09-04-05 1

Characters involved: Udat & Zoe_Lang.

Salamandastron: Entryway

Udat watches the sudden departure of the crowd, the arrival not lost to him at all. Ears that work off vibrations rather than the 'sounds' more commonly known by other creatures can be thanked for that. Straightening up, he gives the approaching, and apparent ranking officer, a brief once-over before bowing slightly. "A good evening to you, Ma'am..."

Zoe_Lang inclines her head in a nod of greeting to the newt. Most notable about the doe's appearance would likely be the limp which carries her towards him. "Likewise t' you, friend. My runnah tried t' explain the situation, but..." She waves a paw vaguely, "Mayhaps we'll do bettah startin' with greetings. I'm Colonel Francis, Zoe t' most."

Udat says, "Apothecary Udat Mordem... though, most simply call me by my first name, and leave titles and formalities aside. It is preferred, to be honest." He notes the limp, and...as his healer's instinct might permit, tries to guess the extent of the damage. "The situation is probably as best as previously described. Halyard's condition and recent turmoil have left a rather...used supply vein for certain herbs all but useless, and now I am seeking out alternatives."

It is not a new, tentative limp, resulting from the pain of movement, but rather an old, settled limp - more an awkwardkness of movement than anything. The appearance of the two types differ, to an extent. "I see... Well, if there is a particular herb that yer in need of, I imagine we could see our way towards helpin' ya durin' this present time o' trouble." The older doe gives a thoughtful nod. "And I do believe I could put ya in contact with a local tradah. The beasts of Halyard do business with the fellow, though 'm not sure where he's found business in the past season."

Udat nods. "Of course...but, perhaps such introductions are best saved for a time when the sun is out, and I am not drained from travels. While swimming is swift, and mostly effortless, the cold water does have a draining effect on me, and the breeze from the ocean does little to help that fact."

Zoe_Lang smiles slightly and inclines her head. "A fine suggestion, good sah. Would it do ya good t' remain in our care fer the night here at the mountain, or have ya othah arrangements undah some othah roof?"

Udat says, "I have no other arrangements, other than, perhaps, a rickshaw and fire." He chuckles. "A room within solid walls would be appreciated, if such an arrangement could be offered."

Zoe_Lang chuckles and nods, making a sweeping gesture back the way she has come. "Well then, follow me. We'll settle you fer the night 'n' mayhaps speak on othah things t'morrah."

Udat says, "My thanks, Colonel." He checks his grip on his staff and takes a few steps to follow as directed. "This is, from what I have heard and thus far seen, quite an impressive establishment..."

Slowing her pace until Udat falls in line beside her, the doe glances to the side at Udat and nods her head to the staff. "I'll have yer staff stored in the armory durin' yer stay, so ya needn't worry about it." At his compliments, she looks up towards the ceiling. "Aye, 'tis quite a place."

Udat nods. "Of course, it serves its purpose rarely, thankfully...though I've broken it in with age and time. Keep it well..." He returns his focus to the walls as they move along. "Who originally built the fortress, if you don't mind my asking? History always was an interest of mine."

Zoe_Lang shakes her head, "Don't mind a'tall, lad. The Badgah Lords of old built this place..." The doe smiles fondly, still looking up and around. "I've lived here fer more than half of m'life, but there're days that even I come across rooms 'n' tunnels in the caverns that I don't recognize..." As they near the first level intersection, she pauses and nods towards the stairs. "Just up the stairs 'n' directly across the way you'll find the sleepin' dormitories. Just there," she points to a doorway. "you'll find our dinin' chambah. You're welcome t' both."

Udat nods, offering a slight bow again. "Much thanks, Colonel... And, of course, here." He offers the staff over. "Tomorrow, once I've some time to soak in the sun a little, I should be a fair bit more talkative. Until then, have a pleasant evening."

Zoe_Lang takes the staff with a nod of thanks. "Sleep well. We hares eat with the mornin' sun, but I imagine there'll be somethin' left if you happen t' turn up a bit latah than that." She smiles and returns the bow with a brief salute. "G'night, lad."