"The armor is magically form fitting." "It'll show off more of your wonderful figure, Nel." She says running a delicate finger down the gentle curve of the cavalier's cuirass and lightly tapping her upon the cuisse.
"The sword itself is cold iron and magical. You might want to trade up. Here, slide it into your sheath. It looks a snug fit."
Rilia tries to fight back the tears and keep a straight face.
Returning to the group, he reaches down and picks up his dropped sword, sheathing it, and resting his primary blade on his shoulder, as he cracks his neck.
"The fight could have been more engaging. There is nothing satisfying swinging at the air." he grumbles.
Narrowing his eyes at the overly friendly manner in which Rilia is being towards Nel, he angrily storms between the two and shoves Rilia back.
"I already do not care for your lack of respect elf. Now you throw yourself on our boss. I swear on the bosses honor I will cut your hands, and tongue off should you continue. We have enough elf problems already...eliminating at least one would bring great pleasure." Tamiro explains, glaring at Rilia, and flexing his grip on his blade.
Rilia's face registers anger for a moment then slides back into mild smugness. "Such a jealous puppy. Tamiro, I do not want wish to come between you and Nel--unless of course you want me there." She smiles slyly.
"See me about those later, will you?" She points to his wraith wounds then turns and walks off.
Rilia makes herself comfortable and settles down to read the journal. Later (perhaps stirred by the account's contents or just time), she approaches Tamiro.
She makes a little bow and holds it.
|
The journal details the downfall of Witchlight, with much of the information mirroring that told to you by Captain Creesy.
When disenfranchised explorers and settlers began drifting into the region in great numbers 70 or so years ago, dissatisfied with the way Magnimar was growing, several settlements sprang up along the shores here. While two of these settlements (Riddleport and Roderic’s Cove) fared well and even flourished, most of the settlements, faced with goblins, dangerous wildlife, and the difficulties of the remote region, did not. The village of Witchlight, founded in 4680 ar by an exiled Chelish merchant named Yaris Neraken, was one such village.
When he was scouting locations for a suitable site, he and his ship wrecked on the reefs surrounding Devil’s Elbow. Yaris, the only survivor of the wreck, found himself in the care of a strange and enthralling creature with the body of a bird and the face of a beautiful woman—the siren Virashi. He spent many months as her plaything, but in time an amazing thing happened. The two fell in love. Virashi released Yaris from enthrallment, and while he remained at the siren’s side for many more weeks, he pined for the comforts of civilization. He eventually convinced Virashi that, were he to establish a thriving community on the island above, not only would he be able to enjoy soft beds and fireplaces but the money he brought in would allow him to drape the siren and her lair with riches. It didn’t take much to convince the avaricious siren of the benefits of this idea.
Yaris returned to Magnimar and managed to convince several investors that the rumors of Virashi were little more than that, and that he would be able to build a thriving settlement on the island. Once they arrived, he chose a site at the center of the island that overlooked the Varisian Gulf to serve as his new village’s foundation, and commissioned the creation of several watchtowers and lighthouses to warn what he hoped would be a steady influx of merchant traffic away from the dangerous reefs.
The island’s rugged terrain made farming impossible, so Yaris had shiploads of deer, boar, donkey rats, rabbits, and other animals brought and released in an attempt to seed a self-sustaining local wildlife population to help support his citizens. And as the money started flowing in, he made good on his promise and did indeed drape Virashi in riches.
Yet as the construction of Witchlight and the watchtowers continued, it became apparent that Yaris’s dream was unraveling. What was initially intended to be a self-sustaining settlement became more and more reliant on supplies from Riddleport, and that city was only too eager to gouge Yaris for every penny. As dissent increased among his people, Yaris’s bad luck seemed only to grow.
The western watchtower burned partially to the ground only a week after construction was complete, killing nearly a dozen laborers and Yaris’s brother in the process. Several weeks later, a ship bearing a huge shipment of grain ran afoul of the reefs surrounding the island, and the giant centipedes that had infested the ship made it ashore and quickly bloomed into one of the island’s most obnoxious and dangerous pests. The spate of bad luck gave rise to whispers of “Virashi’s Curse,” and more and more locals began to speak of seeing a ghostly woman-faced bird in the forests and on the rocky shores. Yaris railed against these rumors, but was unable to offer proof that Virashi wasn’t behind the “curse” without revealing his secret. Then, at the onset of winter during a particularly violent storm, the final blow struck. A shipment of diseased cattle brought to the island to augment meager food stores saw an outbreak of the deadly disease anthrakitis that killed off a third of Witchlight’s population.
Distraught over the fact that his dream was falling apart, Yaris went down to seek comfort with Virashi—but he was followed by a suspicious priest who believed Yaris had made a deal with a devil that had gone sour. The priest’s fears were confirmed when he witnessed Yaris and Virashi embrace. He returned to Witchlight, roused a mob, and under the protection of a silence spell, led the mob down to Virashi’s cave the next morning and slew the siren as she slept in her lair.
Yaris woke the next day to a horrific sight—the body of his lover hanging from a pole above a fire in the middle of Witchlight. Overcome with grief and shock, Yaris threw himself from the eastern watchtower onto the rocks and surf below. This was the final blow to the settlement— without Yaris to provide encouragement, the remaining citizens of Devil’s Elbow packed up and left for easier lives in Riddleport, Magnimar, or beyond. By the end of the week, Devil’s Elbow had been abandoned.
Tamiro raises an eyebrow suspiciously at Rilia, "Anata no shazai to rikai wa takaku hyōka sa rete imasu. Shikashi sore wa watashiniha fu hitsuyōnadesu. Watashi wa watashi ga okora suru nani no meiyo o motteinai, mata keii o kitai suru tame ni, rōnin s@@#e imasu. Kanojo wa kyōfu ya kitai sezu ni watashitachi o rīdo to s~&*e, watashi wa mada, shikashi bosu o mamorudarou, watashi wa anata ga ga jūyō-sei o rikai s!@%e ureshīdesu."
Straightening, he holds his fists and bows his head slightly, "Arigatōgozaimashita."
As Rilia caresses Nel's armor, the female cavalier presses her lips into a thin line, only for her frustration to rear its head when Tamiro pushes the thin elf back. "Tamiro. Rilia. Enough." She spits out, squaring her shoulders and straightening her stance.
Glaring at her hot headed teammate, Nel speaks to him in Taldane "Tamiro, we're already in a harsh enough environment with things looking to kill us before adding to the conflict. While I understand your frustration, I am more than capable of taking care of myself."
Sending an aggravated glance at the blond elf, Nel bends down to scoop up the few items of worth to load them onto the mounts before turning to Rilia. "Rilia, we need to talk when we make camp." Loading the well made full plate and securing it onto Gibraltar, Nel sighs and wipes some sweat from her brow. Taking the sword, Nel gives it a several swings before nodding to herself. As she does she removes an older longsword from its sheath. The older blade has an etch design of a buck and a doe along the fuller with a family crest etched in the pommel. Wrapping the weapon carefully in an old riding blanket, Nel stores it with her other excess weapons on Gibraltar before adding the new weapon to her side.
That night, Nel approaches Rilia, wanting to have a frank discussion with the priestess. Speaking in the tongue of her father, it takes the female cavalier a few moments to find her voice. "الاستماع ، بينما أنا أفهم من أين تأتي معتقداتك الدينية من ،" pausing for a moment to clear her throat, Nel's normal eloquence is replaced with long pauses and it is obvious that the half-elf is having issues with correctly pronouncing some of the more difficult words. "أنا لا يعظمونه الهتكم." furrowing her brow, it is clear that Nel is not as fluent in elven as her other languages. "لقد حاولت أن تجاهل بعض يعرض أكثر الصارخة ل سلوك غير لائق ، ولكن يبدو فقط أن أشجعكم . في هذا الوقت ، وأنا غير مهتم في علاقة حميمة في بلدي المستقبل القريب ، مع أنت أو أي شخص آخر." Extending a hand out to the Calistrian, Nel smiles weakly. "No hard feelings, yeah?" she says in Taldane, clearly tired and nervous.
Nodding his head to Nel, Tamiro says, "Hai, bosu. Kakokuna kankyō ka dō ka, anata no meiyo ni chūi s*@#e kudasai. Demo anata wa sore o kinishinaide kudasai."
Tamriro wanders off to check, and clean his blade, and to make sure Kino is tied off.
|
|
With the spirit dispelled, the tower is once again safe to rest in and serve as an appropriate camp.
On the island itself, the only light are pinpricks of campfires on the southwestern shore, roughly in the area where the dwarves said Clegg Zincher made his camp.
Outside, Nel has set up a small campfire to cook a simple stew and to heat a kettle of water for some tea. Filling enough bowls for everyone, she brings it up to the current person on watch at the top of the tower. "Well, I guess it was too much to ask for the blue lions to deal with Zincher, huh?" Handing the bowl over, Nel sits down with an audible thump. Digging into her bowl of food, Nel pauses for a moment to crack her neck. "I suppose the only thing to do is to head and see if Zincher wants to make an accord tomorrow. If all groups are to survive, it might be for the best if we team up."
That night, Nel approaches Rilia, wanting to have a frank discussion with the priestess. Speaking in the tongue of her father, it takes the female cavalier a few moments to find her voice. "الاستماع ، بينما أنا أفهم من أين تأتي معتقداتك الدينية من...."
"Of course. And my apologies as well. I should not tease you so. Indeed I am grateful for yours and your friends' company."
That evening she gives a summary of the talk outlined in the journal and the places it back in her bag next to her copy of Conversational Tien.
Outside, Nel has set up a small campfire to cook a simple stew and to heat a kettle of water for some tea. Filling enough bowls for everyone, she brings it up to the current person on watch at the top of the tower. "Well, I guess it was too much to ask for the blue lions to deal with Zincher, huh?" Handing the bowl over, Nel sits down with an audible thump. Digging into her bowl of food, Nel pauses for a moment to crack her neck. "I suppose the only thing to do is to head and see if Zincher wants to make an accord tomorrow. If all groups are to survive, it might be for the best if we team up."
"Perhaps a scouting foray first? There is after all no law in this place. Anything--murder included--could be attributed to misadventure. It would not do to appear weak before a crime lord of Riddleport."
Slurping the remainder of her stew, Nel side-eyes the journal. She offers the other woman a smirk, "We've had a few run-ins with Clegg Zincher. The fact that all of us defeated Zincher's assassins should be more than enough to prove that we are not weak." gesturing to where Pluck and Tamiro have set up their tent, Nel rests against the side of the tower. " 'sides, Zincher's grief was with Vancaskerkin, not us." As she speaks, Nel pulls another pair of books, one written in a strange set of spikey runes, and with the second book to be written in a smaller more flowing script. "Hey, when you're done with that journal can I have it? My order is super strict about written works, especially those that denote hidden libraries."
Finishing the set up of camp, Tamiro eats dinner, and sets about setting up a point where he can take watch around the immediate area. Unbuckling his armor he sets it up with his gear, rolling his shoulders, and stretching some now that the weight is off his shoulders, he pulls both scabarded blades out and sets them easily within reach as he looks out on the island as the suns light dwindles on the horizon.
"So. Know any good camp songs? I could start. I only really know an Elven translation of Caraeslavan Laer though."
”Ho there!” Aishe shouts as a small group breaks through the trees.
Aishe Danior may wear loose fitting clothes, but they’re of fine homespun cotton and clean. Cleaner in fact than you'd expect - he must have magical aid. Further you can see a light mithral chain underneath. Though he sports a morning star and a dagger, it’s clear from the position on his belt, that he favors a light crossbow nicely strung at his hip.
He calls out to whomever is keeping watch, ”Vark sent us to help you with this accursed isle.” he grins, clearly not concerned. At least not yet.
As he gets closer (assuming the watch permits it) he holds out his hand and says, ”I’m Aishe, archer, at your service. Well met I’m sure! How have things been?”
Nel's ears twitch as she watches the fire, her back resting against the door to where her allies were resting. At the sound of voices approaching, she jumps up and draws her longsword. Clicking her tongue, an imposing horse nearby snaps to attention.
As the unknown stranger mentions Vark, Nel's eyes darken and a snear mars her features. "Heh, nice try. Go back to Zincher or whomever you work for. We don't need your help." Pointing her sword towards where she saw Zincher's camp, Nel offers a cold smile. "Now why don't you all be good boys and girls and leave before this gets ugly?"
Tamiro continues snoring.
"Well, not the warmest of welcomes but then again I guess I shouldn't be that surprised," comes a female voice from somewhere behind Aishe. A young woman slowly steps into the firelight and although she holds up her hands in a calming manner, her slow movements aren't solely due to caution - she seems to walk with a pronounced limp.
"I think we've been set up," she continues, addressing Aishe and someone else who seems to be just behind them. "Or this is that gnome's idea of a joke, sending us out here to help people that don't seem to want or need it." Though she appears human at first glance a stray bit of hair falls away from her face, revealing a slightly-pointed ear.
Nel feels her eyebrow twitch as another person comes into view. "I don't know what crossroads you were turned about in, but you all are not welcome here." Nel glowers, kicking the door behind her with her heel. "I don't care who sent you, but this gnome angle ain't working. Go find the other suckers on this island to swindle because I'm not accepting anyone into my camp."
Nel feels her eyebrow twitch as another person comes into view. "I don't know what crossroads you were turned about in, but you all are not welcome here." Nel glowers, kicking the door behind her with her heel. "I don't care who sent you, but this gnome angle ain't working. Go find the other suckers on this island to swindle because I'm not accepting anyone into my camp."
"Now see here, no need to get hostile. We were hired, inside the Gold Goblin, by a man claiming to work for you." Aishe describes the man in great detail, the Gold Goblin, the meeting, anything that lends more credibility to their story.
"He said you needed help, and that you'd make it worth our while. Further, he said nothing about any crime-bosses. I'm not working for any crime-bosses. I'm not a criminal." he spits in the dirt.
"But he was pretty clear we should be reporting to you. Well, you and a couple others besides, and he never mentioned any Zincher."
"Now maybe he was playing us, but I don't think so. So either you do need help, or you don't, but we're here now, and working for you, so you might as well use us."
He takes out some food, nothing much, just a hard biscuit and maybe some jerky, and munches while he waits. He offers some around to any who would share his simple snack.
Tamiro grumbles and rolls over, seeing Nel talking, and battle ready.
Getting up he grabs he two sheathed swords and walks over to see what she is facing.
"Dō s&&&a no?" He asks somehow groggily, looking out at the people who are at the bottom of the hill. Seeing them armed, and numbering an amount around their own, the man takes guard, pulling one blade out of its scabbard, and dropping the sheathing to the ground.
"Nani? Karera wa darena no?"
"What he says is the truth," Gillian says, still keeping her hands empty and visible as the swordsman quickly climbs to his feet as well. "You're looking into all this business with the Blot, right? I can't really speak for either of them," she nods at Aishe and Sinmara, "but I'm a bit curious about it myself."
"And if the stories we heard from Captain Creesy about this place are even a quarter true, you're going to need more hands than just the three of you to poke around out here," she points out.
"Now maybe he was playing us, but I don't think so. So either you do need help, or you don't, but we're here now, and working for you, so you might as well use us."
"Well. I at least like the sound of that." says the elf standing to greet them both.
He takes out some food, nothing much, just a hard biscuit and maybe some jerky, and munches while he waits. He offers some around to any who would share his simple snack.
Rilia utters a quick--almost off-handed--magical phrase.
Rilia takes the offered food and settles in next to Aishe.
"Rilia." She says offering a fine, long-fingered hand.
Rilia's slender finger reaches out toward the holy key of Abadar and traces a path along its filigree. "What lovely scroll work." she says, watching him closely for his response.
An elf stands by the other pair, standing somewhat apart from them in the darkness. She steps into the light, hands open and away from the greenwood longbow slung across her shoulder. Her unusual armor seems to be made of leaves, and rustles softly as she moves to be more visible. An intricate tattoo of a wasp is visible on the side of her neck.
"أحييكم ، قريب من الألغام," she says in Elven, directing her words to Rilia and Nel. She continues in accented Taldane. "I am Sinmara of Kyonin. I carry a message from a mutual friend," she says, producing a sealed letter and holding it out towards Nel. "He can vouch that I am no foe of yours, and I say these two speak the truth. We were hired by your associate and mean you no hostility."
The letter inside is written in Kwava's flowing yet terse script.
Nel -
I know that this comes on short notice, but I believe that you may need additional assitance on the island. I am sending this apprentice, Sinmara. She is young still and not yet a full member - this is her test to see if she is worthy. It is my wish to see how she works in a team, for she seeks vengeance more than justice.
Please report back anything that you believe will assist me in determining if she will be ready for full inclusion in the Lantern Bearers. Do not let Tamiro's attitude rub off on her.
Please update about our friends on Devil's Elbow soon.
- Kwava
"أحييكم ، قريب من الألغام," she says in Elven, directing her words to Rilia and Nel. She continues in accented Taldane. "I am Sinmara of Kyonin. I carry a message from a mutual friend," she says, producing a sealed letter and holding it out towards Nel....
Hmm? It must be a letter directed to her, otherwise whomever they are in Kyonin must not know I am traveling with the party.... Good.
Although Gillian raises an eyebrow as the elven woman casually rattles off some sort of incantation, she shrugs when nothing untoward or alarming happens. As the elf introduces herself as Rilia and sits down next to Aishe, she looks from them to the armored pair with a bemused expression.
"Seems each of us has one that's right at home no matter where they go," she chuckles quietly. "Gillian Flynn, if it matters. And we've each said our piece so it looks like it's your move again. Ask us whatever questions you have and we'll do our best to answer them - we've got plenty of time and nowhere else to be."
"No." Tamiro growls at the elf.
"We already have enough elf problems. If you are with Kwava then stay with that bastard. You are not welcomed here."
Looking to Rilia, he says, "If they were welcome they would be invited in. I would rather deal with backstabbers before they are a problem, elf. Trickery and guile you may enjoy, but I do not."
Watching as the woman sits, Tamiro scowls, and flexes his fingers on his blade, "Īe ni kanshite wa, karera wa jibun ga anzen kentō suru yūki wa arimasen, to Erufu wa futatabi kanshō s$!*e imasu. Watashi wa sorera no sukunakutomo 1tsu o kenkyo ni kyōkun o oshieru koto wa dekimasu ka?"
As more of Nel's coworkers make an appearance from inside of the tower she was leaning against, she visibly sizes up the three newcomers. "Wakaranai. Dōyara darekaga watashitoisshoni kakunin sezu ni shinki saiyō-sha ni motarashite imasu." Sheathing her sword, Nel sighs in annoyance as Rilia moves past and begins to break bread. "No. Watashitachiha issho ni ensō subekidearu to katei shimasu. Wareware to s&~$e mo, sorera no uchi ikutsu ka no jōhō o eru kamo shiremasen. Mata, sono otoko wa anata no taipudarou ka?" Winking at Tamiro, Nel moves to pick up her abandoned pack and to properly stow it on Gibraltar.
Approaching Aishe, Nel stands a bit too close for comfort as she towers over the man. "If you accepted the position, then you know that the Gold Goblin is in Riddleport, right? Which is the safe haven for pirates, crime bosses, and other questionably legal things. Hell, how do you think that the two of us," Nel gestures to Tamiro and herself, "became the new proprietors of our fine establishment? Let me assure you, it wasn't by baking a cake and asking politely. You best wake up, cousin, because you may not be a criminal, but you'll be working with a few if you want to survive." Offering a wolfish grin, Nel moves onto the next problem.
As Sinmara greets Nel, the cavalier quickly recites a well memorized phrase. "الذهاب الملح جنيه .أنا لست قريب لك." A look of confusion crosses her features as Sinmara mentions a mutual associate. Taking the letter, Nel's features quickly shift from mild annoyance to outright anger at its contents. "Pardon me for one moment." With very careful movements, Nel folds up the letter and safely stores it with her journal before walking to the tree line. Suddenly a loud slew of curses from a multitude of languages and the sound of thumping is heard.
Nel returns a short while later, still seething. "When I get my hands around his stupid scrawny neck, I'm going to strangle him. Damn jerk promised not to interfere, but noooooo. Apparently being on this hell hole for two days is too long for his stupid-ass long life." As Nel rants to herself, She begins to breakdown her section of camp. "I knew I should've kicked him to the curb when he showed up all knight-and-shining armor. Freaking 'ally' my ass. I'm more of his stupid errand girl than anything else, and now he wants me to train his freakin' apprentices?! Sure I'll train them. Train them to be a royal pain in his side." Pausing for a moment in her rant, Nel's face breaks into a devilish smile. She makes quick worth of her things and is ready to march shortly.
As she takes her seat in the circle, Nel snorts in amusement at Gillian's assumption of the purpose of the expedition. "Ah, no. We're here to gain capital for our humble gambling den. While any information on the blot would be useful, I cannot afford to waste precious resources on a mission that not even the Cyphermages are able to accomplish."
Cracking her neck, Nel pulls out a rough copy of her map to the island. "Well, that's not entirely true. We're also here to find a group of Kwava's 'buddies' and deal with them." As she speaks, Nel makes air quotes, "But our most important task is to find the hidden library on this island and ensure its preservation for future generations to come. We've already checked a few of the spots on the island," Pointing out the two towers and the abandoned city, Nel continues, "And while this tower gave us a possible lead, it is not the most dangerous thing on the island. This place has been overrun by these blue lion things. According to Pluck, if they bite you, when you die, you'll become a zombie. They are susceptible to salt water though, so silver linings." Rolling her map up, Nel offers Aishe a wolfish grin. "So, just so you all are aware. We are one of three groups left on this island. The other two are run by Avery Slyeg and his group of smugglers, and Clegg Zincher." Sighing Nel wearily looks at Tamiro.
"Tamiro, we might still be able to make an alliance with Zincher, I don't want you to immediately decapitate him, alright?"Turning back to the others Nel offers a tight smile, "We've had run ins with Zincher in the past, he's.. Well a real piece of work and we're headed to his camp next, because its our only lead. Welcome to the Gilded Lantern Expedition. It's time to earn our keep." Standing up, Nel quickly dusts off her tabard and prepares to lead the way to Zincher's camp.
"Īe ni kanshite wa, karera wa jibun ga anzen kentō suru yūki wa arimasen, to Erufu wa futatabi kanshō s~#$e imasu. Watashi wa sorera no sukunakutomo 1tsu o kenkyo ni kyōkun o oshieru koto wa dekimasu ka?"
*Sigh.*
*Sigh.*"Īe ni kanshite wa, karera wa jibun ga anzen kentō suru yūki wa arimasen, to Erufu wa futatabi kanshō s~#$e imasu. Watashi wa sorera no sukunakutomo 1tsu o kenkyo ni kyōkun o oshieru koto wa dekimasu ka?"
Tamiro sheaths his blade as Nel explains the situation and he responds in confusion, "Hired? Hired by who? We are all out here. We are taking this Saki no togatta mimi yarō?"
The last comment made with a gesture to the elf and a grimace.
"Nothing good will come of more elves. That one fights from the front at least."
As Nel explains the possibility of allying with Zincher, Tamiro is notably unhappy with this course of action, "Zincher is a snake, and a competitor. If he is gone we can take his businesses and men! Why are we going to speak with that Kuso? Let me have his head and we can be done with it. Take back the treasure we find and host a celebration at the Gold Goblin! One without elves!"
*Sigh.*"Īe ni kanshite wa, karera wa jibun ga anzen kentō suru yūki wa arimasen, to Erufu wa futatabi kanshō s~#$e imasu. Watashi wa sorera no sukunakutomo 1tsu o kenkyo ni kyōkun o oshieru koto wa dekimasu ka?"
"You will have to excuse us." Rilia says to the newcomers in relation to the cursing, rants and rudely speaking in various tongues without explanation. "It has been a rather trying trip."
In particular she smiles at Sinmara at Nel's use of 'stupid-ass long life'. Half-humans go figure.
Tamiro sheaths his blade as Nel explains the situation and he responds in confusion, "Hired? Hired by who? We are all out here. We are taking this Saki no togatta mimi yarō?"
The last comment made with a gesture to the elf and a grimace.
"Nothing good will come of more elves. That one fights from the front at least."
Rilia looks to Tamiro, points quizzically at herself, and smiles in self-satisfaction to Sinmara at any hint of an affirmative. It is as if she were saying as elegantly as elvenly possible "Nyah nyah. I have the blessing of--well, whatever that is over there."
Sinmara's eyes narrow at Nel's comment. Extend an olive branch to a half-breed and she spits in my face, she thinks. After her reaction to the letter, her expression continues to sour. 'Train his apprentice?' What the hell did that man write in his letter? She forced herself to calm down. This was never going to be easy. Take this slowly. Be mindful of your thoughts. She looked to Rilia. At least this one does not seem to have a hand glued to her weapon.
Rilia takes the offered food and settles in next to Aishe.
"Rilia." She says offering a fine, long-fingered hand.
Rilia's slender finger reaches out toward the holy key of Abadar and traces a path along its filigree. "What lovely scroll work." she says, watching him closely for his response.
Aishe takes her hand, shakes it, and, a bit haphazardly, kisses it - as that seems to be what’s intended.
”Nice to meet you. I, ah, dated a Calistrian once. It didn’t end well, though I must admit I had more fun with her than with most women I’ve been with. Quite the firebrand - she really knew how to tear a town up!” he smiles at the remembrance.
Approaching Aishe, Nel stands a bit too close for comfort as she towers over the man. "If you accepted the position, then you know that the Gold Goblin is in Riddleport, right? Which is the safe haven for pirates, crime bosses, and other questionably legal things. Hell, how do you think that the two of us," Nel gestures to Tamiro and herself, "became the new proprietors of our fine establishment? Let me assure you, it wasn't by baking a cake and asking politely. You best wake up, cousin, because you may not be a criminal, but you'll be working with a few if you want to survive." Offering a wolfish grin, Nel moves onto the next problem.
Aishe stands his ground, though he is discomforted by the woman, so recently brandishing a weapon, standing so close. I’m surrounded. he thinks, preferring distance in his battles, and most other activities.
Perhaps these are the wrong sorts to be among… perhaps this was a mistake… he worries, and it clearly shows on his face.
”Tamiro, we might still be able to make an alliance with Zincher, I don't want you to immediately decapitate him, alright?” Turning back to the others Nel offers a tight smile, “We've had run ins with Zincher in the past, he's.. Well a real piece of work and we're headed to his camp next, because its our only lead. Welcome to the Gilded Lantern Expedition. It's time to earn our keep.” Standing up, Nel quickly dusts off her tabard and prepares to lead the way to Zincher's camp.
”I’ll follow your lead and say little if that’s what you prefer.”
"You will have to excuse us." Rilia says to the newcomers in relation to the cursing, rants and rudely speaking in various tongues without explanation. "It has been a rather trying trip."
Aishe smiles, At least she’s friendly. An odd group. We shall see…
Aishe checks his gear carefully, and is ready to proceed with the others.
It had been a lengthy journey for Sinmara too, though the last thing she was going to do was admit to tiredness in front of these strangers. She had trekked several miles into Riddleport after her assignment was given to her, and had not rested since her arrival in Varisia by elfgate. She had endured far longer without sleep, though. This will be no obstacle, she insisted to herself.
As she takes her seat in the circle, Nel snorts in amusement at Gillian's assumption of the purpose of the expedition. "Ah, no. We're here to gain capital for our humble gambling den. While any information on the blot would be useful, I cannot afford to waste precious resources on a mission that not even the Cyphermages are able to accomplish."
"Fair enough," Gillian nods. "I might've gotten things a bit confused, which happens from time to time. But capital is nearly as good as information at this point since it's usually hard to find one without some of the other."
As bits of Elvish and another language she doesn't recognize fly back and forth between and among the two groups, Gillian frowns. Lots of tension here, especially concerning elves. Figures. What in the world have I gotten myself into?
"You will have to excuse us." Rilia says to the newcomers in relation to the cursing, rants and rudely speaking in various tongues without explanation. "It has been a rather trying trip."
"To be fair, it's not every day that three random strangers show up unannounced and willing to help for little to nothing in return," she remarks. "I can't really blame you for being cautious since I'd probably do the same in your shoes," she continues with a shrug.
"Nothing good will come of more elves. That one fights from the front at least."
At this, she smiles but it's not a mirthful smile. Might as well have all this out now so it won't be a problem later.
"What about half of one?" she asks dryly as she pushes her hair aside to reveal her own slightly pointed ears. "Where would I fit in this equation?" She then turns to Rilia. "Speaking of 'trying', it looks like our arrival has stirred up trouble on more than one front. And since I'd rather not get punched in the face or worse, I feel the need to ask what do elves have to do with any of this?"
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After a bit of dialogue and once it seems that there probably won't be any violence, Gillian slowly lowers her arms and relaxes a bit more. "Well, thanks for the vote of...tolerance," she sighs. "If you're ready to get down to business then so am I. And if we can't convince you we're uh...'on the level' with words then maybe we can do it with our actions."
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As the adventurers meet each other and begin to try to figure out who each other are, Nel, Tamiro, and Gillian notice a loud rustling coming from the nearest tangle of trees. One of the blue-skinned, tentacle-maned dogs so common on the island emerges. Several shadows of other hounds linger behind it.
Responding to Gillian, Tamiro spits on the ground, "Depends which half you prefer. The elves have been giving us no end of trouble ever since they showed their pointy ears. You want to go frolicking with those secretive, and conniving kin, leave us out of it. I know where the boss stands."
Turning, he glares at Sinmara, "This one is already getting on my nerves standing, and silently judging...If your here for wealth stay, if your here for elven problems, you can leave."
"We may want to move the conversation inside. We have some lively saltwater tea for guests who arrive on short notice."
Gillian tenses as she hears the rustle in the bushes and spots the creature as it emerges.
"Tea can wait," she says softly. "We've got other company..." Her hand edges toward her weapon and she glances again at the bushes.
At Gillian's warning, Sinmara's bow snaps into her hand and she nocks an arrow, pointed at the blue hound. She'll let it fly if the creature so much as twitches in her direction. "Your blue lions?" she asks rhetorically. Is there a source of saltwater nearby, if arrows aren't enough? she thinks, remembering Nel's comment from before about their weaknesses.
Aishe draws his crossbow and quickly knocks a bolt. He’s ready to let fly, but he hesitates wondering if Nel wants to make the first move. He waits for orders.
Nel nudges Tamiro, pointing out the strange otherworldly creature as moves past him to draw her sword. "Tamiro, what did Pluck call these things again? Akimbos?" Standing so that way she was between the weaker members of the camp and the animals, Nel pulls a heavy steel shield from her back and tightens the straps. "Let's thin the heard." she states, preparing for the oncoming attack.
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The akatas continue to approach, moving silently through the cleared land around the lighthouse. It's clear that this is a pack for about eight. Slowly, their formation widens to curve as they approach soundlessly. One of them lurches foward and the entire pack breaks into a run, quickly closing in.
Akata Attack! Round One
Sinmara, Gillian, Rilia, Tamiro, Aishe - You're Up
Akatas
Nel