leave this city right now. We could all in our favor with NordenThrep and be on our way. But we have stepping into many pits here, and it is yet to be seen if we can climb our way out anytime soon.
So I share some of your anxiousness Gustav, but we disagree on the source.”
“Hmmff,.. Interesting way to look at it Rask. A large continuous battle. That is probably another reason I don’t like it. Battles should be quick and with small groups. I guess that would be called a skirmish.”
“And Red, you might not blame Sutheron for our woes, but I certainly will. Too many shiny coins everywhere. But once you pick up the coin so it can be shaved, a giant tentacled teethy monster comes out of it eating your head making you drop the coin. Humans weren’t meant to not be distracted by coin. It is in our nature… And I suppose litigious dwarves. But they are smart enough to stay in their caves and make others go get the coins for them!”