At Ameiko's offer, Zeriax smiles - "I believe that would be a fine option indeed - we are all in need of some merry festivities to lighten the mood"
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Wild boar? Courtesy of that buffoon Foxglove no doubt? Emrys says good-naturedly.
That would be a pleasure. I'm going to take a long bath first.
He stands and takes the wine bottle from the table and half jogs up the stairs to his room.
He runs that bath uncomfortably hot and winces as his aching limbs descend into the steaming water.
Alas, poor Orik....
-----------------
Several hours later when he is feeling fully refreshed, the wizard comes back down the stairs. He can see by now that the inn is beginning to fill up with regulars and he stops to make small talk with a couple of people he has bumped into over the past several days.
Politely making his exit, he pushes open the kitchen door and regards Ameiko and Bethana busying themselves with the night's feast.
Ok ladies, where do you want me? he lets the innuendo hover for half a second before continuing with a grin; I'm not much a cook but I'm a quick learner... by elf standards anyway. I cast my first magic missile when I was 52, that's very nearly a record where I come from!
Yes...you missed him earlier in the week, bragging about how he took down the beast as you all watched and cheered. Somehow, I don't think it happened exactly that way...
-----
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As she's shoos him, Emrys <shifts> five feet to the left of her advance.
You sure... she spins on him and moves to push him out again.
<Shift>
I can be pretty useful...
<Shift>
...when I want to be!
This time she looks as if she is about to pelt a saucepan at him.
Haha! Ok, I'm gone. It smells lovely by the way.
He reenters the bar and takes a seat with any of his companions who are there before him.
During the time that has passed, Hardegon seems to have slowed down a bit with his drinking. He begins to notice the somewhat festive atmosphere going on around him. He ponders to himself...
Perhaps it wasn't a failure after all. Sure, there was loss, but there were also many triumphs and maybe this community will be a better place for what we accomplished.
I am NOT a failure. I will just learn from my mistakes, I will better myself and I will come out swinging next time!
Then to Ameiko...
Thank you for making this upcoming celebration possible. I would like to buy a round of drinks for my companions...and one for you as well?
Brenton isn't into banquets for his honor, nor does he drink. He sits in the corner intently reading his new books.
As the food is being put out, Ameiko gets everyone's attention.
Before we partake of this feast, as a celebration of thanks for these men who have saved our town from three seperate threats, I want for us to take a moment for a man named Orik. None of us outside of the heroes knew him, but I have been told that he was a man who worked hard to make up for the poor decisions he made, including playing a part in the goblin raid. He paid the ultimate price, and we should take a moment to pray that Pharasma see to his future, proper.
----
In Answer to Hardegon
Ameiko laughs. Well, I own the bar, so you don't have to worry about buying one for me. Don't worry. The whole evening is on the house!
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Emrys pulls up a chair beside Hardegon and listens politely to Ameiko's speech about Orik.
Here, here. he says quietly. then more loudly; I doubted him, I admit it. But though none of you knew him and he wont be remembered in any monuments, he did this town a service.
He then stands and solemnly raises his glass.
And to Megekki too. He was troubled, odd, impossible to understand. But he was brave nonetheless. None of us know what happened to him. But whether he is alive or... not. I hope he's in a better place than this.
Emrys then casts silent image and for a few minutes, images appear like ghostly shadows. Orik, slicing into goblins, Megekki's molten face-mask and twitching spear standing against all enemies.
He dismisses the spell.
To Orik and Megekki.... and drains his glass.
Now let's eat!
Hardegon sidles over the the sheriff and strikes up a conversation with him...
Has there been much going on while we were gone? It seems like weeks since we left here...
Zeriax lets himself immerse fully in the celebration, taking joy in the nature of it all, the contact with the inhabitants, with those he has started believing to be his friends, and the feeling that they have done something good for these people.
In preparation for the upcoming activities, he had offered to assist Ameiko in setting up the room, moving around tables and chairs, and arranging the common area to receive the expected large number of inhabitants probably present. There were not many words exchanged by him and her, as he fears to address matters that Ameiko is still probably coming around to deal with. When cornered and told to go to rest, he answered plainly with a smile - "I am not tired"
As the toast for Orik and Megekki is done, the monks' face again turns stern and hard, covering his emotions in a mask of cold distance - To friends won, and friends lost... - were his simple words. And to the rogue he added - "I do not know about you friend Hardegon, but even for me it seems that ages have passed while we navigated that cursed place..."
During the celebration, there is an honest effort from the monk to mingle with the present, to make known that he is available for assisting in self-defense classes, if they are approved by the Sheriff, and in good humor he is not above of a short demonstration outside.
He will take a few moments to speak in private with Shayliss - "I am very happy to see that you are doing well Shayliss - I hope you can understand that I have made some choices in my life, that are part of what I am - these choices put me in danger, not because I would search it, but because they are in my path. My life, my fate, is not one that can be carried out living in a town for the rest of my life - not even one as captivating as Sandpoint" - he smiles.
"I don't believe you understand how important your friendship is to me, and I will not deny it is a warming feeling, even for an half-breed like me, knowing that you fear for my safety and expect my safe return - but this should not be your life - you have still all your choices ahead of you, and if you took up this "waiting game" regarding myself, this would not be your option, but a consequence of my own."
The monk takes up Shayliss hand - "I do not wish that, I wish you to grow into your own life - you should mold it in whichever way you want with the many years you have ahead of you - stay in town, risk the wild, learn to fight, cook or fishing - hone your mind in specialities such as History, the Arcane or the Divine Arts - the possibilities are endless, and the decision is yours."
"My master had many lessons to teach me, but one of the most important was that one has to know oneself first, regardless of friends, lovers, wealth or poverty - only through that knowledge you will understand the path you have to thread. All the conditions of our life can change in a heartbeat - friends may... Die..." - the monk lowers his eyes - "Lovers may fall from grace, family can even never be there - in the end, you have yourself, and it is with yourself that you need to live. Do not mistake this with a selfish self-centered mindset, I live to assist others, because that was my choice - but first I needed to learn what I AM"
Again Zeriax looks into the girls eyes - "This is what I want for you - learn to know yourself, and what you WANT to be - regardless of occasional lovers, of me, of your father, and of the whole of Sandpoint - find yourself first, and don't rush into what others want to make of you. And understand that I will always be here"
Zeriax stands up - "I wanted to let you know that - on one hand I hope it will help in understanding me better, but most of all I hope it will make you stop and think for a moment - please remember that time spent pondering our lives is NEVER time lost" - with a wink he adds - "Now! Shall we go back and enjoy the celebration?!"
He hugs her and leads her by the hand back inside.
Brenton lifts his milk up to Emrys' toast, repeats Zeriax words, and also empties his cup.
He tries to find a time when Ameiko is taking a break from her bartending while he reads his book. When she takes a moment alone, he approaches her and thanks her for her hospitality. He tries to gauge how she is doing by her answer.
"I'm hoping we can spend a day together soon. I'm interested in getting to know our most hospitable host a little more. I would like the chance to return my appreciation." He says trying his best to get her to forget current events and not sound like he's trying to come on to her.
He will take a few moments to speak in private with Shayliss - "I am very happy to see that you are doing well Shayliss - I hope you can understand that I have made some choices in my life, that are part of what I am - these choices put me in danger, not because I would search it, but because they are in my path. My life, my fate, is not one that can be carried out living in a town for the rest of my life - not even one as captivating as Sandpoint" - he smiles.
She answers, You read my mind! Sandpoint is much too small a place for me, too!
"I don't believe you understand how important your friendship is to me, and I will not deny it is a warming feeling, even for an half-breed like me, knowing that you fear for my safety and expect my safe return - but this should not be your life - you have still all your choices ahead of you, and if you took up this "waiting game" regarding myself, this would not be your option, but a consequence of my own."
Warm feeling? Boy, I hope I stir up more than that! I would hate to think that I'm losing my touch With that she presses her body closer to his. It's my choice to wait. My choice to worry. And my choice to follow you if I so desire. I am a Vinder, after all. Do not mistake me, Zeriax, for some common wallflower who takes orders from men because she's powerless. This kitty has claws. I see what I like, and I take it.
With that she runs her finger down his nose. Meow.
Again Zeriax looks into the girls eyes - "This is what I want for you - learn to know yourself, and what you WANT to be - regardless of occasional lovers, of me, of your father, and of the whole of Sandpoint - find yourself first, and don't rush into what others want to make of you. And understand that I will always be here"
Z, you positively lose me with all that talking you do. I know who I am...and more importantly, what I want. What about you? Are you...let's say, man enough... to admit what you want and stand up for it? Take it? Fight for it? And if you are, then I only have one question... she gets close up to his face...What are you waiting for, tiger?
Brenton lifts his milk up to Emrys' toast, repeats Zeriax words, and also empties his cup.
He tries to find a time when Ameiko is taking a break from her bartending while he reads his book. When she takes a moment alone, he approaches her and thanks her for her hospitality. He tries to gauge how she is doing by her answer.
[dice=sense motive]1d20+8
"I'm hoping we can spend a day together soon. I'm interested in getting to know our most hospitable host a little more. I would like the chance to return my appreciation." He says trying his best to get her to forget current events and not sound like he's trying to come on to her.
Me? I've been doing better. Thanks again for your support. It's been hard, losing my father and my brother at the same time. And I already lost my mom. I guess I'm really alone now.... at least as far as family is concerned. But, hey, I've got great friends here in the community, like you...so I'm hardly alone.
She puts away some of the glasses as she continues. She seems honest Now, we'll just have to see where things go from here. I'm a little worried about some of the news you brought about evil creatures and the such. Hopefully Shalelu can give us more information. I think, though, that with the death of those goblins, and that evil tiefling who lead them and my brother to betray our town, that we should be safe for a while.
Hardegon sidles over the the sheriff and strikes up a conversation with him...
Has there been much going on while we were gone? It seems like weeks since we left here...
Honestly, it's been quiet. A little too quiet. You all must have done a great job. I haven't heard so much as a peep from any goblins since you left. I guess you put them in their place. With a good show of force, goblins fall apart. They're cowardly creatures at their core. If you want to have fun sometime, find a single goblin and yell at him. He'll piss in his pants before he can even run off. Unfortunately, there's nothing entertaining about what they do when they're in numbers. The little monsters are evil.
The monk laughs out loud at Shayliss's retort to all his conversation - "I know exactly what I want - to enjoy the celebration tonight in your company, and of those that have been in combat alongside me, and that's what I will do"
As he holds the door to the inn open, he adds, allowing his eyes to flare up - "Oh and by the way, I am as much man as I will ever be, which is half. The other half is... Well... Different..."
"Are you coming or what?"
Once inside, the monk tends to gravitate towards his companions - it is not something he can explain in a straightforward way, but for him, there seems to be a moot sense of understanding and common ground that stems from the fact that they all fought to keep each other alive in some dire moments just earlier - that alone changes everything.
In the midst of the commotion, and finding Hardegon and Emrys sitting with the Sheriff, Zeriax joins them and questions - "Brenton has been pouring through those books and all the info we found back there has he not? And you Emrys, did you have an opportunity to take a look? Do we have any conclusion?"
As he holds the door to the inn open, he adds, allowing his eyes to flare up - "Oh and by the way, I am as much man as I will ever be, which is half. The other half is... Well... Different..."
Then why do you play this game with me? With my affections? You hold me at arms distance, never letting me get close. Don't give me all that talk about finding yourself, Zeriak. You're a man...I don't care if you're half elf, half giant or half demon. Unless you're half woman, then you're all man. So, stop playing games. I'm not looking for a one night dance. Do you want me, or don't you?
How you doing Hardegon? This can't have been what you expected. Magnimar, the big city, danger around every corner. And then you come to sleepy little Sandpoint where there's demons around every corner!
Don't get me wrong. I have seen my fair share of blood on the rough and tumble streets of Magnimar. I used to hang out with a gang and there were constant struggles for control of turf. Sometimes a few skulls had to get cracked; occasionally a stabbing. But nothing like the demonspawn we encountered. They frighten me, to be honest. They're nothing I can tackle like I used to in Magnimar. I need to learn more about them and their ways I suppose, if I want to not only overcome my fear of them, but overcome them in battle...
As he holds the door to the inn open, he adds, allowing his eyes to flare up - "Oh and by the way, I am as much man as I will ever be, which is half. The other half is... Well... Different..."Then why do you play this game with me? With my affections? You hold me at arms distance, never letting me get close. Don't give me all that talk about finding yourself, Zeriak. You're a man...I don't care if you're half elf, half giant or half demon. Unless you're half woman, then you're all man. So, stop playing games. I'm not looking for a one night dance. Do you want me, or don't you?
Zeriax stays quiet for a moment - "I have told you this since the first day we met. When you say I am a MAN, you are correct, but the meaning of being one to you is different than what it means to me. All the times we have spoken, I thought I had made it quite clear that I do not face life the way you do - the pleasure of the flesh is not the first thing I seek after meeting a woman, and it is not, and WILL not be the first thing I will share with you"
The monk steps closer, his strongly built frame now obscuring the light coming from within - "You can question my manhood all you want Shayliss - it will not change the fact that I would never BED a woman I have met in but a week, or even a month. I will not rush it, because I do not WANT to rush it - again, it is my upbringing, and my option, which you are free to respect or not"
"All the conversation just a few moments ago was about that - This is what I am, plain and simple - with the belief that the only way to prove affection does not have to involve an immediate run up to the first bedroom in sight - regardless of whatever desire your shapely curves may bring up in my loins, that is not how things will be"
"I want you close in this celebration - Sandpoint has eluded dangers you cannot even begin to fathom - I have thought about the ones we have lost along the way, but indeed celebration is in order. I want to hear more about your plans for your future, share a drink, an idea, and a belief - it is your option to be there or not"
Zeriax turns back slowly and returns to the inn to sit with his companions.
I do not sit around, trying to find myself or waste months discussing my plans for the future. I live for the here and now. You would think given the dangers you described, you would understand that tomorrow is not promised to us. You're right. We don't look at life the same way.
She clicks her heels and walks into the bar, well in front of you.
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He's not sure if he smelled the perfume first, before he heard the soft voice, or saw her soft skin out of the corner of his eye. Hardegon worried that perhaps the drink had dulled his senses a bit. Who knew? Hello, handsome. You're new to Sandpoint, I see. I'm Shayliss. Why don't you tell me a little about yourself, hmmm?
How you doing Hardegon? This can't have been what you expected. Magnimar, the big city, danger around every corner. And then you come to sleepy little Sandpoint where there's demons around every corner!Don't get me wrong. I have seen my fair share of blood on the rough and tumble streets of Magnimar. I used to hang out with a gang and there were constant struggles for control of turf. Sometimes a few skulls had to get cracked; occasionally a stabbing. But nothing like the demonspawn we encountered. They frighten me, to be honest. They're nothing I can tackle like I used to in Magnimar. I need to learn more about them and their ways I suppose, if I want to not only overcome my fear of them, but overcome them in battle...
Sorry about that. It seems my brother was mixed up with that woman. I'm still not sure if she was bless by angelic blood, demonic, or both. Regardless, she was definitely into demonic rituals and the such. At least you put a stop to her. Permanently. She puts a strong drink down in front of the young rogue. You did the right thing...and you helped the others do what had to be done. The Sheriff mentioned that you might have a bit of a past in Magnimar, and they you're paying you debt to society...but here in Sandpoint, it is we who owe you!
Indeed. Well done, Hardegon. According to Brenton and the others, you certainly have done your part. I fully intend to put in a glowing report to my good friend in Magnimar.
He lowers his voice and sits down next to him.
Look, you've done your part...and by all rights, you could leave right now. But, do me a favor? Take a few days...a week, even. Get to know the people here, and these other adventurers a bit better. You might find a place to belong with them, or with us. You'll find that people are a bit more understanding and acceptable outside the safety of the livin' of high society there in Magnimar.
A smile comes across the Tian's face. Hey, hey, what are you saying over there, Sheriff? You got something against nobility?
Not at all, Ameiko! We adore you! How could we not? You make the best boar this side of Brinewall Castle!
The whole bar cheers as another round of drinks are passed around.
He's not sure if he smelled the perfume first, before he heard the soft voice, or saw her soft skin out of the corner of his eye. Hardegon worried that perhaps the drink had dulled his senses a bit. Who knew? [b]Hello, handsome. You're new to Sandpoint, I see. I'm Shayliss. Why don't you tell me a little about yourself, hmmm?
GULP! Um, er hello yourself! Hardegon stares dumbfounded at the beauty next to him. Uh, can I get you something?
In response to her inquiry, Hardegon tells her of how he volunteered to come to Sandpoint to help come make the place safe for its citizens. He also explains how he left a lucrative shipping business behind when he heard rumors of trouble to the east. He also regales her with how he near single handedly eliminated the threat below Thornkeep.
The Sheriff mentioned that you might have a bit of a past in Magnimar, and they you're paying you debt to society...but here in Sandpoint, it is we who owe you!
At this, Hardegon winces and looks apologetically towards Shayliss...
She doesn't seem to pick up on the apparent contradiction created by the young man's words.
As he speaks, she laughs a number of times.
Wow. You're young, yet you've experienced so much. And, I've seen these guys fight. If you're hanging with them, you must not be a slouch at all...especially given that one of their new friends came back broken.
She drops her voice to a near whisper. Hardegon struggles to hear against the backdrop of cheers and joyful jestering going on all around him. Unlike someone else I know, you seem to be someone who take what he wants. Am I right?
Hardegon blushes slightly as he gets her meaning...
Why sure! We all have wants and needs. I am no different. And I DO like what I see...
With that, Hardegon puts his arm around the waist of the striking young lady. How about that drink?
She motions for a couple of drinks. Good...because I do, as well. I like men who stand for what they want, and take it. Because, I do the same.
As things wrap up, and the crew cleans up, Ameiko heads over to Brenton while he's outside of earshot of Hardegon. They seem to have really hit it off, huh?
She pauses for his answer.
Brenton looks around to find out what Ameiko is talking about. He sees Shayliss and Hardegon. "Wasn't she not too long ago all over Zeriax?" Remembering how the father responded to Zeriax he adds, "I hope he knows what he's getting himself into." He looks over at Ameiko and smiles.
I haven't had a chance to go through the books yet Z and to be honest id just like some time not to think about this stuff. Speaking of which, you and Shayliss fall out? She and Hardegon look friendly.
Zeriax looks at Emrys with a smile on his lips, though his semblant is slightly heavy - "Friend Emrys... I am starting to believe we actually never fell in - I don't think I managed to have her understand that her ways and mine and quite different - she seems... Offended? By the fact that I did not immediately advance on her? This is believed to be quite rude and even reason for physical challenge where I come from"
Shrugging, he adds - "I do care for the girl, and I hope she is actually living her life in the best way she believes possible, or she will find it empty in the end" - downing some more of his tea, he continues to Brenton and Emrys - "I am very happy however that we are surrounded by festivities - it is a nice change from before. Where to proceed from here friends - will we be waiting Shalelus' feedback, or have you had any advance in uderstanding what in fact we found back there?"
With the smile now gone, and after a small pause he asks - "Was this simply a mad womans' half crazed plan to destroy Sandpoint?"
After spending an eventful evening with Shayliss that Hardegon will not soon forget, he wanders downstairs the following morning with a smile on his face...
Good morning everyone! What a beautiful day! as he then wanders out the front doors. His goal is the armorsmith...
It seemed from the journal that she wanted us to be a sacrifice of some sort? Evil minds. What turns people into murderers just to satisfy their own desires?
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The next morning comes with no incident, aside from a wonder pus breakfast served a little late in the morning. The town is bustling, and it seems people are a bit more cheerful than usual. As you walk the streets, people are still thanking you for routing the goblins at the festival.
Early and bright, after his usual exercises and taking care of his now usual morning patrol, Zeriax heads off to the weaponsmith.
Afterwords, he heads to the sheriffs' office to confirm if there have been any interested in his offer of self-defense training, and also if that option is at all approved by the sheriff.
After these affairs, Zeriax returns to the inn, to ponder the events from the last days - in front of him a piece of paper, ink and quill, as he starts writing down pieces of information, trying to make sense of all they have come across, what loose ends they left behind, and where they should head to next, if anywhere.