Part V:A New Sheriff In Town
Summer had just arrived when Rin the goblin was having a discussion with 'Baroness' Kasat at the Fruit of Letters. Tekkud was reciting poetry as Id downed a cup of dwarven wine. Luki and Cañar the elephant man were there too, listening to the poetry.
“We need a sheriff? In Waterlures? But why?”, Kasat asked the goblin, looking surprised.
“Yes, a sheriff. Allow me to explain,” Rin said, continuing, “Now I know things have been peaceful since
I came around and all the citizens are upstanding and law-abiding.”
He paused for a second, gathering his goblin-thoughts.
”But I have heard the tales of the... Of the mysterious deaths -- or, dare I say,
murders, ” Rin stretched the last word. Kasat took a step back and clutched her chest in shock.
“Now you believe, for good reasons -- mind you , that they were the work of 'angry spirits'. Very plausible... But have you ever considered, for even one moment, that there just might -- just
might have been some foul play at work?”
Kasat looked unnerved. She looked around suspiciously: Cañar's focus had shifted from the poetry to the discussion between Kasat and Rin, his flappy ears turning to listen.
“Naturally I'm not accusing anyone, but one mustn't ever rule out any possibilities. And that, that is where a sheriff comes in handy: someone to look into matters, no matter how disturbing. For the safety of all and to cut the head of rumors right off the bat,” Rin explained.
“S-so, if we would have a sheriff, they would investigate affairs others wouldn't want to think of? Is that what you are saying?”, Kasat asked the goblin, continuing, “I think that might be something we could do... However, I must first think on it... Come the end of summer, I will have made my decision. Do you have anyone particular in mind?”
“As a matter of fact, yes. Yes, I do,“ Rin grinned a wide, toothy grin.
“Not to tout my own horn, but I would say that
I would be probably your best bet,” the goblin explained, thinking,
Oh yes, this seems to go in the direction I want. Me as sheriff. Controlling the law, for once...He cleared his throat before continuing, “You see, during my times traveling the world, I, uh, have had my brushes with, let us say, less 'savoury' types... And I have learned their way of thought and methods of crime -- no larceny would go unnoticed by me and the culprits would be immediately brought to face justice!”
That is, my justice.“Hmmm,” Kasat rubbed her chin, “I guess that makes sense. And we do have plans of opening an inn for travelers. Not to mention that our library is full of priceless tomes.”
Kasat straightened her posture, “I will think on it, though I believe I will come to agree on your suggestion. Feel free to make plans for the sheriff's office and quarters...”
Rin's smile grew ever the wider.
“But,” Kasat raised her hand, imitating the gorlak prophet's way of silencing the room, “If we have a sheriff, we will need a hammerer...” She looked around, her gaze stopping at Cañar who had a steel war hammer strapped to his back.
“...And Cañar would be perfect for the task!”
Rin looked at the towering elephant man who tapped the shaft of the hammer. He gulped.
Well, that might complicate matters...
It was a rainy late summer day when Suwu joined the ones to be possessed by unknown forces. She was in the middle of fetching lumber when she felt like she was not in control of her body anymore. At first, she struggled against the unseen force moving her against her will, but soon she gave into it, and allowed it to guide her.
She headed to the 'mines' and claimed one of the dusty workshops, which hadn't seen use for some time now, muttering to herself, “Spibsa Gorbe, Spibsa Gorbe... Bars... Metal... Bones... Yes...”
And off she went to gather materials for her mysterious construction.
Just before autumn's arrival, her work was completed: a pair of sheep bone greaves, which she immediately put on. They would serve her well, and oh, what magnificent greaves they were!
The sheep bones of Spibsa Gorbe, 'The Tangle of Shade', were studded with brass and onto the bones was engraved an image of a human, one Copnut Scorchbarb, who was traveling to the Laconic Prairies. Copnut was a marshal of the Just Union according to legend, and he supposedly tamed great beasts on his many journeys.
The greaves had another image on them, too: giant cave spider silk embroidery depicted a two-humped camel man.
Suwu felt satisfied after creating the artifact. It was a perfect fit, too!
Likot Languagehame, the daughter of Såkzul and Zuglar, was playing in the warehouse above the Fruit of Letters. She enjoyed playing make believe, but was slightly saddened at the thought that soon she would have to stop playing. For, you see, she was eleven years old and nearing her twelfth birthday -- meaning she would be considered an adult.
“When you are twelve, my dear, you will be of age, and those old enough, they don't play: they work and control their impulses, little one,” mother had said. But Likot did not want to control herself! Why, putting oneself on a leash was a horrible, horrible thought and she'd rather not think of such offense to her nature! Yet, family was important -- in fact, it was the most important things in life. She truly loved her family, especially her little brother Logem. She would do anything for them: even stop playing. If that was what was needed.
She frowned as sadness crept in, but it did not last long, for she noticed a swarm of pixies flying between the bins of clothes. She observed them intently, peeking from behind a crate, continuing playing and imagining...
It was once again winter and everyone was gathered at the Fruit of Letters. There was many a reason for celebration this year (no matter how small a reason).
First, the expansion of the tavern had been just finished. The main meeting hall of Waterlures had become quite cramped and more space was necessary -- it wasn't exactly large enough even after the expansion, but at least now you didn't bump so easily into others and spill their drinks.
Second, Kasat had a new announcement to make and everyone was eager to hear what it was this year: was it more marriage arrangements? Or was Waterlures to open for visitors finally? Or maybe plans for the grand observatory and expanded library had been completed?
Hah, little do they know that there will soon be a new sheriff in town! Rin thought, sitting all relaxed and confident. He was certain this would be Kasat's announcement, and, quite frankly, he was eager to move into the sheriff's quarters he had ordered to be built (of course, remembering to mention he was
mandated by the
'Baroness' herself.
“Ahem,” Kasat coughed into her fist, “May I have your attention?”
Everyone turned to face her in anticipation.
“After some rather insightful discussions, I have come to the conclusion that we, the citizens of Waterlures, we need to uphold the rule of Law.” There were some confused 'huhs' and 'whats' heard from the crowd.
“Now I know all of you are decent people, capybara or not... However, as you all very well know, there have been some plans of opening an inn for travelers, maybe even some scholars.” Nods and murmurs of approval went around the room, though some shifted slightly restlessly.
“And we cannot be certain that the visitors are as upstanding people as you all are,” Kasat glimpsed at the reactions of her community members before continuing, “Therefore, I have decided that
somebody needs to be appointed to the task of keeping order...”
Rin grinned.
Yes, and that person shall be... Me!“Thus, let me introduce you all to your new sheriff...”, Kasat turned to look at her left, past Ïteb the prophet at a group.
“Our sheriff shall be none other than the humble and practical Fayoba Claspedleaf!”, Kasat extended her finger towards the elf who was leaning against the wall in his thoughts.
“W-What?”, Fayoba exclaimed, startled by the unexpected responsibility thrust upon him.
Rin almost choked on his dwarven beer, spat it in spray, wiped the foam from his lips and screamed, “WHAT!?!”
=====
So, now we have a sheriff.
Nothing else to report, really. No new marriages, nor any births (though they still might happen -- I didn't play so long today).
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Topic: Waterlures - A Capybara Man Fortress & Adventure [DF 0.47.05] (Read 83595 times)