Paul nods at the young Halfling and watches her leave.
Then he turns and swings the door open and strides into the common area, listening the elf make his introductions as he moves back to the table, swings out a chair, and flings himself into it.
His eyes are dark, as if something very serious is troubling him.
As he listens to the elf make his introductions, he casually leans over to Gii and whispers in his ear –
”Doc – that Halfling gal in the kitchen? I reckon she’s got that thing that Leera’s got - leastways, I’m pretty damn sure of it… She skipped off just now pretty quick; but I saw her twitching hard, like she’s covering for something and close to turning into one of them beast-like creatures, you know – like the curse thing?” he says softly.
”She may get hurt maybe, or may hurt others if she ‘turns’ in the street on the way back to her home or something. I'm keeping it quiet as I don’t want to panic folk none, but anyhow, you’re the doc and a priest – what do you reckon we ought to do?”
Then he leans back in the chair, waiting for Gii to respond.
Clearly uncomfortable with something, he lights up a cheroot to calm his nerves and looks around the room, checking to make sure there are no eavesdroppers.
"My dreams were troubled. I understand now why the villagers are on edge."
The beautiful Tien woman still looks almost radiant but there is a tension around her eyes that was not there yesterday.
"My dreams were troubled. I understand now why the villagers are on edge."
Paul takes a long draw from his cheroot and glances at Blue Heron.
"How do you figure?" he says to her, his own eyes glancing around the place, as if he's waiting for something - or someone - to come inside...
Linndell turns to Paul
You seem to be on edge. Something bugging you?
Linndell turns to Paul
You seem to be on edge. Something bugging you?
Paul turns from Blue Heron, his eyes flicking to Linndell.
”Worried about the town, I reckon – and some of the folk in here is all,” he says, his eyes glancing past the elf toward the door of the tavern, studying it, as if waiting for something.
He picks up a cup from the table and pours himself another drink of the coffee, drinking it slowly and decides to be a little more open with the newcomer, especially as Dalvis vouched for him.
”Plus, I’m waiting on a guy – I got to do a thing before we head out,” he adds.
Gii walks down into the common area, rubbing sleep out of his eyes, even though he's been awake for a few hours now. "Good morning," he calls to the others before settling down at the table. Gladly nursing a mug of coffee, it takes him a moment to realize there is someone new at the table.
"Oh. Greetings, and great Nethys' blessing upon you, friend. I am Doctor Gii, servant of the All-Seeing Eye," he introduces himself, bowing as much as he is able to while sitting. Though his words are polite, there is a distinct unhappy look on his face. "You must excuse me," he apologizes, "but I did not rest well, and I am feeling slightly under the weather. I did not mean to ignore you."
”Doc – that Halfling gal in the kitchen? I reckon she’s got that thing that Leera’s got - leastways, I’m pretty damn sure of it… She skipped off just now pretty quick; but I saw her twitching hard, like she’s covering for something and close to turning into one of them beast-like creatures, you know – like the curse thing?” he says softly.
”She may get hurt maybe, or may hurt others if she ‘turns’ in the street on the way back to her home or something. I'm keeping it quiet as I don’t want to panic folk none, but anyhow, you’re the doc and a priest – what do you reckon we ought to do?”
Gii sighs, still rather testy after not getting a good night's rest. "I'll check her over the next chance I get," the Nethian tells the other man. "I'm starting to get the feeling that whoever these fellows who seek to stop us are, they are really not good at doing things in anything but the most roundabout manner possible."
Hmm...it seems that you weren't the only one to have a restless sleep. Miss Heron had one also. They might be related. On another note, what did you guys have in mind in regards to the task at hand? Any leads or information we can act upon? Any gear we need to, ahem..."acquire"?
Linndell laughs slightly after his last comment.
Hmm...it seems that you weren't the only one to have a restless sleep. Miss Heron had one also. They might be related. On another note, what did you guys have in mind in regards to the task at hand? Any leads or information we can act upon? Any gear we need to, ahem..."acquire"?
Linndell laughs slightly after his last comment.
Paul glances at Gii with a surprised look on his face.
Something’s up with the doc – he was in bed for twelve straight hours and he’s complaining now that he didn’t sleep right?
”Sorry, doc – didn’t mean to rile you,” he says.
Paul swings himself to his feet and glances at Linndell.
”Oye – Linn; you want to get the skinny from my mates no worries; but if you want to give me a hand, I got to take care of something fast…” he says with a brisk voice to the elf.
He glances at the others.
”Hey – ya’ll figure out what you’re going to do; I’m going to be back in a few…” he says to them then polishes off the coffee and heads out the door quickly.
Sure I can give a hand.
Linndell quickly finishes off his coffee and heads out with Paul.
Gii nods to the two as they leave the table, before turning back to the others. "Well, what do you think we should do?" he asks, before removing his glasses and massaging the bridge of his nose. "I am not in the best of shape, but I will do my best to assist where I am able."
|
Ayreth taps her nails on the table while waiting for food. Once it arrives, people again have the opportunity to observe that her appetite is both healthy and carnivorous.
She smirks a little at Paul's rapid departure. It's always something.
"Our best lead still appears to be the Nesher Mine. Unless you have any new information regarding the orb after studying it, Doctor Gii?"
Sure I can give a hand.
Linndell quickly finishes off his coffee and heads out with Paul.
As the two exit the place, Paul glances around to make sure they're not being overheard.
"We found a lass the other day - she got some kind of crazy poison or curse put on her... We did what we could to stop it, but I reckon there may be others in town that got it."
"The curse thing made her turn into kind of an animal - like a bloody lycan... I was talking to this Halfling lass in the kitchen and I see her starting to get this twitching; so I figured maybe she's got the same thing going on, too..."
"She rushed out fast, though; said she had to get back to her homestead - I worried she might get to twitching on the way home; maybe she changes to some half-beast creature - maybe she get's hurt, maybe hurt's others... Who the hell knows?"
"Right now the plan is to get to her place as fast as can be; find her, and do what we can to give her a hand... I'm thinking we can take her to the town priestess quick-smart; and maybe the priestess can do something for her that we can't..."
He notes the elf is following and Paul glances at him.
"You're good people, Dell," he says to the elf with a quick nod "I like that - you'll fit in good, I reckon," he adds.
Nalan came out of the kitchen -- a large pot of steaming coffee in one hand and a tray laden with breads, cheeses, eggs and cold meats on the other. For a normal person, such a load would be considered rather heavy, yet the barkeep seemed to handle it without so much as a sweat, even tired-looking as he was.
"Eat", was the only word he spoke to the group (almost a command) before taking his tall form back behind the counter/bar and setting up mugs, jugs and cups on the sideboard. He muttered some loud curses every now and again.
Aside to Dalviss, "Do not forget breakfast for the guest that arrived yesterday. I imagine she is quite famished."
Giving a perceptible nod, Dalviss stood up slowly, favouring his old wounded leg, and moved to the counter and had a quiet word to Nalan who a moment later disappeared back into the kitchen.
Returning to the table to finish breaking his own fast, Dalviss smiled at Ayreth before softly replying, "It is done, Mistress Ayreth. Thank you for the reminder. I had meant to undertake it earlier, but was sidetracked by this new fellow." He gently patted her hand with his older, lined one.
|
|
Ayreth places and rests her other hand on top of his hand and smiles genuinely at the older man. Quietly, she says, "It speaks well of you that you care so much, and that you don't try to hide it. I'm glad she has you to watch out for her." It reveals a little more about herself than she intended, but Ayreth is very moved by Dalviss' concern.
Once more of the group has assembled for breakfast, she will discuss the events of the previous night. "Mister Antairis and I followed the four miners last night, but it did not reveal much. Oddly, their actions seemed quite innocuous. Either something else that is odd is going on, or they knew we were following. Which is a possibility, since sneaking is not a talent of mine. I must be too honest and forthright," she ends with a mischievous grin.
** spoiler omitted **
Paul glances at Linndell and nods.
”Oye – Miss Fastleaf?” he calls out, then opens the gate and moves into the yard looking around.
”Ya’ll all right?” he calls out looking for her.
He turns to Linndell and nods at him; hoping he’s ready for danger, even though they’re here to help.
** spoiler omitted **
I'm not actually referring to the scrolls; Paul doesn't know formally what's up with the girl - she may be cursed, and she may not be. But he's hoping that no matter what her condition is the priestess can look after her (it may be something mundane, such as fever or epilepsy, for example).
As for the Diplomacy roll, that's for the Halfling since Paul and Linndell are entering her home without permission and she may need to be encouraged to follow him with polite words.
”Oye – Miss Fastleaf?” he calls out, then opens the gate and moves into the yard looking around.
”Ya’ll all right?” he calls out looking for her.
Sahriah heard her name being called and rushed to the front door of her house.
Looking out she noticed the fellow from the kitchen at the inn.
"Mister Antairis? Yes, yes I am alright, just tired. What's the matter? Why have you come?"
Mister Antairis and I were just wondering if you were feeling ill. You seem a little out of sorts. Is everything okay?
Linndell puts on a helpful face, showing concern.
Sahriah wiped her hands on the apron, leaving another set of green stains.
The Halfling eyed the Elf. "Don't know your name, fella. But as you can see I'm hale enough. Busy, too. Working on a new batch of herbal remedies for those in town sufferin' from headaches and somesuch."
The Halfling's head jerked a moment before she raised her hand in goodbye. "Got to get back to me work", and with that she disappeared inside her house.
Paul glances at Linndell and gives him a look when her head starts to twitch involuntarily, then he glances back to Halfling as she starts to disappear.
"Begging your pardon Miss Fastleaf - this is my pal Mister Rallos, he's curious to know about local plants and remedies and such... You know; stuff that's good for what ails you," he adds, giving Linndell a nod, hoping that the elf can be a bit more diplomatic here...
"Mind if we look over your stock? We ain't here to waste your time; we got coin..." he adds, then turns to the elf.
I reckon we'll see if Lin can do a little sweet talk on his own, cause Halfling folk like good manners and such... Still, I figure he may be able to convince her that he's friendly enough; at least until we get a chance to see how she's really doing... I hope...
Yes, my friend here says that you might now a remedy to to get rid of an aching head in the morning. No, not from too much drinking, unfortunately.....haha. That and something to help someone sleep. I've been having a terrible time sleeping the last week or so. If you would be so kind as to avail us of your expertise?
Bart was chowing down quite eagerly on whatever food he had been served, showing his true colors as a growing lad, which had been hidden the night before by weighty matters. He looks at the others curiously, then swallows his mouthful to speak. "Ain't many people that be good with all the sneakin. Surprised we got as many as we do that can scurry about without bein seen. Might be that I could have been of use, but I'm with Gii and you, Miss Scary, in needin rest after fights. Alar... not so much, but he can't be goin far from me before the... er.. spells I use ta summon him destabalize."
Sahriah poked her head out the door and listened to both males. Her head jerked once more and her mouth twitched as she attempted to sense their intent and the earnestness of their plea.
"I'm a busy woman, I said. But you may as well come in ... Antairis, Rallos, don't ya be touchin' me wares, ya hear?! They've been promised to other payin' folk in town. But if you're ailin' and you got coin, I'll find a herbal concoction that'll help. Hurry. I haven't got all day, ya know..." and with that the Halfling's head disappeared inside the door.
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While Bart doesn't stutter, the small unnatural hitches in his speech give him away. He seems to believe that he is a much better liar than he actually is. When Bart meets Ayreth's gaze, she has a slightly raised eyebrow that could mean Miss Scary?, but might also mean I know you aren't telling the truth, but I won't say anything in front of everyone; but, either way, has a simple We'll talk later to it.
Aloud, she says, "Yes, Mister Antairis seemed at home sneaking in the dark." There is a definite iciness in her tone when she mentions Paul. "I can guess that it was my fault if we were seen. Either way, we learned little of use... regarding the 'miners', at least."
"My dreams were unnaturally troubled. However, I still think we should investigate these mines."
Gii swallows a mouthful of his food and nods at Blue Heron. "I concur. We must keep up the momentum, less we risk them finding out that we managed to save our friend," the Nethian says, purposefully leaving out Leeara's name. "While we have the upper hand, we should continue with our investigation."
"Don't like the idea of walkin right to their base, but maybe if we be quick enough we'll have surprise on our side." Bart wrinkles his nose a little. He liked plans that had a bit more subtlety, but sometime direct was called for. He nods. "Aye. I be wit ya. The moment Coat and the new guy return, lets head to the mines."
** spoiler omitted **
Paul will go in with Linndell. Right now she’s been very twitchy; spasming a lot. He’s worried that she may actually have the same thing that Leerah has and that she may suddenly change. Right now he’d like to pretend to buy stuff; but he’s really trying to study her and see if she has any indication of being cursed like Leerah.
Is there any roll I should make to be able to observe that?
Either way, Paul will wait for about ten minutes in the store looking to buy stuff; if there is no indication that she will change soon, he’ll note her condition and stability at the least and report it back to his friends.
He’ll note any issues she may be having that he hasn’t before (if applicable) and then report them to his friends as soon as he returns to the tavern.
He just wants to make sure she’s not going to change like Leerah did; as soon as he's sure she's okay for at least a couple of hours, he’ll go report the whole thing to his friends and then the priestess.
As the group is gathered at the table, Yuki suddenly stands, posture erect and a strange smile on her face.
"I think you folk have got this handled." she bows.
"Perhaps I was a bit under prepared. I think I'm going off to a town that is less depressing. I'm all for helping people out, but...well...Good luck you all."
With that, she gives a smile and a nod to everyone and leaves the Mineshaft.
Outside, she gives a pat to her her horse before mounting it and leaving Dustpawn.
Gii blinks as Yuki leaves, sparing a confused bow to the woman before she exits the Mineshaft. "Be safe," he calls after her.
** spoiler omitted **
Paul watches her go about her business, asking her questions about the nature of the herbs she has in a casual way, but merely trying to stall to see if she’s alright.
During this time he does what he can to make a full study of her, putting all of his focus and attention on her condition to see if she’s exhibiting any outward signs of the same condition that Leera had. He remembers clearly the signs that she showed when she wasn’t in animal form, yet still under the persuasion of the curse; he studies her carefully to see if she has any of the same symptoms – even remotely.
After he makes his diagnosis, he will determine what to do…
Sahriah walked to her workshop at the back of the house. It had a dual purpose as a greenhouse.
On the benches, there were rows of planter boxes with various assortments of herbs, all tagged with small pieces of parchment and neat handwritten labels, declaring what herb was planted in each box. On closer inspection, one can see mugwort, skullcap, lavender, mullein, chamomile, feverfew, ragweed... So many boxes and small wooden crates filled with plants of all shapes and sizes. There were also dried herbs hanging on string and hooks from the ceiling ...
Sahriah set about to her work again, tying small bouquets of one herb or another and setting them in rows on the wooden table she used as a work bench.
"As you can see, I have decent stock of high quality herbs. Let me know which takes your fancy and I'll tell ya if it will cure your respective ails..."
There is a slight twitch to her face every now and again, especially if the Halfling concentrates on a particular task or becomes agitated. Occasionally she will paw at the dirt in the pots. The pronounced dark circles under her eyes is testament to the lack of sleep Sahriah has complained of since the encounter with Paul in the kitchen of the inn.
"...The moment Coat and the new guy return, let's head to the mines."
Dalviss' scratched at his white beard, his pale-blue eyes roaming the occupants around the table.
"Misters Antairis and Rallos have gone to Sahriah Fastleaf's house. I can give you directions to her place, if you'd like to go there. Just let me know..."
** spoiler omitted **
Paul studies the various plants and herbs; his eye noting that many of them are not native to this type of terrain and must have been imported from far off places. His respect for her work grows for her.
In an effort to stall for time while he studies her, he asks if he could buy a small box of fresh pipeweed, as well some fresh ground coffee for the trail – if she has any.
Meanwhile, he studies her intently as she works.
”Miss Fastleaf, ya’ll seem like you’re not doing too well, if you don't mind me saying so...”
He rubs his chin thoughtfully.
”I heard rumor of someone that was having trouble with some kind of poison – the poison worked in ‘em hard and they ended up going through some bad issues… Messed with them bad; they went through some bad things… Rumor has it that this person went to the priestess at the chapel in the town and she cured that person of the poison…” he says looking at her intently.
”If you ever run into a person who’s got that kind of trouble – you know, if someone comes to you looking for an aid to poison or something – maybe you tell them to go to the priestess – she can fix them,” he says to her seriously.
He looks at Linndell and nods.
”Come on, Lin – we maybe got to hurry; by the now the gang’s probably already on the way to some other thing by now,” he says and nods to the door.
”Thank you kindly, Miss Fastleaf – it was a real pleasure,” he adds, tipping his hat, then exits.
"Misters Antairis and Rallos have gone to Sahriah Fastleaf's house. I can give you directions to her place, if you'd like to go there. Just let me know..."
"I would appreciate that," Gii says to his employer, a neutral look on his face. Unlike yesterday, it appears he's making a concerted effort to seem calm today.
'Nethys blast those dreams. I have not felt this poorly in the morning since the acolytes made me drink with them that once...,' he thinks to himself, his brow furrowing slightly.
"I would appreciate that,"
As Paul has returned to the inn with Linndell he looks Gii.
"I'm here," he says to the doctor.
He glances around the room with a thoughtful expression, thinking for a moment.
Hmm... I reckon that some folk are pissed that I go off and try to get things done without waiting around for them to come along...
He shakes his head, realizing that if he doesn't flat out tell his companions what he's thinking about then there won't be any way for them to know.
He sighs.
"I got a hunch that me going off to do stuff without everyone is pissing some of ya'll off."
"I'd rather folks come with me, but ya'll got to do what you got to do."
"Anyhow, now I'm here - with ya'll."
"When you know what ya'll want to do, just let me know."