Volkar asked for what was being cooked in the kitchen from the first staffer to pass by the table. He smiled at Daelric's greeting as he sat down at the table.
"Greetings to you Good Sir, from one of the Clan of the Lost Keep in the North." There was a slight ting of regret in his greeting that was interrupted by the arrival of both Andrezi and Kiera.
"Good morning Mistress Kiera," Volkar nodded at her when she approached. He listened to her suggestions for the tour and nodded as his fingers found the silver beard bed and unconsciously turned it too and fro. "I will need to visit the alchemy shop you mentioned last night, and possibly a cooper that might have small, handsized wood casks. But, I do like the idea of seeing the Cathedral too."
As Volkar mentions the lost keep, I notice the regret in his voice as it also fills mine whenever I talk of home. I touch my clenched fist to my forehead in a typical Dwarvish salute, but quickly stop when the others arrive.
I turn to Keira, "I would very much like to speak to both this Aesrick and Volioker, there is a slight chance that they may have seen or heard about any other of our kind around here. Other than that, I would very much like to find a way to get some more money as I would like to purchase some better armour. I thought I was protected enough, but alas yesterday those vile critters managed to get through the gaps in my armour a few times. They were skilled in battle ... well as skilled as Goblins can be." I almost spit out the word Goblin and to hide some of my disgust I get back to eating. When everyone's food arrives I also ask for a second helping of both food and drink.
When his meal arrived, Volkar thanked the server and offered them a silver piece for their troubles.
"Well, once we finish eating friend, we can see about some stronger plate for you friend Daelric," Volkar said.
"All right, that sounds like a plan. Sandpoint isn't really that big, so we should have no trouble meeting several people today. Maybe that nobleman we saved will want to reward you with some coin or favors that will help you to purchase better armor," Kiera says to Daelric.
Volkar finished his breakfast enjoying the spices and tastes as Kiera affirmed that they had some time before the nobleman would probably arrive. When he was finished, he looked up and said, "Mistress Kiera, whenever the rest are done, I would be happy to have a tour of your town."
The party heads out on the town, and under Kiera's guidance is easily able to find the businesses you wish to visit. As you move through town, some of the towns people point and exclaim as they recognize your from your valiant stand in the cathedral square. Individuals call out greetings as they stop work long enough to admire the Heroes of Sandpoint with words of thanks and a clap on the back. The cooper is open and busy, but quickly makes time for Volkar's request, giving him three of his smallest barrels, and promising a discount if he should desire more.
Reaching the alchemists shop, you find this cluttered shop is filled with shelves upon shelves of bottles, bags, and other alchemical containers, some covered with dust and others so new that the pungent stink of their brewing still fills the air.
A half-elf comes from behind a curtain covering a work area, and hails the group as they enter the shop. "It is the Heroes! Welcome to my fine establishment, and how may I assist you? I am the great Nisk Tander, alchemist and wizard." he bubbles effusively.
Looking around Nisk's shop, Andrezi crinkles his nose in reaction to the pungent smells.
Seeing the half-elf come out from behind the curtain, Andrezi politely nods toward the shops proprietor.
Noticing something amiss about some of the labels on bottles, Andrezi approaches Volkar. "I'm certainly no alchemist, but there seems to be something off about a number of these bottles."
I smile as I finish the remains of my breakfast, "I hope so, I do not wish to be caught with my rocks down again." I take my now empty plate, cutlery and mug back to the bar and thank the staff profusely for the amazing food.
I then follow everyone out after paying and walk in silence. I look at Volkar a little confused when he purchases the wooden barrels, but say nothing. As we walk into the Alchemist shop I have a glance around to check what the awful stench is, noticing that Andrezi also seems to have noticed it I walk beside him and whisper, "Almost smells as bad as a dead Goblin ..."
When the owner comes out though I try my best not to throw up or gag from said stench and try to remain on my best behaviour ... albeit a little quiet.
Hearing Andrezi talk about the bottles I put in my own little word, "Bludblock, is spelt wrong, it should have two "Oh's" instead of a "Uh".
"Master Nisk," Volkar smiled deeply and his tone took on a business manner. "I see you have things mislabeled and some apparently have an odor. I need the components for simple bomb primers. I can pay a reasonable price, but if something were not right, nor what I need, I am certain my comments about your mercantile could have impacts here."
to see what Nisk's reaction is.
Kiera is all too happy to lead the group about, and blushes a bit when people wave or refer to her as a "hero of Sandpoint."
At Nisk's apothecary she seems reluctant to handle anything, though she keeps an eye on all the inventory. Obviously, she's been here before. Equally obviously, she knows the bad from the good. And she also seems to be reluctant to start an argument with the proprietor.
At first, Nisk hems and haws about the condition of the bottles, but becomes increasingly agitated with the group pointing out all of his flaws.
"Well! I've never been so insulted!" he exclaims at Volkar's threat. "My goods are top quality and I ensure this quality with everrything I make, and anyone will tell you so. This is outrageous! Here! I can provide your alchemical supplies, but I resent your tone and treatment of me! The cost is 25 gold, unless you prefer to obtain your materials elsewhere."
"Let's just stick to the basics; I'm sure Master Tander is quite busy with serious alchemical problems, and we may just be mistaking his special projects for a... misunderstanding," interjects Kiera soothingly. "I'm so sorry for the trouble, Master Tander. These folks are new in town and they're not familiar with your practice. They just want to make a few simple purchases." She smiles readily.
"Truly Master Nisk, I meant no insult, but rather wanted to be candid about what I needed and obtain an assurance that the quality was not in question," Volkar responded with a focus on the materials.
"My suspicions are we have not seen the last of the cursed greenskins, and if we are going to be ready, I need assure my companions here that what I have available to help will in fact work."
Volkar pulled the coin purse from his tunic and jingled it as he did so.
"Plus, us dwarfs are known for being blunt about business," Volkar added with a grin. "Now, let's discuss the price, I think 25 seems a bit more than I was expecting. Fifteen seems a much more reasonable price for materials of the caliber you are guaranteeing."
The half elf sniffs at the dwarfs offer of only 15 gold. "My materials are of the highest quality, I assure you!. Twenty gold, and only because you lot helped to save the city." he replies.
Turning to Kiera, he replies "Mistress Kiera, I was astounded to hear you had fallen in with this group. Although no harm was intended, harm was done. He can make his purchase, and I will be quite glad to get back to my work."
"Well there's no accounting for when goblins attack, Master Tander," replies Kiera. "Truly, it was a matter of happening to be in the same place at the same time! Fortunately the results were, on the whole, good for Sandpoint."
"You bargain well, Master Tander," Volkar smiled at the shopkeeper. [b]"Almost like a dwarf. Here is twenty-two pieces of gold, and I will let everyone know that you offer only the best items for sale. Thank you for your help, and please Mistress Kiera only met all of us during the fight."
Volkar stacked the coins in five small stacks with the additional two coins in the final stack. He then gathered the supplies and turned to leave the shop.
Nisk begrudgingly smiles at the dwarf before dipping his head towards the dwarf. "I will take that as a compliment, master dwarf, and consider amends made. Should you have further need of anything, do not hesitate to call upon my services."
Exiting from the alchemists shop, Kiera realizes the time, and shepherds the party over to the Rusty Dragon to meet Aldern. You approach a large, old building already bustling with customers. The stone and wooden walls are old, but have obviously been very well kept up in the last several years. The most impressive characteristic of this building is its namesake: a large, rusty iron dragon perched on the roof, its mouth open to the sky in an eternal roar. When you enter into the barroom, the proprietoress is behind the bar serving the lunch rush. She steps forward to greet the newcomers as tantalizing and exotic smells float across your noses.
"Hi!" she greets you pleasantly. "Welcome to the Rusty Dragon. I am Ameiko Kaijitsu. Be welcome in my inn. What can I do for you?"
"A pleasure to meet you, Ameiko. I must say, there are some wonderful smells in here." the priest says with a smile.
"Thank you kind lady," Volkar bows his head slightly towards Amekio. "A fine honey mead would be a great way to break my thirst.'
After my mentioning of the spelling mistakes I watch everything in silence, letting everyone else do the talking and purchasing of equipment that they desire.
As we enter the the Dragon I listen to Andrezi and Volkar speak, then smile, "Greetings, could I also trouble you for a couple of tankards of mead as well as some of that wonderful smelling food?"
As the group leaves the alchemist's shop, Kiera is beside herself apologetically. "I am so sorry that I didn't properly prepare you for that experience," she says. "Nisk carries a lot of materials but he's just so... absent-minded that a lot of it winds up old and disorganized. Really, I'm just used to him, I guess I forgot how touchy he can get. I'm very sorry about that."
~~~~~~~~~~
At the Rusty Dragon, Kiera nods to Ameiko and slides into a chair with the group. "Um. Rice noodles? Did the cook make any today?" she requests.
"Mistress, there is no need to apologize," Volkar nodded as he found a chair at the table that they had headed towards. "We dwarfs can be a bit challenging to sell and bargain with, and apparently that was not what Master Nisk expected."
When the mead arrived, Volkar sipped it appreciatively.
"Is there anything we should know about our rescued and new friend we are to be meeting here?"
"A... Aldern? Um, actually, I don't really know... there are four noble families in Sandpoint," she says, taking a tone somewhat like a schoolteacher. "Aldern is from a different non-local family, the Foxglove family. My understanding is that they don't live in the town proper, so I presume he was in town for the festival. Actually, Ameiko, the hostess here, is from the Kaijitsu family, which is one of the four! She has always been the sort to 'go her own way', though, which is why she spends a lot of her time hosting here at the Rusty Dragon, which she owns. Don't let the barmaid act fool you -- she's actually a noblewoman and part owner of the Sandpoint Glassworks, which is a major industry for the town."
Kiera lets out a breath and then says with a wry smile, "So in short, I don't really know much about Aldern, as he doesn't live in town -- as far as I know -- and we're from different social circles. He's a nobleman, I'm just a scholar."
"Well then, that helps," Volkar said as he continued to sip the mead. "So this festival, that didn't happen because of the green skins," Volkar snarled the last few words then sipped his mead as if to wash away a very bad taste. "What was it all about? I just happened to have gotten off my brother's ship early that morning as he passed on, to wander and explore, when I walked into the square and its festivities."
"Oh! Well, the festival of the Swallowtail butterflies is a celebration that's associated with the church of Desna. The butterflies are considered a good omen and a symbol of Desna. Priests will catch butterflies in the wild, or sometimes the larger cathedrals will have a garden to attract them, then bring them out in a wagon and release them all at once. It's considered a good omen if one of the butterflies lands on you before it goes on its way!" Kiera explains.
"Here in Sandpoint the cathedral is multi-denominational, but the pre-eminent priest, Father Zantus, is a priest of Desna. So, the Swallowtail Festival is sort of a way to bring the community together to recognize everyone's dreams and how those dreams make a better future -- after all, the cathedral only exists because the people here were undeterred when the old church was burned down, and they had a dream of something grander, and they made it happen!"
"So, what caused the goblins to attack during such a ceremony," Volkar asked and shook his head. "Maybe we should visit and tour this new cathedral when we get the chance. Are there any stories about the green skins in the town before?"
Ameiko nods her head at the party's requests for food and drink, and leads everyone to an empty table before returning quickly with the requested drinks. "My food here is well known to be good.. I picked up most of the recipes during my adventuring days! I will have a serving girl put together plates and run them out to you!" she says before departing. Soon there after, a young lass brings a tray of plates piled with food fresh from the ovens. Roast meat sizzles and fresh veggies beckon as the food is laid out for everyone. The serving girl hears your discussion of Aldern, and gasps.
"Oh! You must be the Heroes!! Mr. Foxglove has not stopped talking about the group he invited to come see him! I will let him know you are here!" before hurrying off.
"The old church was burned down? What happened? An accident? Something more nefarious?" Andrezi asks Kiera. "I agree, Volkar, we should make a point of visiting the cathedral."
As the food arrives, the priest breathes in deeply, taking in all of the aromas. "This promises to be excellent. Thank you." he says to the serving girl and with a raised glass toward the Dragon's proprietor.
I listen to the description and history of the Swallowtail festival intently, then close my eyes and imagine being surrounded by the sea of flying blue wings, and without realising I whisper a word, "Beautiful." I open my eyes again and once everyone is done talking I look to Kiera, "Have you ever even been blessed by the touch of good luck from this festival?"
As the food and drink arrives at the table I look at it, "This smells and looks delicious, almost as good as the meals back home." I then stand, turn to face Ameiko and place my hand over my heart, calling out to her before she is out of earshot and so that I am not shouting too much. "arûna jok akh formv voth grimstborith." I then bow to her, before sitting again and digging in to the food and mead.
I nod the the waitress and as she rushes of to inform the gentleman from yesterday I look to the others and stop eating briefly, "I hope we do not disappoint the young nobleman."
"Well, I've only lived in Sandpoint for a little while. I was here for the last festival, but since it only happens once a year, that was the first time for me! None of the butterflies landed on me then. I was sort of wondering if they might this year," Kiera says as she helps herself to some of the sizzling mixed broccoli and carrots.
"As for the cathedral, before I moved here, there were some incidents about five years ago. The locals refer to them as the 'late unpleasantness.' "
Kiera clears her throat and takes on a sort of storyteller-like position. She wiggles in her chair, pushes her errant hair back out of her face, then lifts her hands and slowly gestures with them to accentuate the story.
"On a dark month five years ago, the sheriff discovered a badly-wounded body -- the corpse of some unfortunate who had been murdered! While that's the sheriff's job, what came next was unexpected. People started to get frightened as a new body was found every few days, always... mutilated... in the same way."
Kiera pauses and looks at the faces of each of the party members, then continues, "Because the killer chopped the limbs off the bodies like a lumberjack trimming a tree, they called him ."
"Sheriff Avertin couldn't keep up. People were living in terror. The sheriff was so distraught that he took to drinking. Rumor holds that he became moody, erratic, uncontrollable. But, on one fateful night, he found the killer in the midst of the act, and that last spark of the man of justice deep within him flared up and a battle ensued! The sheriff lost his life in that confrontation, but in the process he scored a mortal blow on the Chopper, who turned out to be none other than a deranged hermit who lived in the old lighthouse at the northwest promontory. He died from his wounds and the city guard were finally able to put the matter to rest."
Kiera leans back and says, "Only a few months later, a terrible fire engulfed the Sandpoint chapel. In the blaze, the old priest, Ezakien Tobyn, lost his life. Many of the surrounding buildings were damaged as well. The town was lucky that the fire was quickly contained."
"Yet out of these tragedies, Sandpoint survived and prospered. The town committed to building a new cathedral, grander and taller than the old chapel, and dedicating it to the many patron gods and goddesses of Sandpoint. Under the care of Father Abstalar Zantus, the cathedral has served as a multi-denominational church, seeing to all the needs of the town and handling prayers and intercessions on behalf of the faiths of Desna, Abadar, Sarenrae, Shelyn, Gozreh, and Erastil. In fact, this year's Swallowtail Festival was also a dedication ceremony, celebrating the opening of the new cathedral after five years of construction! A new sheriff took to protecting the town, a Shoanti man named Belor Hemlock -- he's actually the brother of the owner of the White Deer Inn, where we stayed before. He's proven to be a capable and fair-minded man."
"So," Kiera finishes, "Sandpoint is no stranger to past danger!" She stifles a giggle at the unintended rhyme.
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Volkar enjoyed the delicious food, and realized that Sandpoint had great food, if not the safest of streets. He smiled at Kiera's giggle and then finished his mead.
"Well, I suspect we will need to meet the grateful nobleman, sooner than later, should we go find him here or see if he can find us?"
"I believe that the young lady said she would see to letting Mr. Foxglove know we were here. I suspect we will be seeing him shortly." Andrezi says with a grin.
"Yes, I'm sure Ameiko is keeping an eye out to make sure we aren't interrupted in the middle of a mouthful before she makes the introduction! Anyway, after we conclude business with Mr. Foxglove we can visit the cathedral. I'm sure it will be fairly crowded with other townsfolk who are eager to visit now that construction is done."
As the history lesson concludes, a youngish man enters the barroom from the stairs leading to the private rooms upstairs. He is tall and dashing, and in daylight hours without having his life threatened, he exudes an aura of the upper crust nobility, commanding attention and displaying confidence. He moves through the crowded taproom, headed directly for your table, his eyes beaming and his smile wide. When he gets within earshot, Aldern loudly proclaims: "The Heroes of Sandpoint!! I am so glad you could meet me today!!"
He approaches your table and effusively greets each member, introducing himself and allowing you to introduce yourselves. Once formalities are concluded, he draws up a chair and takes a seat. By the light of day, you can see the nobleman is barely of age, in his early 20's at the oldest.
"My friends! I am in your debt for rescuing me last night, and a Foxglove always pays his debts. Your reward will be fair, I assure you. We can discuss that later though! Tell me, I would enjoy spending time with you and hearing your stories of travel and adventure. I have a boar hunt planned for tomorrow, and I would be honored if you could accompany my manservants and I! I can make sure you are properly outfitted, and we can spend the time talking of adventure and great deeds!"
I raise my tankard to Aldern as he introduces himself, while trying to keep a smile on my face instead of a smirk when I think of the young man trying to kiss Kiera's shoes. "I will accompany you, but I should tell you that I have never hunted before. But learning new things is a part of life, when and where would you like us to meet?"
"A hunt, for boar," Volkar raised his eyes to the Nobleman and smiled. "I have never hunted for boar, but would relish the opportunity to learn and join your company on the morrow. With his strength, we should have a grand time."
"Well, thank you, Lord Foxglove! I am... overwhelmed by your hospitality. I must admit that I am not used to rubbing shoulders with the nobility," Kiera says a bit hesitantly.
"For today though we promised Father Zantus that we would visit the cathedral as well, so that is our next stop after lunch."
"Um..." she finally adds, "...is there anything in particular I should bring for a boar hunt?"
Aldern slaps his hand on the table with a great guffaw of pleased laughter. "We shall hunt then, by the gods! Tomorrow morning we shall ride out. Meet me at dawn at the Goblin Squash stables, and I will have everything you shall need waiting for you." Turning to Kiera, he says "Worry not, Madam. Your beauty more than makes up for any lack of experience with nobles, and given time with me, you shall have the manners of a queen! Everything you shall need will be provided, a gift to my friends for saving my life and then granting me the pleasure of their company." With these words, he bids you farewell, off to make arrangements for tomorrows hunt. Once finished with lunch, you head off to find Father Zantus.
When you find him, he is finishing healing on one of the last wounded left under the cathedrals roof. Exhausted, he greets you warmly, and with a smile, says "So, the Heroes have come. Welcome to the Cathedral, and may Desna bless you all. How have you fared?"
Kiera blushes at Aldern's unsolicited compliment, and self-consciously brushes back on the wild bang of hair that always seems to get away from her head scarf. Perhaps to dispel the embarrassment of being singled out, she clears her throat after Aldern leaves and says, "Well. Andrezi, you're a traveling man of the cloth, aren't you? Shall we go to the cathedral?"
~~~~~~~~~~
At the cathedral, Kiera ducks her head in supplication as she enters. To Father Zantus she says, "We're all quite well, considering. You look exhausted, Father. You must've spent all night tending the wounded of the town. Is there any way that we can help?"
"That sounds like a fine plan, Kiera." Andrezi says, holding back small chuckle, noticing the young woman's unease with Aldern's affections.
------------------------------------------
"Heroes would seem to be a bit overstated. May the Song of the Sphere's blessings be with you as well, Father Zantus." Andrezi says in greeting while he awaits the good Father's response to Kiera's question.
"Father, you have been here all night?"{/b]Volkar looked about and shook his head in disbelief. [b]"Did the green skins then not get into the temple or its grounds?"
Father Zantus smiles through his weariness at the expressed concern. "I was able to get some sleep, but the care of the wounded fell mostly to me and my prayers. I am ok, and thankfully, the cathedral and it's grounds were spared the worst of the onslaught. What few made it past our protections were quickly dealt with. As for help, there were not many seriously injured, and this last patient was only a few stitches and burns and should heal up nicely. I greatly appreciate your concern, and as you keep asking to help, I think I may have something in mind. Come with me to my chambers, and we can discuss what help you may provide to the city, if you are willing."
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The cleric leads you to a spare but comfortable office. Very little adorns his walls or shelves, but the items there bespeak of devout service to his gods and the people of Sandpoint. He motions for an acolyte to bring in a few more chairs, and once everyone is seated, he takes a seat behind his desk and shuffles through some papers.
"This town has become my home, and I wish to serve them as best as possible. As such, several needs have come to my attention, and these needs were only exacerbated with the attack last night. I have several requests here for townspeople seeking help with things throughout the city, and also, Sheriff Hemlock came to see me about this "Heroes of Sandpoint" business.
I assured him I had met up with you, and would again meet with you today, so I could attest to your character. It does no little help to your reputations that one of our own, an adopted daughter of Sandpoint, has joined up with you. Kiera, you may not have run in the noble circles here, but you have given us no reason to believe you would be anything other than trustworthy. Your actions over the last year have shown good character and moral standing. Your history lends credence to your new friends.
I say this, because in this unprecedented attack, all theories must be investigated. I believe you all were just in the right place at the right time, thank the gods! Now. May I hear from your own selves your stories? What brings you to Sandpoint, and why did you fight for our little town?"
Father Zantus meets each persons eyes with a piercing gaze. You get the feeling that although you are not on trial, something very important hinges on your answer.. he has not told you anything certain yet, but with his mention of Sheriff Hemlock and the turn of questions, you get the feeling this is some sort of interview..
I look relived when the nobleman leaves the group, but excited about tomorrows hunt. I walk with everyone to the cathedral in silence, but paying careful attention to everyone and giving short answers when asked questions. As we enter the building and see the Father treating the last of his patients I wait until he has finished and then nod to him as he greets us. "Today has proven to be a lot more peaceful than yesterday, thankfully. I am just glad you were there to help those who were unable to escape harm."
At his request that we follow him I nod, "Before we leave, I have a question. Miss Kiera said that this is not just a house of Desna, but other deities as well. Would I be able to ask Kols for his blessing here or would that cause unnecessary trouble?" Despite his answer I shall still follow him.
Once seated I take out a small green stone as begin to stroke it with my thumb as we talk. "I came here seeking information about my father, someone matching his description was sighted near here. The quan vrenshrrgn rak Kols also asked me to help any that are in need along my way, as part of of my continued training. As there are people here in need of help, I shall stay until I feel all is safe again, but finding my father is still important to me."
Father Zantus nods at the dwarfs request. "Although not all faiths are fully represented here, we will turn away no peaceful patron of a God of good. It will be no problem for you to pay homage, and should you need anything, I am sure arrangements could be made."
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I smile and bow to the Father, "All I require is a couple of tallow candles and a small corner with a stone floor, then I shall be able to perform the ritual."
Andrezi smiles as he begins, "I am Andrezi Zeldana, a traveling priest of Desna. I traveled to Sandpoint specifically for the dedication of this shrine and the Swallowtail festival. As to why I fought the goblins? The little beasties are detestable, and beyond that innocents were in danger."