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Irnk
After traveling for quite some time you have returned to the lands from which you came.
Everything is as you remembered, the sights, the smells, the trees, the arrow that was just fired at you.
Missing by mere inches the arrow bites into a nearby tree.
As you spin around you here a voice call out "A single Goblin hardly a match for m.... You!" Standing a ways from you is Shalelu, a look of surprise on her face. "I can't believe you've returned alive. When you left I figured you would be dead in a month. What brings you back? Did you miss the swamp muck that much?"
Dot.
"Mwen wè bi ou pa vin pi bon, 'Pwen'. Li te pran ou mwens tan pase sa a nan touye moun chak dènye Blanchlans." Irnk returns Shalelu's 'wit' in kind, glowering dolefully. Spreading his hands in an indication of, if not goodwill at least a cessation of hostilities, he continues. "If you really believed that, it doesn't speak well for you just cutting me free now does it? Might have been kinder to finish what they started."
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Clearing her throat
Ar A dakaal daal mech o A duuch magaan. she responds with a slight smile.
But I've heard an absurd rumor... A goblin who has cast off the evil of his brethren to follow the wisdom of Erastil.
Shalelu's eyes are focused on you, an arrow knocked but not drawn rests on her bowstring.
"So goblin. Is this true? Tell me your name and whom you serve."
"Ou mande poukisa nou rele ou 'lanmò ki rayi'... He grumbles to himself, his hands still raised in placation.
Smirking, he adds. "That's , you never did bother to ask name. Did you, ? Oswa ou pito, lapen? Mwen tande se sa ki popilè 'vwayaj' rele kalite ou. Poukisa ou asosye avèk yo ankò?" Not waiting for an answer, the Goblin continues. ", I'll answer to Irnk. I serve nothing & no-one. I have no home, no family & no community," Now his smirk twists into a mocking sneer. "but you already knew , didn't you?" Considering the rest of her words, the Goblin's head cocks in contemplation. "Ki moun ki te pale de yon bagay konsa? Pale ak moun ki kondane 'vwayaj' kabwèt popilè ankò? Poukisa mwen pa sezi yo jwenn li sa ki mal. Ou Sid toujou jwenn li sa ki mal, non li se ."
"Or do you prefer, Rabbit? I hear that's what Varisi call your kind. Why do you associate with them again?"
Who spoke of such a thing? Talking to those damned Varisi again? Why am I not surprised they get it wrong. You Southerners always get it wrong, his name is .
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"Well, Irnk. she says , emphasizing the k. " you've seem to have come back with more than half a brain in that ugly thing you call a head. How about you put it to use.
"I have need of someone familiar with the goblins in the area. A group is preparing to set off, and they could use a guide. There could even be a good amount of gold waiting for you if you do your duty well."
"Or I suppose you could be boring and attack me, but where's the fun in that"
"Longshanks never go looking for moun ki unless something's gone sour, or about to go sour..." He mutters to himself. "That never ends well. Why are you looking anyway?"
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"The Licktoad goblins in the area have been unusually aggressive, they seem to have found a cache of explosives or fireworks and it's causing no end of trouble".
As she speaks you notice a number of figures approaching along the trail.
Shalelu's ears perk up and she glances over her shoulder.
"Ah here they come" She says to herself. "It looks like now's the time to see if your convictions waiver"
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An unspecified time ago.
Tharjuk has switched rooms recently, since he didn't want to impose on Koya and give her some privacy again. He isn't quite sure what to make of Sandru yet, so he hopes this will help to smooth any resentments that might or might not be between the two men. He got a small room at the Rusty Dragon, which is a nice change of pace. Not that Tharjuk didn't enjoy his long conversations with Koya, but having easy access to music and songs visibly lifted his spirits again.
Yesterday, he had teased Ameiko with one of his divine cantrips, watering down her drinks every now and then. It had taken her a while to figure out who was responsible, and they had a good laugh together. But it seems that Tharjuk somehow lost his bag of dried herbs, and since it isn't anywhere else he went today, it has to be somewhere in the Rusty Dragon. so right now, Tharjuk makes his way to the inn. He half-expects to see Galford on his way, for it has been several days since he last patched up the black-beaked tengu...
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"Galford!!!!"
A laugh as a wet Sandru can be seen chasing his errant foster brother, a tyrant in all things pranks, a rising menance in the history of the caravan's long history of troublemakers. A laughing raven black tengu with a colorful bandanna around his neck by the name of Galford Dao.
"You complained about being dry!!!" came Galford's rallying cry.
"Not like this...." retorts Sandru.
As a smiling Koya comes into view, Galford with a graceful roll over an empty wagon vaults over it with little effort followed by his foster brother shortly.
"Hey mum!" exclaims a grinning Galford.
"Lessons?" as he looks eagar to learn more from his wise mother.
Pranks, chase, Sword practice, more pranks, book learning. Yes things were pretty routine for Galford.
Apex sits in the very back of the common room of the Rusty Dragon, studying her spellbook and a scroll of some sort. To the discerning eye, it can be noticed that she keeps a close eye and the door, and every patron that walks in. Her hood, normally pulled up and hiding her blue hair, is down, showing off said hair, and the strange blue lines that swirl over her skin, coming up from under her shirt, playing across her neck, and disappearing under the back of her hairline, leaving her face unmarked.
She has been in Sandpoint for a while now, and the stares have somewhat subsided as the locals have gotten used to her, but for those who pay attention, the longer she has been in town, the jumpier she has gotten.
After a few minutes of study, she sighs, rolls up the scroll, closes her book, and pulls out a map and her coin purse. She traces a route on the map with a slender finger, and then peeks into the purse with a disappointing look.
Ameiko, could I have a glass of water and your cheapest meal, my lady? She softly says when Ameiko looks her way.
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@Galford
Coming over Koya remarks,
"Well the first lesson today is not to put water where it shouldn't be, such as on Sandru."
"The second will be supper, and what we shall make..."
You here the an odd whistle moments before you and Koya are tackled by Sandru.
"GET DOWN!" Sandru yells. Less than a second later an explosion of sound rips through the caravan, again you hear a whistle followed by a cacophony of sound.
While you can't see any immediate damage to the caravan you do see a few riders that have been thrown off their panicking horses lying unmoving on the ground.
A lonely figure stands in the graveyard over the cliff’s side, wind blowing in her hair and making her robe snap, staring unto a tombstone. Sybil Vekker is staring at Niska Mvasthi’s final resting place.
Please forgive me madam Mvasthi, I cannot do as I promise and follow Koya... I need to put my father's spirit to rest... only them might I fulfill my my duty to you... if I live long enough.
After a moment of silence, the svelte dwarf raises her head. She picks up her over filled backpack and walks into Sandpoint's lower town. She walks down high Street than Festival street and arrives in front of a large building upon which lays a large and rusty dragon.
Sybil pushes to door open and enters the room. As she walks in the room she salutes each of the locals with a smile. The patrons seem mostly surprise, although a few seem happy to see her. Arriving at the bar, she nods a the blue haired woman who sits in a corner before turning her attention to Ameiko who seem to be preparing a dish of potatoes.
"Miss Kaijitsu, how nice to see you again. It is nice to see that you have taken good care of the Dragon, Sandpoint wouldn't be the same without it..."
The two women exchange a few more niceties. After a short while, yet before the meal is ready, the blond dwarf grows more melancholic.
"I meant to ask you, do you know when mister Vhiski's caravan will return? I need to travel north and I would have liked to travel with them..."
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@Apex
"No problem, coming right up" Ameiko says, as she grabs a plate and begins filling it with some potatoes and cured meat.
@Sybil
"You're in luck, the caravan is due to arrive today. I don't know how long you would like to wait around here but I can guarantee the owner will be swinging by. He's an old friend of mine, and he's the one you should talk to."
Finished with the plate she was working on Ameiko, brings it and a mug of water over to the blue haired lady.
Here you go hun, that will be 3 copper. She glances down at the map on the table. "Planing a journey of some sort?" She asks.
Apex smiles shyly at Ameiko, and replies softly.
Aye, Milady. I'll be leaving for Magnimar soon, but I wanted to wait for Sandru to tell him bye. My thanks for the food. You always do have the best meats I've had since Ando..... home.
She seems horrified at the slip up, but pays Ameiko and looks back at the map. Right before Ameiko walks away, Apex speaks again.
Do you know of any villages between here and Magnimar? I fear I have not the coin to make it, but I wish to leave as soon as I can...
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@Galford Dao
After seeing that Koya is alright Sandru jumps up onto one of the wagons.
He peers toward the treeline and after a moment he shouts.
Goblins! They are firing from the edge of the woods.
He turns and begins to bark orders
"Quickly, get anyone who is wounded onto the carts, we need to put distance between us and the forest. Ride North Toward Sandpoint. The goblins would be suicidal to follow us that far"
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At his older brother's orders, Galford springs into action helping the wounded get into the carts after ensuring that Koya was away from danger. Seeing that there are riders down, he tries to get to them hugging cover as he does to bring the wounded to the carts.
Aftermath of the above actions
The thunder of the caravan is loud in his ears as he too sits amongs the carts after the earlier attack.
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Sandru and a few other workers scramble to load the wounded onto the cart. Once they are on board the caravan heads towards Sandpoint. As you move away you can hear the bangs fading into the distance.
Koya is with the injured members healing their wounds.
After 30 minutes or so the city of Sandpoint comes into view over the horizon. Slowing the horses of the caravan, Sandru breaths a sigh of relief.
"Koya, how are the guys doing back there?"
You hear Koya from the back of the wagon"Their wounds were severe but I've managed to get them stabilized. They'll live."
Sandru turns to you
"Goblins are not usually this aggressive, do you have any theories why they might attack a caravan of this size?"
Laughter, jovial conversations, music and the telling of tales could be heard by anyone passing by the Rusty Dragon. Within its wooden walls, most of its patrons could be seen enjoying themselves one way or another, the only thing interrupting their fun was the waitress' arriving with whatever it is they ordered, the low pounding of their footsteps against the floor was easily lost and forgotten among the noise their patrons made as they enjoyed their time here.
There was one person who did not partake in the festive activities of those around him; instead he settled for the warm embrace of sleep, his lying on the bar in front of him his arms wrapped around his face, making it appear like his blond hair had simply grown out of the table, like some sort of strange plant. How he slept with all this happening around him was a mystery, even the sounds of his breathing could be easily missed, his form appearing statue like if one looked at it for a few seconds before moving on.
The soft sound of something being dropped next to his head and the feeling of that object brushing wind into his face roused him, when all noises around him did not, his head rose way too quickly; effectively scaring the waitress who had placed a plate on the counter next to him. Avan looked around not caring for the half shriek he had brought out of his co-worker, his brown eyes trying to make sense of all that's happening around him.
Too much noise, what enjoyment could any of them find when it is so loud here and crowded here The martial artist, rolled his shoulders back before lazily stretching away the drowsiness that had complete control over him just moments ago.
Getting up from his seat his brown eyes began searching the overly populated tavern, looking for the familiar black hair of his boss and landlady Why does she serve food, when she has maids to do that for her...she makes no sense, this place makes no sense He thought as his fingers massaged his neck But I'll take it over Urglin any day...
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Sandru turns to you"Goblins are not usually this aggressive, do you have any theories why they might attack a caravan of this size?"
Galford turns to his brother.
"Your guess is as good as mine but what I fear is that if they dare to attack the caravan. What's stopping them from attacking the town? Maybe reporting to the town mayor would be good. At least warning them would prepare them against any sudden attacks. I guess I could also go out and scout around a bit as well."
Tharjuk doesn't see Galford on his way, which probably means that somewhere someone is cursing the tengu's name. He enters the Rusty Dragon and scans the patrons briefly, before he spots Ameiko in the back. At the bar, a man massages his neck like he just woke up, and Tharjuk almost opened his mouth to say something about early drinking, when he remembered Avan. He was here yesterday... I think he works here? Well, whatever he does he must be good to be allowed sleeping at the bar. He gives Avan a friendly nod, before making his way to Ameiko. Behind her, he now spots that mysterious lady with the blue hair, obviously touched by a spirit of nature. Interesting. Maybe I can get her to talk to me, if she doesn't withdraw herself like yesterday. She must have quite the story to tell.
"Warm sun and easy paths, Ameiko! I am sorry to interupt like this, but have you by any chance seen my bag of herbs and remedies? seems I lost ot somewhere yesterday, and this is the only place left to search... please tell me you have good news."
To the blue-haired woman, he smiles. "I am Tharjuk, of the Shundar-Quah. Again, sorry to interupt like this. I have seen you before, but never got the chance to exchange words - you seem like someone not from around here, like me."
Apex chokes on her food when she realizes the Half Orc is talking to her, and then sputters.
Well... Ack pttthhh.... Met. My name is Apex. I've seen you, before, too.
She speaks softly, politely and washes down the murderous food with some water, and then continues, with a slightly panicked look in her face that she tries to hide.
Is it too obvious I'm not from here? Damn, I spent far too much money on these clothes to try and fit in. Ugh. No, I'm from.... Farther south. I heard you say you were missing some herbs, but I haven't seen them.
At this point she's nervously rambling, but as she speaks the door to the tavern bursts open. When it does, her eyes narrow, she pulls her hood over her hair, and places a hand on her staff, but she stays seated. When she sees it is only some boisterous patrons, she relaxes, sighs lightly, and looks back at Tharjuk, in a strangely appraising sort of way.
You are kind to come speak to me, Tharjuk. Please, take a seat if you like, we can talk and eat together.
If I keep my hood up, and talk to this one, perhaps anyone looking for me would mistake me for a Half Orc friend of his.... Oh, who am I kidding, his arm is bigger around than I. But still, I should be safer if he stays.... She thinks to herself, hoping he sits.
"Nice to meet you, Apex!" Tharjuk takes a seat. "Please don't mistake me for being nosy by saying you were not from here. I just noticed the other day that some people whispered behind your back, and to me it felt like a typical reaction towards an outsider." He smiles at her. "I am kind of an expert when it comes to people, or at least I hope to be, otherwise years of training and education would have been a waste... although Shoanti interactions are somewhat different from the way southeners behave, so it is quite possible I am making a fool out of myself right now." He looks at Apex, and then at Ameiko, expectantly.
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Sandru turns to you"Goblins are not usually this aggressive, do you have any theories why they might attack a caravan of this size?"
Galford turns to his brother.
"Your guess is as good as mine but what I fear is that if they dare to attack the caravan. What's stopping them from attacking the town? Maybe reporting to the town mayor would be good. At least warning them would prepare them against any sudden attacks. I guess I could also go out and scout around a bit as well."
"I doubt goblins would be that stupid to attack the city, but warning the mayor would be a good idea. Grab one of the horses and ride on ahead.
The person you're looking for is Kendra Deverin. Explain to her what's happened, at the very least the city may increase the patrols on this road."Sandru, slows down and calls out for a riding horse.
"Hey, when your done with the mayor, come meet me at the Rusty Dragon for a drink. I'll see that everyone reaches the city safely. We'll talk about what we can do about this issue then.
As he walked towards the man who nodded at him, Avan kept ample distance from the many customers of the Rusty Dragon and tried not to enter their personal space Why did he nod my way? Is there trouble? Is that his way of informing me without adding wood to the fire?Questioned the blond haired man, his trek across the filled tables, taking longer than it should have.
With a curt stop Avan stood next to Tharjuk, his eyes shifting in all directions, in hopes of finding the supposed disturbance, but he only found Ameiko, whom he greeted with mirthless and quite lazy wave of his hand.
"Hello Boss" Hailed Avan, his voice as joyless as the short wave he had just offered Ameiko, following these words his face turned towards Tharjuk "I've seen you before" He sated bluntly, but added nothing further, beyond staring at the older man.
No, you're not making a fool of yourself at all, I think. Only being nice.
She smiles at Tharjuk, looking relieved that he sits. She doesn't remover her hood, but takes her hand from her staff.
I have noticed the whispers and the stares as well, though as far as I've traveled, I've gotten used to it.
Sybil watches as the blond man who was half-sitting half-lying next to her wakes up and walks away. After seeing the man reach the blue hooded woman’s table, Sybil turns her attention to the barman. She asks for a meal of meat and potatoes and enquires what the latest changes in Sandpoint. Finally, curious about the strange group that has congregated around in the back, she asks about then, watching as they speak to each other.
"If it is any comfort to you, I got my fair share of whispers and rumours as well. A savage Shoanti, this far south, living with an elderly woman? I'm sure Sandru was relieved when I rented a room in Ameiko's lovely establishment." Tarjuk touches a scar on his left arm with an absent look in his eyes. "Hard to believe how long I've stayed here by now..."
When Avan steps up, Tharjuk gives him an irritated look, but he catches his wit quickly. "I believe you have, and I have seen you before as well. You work here, yes? Tharjuk, of the Shundar-Quah." He reaches out with his right hand. "You haven't seen a leathery bag with dried herbs around, have you? Seems I misplaced it, and the Rusty Dragon is the last place I haven't checked."
Avan's eyes shifted from Tharjuk's face to his extended arm, his expression shofting slightly towards wariness as he considerd what to do. The man didn't seem to bear him any ill will and he did not have the look of a bounty hunter, bur why would this person offer him such a friendly greeting when most of Sandpoint's residents had nothing but suspicious glares and hesitant words I don't blame them Avan sighed, his left hand found the back of his neck once more before he shook the man's hand with his right.
"Avan" Said the lazy bouncer, as he tried to remember if he saw any bags lying on the ground unattended.
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He rides like wind, making his way towards the vilage with all haste. Keeping low to the saddle to prevent any goblins if they see him from taking shots at him, Galford makes sure that he at least is safe.
Reaching the Village gates, he'll begin to spread the news after all better to let the town know right?
"The caravan has being attacked by goblins!!!!!! My brother is bringing everyone here. Where is Kendra Deverin? She must hear of this!!!"
As Avan approaches, Apex clearly becomes more uncomfortable, and keeps looking toward the exit, her slender hand within easy reach of her staff.
As Sybil starts to dig in her plate, she hears a horse galloping past as well as the familiar voice of Galdford Dao. She quickly shoves her dish aside, puts 3 coppers on the table, throws her large backpack behind the bar, barely avoiding the barman.
"Keep an eye on it!"
She then proceeds to turn to the patrons of the inn.
You have heard! A caravan was attacked, they will need help when they arrive in town. If anyone here has skills as a healer, follow me, now!
The woman dwarf walks to the door of the inn, giving an encouraging look at everyone in the inn and then leaves. She heads for the bridge connecting the road from Magnimar to Sandpoint.
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@Galford
As you approach the city gates, you see some guards stand up, one of them seems to be barking some orders, and you see them draw their weapons.
Seeing this, you slow your horse and approach.
The one that had been giving orders, visibly relaxes as you slow down.
”Hold up now, What brings you here in such a hurry?” He says cautiously.
After quickly explaining about the attack on the caravan, he curses ”Dammit! That's the second time this week, we've had reports of goblin attacks. As he speaks you hear the other guards whispering amongst themselves
”Goblins again?
“What in the hell has gotten into them.”
“Well, they better not come here, I'll Rip em' apart with my bare hands”
“You couldn't rip your way out of a wet sack”
“I'll sack you, if you don't watch your mouth”
Turning to the rest of the guards the gate captain yells “ENOUGH!, unless you want to be put on the next patrol out on the Lost Coast road” Seeing that he's serious the guards shut up and disperse to their posts.
He turns back to you.
“You can find Kendra Deverin at city hall. Tell her what you've told me. In the mean time we will watch for your caravan and give any assistance we can.”
You ride past, towards city hall, stopping only momentarily near the Rusty Dragon to shout a warning about the goblins.
As you approach you recognize city hall, a strongly built stone building, the scars on the building tell of the trials and triumphs in the history of Sandpoint.
Rushing in the front door you call out to speak with the mayor. An older woman in fine clothes reacts when you say this.
“I'm the mayor, what business do you have with me?”
You explain what happened on the road, and her expression visibly angers.
”this isn't the first report of this I have heard, and it can no longer be a coincidence that something odd is happening with these goblins. She begins to pace the floor, thinking quietly. Stopping and seeming to come to a conclusion she calls one of her aids over.
”Contact, Sheriff Belor Hemlock and have him come here immediately. We will convene a meeting to figure out what we are to do about this new menace.”
The mayor thanks you for your information and calls over some of her aids to assist her in preparing the conference room.
@Tharjuk, Apex, Sybil, Avan.
Your time in the Rusty Dragon is interrupted by the door bursting open, as an out of breath Kenku, shouts a warning of a caravan attack, before rushing back out.
Fearing for the worst the four of you as well as a few other patrons run out towards the front gate.
Perhaps 10 minutes after arriving, you see the caravan approaching in the distance.
Sybil you notice odd scorch marks along the sides of some of the wagons.
The caravan approaches the gate slowing to a halt. The guards and the rest of you rush up to where a swarthy gentleman is stepping down from a cart. (Sandru for those who know him)
”We heard of an attack on your caravan, Is everyone all right?”
Sandru nods”Thanks to Koya and her magic the worst we have is a bit of scrapes and bruises, although it could have been much worse.”
Looking around at the crowd that has gathered, Sandru strokes his goatee.
“Did all of you come out to help when you heard ol' Sandru was in trouble? Here I was thinking there were no good people left in the world he chuckles. Well one good turn deserves another. If any of you are going to be near the Rusty Dragon later drinks are on me”
He calls out to the others in the caravan to begin setting up camp just outside the city walls. After a bit to make sure everything is going smoothly he departs into the city towards the Rusty Dragon.
“Did all of you come out to help when you heard ol' Sandru was in trouble? Here I was thinking there were no good people left in the world he chuckles. Well one good turn deserves another. If any of you are going to be near the Rusty Dragon later drinks are on me”
"I am only here because my boss ran out, if she gets herself killed...I've slept on the streets before, I'd just rather not do it again" Answered Avan, his voice too laid back when one considered the subject matter "Also she's one of the few good people out there, to this day I only met..." Avan begins counting on his fingers, his face showing a hint of concentration as if he was trying to remember something that he had only seen a few times.
When it is clear that nobody is seriously injured, Tharjuk relaxes visibly. "The spirits be blessed, this could have gone a lot worse I think." He makes a jesting gesture towards Koya. "Please don't do that again to me, yes? Im still intent to repay the dept of saving my life, preferably not by saving your's in similar, dire circumstances."
After making sure that Koya is ok, Tharjuk will try to catch up with Sandru. "I haven't been here that long so all I know are the stories from around, but did something like this every happen before?"
Apex rushes out with everyone else, visibly concerned. And shouts
Sandru! Are you ok?
When she sees he's fine, she sighs in relief and her shoulders loosen.
Sandru, do you need my help?
Sybil patiently waits for the others to leave some breathing space to Sandru and Koya. As she is standing, a step behind everyone, she is taken aback by the blond man's statement about the people of Sandpoint. She slowly approaches him as he seems lost in his counting and gives him a warm smile.
"The people of Sandpoint may be a little wary of strangers, but they are good at heart. If asked nicely, they would not refuse to provide shelter to you. Trust me, I have lived here for many decades."
The light built, well combed blond and surprisingly smiling dwarvette pauses and holds out a hand.
"I am Sybil Vekker, nice to meet you."
Sybil patiently waits for the others to leave some breathing space to Sandru and Koya. As she is standing, a step behind everyone, she is taken aback by the blond man's statement about the people of Sandpoint. She slowly approaches him as he seems lost in his counting and gives him a warm smile.
"The people of Sandpoint may be a little wary of strangers, but they are good at heart. If asked nicely, they would not refuse to provide shelter to you. Trust me, I have lived here for many decades."
The light built, well combed blond and surprisingly smiling dwarvette pauses and holds out a hand.
"I am Sybil Vekker, nice to meet you."
"I wouldn't know, I mostly stopped fights between drunks at the tavern" Said Avan after he turned his face towards the dwarf who interrupted his counting, his face showing nothinng but a neutral expression "But you're a dwarf so I guess your words could be truthful" He continued, his tone quite serious.
"Anyone who hates orcs that much would probably have some idea of how to judge people" Explained the martial artist, his sincere sounding statement turning grim upon mentioning orcs.
"Avan" Said the bouncer, after he gave her hand a slightly late and hesitant shake is everyone fond of shaking hands here?
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Flying back to his mount with an acrobatic jump. Galford sets off in search of aforementioned sheriff.
Finding said Sheriff, Galdford ignores the fact that in his haste to find the sheriff and his not so expert handling of his mount, Dust covers the sheriff and everyone else around when he stopped.
"Sheriff, you're needed by the mayor. The caravan's being attacked by Goblins, Sandru is bringing them in but....ermmm why are you so dusty?" In an excited voice as He yammers on only to trail off as he notices the dust...........
Upon Avan's statement about orcs, Sybil frowns momentarily before smiling again.
"I hope this will not lead you to think less of me, but I do not hate orcs. I do see that most are brutes and hard to trust. However, as member of most races, not all are the same. In fact, I have had a few succesful trading opportunies with some of them. Also, some rare ones are known to follow gods of the light and ... oh, I believe Ameiko is waiting for you, I shall not detain you any longer. It was nice meeting you Avan. I will most likely see you later at the Rusty Dragon. "
As she finishes her reply to Avan, so does the shoanti man's enquiry of Koya. Sybil excuses herself from the aloof bouncers, tries to avoid looking too grim and approaches the varisian woman. She salutes her he takes the time to catch up with her (and giver her her sympathies for Nika's death).
"... I am glad you were not hurt during the attack. It is terrible, I hope it will not stop Sandru's next business trip. As you have always liked travelling, this would be awfull. But I assume so much, do you still travel with him a lot? I a myself about to travel north, if you are going this way soon, we might go together, this would allow us to exchange on our latest news. Ah, I see the people from the caravan asking for your help setting a few things, I will be at the Dragon tonight, we can meet there and talk more about it. See you later."
Sybil gives a slight pat on Koya's arm, she then leaves toward the rusty dragon where she rent a room in which to leave her bag and returns to her now cold meal. As she does so, she waits for the Shoanti man to come in. Curious to know what debt he owes Koya.
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At the Rusty Dragon later that evening, things have finally started to settle down. Much of the conversation in the bar is of Goblins and the attacks. Sandru is conversing with Ameiko at the bar, and a number of caravan workers and locals fill up tables throughout. A hooded figure sits at the back of the room away from the majority of the crowd
As the evening goes on and drink flows, one of the more boisterous locals pipes up to a caravan worker.
“Look at the lot of you, running away from a bunch of little Goblins... If I were there I wouda taken em all on myself... I would eve picked one up and smashed the lot of em, with em...
“The hell you would have” Says the worker standing up quickly “you want to take this outside?”
Things seem to be escalating but are interrupted when the door swings open with a crack. Standing in the entrance is Sheriff Belor Hemlock, he scans the room, eyes finally settling on the two customers. Seeing him the local man immediately apologizes and retakes his seat. Ameiko and Sandru pause their conversation and turn to the door.
”Gentleman.... And ladies He says tipping his hat to the room. It's come to my attention that there is an issue that has cropped up with some goblins.” He walks over to Ameiko and hands her a scroll. “Ameiko, I figured I'd give your customers the first kick at the can on this... Sandpoint has reinstated a bounty on goblins. That's 10 gp for every relatively fresh goblin ear delivered to the town hall... with an additional reward of 300 gp for the group who can bring in the head of the Licktoads’ leader, Chief Gutwad.
The crown begins to murmur with excitement, but Belor cuts them off.
”I shouldn't have to remind you why the last bounty ended. A good group of hunters died trying to get ears.
He heads towards the exit and before leaving turns around.
“And one more thing don't come to my office with a sack full of ears, Go to town hall... If anyone comes to me to redeem ears I am locking them up for a week.
With that he turns and leaves.
Sighingin relief as the sherrif left, Avan sat once more on his chair That was kind of him helping me with my job...too bad I cant make them behave with one look the unethusiastic worker looked towards the hooded figure and sighed in rrelief once more, glad that she has not left I have to take care of something first Avan looked towards the blond dwarf and sighed for third time in a row I know I am terrible at explaining things but how could anyone misunderstand something so simple....
"I don't think any less of you, it is the opposite, you probably thought I was being....what did Ameiko call it? Sarcastic...I was not" With these words Avan got up and began walking towards the hooded figure, grabbing a chair from one of the half full tables without even bothering to ask for permission.
Once in front of his target he sat down on his claimed chair in a lazy manner and gave a wave that could very well have been the twin of the one he gave Ameiko "Hello" He greeted the mysterious figure, his face lookibg just a bit more livly than usual.