Haelvor
As Haelvor begins to sprint across the cathedral square towards the part of town that holds the Curious Goblin, he runs straight into a Tian woman that, in the growing dark of the early evening, appears to be Ameiko Kaijitsu, proprietress of the Rusty Dragon Inn. She cries out briefly as both of them tumble into the cobblestones.
She winces as she looks over at the half-elf sprawled next to her and smiles as she recognizes him. "Haelvor! I'm so glad that I ran into you. Or you ran into me, more like," she says, her Tian-accented common holding a humourous lilt to it, and she smiles and reaches out to the oracle that they may both help each other up.
Shaedeen
The meeting with Kaye is short and sweet, and the woman nods knowingly as Shaedeen tries her very best to not explain why she is leaving the Kitten. "You just keep yourself away from trouble, y'hear me? Or at least stand up to it if it follows you," Kaye says, offering her last piece of advice to Shae as the girl leaves with her few meagre belongings.
Walking back towards the Cathedral Square and reviewing the days events in her head, as she turns the corner to head back into the square, she watches as Haelvor and Ameiko collide into each other and end up sprawled across the cobblestones.
Ratimir, Serolt, Vanea, and Zhu
From the place that the remainder of the group currently stand, they watch helplessly as Haelvor bolts away back towards the center of town only to find himself crashing headlong into Ameiko Kaijitsu.
Shaedeen winces as Haelvor blindly barrels into the poor woman, dropping them both in a tangle of limbs. She rushes forward as the pair helps each other back to their feet. When she catches a glimpse of how pretty the fallen woman is, Shaedeen wonders if perhaps Haelvor might just have run into her on purpose.
"Are you both alright?" she asks. Then, to Haelvor, she adds, "Where are you charging off to in such a reckless rush? Perhaps I can help you, but afterwards I've got to try to get a room for the night at the White Deer...if there are any still available with the festival and consecration ceremony being today."
When she gets the chance, Shae approaches Ratimir and tells him that she's quit the job Vhiski set up for her.
"I'm assuming you don't want to confront him or the Sczarni tonight after the goblin raid taxed you so," the girl tells the older man quietly. "Do we confront them tomorrow or let the wolves track us to ground?"
Ratimir gives a friendly slap o Serolt's back. "I, for one, am staying at the Rusty Dragon. It's a fine place, with the added benefit of an even finer owner. Miss Kaijitsu is full of intereseting stories to tell, and if you can match her narrative skills, she might even get you a room for free—or so I've heard."
As he walks along the rest of the group, he spots Ameiko crashing against by Haelvor. "Speak of the devil: there she comes!" He walks up to them and bows to the Tian woman. "I was just recommending your inn, Miss Kaijitso", he says courteously. "Are you alright?"
------
To Shae
"I'd rather get it over with. We'll meet them as soon as we sort this out. I'm guessing they won't be bothered by the raid."
Ratimir gives a friendly slap o Serolt's back. "I, for one, am staying at the Rusty Dragon. It's a fine place, with the added benefit of an even finer owner. Miss Kaijitsu is full of intereseting stories to tell, and if you can match her narrative skills, she might even get you a room for free—or so I've heard."
"Well I'm not a very good story teller, but I could make some stuff up I suppose." he grins.
He walks with Regin to be with the others, though he stays quiet for now.
Haelvor retains his air of panic. "Sorry, sorry, sorry," he clucks. "I was ... have you seen ... er ... Master Quink? Is he alright?"
He pauses.
"Er ... pleased to see me why?"
He stops to think and reorder the words, but decides that, now they're out there, he'll let them stand.
Vanea giggles as she watches Haelvor and a woman sprawled on the ground
That's quite a direct approach.
Ameiko looks up at Shaedeen and beams a broad smile at her. "Yes, I am quite fine, and I believe that the only lasting injuries will be to pride here, and hopefully not even to that," she says, humour quite evident in her voice, even though she doesn't outwardly laugh. Turning to Haelvor once he has gotten up from the cobblestones, she bites her lower lip slightly at the panic in the half-elf's voice, nodding softly. "Brodert? Yes, I've seen him and Chask both and they are both unharmed - I believe they holed up in the Grocer's Hall with about two dozen others when the goblins attacked, bickering over who would have won their game had the little scum not arrived."
The pretty Tian woman brushes herself off and looks at Ratimir, beaming. "You've been a fine customer - even more so for your promotion of the Dragon. When I heard that you and Haelvor had stood alongside others to defend the people attending the consecration ceremony for the new cathedral, I felt I had to come and thank you as well as offer a light reward for your efforts - I fear many more could have been injured, or worse," she says, peering behind the group at the bodies still laid out under sheets by the cathedral's steps, "had you not intervened. It may not be much, but you are all welcome to stay at the Rusty Dragon free of charge for the next week - Ratimir, your tab is already squared and you are paid up for the next seven days. It is the least that I can offer you as thanks."
Serolt looks uncomfortable - he's not used to people helping him out. Usually it's the other way around. He stammers a "Thank you." and covers by petting Regin a little in his nervousness.
"A week is most generous."
Now that he has a place to stay, he's not sure what to do. He stands quietly listening to the others chat. He wonders where the Rusty Dragon is, but decides he can sort that out later. Lots of time before the sun goes down yet - though he is tired from the days exertion and Regin is still not fully healthy and could use the rest too.
Shaedeen's mouth hangs open a while as her tongue waits for her brain to process the new information. Never in a million years had she expected Ratimir to decide to follow through with the ambush/meeting after expending as much magical energy as he had warding off the goblin horde and healing and treating the casualties afterward. He seemed to make a habit of dashing her expectations of him. Shae was silently thankful she hadn't asked Old Man Ratimir if he needed a nap before confronting the Sczarni, as she'd very nearly done.
The pretty Tian-blooded woman's offer of a week's board initially didn't impress Shaedeen in the least. First off, if this was--as she suspected--the lovely and popular Ameiko Kaijitsu, the owner and proprietor of the Rusty Dragon Inn, her establishment was too close to the Sczarni-controlled docks for comfort. Also, Shae had heard Jubrayl Vhiski mention Miss Kaijitsu before, and his voice had been filled with scorn and dislike. And if the Sczarni killed her and Ratimir tonight...what good was a week-long stay at the inn? Would what was left of the two ex-Sczarni perhaps lie in state a while before burial?
But if she and Ratimir were indeed to make their stand and somehow survive...the Rusty Dragon had a fine reputation. That was part of why Vhiski disliked Ameiko. Oh well...her brain was more or less caught up by now.
Shaedeen bows her head and does a lazy half-curtsy while saying, "Thank you" simultaneously to Ratimir and Ameiko alike.
That is indeed very generous of you.I'll try to repay some of your kindness in songs.
As for our heroic acts; even a naughty girl like me can have some redeeming qualities, sometimes.
She gives Ameiko a wicked smile, and a gentle bow.
Shaedeen's a bundle of nervous energy as the others make some small talk with Ameiko, pacing back and forth like a caged panther. Eventually, she approaches Ratimir and asks, "How do you want to do this? Ambush the Sczarni or just walk up and try to reason with them? As much as I hate to say this, I believe you have a better handle on how Vhiski and his underlings might react. I'm putting my trust--and very life--in your hands."
Ratimir smiles at Shae. "You worry too much, Shae. I don't want to offend you, but... well, that amuses me a little." His face becomes more serious when he starts sharing his expectations. "There's one thing you should remember about Vhiski: he likes the shadows. And this goblin raid might have come to our advantage. You see how everyone flocked around us to thank us? Sandpoint is a very small place, and right now we're in the spotlight—and if we're muredered or disappear before this whole things blows over, well... perhaps that's more attention than Jubrayil would be comfortable with. I said before we lacked leverage... and we might just have got it. So, basically, my plan is to meet them for a candid conversation, yes. Jubrayil is afraid we spill the beans about him, and that's why he'd like us to be either dead or under his wing. All we have to do is show him we're trustworthy and that he has nothing to fear from us," Ratimir says, holding out the scroll he bought earlier, "And with magic, I could convince him of that."
He smiles again. "That's the optimistic point of view. The other one is showing him that coming after us can be a real headache for him. Now let's wrap this up and go there."
Ratimir walks up to Serolt and takes him to the side. "Good Serolt, I mentioned earlier that Shae and I had a meeting tonight... well, we're heading that way now, and I wondered if you still wanted to join us. Your presence would be greatly appreciated."
Ratimir walks up to Serolt and takes him to the side. "Good Serolt, I mentioned earlier that Shae and I had a meeting tonight... well, we're heading that way now, and I wondered if you still wanted to join us. Your presence would be greatly appreciated."
"Of course. I'm your man. A bit low on spells perhaps, but I've plenty of arrows." he grins.
Ratimir gathers Serolt and Shae and heads to the meeting point. "It'll be better if we get there before them to scout the place. I think you two should hide and let me do the talking first, and we'll se how things go from there."
Serolt finds a good place where he can take a shot if he needs to. He then hunkers down and hides with Regin beside him.
"What's the word? When you say the word, I'll start shooting. So what's the word?"
As he rests in his blind, he wonders if Ratimir is in fact the bad guy in this situation. I wonder if I've got this all wrong?
"Don't worry, you'll know the word when I say it. And I'm hoping a warning shot will be enough, if it comes to that."
"I was to lead you somewhere isolated after the bonfire was lit," Shaedeen tells Ratimir. "The nearest place that fits that description is the open area near--what do they call it...Junky Edge?--and the ruined lighthouse. I'll hide in the ruins and snipe from there if necessary.
Shae starts to scamper away but then stops and turns to the ex-Sczarni. "Take care. And good luck."
Then she's off into an alley, taking a circuitous route to the ruined lighthouse.
Ratimir, Serolt, and Shaedeen
With Shaedeen and Serolt making their way through the alleyways to Junker's Edge, Ratimir walks along Junker Way towards a likely spot for Shaedeen to have set an ambush for the Varisian cartomancer. The sun finally dips well below the horizon, but there is just enough light in the sky to see the bodies of several goblins that had attempted stupidly to flee north after their raid was broken.
As Ratimir approaches the place where Gorvi and his employees bring the town's refuse to sort through and tip that which cannot be salvaged over the edge - much to the chagrin of the towns several devotees of Gozreh - he spies three rakish folk milling about the edge. All three are Varisian, but only one of them is recognizable, his lean form dressed in fighting leathers.
"Ratimir, my fine friend, how are you this evening?" Jubrayl calls out, his smile and his arms wide as he strides confidently towards the cartomancer.
Vanea and Haelvor
As Shaedeen, Ratimir, and Serolt slip away into the sunset, Ameiko turns her attention to the two half elves. "So, I know of Haelvor here, but you are new?" she asks of the bard, before turning towards the direction that would lead the trio toward the Rusty Dragon. "What is it that brought you to Sandpoint? And Haelvor, old Madame Mvashti says she saw someone a lot like you hurling flames at the goblins? A new trick for you?"
I came here for an audition to the Theatre of Sandpoint. I'm a wonderful singer, and I think my talent can only blossom under the tutelage of Cyrdak Drokkus. I hope to become even better, and of course way more famous than I am right now, because very few know my name so far.
She laughs at herself
I guess that after this fracas with the goblins, people of the town know my face, but it's not the reasons I want to be known. And with Haelvor the flame throwing mage in Sandpoint, we don't need another hero.
Serolt hunkers down where he can, and watches the man in the shadows.
Seems like everyone came ready for a fight. Let's hope they can talk it out... he looks tough.
He and Regin remain quiet, and wait. His bow is out, resting on his lap.
Haelvor looks at his shoes. "Um, not a new trick, exactly. It's um, more of a condition."
Ratimir does not shy away from Jubrayil: he opens his arms and takes the Sczarni in a brotherly embrace. As they break away from each other, he grabs Jubrayil's shoulder with his left hand and smiles, answering his question. "A bit tired from killing goblins, but nothing a good night's sleep won't take care of. I got a message that you wanted to see me. Anything new? Surely it can't be about my return, since we've already discussed that subject at length... and I know you don't like to spin around in circles" says the cartomancer, shaking his index finger and winking at Jubrayil.
Although Shae's tempted to creep up on and get the drop on Vhiski's lurking henchman, she stays put for the moment to see what develops.
Vanea and Haelvor
The trio continue their way through the streets, now becoming lit with lanterns to keep the cloying darkness at bay for another evening. After seeing so many people pack the streets not even eight hours earlier, the contrasting emptiness is almost startling.
At Vanea's admission of her intentions in Sandpoint, a knowing smile crosses Ameiko's lips. "I'm sure you'll be teaching Cyrdakk a thing or two before your time in Sandpoint is out - he's a fine singer, sure, but there are reasons he is in Sandpoint and not somewhere like Magnimar. But that may be a slight bias - he has conducted a friendly rivalry with me ever since I upstaged him once, and only the once. And if you're even half the fine singer as you are the fine fighter, then Cyrdakk might be in for more than he bargained for."
Ameiko then turns towards Haelvor, her friendly smile still in place. "What do you mean by 'condition' - I've surely never heard of an illness or affliction that causes one to breathe fire. Well, that's not entirely true, I suppose - you don't happen to have a dragon sitting in your family tree, do you?"
Serolt, Shaedeen, and Ratimir
With Serolt and Shaedeen in place, ready to accost Vhiski's helpers in the alleyways should a skirmish begin, Ratimir and Jubrayl begin their dance of words.
"Well, I had hoped," Jubrayl admits, his eyes shining brightly as the moon begins to rise, "to give you one more opportunity to remember your allegiance to old friends, but unfortunately it seems a peculiar event occurred to quash those plans." The Varisian purses his lips and steps back, mimicking a gesture as if deep in thought.
"And just as I was beginning to feel that all hope had been lost as to rekindling our friendship, I heard a most peculiar rumour going, that you and my little black-feathered dove had gotten yourselves caught up in becoming heroes, saving the town from these wretched creatures." Jubrayl flourishes towards the cliffside nearby and the goblin corpses below.
"Speaking of - you wouldn't happen to know where the little black dove is, would you? Is she perhaps back at the Kitten - prying secrets out of witless strangers?"
Serolt keeps low and quiet happy that the two continue to converse, and without shouting. Long may it continue...
Shaedeen's teeth gnashed in a silent snarl as Jubrayl casually announced the name of the brothel where she'd been forced to work under his thumb. Her shameful secret was out. Would Serolt know what the Kitten was? Perhaps not. But Ratimir certainly would. He'd previously said he found her amusing. Now would he find her contemptible as well?
Perhaps, but perhaps not--he'd surprised her before. And breaks were rarely clean. Her character and reputation might be besmirched in the process, but at least she'd be free from Vhiski's grasp this night...one way or the other.
Ratimir walks along with Jubrayil, but discreetly steers away from the cliff. "Ah, yes, I've met her. I was surprised you took her in, considering... well, you know, she's not like us," Ratimir says, referring to their Varisian ethnicity. "To tell you the truth, I'm not sure she is a good fit. Anyway, the point is moot, I suppose. I mean, what kind of anonymity can we hope for, now that everyone knows our faces and names? People and their need for heroes... with all the scrutiny we'll be under, I think it's time that Shaedeen and I bow out, before we unwittingly drag you into the spotlight. I would not forgive myself were I the reason of your troubles." He tilts his head and smiles. "Don't you agree?"
Ratimir pulls out his deck and starts shuffling the cards absentmindedly.
Haelvor looks down once more, then tries to explain. "I, er, there are voices, things that tug at me. They sit at the corner of my eye, then rush away if I try to focus. They seem to me to be ... associated ... with it. It being the flame that burns within. My family - I never knew, though they appear to me sometimes, I think, in dreams. All else is mystery, I'm afraid."
Shaedeen's hand starts shaking a bit, perhaps due to anticipation, excitement, nervousness, fear, or a mixed cocktail of all four. Although part of her wants to put a bolt into Vhiski's black heart, the girl doubts her aim and doesn't want to merely wound the Sczarni leader, thus likely making a dangerous enemy of the man. His skulking friend near the cliff, however....
Shaedeen already knows firsthand how little Vhiski cares about his underlings: He'd put Shae herself undercover in a brothel two days after meeting her. Jubrayl likely wouldn't care a whit were someone to put a crossbow bolt (or two) into his large thug's knee (as Ratimir had suggested) or even a bit higher (as Shaedeen was contemplating with a somewhat wicked smile).
Ratimir, Shaedeen, and Serolt
"You are correct in that she is different, but she had..potential," Jubrayl muses, pacing away from the cliff and from Ratimir by a few steps closer to the other Varisian men with him. [b]"But, you have a valid point, I suppose. Much of our work relies so much on secrecy to keep our business moving smoothly, and your newfound fame could prove more hindrance than help."
The Varisian man stops and crosses his arm with one of his hands raised, and he places his chin in the opened palm. "Perhaps there is a way to salvage this situation that we may both take advantage of this new found fame, and still be able to remain friends with both you and the little black dove."
Jubrayl unfolds his arms and places a hand on his heart with a flourish. "I, for my part, will back away into the shadows once more and leave you both to your newly acquired fame, and in exchange you and the dove will make yourselves available should any particular need arise that your celebrity would be a unique asset to our operations. What do you say, my old friend?"
Haelvor and Vanea
Ameiko purses her lips at Haelvor's tale, nodding in an appraising manner. "The origins of these powers are intriguing, and that your ancestors also appear to be connected somehow. Fascinating." She shakes her head, smiling brightly in the moonlight once again. "Forgive me, Haelvor - I did not mean to make you the subject of my musings or for it to sound like you should be studied for the uniqueness of your gift. Genealogy is of interest to me, that's all. You should try and see your gift as just that - a way to help, not something to be ashamed of. Not everyone has such abilities to turn to acts of good."
Haelvor smiles wanly. "But random acts of pyromania make me a poor librarian, I think - have already made me a poor librarian. Perhaps I do indeed need to find myself a new calling - find other ways of ... solving my own nature. The fight back there - it was the first time in a long time that I've ... felt useful. Not as useful as these others, with their street wisdom and everything. But useful nonetheless. When the others return, I think I'll ask if they will take me on."
He pauses.
"You're right, mistress Ameiko. There are always times when it's best to move on. I think that time has come for me."
Well, it's always good to read a book near a fireplace. so you could put your talents to good use. Or ask to seek for books who are already deemed too hot maybe?
Says Vanea with a playful wink
Serolt resists the urge to whittle as he waits. He’s hunted before, and knows that waiting in silence can make all the difference. So he rests.
I wonder if he’ll take the deal? I suppose if he does, I’ll be, in some small way anyway, bound to it as well.
Interesting, I barely know these people, and already I’m entering into blood oaths with them… Clearly my hunger for human companionship has ripened with my time in the wild. I must watch that it doesn’t get me into trouble.
He pats the potion of curing he picked up, It’s been profitable so far at least. Even if I only get a share of this on the open market, that will cover my expenses for some time. Give me an opportunity to establish myself here.
This and other musings cross his mind as he watches the conversation, and watches the watchers.
Ratimir looks up, thinking about Jubrayil's offer, and nods with satisfaction. "Yes, I think that's reasonable... with one condition. I'll be available, if my position proves to be of any worth, but I want Shaedeen out for good. Where you see potential, I see trouble. The first time I met her, she was trying to hide from me, but her boots were sticking out like a scarecrow in the open field. Sad, sad, sad" he shakes his head.
"She's no Sczarni, and will never be. You let her go, and I'll keep an eye on her. Does that work for you?" He offers his hand for Jubrayil to shake.
Haelvor and Vanea
Ameiko nods as the pair of half-elves speak, leading them through the marketplace that had earlier today hosted the games of skill and onto Market Street. Half way down the road, a brightly-lit taproom with an impressive iron dragon sculpture on its roof, looms into view. "Ahh, and here we are," Ameiko says, more than a little pride in her voice. "The Rusty Dragon and, I hope, your home for the next week at least." She skips forward a couple of steps ahead of Haelvor and Vanea and opens the door for them.
The inside of the inn is less populated than one would expect, but given the excitement of the day that is unsurprising. A large table off to the edge of the room sits empty, and Ameiko points to it. "Please take a seat, and I will see if we have some more curried salmon left - you both must be famished," she says before weaving between the tables towards the kitchen.
Ratimir, Shaedeen, and Serolt
Jubrayl contemplates the counter-offer, pursing his lips and clucking his tongue. "I think that these terms are agreeable - perhaps you are right about the dove, and I am prepared to cut my losses on your recommendation." The Varisian strides forward and grabs Ratimir's forearm, a thin-lipped smile on his features. "Then we are agreed, and our business this day is concluded."
Releasing the cartomancer's arm, Jubrayl steps back and nods at Ratimir. "We will speak again, my old friend, but I hope you enjoy the freedom you have won for now," he says before whetting his lips and giving a shrill whistle, signalling for two additional men who had been hiding in the alleyways near to Junker's Edge to emerge and walk away towards the Old Light. Jubrayl follows suit after a few seconds, turning on his heel and striding off into the night while whistling a Varisian lullaby.
Shaedeen's hopes and fears surged and ebbed each time Ratimir and Vhiski traded words. She frowned when Ratimir made her sound like an inept, troublesome outsider...until she remembered that the cleaner the break she made from Vhiski and the Sczarni the brighter her future outlook would be. When Vhiski agreed to Ratimir's terms, Shae had to control her excitement by self-regulating her breathing. Just when she thought she was free, Vhiski whistled to his waiting muscle and two men emerged from hiding in nearby alleys and loped in the direction of the Old Light...where a certain 'black dove' had chosen to nest during the showdown.
Scarcely daring to breathe, Shaedeen barely mastered the overwhelming urge not to try to hide herself better amongst the ruins. Movement was her biggest enemy now--she'd have to trust that her original choice of cover would be enough to protect her from the eyes of Vhiski's closing thugs.
As one of the thugs walks close to where Shaedeen hides in the ruins, she thinks that one of them has made her. She is almost ready to bolt for her life when he turns his gaze back to the slippery rocks on the path he takes towards the beach, and leaves her with her heart pounding in her ears and catching in her throat at the same time.
Shuffling the deck in his hands, Ratimir stands stil watching the Sczarni disappear in the night. Once they are gone, he draws one card and flips it over, its picture revealed by the moonlight.
Ratimir stares at The Paladin and smiles, satisfied with the outcome of the conversation. He puts the deck away and takes a few steps towards the cliff, watching the moon and listening to the sea crashing against the rocky wall. A few minutes go by, and as soon as he is confident Jubrayil is gone, he speaks up to Serolt and Shaedeen. "I think we can go now."
Only after Serolt and Regin break from cover to rejoin Ratimir does Shaedeen dare to do so. After scowling momentarily at Ratimir for some of the less-than-flattering things he'd said about her, she lowers her glaring eyes and gives the Varisian a lazy half-curtsy. "I owe you my life, sir," she says in a humble tone before rising and looking her latest savior in the eyes. "That being said, my unconditional gratitude is what got me into this whole mess in the first place, so I'll repay my debt in the time and place of my own choosing, understood?"
Then she turns to Serolt and her eyes soften and her smile seems genuine. "Thank you for helping me--a total stranger--out of this jam. I'll try my best to repay this kindness."
Finally, the girl looks down upon Regin before again turning to Serolt. "Is it safe for me to pet him a bit? He's such a handsome creature!"
Serolt does indeed break cover within moments of their departure.
"Well done Ratimir, good compromise. Hopefully his request of you later will not sully your reputation." he warns hopefully.
"Anybody fancy a pint? After this day, I'm buying." he grins widely and heads back to the inn, and his new home for now, looking for a few drinks for his new found friends.
"... unless there's another crime lord we must visit this night?"
Haelvor nods to Ameiko. "Many thanks. But to be honest, I'm not that hungry."
He stares at the food, lips pursed. The day - and its excitements - had been something of a revelation, but most of the group seemed to have gone on to other things, leaving him behind with Vanea (whose evident qualities merely exaggerate his feelings of awkwardness). Familiar memories of un-wantedness and exclusion come flooding back.
He stands up. "Lady Ameiko, Lady Vanea. Many thanks, once more, but I think I'll turn in early."
And so he goes to bed.
Hmm, I guess there'll be no petting the big pretty kitty, Shaedeen thinks to herself, though she understood that the Shoanti's animal companion was no mere pet. Trying not to appear disappointed, the girl smiles brightly at Serolt.
"I keep a strict 'one-crimelord-a-day limit," she tells the archer. "I could, however, do with a drink or three after the day I've--we've all--had."
Shaedeen leads the men back to the Rusty Dragon, preparing herself mentally to formally greet the other three 'heroes' who'd helped quash the goblin raid. Something of a loner, Shae wasn't good at making or keeping friends. But that was the old Shaedeen; perhaps the day's events had changed her for the better. After all, she was now a 'hero' herself.
When the trio enters the Rusty Dragon, however, only one familiar face greeted them--the pretty, haughty one that was situated directly between two somewhat pointy ears. Sighing inwardly and sucking it up, Shaedeen approaches the bard and sticks out her hand in greeting.
"I don't think we've been properly introduced--I'm Shaedeen." Thinking that perhaps this might not be deemed friendly enough, the girl adds, "You have a lovely singing voice--very clear, strong, and inspirational."
But the old Shaedeen proves harder to cast aside than she'd hoped: "I found the goblins' lyrics to be more clever, though."
Finally, the girl looks down upon Regin before again turning to Serolt. "Is it safe for me to pet him a bit? He's such a handsome creature!"
Serolt says nothing at first, but softens, "Well, I'm not saying he won't bite, but it'll be playful, more or less." He explains that Regin has a low-threshold for being pet, and will turn and bite the hand that's doing the petting if it goes on too long.
"So go ahead, just do it ever so briefly, until you get the rhythm. Took me weeks!" he laughs remembering the bites and scratches of those early days before they came to understand each other.
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Shaedeen is thrilled when Serolt relents and allows her the chance to introduce herself to Regin. She squats down in front of the majestic cat, and slowly puts her hand out, palm up, for the great cat to sniff, lick, or otherwise sample. Assuming she still has them, Shae then runs her fingers over the firepelt's head softly before briefly scratching behind one ear.
"Oh, he's simply gorgeous!" the girl gushes, standing back up. "Some of the girls in...er, some of my old friends...had donkey rats, but they were white with nasty yellow teeth. No comparison to Regin."
Realizing that she's babbling, Shae says a quick "Thank you," both to Serolt and Regin.
Vanea enjoys the meal, and helps herself.
This is delicious, Ameiko. Did you cooked it yourself? It's been a while since I last ate something so wonderful. This salmon is so fresh, you believe it will swim out of your plate!
As Haelvor gets up and says his good night, the half elf says teasefully
Want a good night kiss?
If there is some crowd in the Rusty Dragon, the redheaded bard can't resist and sing a beautiful serenade
As Haelvor makes his way to the stairs to retire to a room as shown by Ameiko, a few of the patrons raise their steins to the young half-elf, gratitude marking their features. One man, a merchant by his look, even reaches out a hand to shake Haelvor's own.
The taproom is still half full by the time Vanea finishes her meal, and as she finishes her impromptu serenade she is applauded by several patrons, as well as the bartender and Ameiko near to the kitchen. The patrons take their time to thank the bard for lifting their spirits after such a dour end to an otherwise wonderful day.
Ratimir, Shaedeen, and Serolt all wander in not long after Vanea's stagecraft, and the remaining patrons again give the adventurers their thanks for helping defend the town, and rounds of spiced mead are bought for them until they retire to bed for the evening.
***
Each of the party are given a set of two keys - one large for the door, as well as a smaller key. The rooms reserved for the party are comfortably sized and are appointed with a bed large enough to sleep two if they are very close as well as enough sheets, pillows, and duvets in a large chest at the base of the bed to fit their needs. There is also a small circular table with two chairs situated either in the corner or by the window, and a small safe with a decent padlock can be found bolted onto the floor underneath the table of each room - the smaller of the two keys can unlock this safe.
Despite the chaos of the day, the night passes smoothly and without incident, and as dawn breaks the sound of a rooster crows in the distance and is soon followed by a distinctly welcoming smell of breakfast being cooked from the kitchens below.
Shaedeen awakens the next morning with a headache, having imbibed too much of the spiced mead the night before. She only regrets overdoing it a little, for never had she been a part of such an honest, friendly, heartfelt festivities. And certainly she'd never been one of the guests of honor at such a celebration.
Shae rolls out of bed and looks around her room. Her room! Not one she had to share with one or more others, as had been the case for the last several years of her life. And her very own safe! The perfect place to store everything she'd steal from these.... Shaedeen paused. Now that she was a 'hero,' she probably ought to stop stealing from others...or at least only do so on rare occasions. For now she'd store only some of her remaining gold in there, keeping enough on her to buy her meals and leave Ameiko's staff a small tip. Oh, and her sling and the heavy stones she'd left for Serolt to carry, once she recovered those.
After some thoughtful contemplation, Shae takes the time to brush her hair and don her armor and weapons. Yes, she is just going to breakfast but No, she isn't convinced she's safe from Jubrayl Vhiski just yet. Better safe than sorry. And better a hero than a nobody she thought as well.
At the breakfast table, she makes it a point to introduce herself to the other 'heroes' she didn't yet know by name. She even apologizes to Haelvor.
"Did you ever find that person you were looking for yesterday when you crashed into poor Ameiko? I meant to help you search but got sidetracked with a problem of my own. I'm sorry."
And last, she turns to Ratimir and Serolt. "What's the plan for today? Do we track the goblin raiders back to their lair and eliminate their threat once and for all?"
Serolt get up lazily, being extremely comfortable in a bed. Haven't slept in a bed in a while. I forgot how nice it can be...
He lingers a little until Regin climbs on and kneeds him awake with his paws.
"OK, OK."
He gets up, prepares himself for the day, and takes Regin for a quick walk, waving at Shaedeen as he heads out the door. "Be right back!"
Once Regin has done her thing and everyone is comfortable again, he returns for a hearty breakfast.
At the breakfast table, she makes it a point to introduce herself to the other 'heroes' she didn't yet know by name. She even apologizes to Haelvor.
"Did you ever find that person you were looking for yesterday when you crashed into poor Ameiko? I meant to help you search but got sidetracked with a problem of my own. I'm sorry."
And last, she turns to Ratimir and Serolt. "What's the plan for today? Do we track the goblin raiders back to their lair and eliminate their threat once and for all?"
Serolt listens quietly to Haelvor, before responding to Shaedeen. "That's a good question. I suppose we should see the sheriff before we go wandering around out there. He may have some suggestions on how we can help - areas to check, whatever."
He sips his drink and polishes off his breakfast hungrily.
Having drank and relaxed with the "heroes of Sandpoint", Ratimir retreats to his room. A little intoxicated by the mead, he slips into a nightgown and blows out the candles before sitting by the window to stare at the stars. "Busy day, Béa. You wouldn't have liked this year's Swallowtail Festival", he slurs. "But I still liked to think about you strolling down Festival Street and playing goblin toss. That was a good memory." He throws a kiss to the moon. "Good night, ladybug."
The next morning, his head buzzes with the hint of a hangover. Ratimir fills a bow with the fresh water from the jar and sinks his head in, letting the water relieve the headache. Freshened up, he gets dressed and heads out for breakfast, greeting his comrades. She notices the half-elf from the day before sitting among them and sits by his side.
"Good morning! A pity you didn't stay to party with us. Vanea told me you went to bed early yesterday. I'm Ratimir", he says, shaking hands. He then turns to the rest of the group and smiles watching Shaedeen's excitement. "Ah, so now you want to pursue that hero business they've pinned on us? That's a nice turn of events," he says with a wink. "I suppose we could ask to talk to Bodeg or one of the other goblins that were captured. Bodeg said the tribes had banded together... that's something that raises an eyebrow."