Ekan is happy to pay for a round as Nicat suggests, after all, he has little need of coin himself.
The arcane talk is a mystery to him however.
Eostre rolls her eyes. Nicat's charm wore off quick, it seemed.
"Clearly metaphors aren't your strong suit. It's more a...tingle. Like lightning in your tongue or a prickling of the skin that makes the hair of your neck stand on end. I find it to be one of the best feelings in the world. Part of what makes being a wizard so rewarding. Where did you study?" she asks both Nicat and Ilya, though the question seems more directed at the latter.
"Study? Yes, really I should. I mean to say I will, which is to say I have... or had. Sometimes that's enough, isn't it?"
Ilya takes on a haunted aspect, and his eyes grow large and hollow. He speaks in a tone so quiet that you have to lean in close to catch his words. "You may not have noticed, but I'm not quite human. I'm a Samsaran. No, it's okay if you don't know what that is. I'm reincarnated, you see? Past lives mingle with the present, and I can draw on all that knowledge... sometimes. But, it's weird knowing that it'll come around again, isn't it?
"I just wanted to catch a glimpse, you know? One fleeting look at the next time around. But... don't ever dive into the currents of time without knowing what you expect to see. Or, well, expecting what you know to see. Or... you understand, right? It can be quite maddening. Then it's tough to remember what you have done, and what you are going to have done... It all just mingles together, doesn't it?
"I remember planning to learn the arcane arts one day. Isn't that the same thing?"
"It doesn't answer my question. You had to pick up that technique from somewhere. I've seen other diviners at the Cypher Lodge with spells similar to yours, but I don't recall seeing you there. Where, then, did you get your education? The Stone of the Seers? The Acadamae? The Arcanimirium in Absalom?"
"Well, I can answer your question a bit more clearly," says Nicat, who's quite accustomed to people's eyes doing that funny rolling thing Eostre just did. "Study, shmuddy, never did it. And it's not looking terribly likely that I'm about to start. How about you?"
He then turns to Ilya and says, "A Samsaran, huh? Wow, that's amazing, I've never known one, even seen one! It must be confusing keeping track of who you are when you're not the you that you are now..or something like that."
Sylvia pops a grape into her mouth, getting some small amusement from this round of conversation, "I think you mean to say that it must be confusing of who you are when you're not the you that you were and will be, no?"
Turning to Eostre, she asks, "I've not heard of this Cypher Lodge. A place in Riddleport, perhaps? The Acadamae I'm familiar with, but I have not traveled much from the walls of Magnimar."
He then turns to Ilya and says, "A Samsaran, huh? Wow, that's amazing, I've never known one, even seen one! It must be confusing keeping track of who you are when you're not the you that you are now..or something like that."
"No, that's not quite right..."
"I think you mean to say that it must be confusing of who you are when you're not the you that you were and will be, no?"
"Yes! Yes, exactly. That's what I tried to ask Eostre when we first met!" Ilya practically claps. "I don't think she understood what I meant, but perhaps it's clearer now?"
"It doesn't answer my question. You had to pick up that technique from somewhere. I've seen other diviners at the Cypher Lodge with spells similar to yours, but I don't recall seeing you there. Where, then, did you get your education?"
"Well... "where" is confusing, isn't it?" Ilya taps on his chin in a contemplative manner. "It would be easy to tell if I had learned it in the yesterday. But, how do I guess where I'll be if I learned it in the tomorrow? Sometimes I know where I'll be in the tomorrow, but I'm often wrong."
"I think, at least, I will still be here in today's tomorrow," Ilya stretches and yawns.
The soft crackle of the blazing fireplace was lost in the torrent of sounds that dominated the atmosphere of the Rusty Dragon. laughter and jovial conversations could be heard from the patrons, the metallic ring of kitchen tools at work could easily be heard from any who were close to the bar, and the occasional sound of the door opening and closing as more people poured inn was the only thing that occasionally altered the rhythm of the inn.
If anyone looked at the men who were enjoying their time at this establishment, they would have never have guessed that the town had just survived an attack. Men chuckled at jokes, mugs of ale traded hands and mouths either chewed food or conversed about anything from local happenings to the latest rumors and Fulko gladly took it all in, especially the rumors, which he noticed that weren't as active...at least until now.
Even when the steaming dish of Salmon arrived he kept his ears pealed, and even engaged himself in some of these talks if he was approached by any of the townspeople and at times he would look at the people he had fought alongside on this day, most of them busy with the topic of arcane magics and such...which was something he knew little to nothing about Fun group, not too bad in a scrap, at least I won't be bored while I stay here Then he turned his attention towards Ameiko, the whole town thanked them but she was the only and first one to actually step up and reward them A whole week? That'll eat into her business... A surprisingly genuine appreciative look appeared in Fulko's green eyes.
"Hey Ameiko! Just want to say thanks for letting me stay for a week, I ain't used to seeing kindness from others" A mouthful of salmon interrupted him "I am not forgetting this, you didn't have to reward us but you did" The fork clinked as it touched the empty plate next to Fulko, before he returned his focus to studying the place that would become his home for the next week.
Sylvia pops a grape into her mouth, getting some small amusement from this round of conversation, "I think you mean to say that it must be confusing of who you are when you're not the you that you were and will be, no?"
Turning to Eostre, she asks, "I've not heard of this Cypher Lodge. A place in Riddleport, perhaps? The Acadamae I'm familiar with, but I have not traveled much from the walls of Magnimar."
Eostre snorts.
"The Cypher Lodge is one of Riddleport's biggest claim to fame! The Order of Cyphers, or Cyphermages, study the ruins of the ancient empire of Thasillon. Their massive Cyphergate is the largest and most prominent structure in the city, and it's what we get our name from. The Thasillonians left massive runed structures all over Varisia, and we want to unlock the power of those runes."
"It sounds most impressive," Ekan admits, "And history should be reclaimed whenever possible I think."
Knowledge(Local) to learn about any rumors that are spreading about: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
"Hey Ameiko! Just want to say thanks for letting me stay for a week, I ain't used to seeing kindness from others" A mouthful of salmon interrupted him "I am not forgetting this, you didn't have to reward us but you did"
Ameiko smirks at Fulko.
"I could always have Sheriff Hemlock throw you out on your ass, if it'll make you feel better." She looks between the party and him. "And besides, think of how good this story'll be after a couple of embellishments."
"I wish more cyphermages thought like you did, Ekan."
"Irori is considered the god of history by some, and I follow his path so perhaps I'm biased," He nodded to Eostre.
"Fascinating. I personally prefer the gods not to bother me, and in turn I don't both them and theirs. Of course, what do I know? The only real temples in Riddleport were a brothel I never bothered visiting and a tavern I was never allowed to visit."
"Oh, you should check out the Cathedral," Ekan suggests, "It's very open...the main gods worshiped there are Desna, Abadar, Sarenrae, Shelyn, Gozreh, and Erastil. But almost any form of worship is allowed there. Many go not to services, but to just meditate there for an hour or so on their own."
"Pfft, Torag stopped caring about me when I left my parents, and Nethys doesn't care whether I sing his praises or not. Only that I keep studying and building my power."
The celebration at the Rusty Dragon continues into the night as the party retires to their rooms.
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The chirping of birds and the rays of the sun creep into your rooms, heralding a new day in Sandpoint. The common room of the Rusty Dragon isn't as busy as it was last night, but you all can hear the exotic music of a samisen from down below.
Ekan tilts his head curiously at Eostre but he's not a priest and doesn't push the suggestion any further. He does notice the night wearing on though.
"I have eaten too much, drank more tonight than I normally do in several months, and had fine compaionship," He tells those about him, "I think only the last is something I am sure I won't regret in the morning. Rest you all well when you do." He rises to go to bed.
.........
The chirping of birds and the rays of the sun creep into your rooms, heralding a new day in Sandpoint. The common room of the Rusty Dragon isn't as busy as it was last night, but you all can hear the exotic music of a samisen from down below.
The monk rises readily in the morning, possibly earlier than the others, but some time will be used to exercise and meditate before he finally heads to seek out the others.
Nicat continues to enjoy the convivial atmosphere and free drinks at the Dragon for some hours, and finds he takes a surprising degree of pleasure in the company of his fellow goblin-slayers. He heads off to bed, weaving only slightly, and settles happily into a soft pile of goose-down for the night.
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Before waking in the morning, his dreams are of birdsong, though somehow there is a blue-feathered bird, with a gruff manner but a good heart (somehow he knows this, in the way of dreams), declaring itself to be a bounty hunter, and singing in the voice of a stringed instrument! He wakes with a grin on his face, for his friends have stayed with him even in the land of dream, though he's a bit puzzled about the strings he heard.
Nicat then realizes he's still hearing them, and rushes to the window to try to spot the marvelous bird! Throwing open the shutters and window and looking out, he hears nothing but the lovely song of the birds he's known all his life in Sandpoint, and he realizes that what he's hearing is downstairs.
Ah, well, 'twas a fun dream, and it's a new day. Let's see who it is playing that tune, and what's on for breakfast! He gives his face a quick wash, throws on his clothes, and skips down the stairs, grinning with enthusiasm for whatever comes next. Particularly if it comes with a little bacon!
When the beams of light and warmth barged through the window of the warrior's room and went for his closed eyes, he stirred and rumbled, his eyes slowly opening as he turned to the other side of the bed and slowly sat up. Several cracks could be heard as he stretched his arms back, finally he abandoned the bed completely and licked his lips and began surveying the room he had been kindly given by Ameiko.
The table to the side was mostly untouched, and the chair by its side was undisturbed, Fulko thought it looked un-sturdy but decided to test that theory on a later date. His weapons were leaned against the wall that was closest to his bed, offering him the choice of drawing any of them should the matter call for it. The studded leather armor lay unceremoniously on the floor, the light of the sun glinting of the still remaining studs.
Breakfast... He thought with a savage grin as he began dressing and equipping himself Who'd take a bounty hunter without boots and armor seriously? He thought to himself as he began strapping the armor on. It was then that he looked out the window and saw a bird with clear blue feathers that looked slightly larger than the rest, he didn't think much of it but thought the sight interesting nonetheless.
......................................................................
"I'll have two chickens" Said Fulko as he descended the stairs and held up a hand showing two fingers, his weapons complaining about his rough descent with clinks and clanks.
All the food and drink Eostre's consumed throughout the day is starting to catch up with her, and she excuses herself for the night. After taking a bath to clean off the stench of goblin, she settles down for the first proper sleep she's had since she left Riddleport.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Her dreams are of fire and screams that make her bolt awake to the sun shining through the window. She rubs her eyes in relief, wondering if the dream was about Sandpoint...or Paulinus' murder. Probably both. That'd be just her luck.
She goes downstairs and sees Fulko ordering breakfast.
"I could use some coffee. Do you serve that here?"
"Coffee and chicken? Well, I know I have one of those things." Ameiko pauses in her samisen playing and heads into the kitchen.
She comes back in a couple of minutes with a steaming mug of coffee. "Here ya go, Eostre." She quickly turns to Fulko before going back into the kitchen. "The chicken's going to take longer."
Ilya rises in the early morning, and spends the first hour pouring over his tome.
He makes his way down to the common room, the smell of the coffee bringing him fully awake. "Coffee! How delightful! Good morning to everyone. I've spent the morning wondering if any merchant in this town would have any interest in this stuff." Ilya taps the collected gear from the slain goblins. "Do you imagine someone would buy this?"
Before Ameiko vanishes back into the kitchen, Nicat cries out, ”Bacon! You’ll have bacon, of course, right?” As Ameiko turns to look at him, he realizes perhaps that wasn’t the politest way to greet someone, and he adds, ”Lovely playing this morning, by the way! You’re usually too busy here for me to hear you play when I’m here, and I’m busy playing when I’m here, and I don’t usually sleep here, so I don’t usually wake up here to hear you playing here in the morning…”
He winds down his excited speech and says, ”I’ll let you get back to work. But nice playing! Hear, hear!”
"Yeah, don't worry Nicat! Bacon's a breakfast staple around here!" Ameiko calls back from the kitchen.
"Thanks, by the way!"
Sylvia makes sure that everything is perfect in her room before taking a warm bath to wash away the horrors of yesterday. Eventually, she hears the pleasant sound of strings, and dresses for the day. Stepping downstairs, she see's her companions already up and about and smiles, "Something smells good. Please tell me there is more coffee to be had!"
Looking to Nicat, she says, "That was beautifully played, Nicat. Surely an improvement over your past performances! Pray, though, where is your instrument now?" she asks with a wink to Fulko.
Ameiko soon comes back, followed by her elderly halfling lady server. The halfling is carrying a platter with several mugs of coffee, whereas Ameiko is carrying a plate of two cooked chicken legs in one hand and a plate of bacon & eggs in the other.
"Breakfast anyone?" She offers, setting the plates down at the party's table. The old halfling follows, setting the coffee mugs down as well.
Ekan answers Ameiko, "Something light for me please." as he settles down at a seat to join the others.
Ilya slurps down a cup of coffee with one quick tip of the mug, then refills it from the pot. His second cup, he savors more slowly, taking easy sips. "It's such a beautiful morning. Does the Swallowtail Festival carry over into a second day?"
"I wish." Ameiko sets the plates down: the chicken at Fulko's spot and the bacon & eggs at Nicat's spot. "It's always only lasted a day. The rest of the Festival day is spent living it up at the taverns around here."
The elderly halfling lady steps up to Ekan. "And what may we get you today, sir?" She asks in a sweet voice.
"A bit of fruit if you have it? I ate plenty the other night."
The halfling lady bows. "Certainly, sir. I'll be right back." She turns and makes her way back to the Rusty Dragon's kitchen.
Ameiko watches her go with a smile. "Ol' Bethana's quite the sweetie, isn't she?"
"She is indeed," He nods, "She's quite kind."
Eostre takes the coffee and gives it a discerning sniff before piling it full of cream and honey and stirring it vigorously.
"How strong do you brew it here, Dame Kaijitsu? Sorry, don't know whether to address you as Miss or Mrs."
Amazingly, Nicat is quiet for a few moments, as he tucks happily into his eggs and bacon. "I don't suppose there's tea?" he says to Ameiko, during a brief pause in his chewing.
A smirk appeared on Fulko's face when he saw Sylviah's wink, but before he could reply the stimulating smell of cooked chicken came dangerously close to his nostrils. Soon enough his plate was before him and a savage look overtook his eyes before his hand swiped the chicken leg and his mouth took a massive bite out of it, then another and another. The warrior dug into his plate in a way that made it seem like the man had not had a fulfilling meal in days. Finally the last of the chicken bones hit the plate and Fulko leaned back lazily in his chair.
"That's it, I am quitting bounty hunting...tavern bouncers get way better meals" He said in jest before pushing away his desire to relax in his chair and got up "Speaking of business, I am off to see the sheriff" Announced the large man as he rolled his shoulders and made his way to the door.
"I'll be back by lunch, you can be sure of that" He gave Ameiko a smile, then he opened the door, took a deep breath and stepped out with an over enthusiastic expression on his face.
"Be well until then Fulko," Ekan waves lightly, "And I have a task to tend to myself after breakfast," Ekan considers.
"I am off to see the sheriff."
"Excellent! I had a few questions for our good Sheriff. I wouldn't mind speaking to the good father of the newly built Cathedral, too... if there's time."
As Ilya moves to join the big man, he removes the obscure potion vial from the contents of the previous day's loot. Once again his eyes begin to glow and dart around in the telltale sign that he is looking into the future. "The paths and patterns change as we march ever forward," he says to nobody in particular. "Sometimes what could not be seen in yesterday's tomorrow is only too apparent in tomorrow's yesterday."
Once again he observes until he spots one of his allies consuming the potion. Wounds knit together even more effectively than he saw with the first vial. "This is another draught of healing, I believe. A bit more potent than the first." He offers the potion to Fulko as they exit the Rusty Dragon. "Not to be too blunt... but, many of the possibilities I envision show you need this far more than I."
Nicat polishes off his breakfast and decides to join those heading off to meet the sheriff. "He's never going to get used to me coming to look for him," chuckles the little halfling as he scrambles down off his bench and heads out the door of the Rusty Dragon. "Fulko, Ilya, wait up!"
When he finishes his own brief breakfast, Ekan rises, "Pardon, time to go see if I can help someone."
With that, he makes his way to the home of Alma Avertin and her two daughters, Arika and Aneka (Who were selling pies the other day). He assesses the look of their yard and tries to see what he can do to help the family, be it trimming, clearing branches, or removing a stump.
Perhaps, He thinks, I can help sisters with their workload and their mother will be slightly cheered to be shown the town has not forgotten her? Even if it doesn't help, they say hard work brings its own rewards and I doubt it can hurt.
He strips off his shirt and goes to work weeding.
Eostre tucks into her own bacon and chicken, before finishing off the coffee and turning to Ameiko.
"Pardon my asking. As a newcomer here, I know few people. Is there any place here in Sandpoint where I can conduct research of an arcane nature, or local scholars I might confer with?"
Ameiko watches Fulko, Ekan, Ilya & Nicat walk out the door, leaving her alone with the two women of the group.
"Well, Eostre, if you're looking for scholars, you could have a chat with Brodert Quink. He's our resident scholar on ancient Thassilon, and he's been poking around Old Light for the past few months. You can find his house at the end of Tower Street."
"If it's arcane research you're looking for, you could always try the House of Blue Stones on Glass Street. It's normally only open to Irori's faithful, but I suppose you could always ask Ekan to vouch for you."
Sunday, 23rd of Rova, 4710 AR
The Avertin home has several parts of the yard in need of trimming, with ivy starting to creep up the sides of the home. You take out your kama and get to work cutting the ivy down.
It's sweaty work, but you make good progress when one of the twins steps outside, clad in a brown & blue dress.
"Ekan? I was wondering what that chopping noise was about; I didn't think you'd come by for yard work." Arika says, rubbing her eyes.
-------------
Today, the town of Sandpoint is slower to awaken than usual. There are some people busily moving about, occasionally pausing to gossip with each other. From the looks of admiration you're getting, you guess that most of the locals are still talking about you.
Sandpoint's garrison is at the intersection of Tower Street and Main Street, across from the town hall. The imposing stone fort is currently manned by a few guards who give you a few nods of recognition as you enter.
Sheriff Hemlock is chatting with some guards when you arrive. He looks up as you enter the room. "And there's the gentlemen of the hour."
He briefly glances at Nicat. "Staying safe, I hope?"
"Apologies, Arika, I didn't mean to wake you," Ekan says sincerely, "The other day, well, I know your mother has been distressed, and you and your sister busy so I thought perhaps I could help out a little. I know yard work is hardly a priority but it seemed like a small thing that might ease your family's burdens just a little."
Ameiko watches Fulko, Ekan, Ilya & Nicat walk out the door, leaving her alone with the two women of the group.
"Well, Eostre, if you're looking for scholars, you could have a chat with Brodert Quink. He's our resident scholar on ancient Thassilon, and he's been poking around Old Light for the past few months. You can find his house at the end of Tower Street."
"If it's arcane research you're looking for, you could always try the House of Blue Stones on Glass Street. It's normally only open to Irori's faithful, but I suppose you could always ask Ekan to vouch for you."
"Thassilon you say, and he's already been investigating your local ruin? Now I'll HAVE with this Quink! Where's Tower Street?"
Sylvia stands up after finishing her coffee and watching the guys walk out on their way to see the sheriff and yard work. She smiles at Eostre's enthusiasm about ruins. She turns to Ameiko and thanks her for her hospitality, "You have been most a generous and gracious hostess, Ameiko. If there is any way I can repay you, let me know. For now, though, I should be off to see Father Zantus. I have some questions for him and I wish to know how the wounded are."
She smiles sadly and starts out the door to the newly consecrated chapel.
"Good morning, Sheriff. I hope your evening was as peaceful and uneventful as mine."
"How did our goblin prisoner fare the night?" Ilya asks. "He told me he was from the Licktoad Tribe. Are you familiar with them? The make their camp somewhere called 'Brinestump', under their chieftain Gutwad."
"I wonder... have you ever considered moving against them?"
Without warning Fulko picks up Nicat by the collar of his shirt "I've brought him in sheriff just like I said I would" Said the human armory in an exaggerated serious tone "Last I heard his bounty went up because he's been slinging rocks across the town" Fulko's smile finally broke through his mock stern demeanor and he put the halfling down before breaking out into a full blown laugh.
Nicat is just about to greet the sheriff and savor the feeling of having done the man a favor when he find himself lifted off the ground, to be turned in for a bounty! He kicks his feet and reaches his arms up to try to break the iron grip that's got him by the collar. In his struggles, he glances up and sees that it's Fulko holding him up, a great grin beginning to crack through his serious look. As the barbarian bounty hunter begins to laugh out loud, Nicat relaxes, still hanging by his collar, until Fulko sets him down.
Being a good-humored sort who appreciates a joke, Nicat can't help but laugh along with Fulko, saying, "Okay, you got me there." At the same time, he gives the man an appraising look, thinking, A prankster, huh? I'll have to remember that. Two can play at that game.
He then looks to the sheriff and follows up on Ilya's question, "Yeah, Sheriff Hemlock, how about we take the fight to the goblins?" As he says this, he does his best to look tough, both to make up for recently being held up by his collar and to hide the fact that taking on a village of goblins is a prospect that scares him good.
"Tower Street? Just follow Market Street to the square, then keep going onto Water Street before you turn onto Main Street. Then just follow Main Street all the way to the end, and take a left. Mr. Quink's house should be at the end." Ameiko explains to Eostre.
Sheriff Hemlock watches Fulko's antics with mild amusement.
"Easy there, Nicat. Trying to take the fight to the goblins is harder than it sounds. For starters, they tend to make their homes in terrain that's difficult to navigate." He starts pacing. "Swamps, mountains, even seaside cliffs are all fair game for them."
"As to our goblin captive..." Sheriff Hemlock stops pacing, looking at Ilya. "He's become more cooperative, though that's not saying much. His tribe, the Licktoads, make their home in Brinestump Marsh, south of town. For the most part, they don't normally get so bold as to attack Sandpoint. They'll harass travellers, sure, but they're easily driven back if you know what you're doing."
--------------
Arika is rather surprised by Ekan's explanation. "Oh. Um... thanks." She blushes.
"Would you like to come in?" She asks, moving back to the door.
--------------
The morning sun shines down on the grand cathedral of Sandpoint as Sylvia makes her way through the streets of Sandpoint. A couple of songbirds flit about, twittering and chirping merrily away.
The cathedral's steps are deserted, but as Sylvia climbs the steps she can hear the sounds of activity within the temple. A couple of people step out, their heads bowed in prayer.
The interior of the cathedral is a truly impressive sight: though a shrine to Desna dominates the main worship area, there are several well-maintained shrines to other deities here: specifically, ones to Abadar, Erastil, Gozreh, Sarenrae & Shelyn. Each shrine is overlooked by a stained glass window depicting the god in their full glory.
Father Zantus can be seen tending to the shrine of Desna.