Trinity moved quietly behind the group, once the sheriff granted permission to undertake another mission on his behalf. With her thoughts primarily focused on the missing priest and what that represented, she hadn’t even noticed the small exchange of insulting comments within the group until the very end.
Once the house came into view, Trinity quickly diverted her attention back to the task at hand. Saddened by the young boy’s final request, she drew her sword with a silent vow to locate his beloved dog.
Tamiko follows Trinity into the house, blade drawn, focused on finding the goblin and taking it down.
Entering into the house, you see that it is a very neat and orderly house with the living area looking very pristine. Thehouse is eerily silent and the fire from last night has completely burnt out.
Moving through the tidy house, you easily find the young boy's bedroom that you were told about and Honani enters first.
Upon entering Aeren's room, your are immediately met with a copious pool of blood at the corner of the wooden bed with the corpse of a small Jack Terrier on the floor with a knife sticking out of the side of its head.
At the end of the room you can see a man on his belly as if he had crawled into the closet with only his legs visible.
Morgana mutters something under her breath and it does not sound like a shopping list. Honani, Tamiko - get ready. If that thing is in the closet I'll try and draw it out..."
When her companions signal readiness Morgana advances to the cupboard, takes hold of the man's body and pulls it backwards by the belt - hoping that the movement will provoke the 'monster' out to meet its maker.
Marissia follows Honani and Morgana into the room. She stands ready to grab the body from Morgana once she pulls him out of the closet and drag him out of the room into the hall, clearing room for the others to get into the room if they want, and getting the man to safety (If he's lucky enough to be alive, or getting his body out of the way of the fight if he is dead).
"By Nethys..." Tamiko blanches at the sight of the blood. Out there in the street with goblins running everywhere, she was fine, but in the supposed safety of the home...
Tamiko stays out in the hall as the rest of the group goes in to deal with the bodies, letting anyone who wants to pass, but stays wary. If the goblin is still in the room, she won't let it escape.
Standing next to the bedrooms entrance, Trinity waited patiently as her companions moved into the room. The sight of the dog laying limply on the floor saddened the inquisitor with the knowledge of the young boy’s upcoming disappointment. Slowly Trinity visually scanned the room for any unexpected dangers as her companions attempted to extract the injured or dead. It was quite unnerving how much damage a simple creature like a goblin could unleash upon the common population. Under normal circumstances, death was never an easy thing to contend with, much less when it found you unprepared.
Thoughts of the young boy’s inevitable torment brought back memories of the grief stricken people who were left in her father’s wake. The sadness was unbearable, even witnessed from her perspective. Trinity swallowed heavily as her thoughts shifted to her father’s final moments, and the seemingly endless torment that ached in her chest when the headman’s ax finely took its toll. She had to remind herself that heartache, in itself, was testimony to her ability to feel love. In that moment, Trinity closed her eyes and began to mentally recite something that had helped her through some of the hardships that plagued her adolescent life. (Heartache is like a glass of bitter wine. If you try and drink it, you will choke on its bitter hardness, but if you sip the wine slowly, you can embrace what it has to offer.) She always believed that the statement was a way of saying that emotions were closely tied and defined the difference between living and existing. She believed that a person should embrace each and every emotion, even the painful ones. During those times, she learned to embrace the experience, and then use it to strengthen her resolve.
Patiently the inquisitor continued to wait, knowing that the beast was surly close at hand. Her grip tightened on the hilt of her blade in anticipation. (The beast’s head might bring some closure to the boy and his mother,) she thought as she focused once again on the young boys dog.
As Honani and the others walk past the dead canine, the little boys admonition reverberates over and over in Honani's head.
"Please sir, will you save Petal? She's a really good dog!"
Trying to keep his focus on the here and now, his mind inevitably shifts back to his own youth, and his own parting with his father. Though the shards of the glass encrusted swords were scattered to the four winds, and the sadness of his father's parting wrapped him like a wet blanket, he knew his father was not a good father, but he had a closure with that. He had said what needed to be said, done with needed to be done, and was left to forge his own life like the hammer on red-hot steel of a blacksmith's forge.
This boy might never have that. The would have the could have would forever torment him, unless by some Iomedae miracle they were to save this boy's father.
As Morgana grips the man's feet, Honani rushes in, klar at the ready.
Morgana manages to tug at the body which, with a might heft, slides out of the closet revealing the rest of his body, clearly half eaten by a creature,his skin torn at by teeth marks.
An instant later, an insane goblin shrieks in rage and leaps out of the hole to attack swinging a crude knife wildly at Honani, the first human he sees.
The goblin, clearly crazed showing the whites of his eyes, misses in its frenzied slashing and Honani takes the opportunity to attack back.
Honani, being distracted by Aeryn's heartfelt request, does not react quickly enough and misses.
AC:17 FF+ Touch:14
HP: 12
Marissia grabs the body from Morgana and drags it back out of the room into the hallway and then the living room.
"Oh, you poor soul!" she exclaims, worrying over Aeryn's half-eaten father.
Startled by the fierce goblin attack, Honani pushes out with his klar, hoping to disable the clearly crazed goblin.
I wish Gudada was here to talk some sense into this goblin Honani thinks.
Morgana can't bring her sword around properly in the cramped conditions and ends up cleaving deep into the wood of the closet instead...
Tamiko guards the doorway, preparing to strike should the goblin try to flee, her queasiness replaced with a look of focus and determination.
Unable to find enough room to function in the crowded area, Trinity stands ready to attack any goblins that come within range.
The goblin, squeals incoherently, dodging all the attacks aimed at it and wildly tries to take a bit out of Honani again.
Whilst it leaps at Honani, it instead lands face first in the bed with a mouthful of linen.
In the tight quarters, it seems that none of the combatants can land a clean shot. The goblin bursts forth in a green flurry, only to miss the squatting Shonati. He strikes out once with his klar, and then again as he closes the distance to the bed.
Missing the goblin as it scurries thorough his legs, the Shonati connects with his second attack as the goblin flounders on the bed.
"Quick, cover the door. Don't let it get out!" he pleads passionately.
Marissia fusses over the corpse of the dead man. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" she mutters, clearly guilty she couldn't save him.
Eventually realizing there's nothing she can do, Marissia drags herself to her feet and turns her attention back to the battle.
With so little space in the room, Tamiko continues to guard the doorway with Trinity, preparing to strike should the goblin make it that far.
Caught in the entrance of the bedroom, Trinity waits, watches, and prepares to strike the goblin if it attempts to leave the room.
Unable to make much of the goblin's incompetence due to wrenching her sword from the wardrobe Morgana swings around to try again.
This time her strike is true, slicing open the goblin and the pillows it is currently chewing.
With the goblin entangled in bed sheets Honani and Morgana are able to end its miserable existence in thorough, if not exactly clinical fashion.
As you look around the threat is clearly ended, but at terrible cost to the family. Now comes the hard part - explaining what has happened to Aeryn and his mother.
Hearing silence fall in the other room, Marissia peeks in to see if the threat is dealt with. "Is it... Over?" she asks solemnly.
Glancing over to Marissia, Trinity nods. “It looks like a single goblin, but we should search the area to make sure the place is safe.” Cautiously Trinity moves into the room and begins searching the area for any sign of more goblins or alternative ways into the building.
Deciding it's too crowded in the bedroom, Marissia nods and heads over to the living room, checking for further signs of danger.
Morgana nods and, with a look that dares Honani to say anything drops to the floor, trying to avoid the bloodstains, to look into the crawlspace from which the goblin emerges. She uses her sword to probe the dark space, hoping that there's nothing else there to find...
There are no obvious signs of danger left for anyone searching the house, this was clearly the only threat, perhaps an escapee from the defeat you aided the previous day.
Convinced that the rest of the dwelling was free of danger, Trinity exited the building and headed over to the woman and her son. Holding herself in an emotionally controlled state, the inquisitor began explaining the situation to the woman.
“I have bad news mam. Apparently your husband and the boy’s dog fought valiantly against the best in the boy’s room. Unfortunately, in the process of defending your home, they both fell in combat. It was an honorable end, but I am sure that doesn’t make up for the loss of a loved one. We were successful on eliminating the beast, making the house safe for your return.”
After passing on the bad news, Trinity turned to the sheriff. “Sheriff, the house has been cleared. Unfortunately, this family has endured a loss. If there is anything that I can do to help with any arrangements that need to be made, let me know.”
Marissia walks out of the house with a pained look upon her face. She takes a deep breath and walks over to Aeryn, kneeling down to his level.
"I'm sorry, Aeryn," she says sadly, patting her young student on the shoulder. "Your father and Petal tried very, very hard to protect you. He was very brave. And he loved you very much, but... He died."
Unfortunately, her voice breaks then, overcome with emotion at being unable to save her students father or dog.
"I'm so sorry we couldn't save them."
Morgana leaves the comforting to those who are better at it. Instead she hangs back with Honani, elbows ready in case the Shoanti decides to offer some 'wisdom' of the Cinderlands...
Tamiko also hangs back, her head bowed and her unused sword once again stowed safely at her side. There's really nothing she can say to make this any better.
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As the adrenaline of battle subsides, Honani cuts off a finger joint of the dead goblin and offers it to his Race-Sister. "You struck the killing blow, from your feet no less. This rightfully belongs to you."
Exiting the modest dwelling, he stares at the hopeful look in the eyes of child and mother. Seeing their expressions fade to heart-wrenching sorrow, a pain that he felt in his youth, makes Honani ponder his next words carefully. Oblivious to his Race-Sister's concerns, he looks at the child. "Pain and loss are ever present in the journey through life. We try to avoid it, we pretend that it won't find us, but it always will. You are young to suffer, but you are not the first nor the last that will have to bear this heavy burden. I too lost my father, younger than you. If not for that loss, I would not be the warrior I am. You can choose to let this rule you, to weep and curse, or you can choose to let it fuel your inner fire for greatness.
"Keep the weapon I have given you, learn to use it. When you feel that you have mastered it, come find me, for I will be easy to find as my deeds will long be sung throughout my peoples' fires. I will help you right these wrongs. Until then, take care of your mother. Most mothers need protecting." Returning to the others, he awaits the sherrif's decree.
Aeryn looks solemnly at Honani as the Shoanti warrior speaks, tears sparkling at the corner of his eyes. Although his lip trembles he nods, jerkily, and then again more firmly. "I'll do that Mister." He sniffs once or twice. "Thank you sir, Thank you for saving us."
Amele breaks down in tears as Trinity delivers the bad news and weeps even more when Aeryn comes to hold her hand, his own face stoic. She thanks Tamiko in broken words through her tears and only manages to stop weeping when Sheriff Hemlock appears. He takes in the scene at a glance and comes over, taking Amele by the hand and speaking in a low, calm voice in her ear. She nods, tearfully, and goes inside - returning a few minutes later with a packed bag. By now the neighbours have emerged from their houses to gawp at the scene. Hemlock briefs a matronly woman from up the street and she leads the Barratts away in the direction of the Cathedral.
Sheriff Hemlock turns to you all. "Thank you again for your help. Aldergast was a good man, he'll be missed - but that creature could easily have killed the whole family without you." He pauses and shifts uneasily from one foot to the other. "What with your actions yesterday as well I'd appreciate it if you'd take on a role with the Town Guard - nothing official of course, just a couple of appearences in the streets, that sort of thing. It'll help keep people's spirits up. I'll inform Kendra, I mean Mayor Deverin at once, if you are all willing."
The next few days are pleasantly uneventful. Sheriff Hemlock doesn't take up much of your time with his suggested duties, and under your watchful eyes life in Sandpoint rapidly returns to normalcy. Honani in particular gains something of a following, many of Sandpoint's young women can be found pointing and giggling in his vicinity and on one occasion a particularly bold girl runs out into the street, presses a note into his hand and kisses him on the cheek, before fleeing - red as a tomato.
Tamiko, Marissia and Morgana, already known in town, attract less attention, but Trinity finds her profile has also been raised and a number of young, and not so young, men begin to show her varying degrees of courtesy and attempts at chivalry. On the third day after the goblin attack you each receive a note, written on fine parchment, inviting you to A light dinner at the Rusty Dragon Inn. Signed Aldern Foxglove in elaborate and flourishing calligraphy.
Marissia looks surprised. "Of course, Sheriff. I still have work during the day, but in the evenings I can assist. Thank you."
---
Over the next few days, Marissia's life returns to normal--mostly. She wakes and dresses early, eating breakfast and drinking tea in her small flat. She walks to work, greeting people along the way pleasantly and waving hello. She teaches at Turandarok Academy all day, helps out with the orphans at lunch and after school ends, and then leaves, heading off to home in time to change her clothes, eat a quick bite and head out into the city to help out the town guard.
It's tiring, working two jobs, but rewarding. She enjoys being appreciated and needed. Acceptance is still something she yearns for. She finds herself jealous a bit--at the notoriety and fame the others receive--Honani with his many admirers fawning over him, and Trinity with young men offering her their attentions. She tries not to be envious, and hides it well, but it irks her. Why doesn't she gets reactions like that?
As she returns home late to find a fine piece of parchment she smiles in excitement. What's this?!
She opens it slowly, and her smile widens. Aldern? Dinner? She smiles and dances in place. Wait. Wasn't he interested in Morgana? Ugh, she couldn't remember. She drank too much that night. Was this a group invitation? Must be. Her excitement dampened slightly. Still, what a lovely gesture.
Marissia hurried to get ready, throwing on her finest clothes and rushing off for the Rusty Dragon, hoping she hadn't missed dinner.
Tamiko nods at the Sheriff's suggestions. "Of course. After all that's happened, it's the least we can do to help out."
Thankfully, the next three days pass without incident. The town is slowly returning back to its normal state - not that Tamiko's too familiar with how it is outside of the tavern. The additional responsibility of the town watch isn't too much trouble for Tamiko, giving her more time to study and refine her magic and combat talents. This she takes to with a fair bit of urgency, seeking any edge to protect herself and her town should any more trouble arise.
Tamiko is so focused that she almost doesn't see the invitation. Foxglove again? Probably invited the whole group. I guess I should go and meet them again... She goes to change, but the nice outfit she had was torn up from the festival fight. Oh well. Maybe I should ask Morgana for some suggestions...she knows her clothes. Shrugging to herself, Tamiko heads down to the main room.
Trinity took a moment to read through the invitation before preparing herself for the evening. Glad to see that her contribution to the city has been recognized and resulted in a greater level peace, she breathed deeply in satisfaction.
After spending some time grooming, Trinity headed out, prepared for a delightful meal.
"Thank you Honani, but you struck the first blow - it should be yours." It is clearly apparent that Morgana does not consider fingers a suitable accessory, at least not with her current outfit. Once they emerge Morgana watches solemnly, and with just a touch of shock, as Honani shows enviable tact and a superb way with children.
"That sounds like an excellent idea Sheriff. I'm sure we'll all be happy to help out, however we can." Having accepted to behalf of the group Morgana heads home, intending to replace the second shredded shirt in as many days...
The next few days are quiet. A visit to the blacksmith results in her prize from the festival being refurbished and put in full working order and Morgana spends some time practising with the bow's greater draw.
It is only when she returns from an evening practise behind the Deverin Manor that she finds the letter and immediately whirls into action. I need a bath, I can't meet Aldern smelling like this! And clothes - what to wear? The blue? Too girlish. The red taffeta? No - I'm not trying to seduce him... That thought gives her pause until the more sensible part of her mind reminds her that Aldern probably invited the whole group. Unable to entirely quash the feeling of disappointment that this thought causes Morgana has her bath and eventually dresses in a well fitted grey dress, with a subtle flower embroidery at the sleeve and twining up the arms. Accenting with just enough jewelry, particularly her favourite necklace (to draw the eye to the hollow of the throat), Morgana is ready and leaves only about ten minutes late!
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Accepting his Race-Sister's decline of the finger joint, Honani attaches it to the leather strap containing all his recent victories. He may not be a fancy city-dweler, but he knew how small matters between friend's and their honor had a way of becoming something they were not. Rather than belabor the point, he just accepted her wishes.
As he hears the Sheriff pronounce him a part-time member of the town guard, Honani has a moment of uncertainty. Is this what I came here for, to protect the city-folk from goblins? Should I not be back in the Cinderlands, earning honor for my clan rather than walking in this city with too many people too close together and smelling badly?
He looks to the others, people he feels have become his friends, people that were almost as important to him as his clan mates. He could see the joy on their faces, except for the Varisian woman. Something still seemed a bit off by her demeanor. He would have to figure that out later.
He accepted the sheriff's offer with merely a nod.
In the upcoming days, Honani tried his best to conform to the norms of the Town Guard. After wrestling a man to the ground and placing a dagger to his throat after Honani saw him 'stealing', the Shonati was embarrassed to find out that the man merely had a standing account with the fruit vendor and would always take a fruit on his morning stroll through the market.
He did not shy away from the many amorous attempts to win his attention. Honani would always display his martial prowess by showing the young ladies his war trophies, describing how he either killed or played a vital role in the beasts' destruction. Those that lingered after were asked a series of questions on the best way to field dress a deer, and whether it was best to remove the haunch before bringing it back to the village. The handful that endured that conversation were then asked to exhale robustly into Honani's face. He remembered the long hunting trips with other members of his clan, talking fancifully about their future wives and husbands. Honani needed an attractive lass, one with full breasts and ample hips for child bearing, most agreed, he wanted a woman with long luxurious hair, and again most voiced their approval, but Honani had one last condition, the woman in question needed to have fresh breath, as fresh as a mountain stream in the midst of spring when the flowers bloom. Some men wanted their wives to be an artisan, others intellectuals, and some only cared for looks. But Honani could not abide a woman with breath like the junktoss.
After receiving the letter, Honani inquires with his friends if they too have received a letter, and who Aldern Foxglove is.
Whether you arrive together or apart you find Aldern at the best table next to the fire place with a lot of small plates of fantastic smelling food and a large carafe of fine red wine. He greets the ladies enthusiastically with a grin, but has particularly expressive compliments for Morgana.
"My Lady Morgana, it is such a pleasure to see you again this evening, with such peerless radiance! He takes Morgana's hand and lightly brushes his lips over it with a careful kiss.
He continues to thank you for the support you gave him to help defeat the goblins that evening, and compliment's Honani's impressive prowess.
Halfway through the evening, and the glasses of wine being shared. Aldern mentions:
"I'm thinking of heading back to my townhouse in Magnimar in a couple of days and I am hoping to go on a boar hunt to Tickwood forest before I sadly have to return to business. His eyes nervously flutter to Morgana for a split second.
"I would be honoured to team up with you all again to capture a boar for the whole inn to share tomorrow evening. It my way to show my thanks to Ameiko who has been a tremendous hostess at the Inn as well as the Sheriff and the town guard for being such fantastic heroes! It would be much more exhilarating with a group, than just my menservants. We can take our horses tomorrow morning and have a jolly time together ready for a grand feast in the evening!"
He flashes his perfect smile at the group with clear hope in his eyes, questioning all those at the table.
Marissia hurries in--later even than Morgana--but is relieved to find she didn't miss the entire dinner.
She preens and smiles when Aldern compliments her, but within a few moments it's clear he's truly interested in Morgana. And her spirits dim.
And who could blame him? With her perfect hair, and her fancy clothes, and her noble lineage. It must be nice to be so... perfect.
With a shake of her head, Marissia focuses on the meal. "Dinner's lovely, Aldern. Thank you for inviting me."
She enjoys the meal, happy to get to visit with her newest friends (without blood on her clothes) and to relax (even if only a bit).
---
"I see you've been rather popular of late, Trinity, with the men in town. Has anyone caught your fancy?" she asks curiously. "How have you been settling in?"
"And you Honani? How are you liking Sandpoint? I've heard you're proving... difficult to attract. Something about making young women breathe on you?"
"This place looks quite busy!" she remarks to Tamiko. "Business must be booming! How's Ameiko handling it?"
"I love your dress, Morgana," she remarks a little jealously. "It's beautiful."
---
"Your townhouse in Magnimar? How avant garde! Is that your ancestral home? Or does your family have an estate in Magnimar as well?"
"Boar hunting?" Marissia asks with disbelief. "I-- Well, I've never done that before. Is it quite dangerous?"
The smell of the anticipated meal hit Trinity as she entered the dining hall. The smell’s testimony alone left little doubt that the meal was going to be exquisite. Without losing a beat, she scanned the room and found the table that contained some of her new companions and the host of the invitation.
After the proper introductions had been made, Trinity found herself sitting at the table across from Marissia, who was quick to point out the inquisitor’s unfortunate situation. “Well, I have definitely had more than a few offers for courtship. Unfortunately, a relationship doesn’t coincide well with my obligation to the church. I could be called upon at a moment’s notice to intervene in some matter that could very well take me out of the area for quite some time.”
(It looks like Morgana is going to have her hands full.) Trinity thought as she considered Aldern’s behavior. “I can’t speak for everyone else, but I am more than willing to join in the hunt. That being said, I don’t believe I have a horse. Is that going to be a problem?”
After the proper introductions had been made, Trinity found herself sitting at the table across from Marissia, who was quick to point out the inquisitor’s unfortunate situation. “Well, I have definitely had more than a few offers for courtship. Unfortunately, a relationship doesn’t coincide well with my obligation to the church. I could be called upon at a moment’s notice to intervene in some matter that could very well take me out of the area for quite some time.”
Marissia considered Trinity's words, then nodded. "Yes, that's understandable." After a moment she enquires. "Is that a problem for you? Or do you enjoy it?"
---
At mention of horses, Marissia nods. "Oh, yes! I don't own a horse, either."
Hurrying to get to the Rusty Dragon puts just enough colour in Morgana's cheeks that Aldern's compliments don't make her blush too obviously.
"You're too kind Aldern, you look very dashing yourself. And all this food - I don't know what we've done to deserve such attentions from you, but it's very welcome!" She takes little persuading to sit at Aldern's side, and although she is well bred enough to make her fair share of conversation, much of her time and attention is devoted to the handsome nobleman sitting next to her.
"Thank you Marissia, Rnyshinn made it for me. The woman is a genius with a needle! We should go to her shop together at some point and get you something nice! Trinity and Tamiko could come, it'll be fun!"
"Oh Trinity - that's so sad! But I'm sure the church wouldn't look down on a little fun between consenting adults would it?" Her eyes slide sideways to Aldern at this point. "Afterall, priests who don't understand life's joys can't advise their parishioners properly?"
When the boar hunt is proposed Morgana's eyes light up, although whether that's because of the hunt or the prospect of spending more time with Aldern is anyone's guess. "That sounds wonderful! What a generous idea Aldern!" Her eyes glowing and flushed with wine warmth Morgana is well on the way to having the best night of her life.
At the fine dinner, Honani makes sure to sit near his race sister, and by default Aldern Foxglove as he arranged for her to sit next to him. Honani prefers to let the others talk only responding when asked a direct question.
"You say that I am difficult to attract? I confess, I am not sure what your customs are in these cities, but on the plains a woman must show her worth, and a man must prove that he can provide for a woman. Is it different here? Maybe you judge your mates on what colors they dress in, or what fancy name others call you, but it is not so for the Shoanti." Honani rips off a large hunk of meat form the joint that he is using to emphasize his point. "If a woman cannot .." meat and spit fly from his mouth "If she is squeamish ..." he goes in for another bite "Bad breath ..." he takes a deep drink of wine. "You know how it is." he tells Trinity.
"And what of you all? Trinity, are you really wed to your church? And Marissia do young men not bring you fresh kills to cook for them? You are fine to look at and have fair smelling breath. And what of your customs, Tamiko? Do you abide by the strange and stupid city customs, or do you honor your Tien traditions?"
Drifting in and out of attention, Honani snaps back to the conversation at the mention of a boar hunt. I would love to take part in that. If you have never hunted boar, you are in for a treat! This is the best news I have heard in a fortnight.
"First, you need to arm yourself well. Wild boars have razor sharp tusks. If they get to you, they will rip your innards out and start eating them while you live. The smell is enough to knock out a fully grown mastodon and you will pray that you passout and die before it begins on your other organs. It looks like that." he points to what is left of Aldern's plate.
"So you'll want a hefty spear, or if you are not brave enough, a bow to shoot it like the small Shonati girls that still play with their dolls."
Honani continues to extol the dos and don'ts of the boar hunt, growing more and more excited as he slurs his way through a hunting checklist.
As he finishes be belches loudly and pulls his pants down to allow his enlarged stomach to peek over his waistband. "So when do we leave, hunt-brother?" he claps Aldern on the back.
"Ah, no..." Marissia admits, bringing a slight blush or shame to her cheeks. "I'm afraid young men don't bring me fresh kills to cook for dinner. Or old men for that matter. Or anything to cook at all, really. Though that sounds like it would be lovely."
At Honani's 'compliments', Marissia smiles brightly. "Why, thank-you, Honani! That's kind of you to say."
There's plenty of room on my doorstep for your kills...
Oh, don't be foolish. He doesn't want me!
After a moment she adds genuinely, "I wish you good luck in finding a woman you meets your standards."
---
After Honani's long, terrifying talk about boar hunting, Marissia mutters. "Yes, that sounds... lovely."
How dangerous! They're going to need a medic!
"I'll be sure to bring a healing potion then, in case of any accidental disembowellings. I'll have to rent a horse from Mr. Hosk..."
Perhaps surprisingly to those at the table, all this talk of the danger and gore has made Marissia intent on going.
Clearly uncomfortable with the direction the conversation had taken in regards to her personal life, the inquisitor made a noticeable effort to satisfy the curiosity of her new companions. “No, I wouldn’t go as far as to suggest that I am married to the church, but the expectations of the church would likely weigh heavily on most relationships. If I were to consider a mate, he would have to be someone who was like minded enough to understand the severity of my duties.”
Trinity took a couple bights of veal from her plate and then washed them down with a small drink from her win glass. “In general, my duties as an inquisitor would be challenging enough to balance with a family. When you add in the more extreme expectations, then it becomes virtually impossible to consider a normal life with a home, children, and a husband. I believe the obvious exception would be someone how has taken on a similar lifestyle.”
After finishing most of the food from her plate, Trinity slid the plate aside and began to further enjoy her glass of wine. “As much as I am looking forward to the boar hunt, I am a little concerned about the unresolved business we have. There are still questions regarding our latest discovery that needs answering. Shouldn’t we continue the investigation?” Trinity mentions the last part of her inquiry with hesitation and an obvious effort not to bring up any details about the discovery.
"Yes, I was surprised to hear the Sheriff hasn't been doing much on that count..." Marissia admits. Trying to keep the details scant, Marissia thinks for a few moments...
Turning to Morgana she asks, "Did you inquire after the Kaijitsu's health? They are your neighbours. Only you have an excuse to visit them, I'm afraid... And we were so curious as to their disposition."
Turning to Tamiko she asks, "Did Ameiko hear anything of interest regarding our friend with the cloak, or visitors to the graveyard?"
After a moment she adds, "I've been busier than expected, of late... But, after dinner I should like to speak with Father Zantus about his time with Father Tobyn. And the grave digger, about his... duties. You're welcome to join me, Trinity. Or perhaps you have some other ideas?"
Tamiko graciously accepts Aldern's compliments, though she can tell he's clearly most interested in Morgana. Just as well - the conversation turns to Trinity, her church, and marriage...things that Tamiko has never really given much thought to. And then Marissia asks her about Ameiko...oh, right, she'd said she could ask Ameiko whether she'd heard anything in the tavern. She responds, "I don't know...Ameiko has been busier than ever this week - people drinking off the horror of the goblin raid, I guess. I haven't had a chance to ask her about anything yet, she's always busy when I come out", of course neglecting to mention that she's barely left her room except for eating and the guard duties.
Tamiko thinks about the invitation to go boar hunting for a bit, but she agrees - it'd be nice to get out of her room for a bit and try out some new tricks...though of course she doesn't have a horse either.
Turning to Morgana she asks, "Did you inquire after the Kaijitsu's health? They are your neighbours. Only you have an excuse to visit them, I'm afraid... And we were so curious as to their disposition."
"I haven't had the opportunity..." Morgana replies. "Trying to see Longiku at the best of times is difficult unless you have business with him. I'd need a very good pretext and there aren't many of those right now..."