"I think that is a good idea. But before that, how much do you remember of last night? I want to make sure I wasn't dreaming."
Smiling a teasing smile she replies "Well I had a beautiful dream last night for sure. And also wonderful memories of the time before I went to bed."
She then leads the way to the floor and Mrs. Heidmarchs door and knocks on it.
Jimmy smiles a somewhat confused smile back follows her
Sheila Heidmarch opens the door "Hello Gwenhwyfar, hello Mr. Fiddle please come in." Offering the chair she says "Sorry but I don't have enough seats for both of you. What can I do for you?"
Jimmy stands behind the chair so Gwen can sit, "Well we both wanted to talk to you, but Gwen should speak first."
"I would like to accept your offer and become a Pathfinder." Gwenhwyfar explains shyly.
"I'm glad to hear that." Mrs. Heidmarch answers her face brightening.
"And I would like to know the details of the offer, and what the possibility of special arrangements being made might be? Nothing drastic mind you."
"Right. You were not here when I explained. The offer is to become a member of the Pathfinder Society. You'd come with me to Magnimar, get a basic training, and then you'd get assignments like the two you already got on a regular basis. The expectations towards you would be to explore, to report and to cooperate with other pathfinders. That's the short version. If you need more details ask."
"The alternative I offered was to come along without becoming a pathfinder. The job would be mostly the same, but without the benefits of the Pathfinder Society."
"But what are the special arrangements you would like?" Mrs. Heidmarch asks.
"My loyalty lies with Gwen first and foremost, as such I will not accept any mission or task that would see me unable to protect her for any extended time. Basically, that we are not sent on separate missions and are sent together on any we do take on. Also I need to know that there will be time when we will be able to travel here between missions. And lastly, what compensation can you promise for my parents in case I don't come back from any of these missions?" Jimmy explains, thinking through his worries as quickly as he can. "You also mentioned benefits of being a pathfinder versus just taking on the missions without joining, what would those be?"
"Wow. You're planning far ahead I see. Not bad. So one thing at a time."
"Let's start with your last one. The benefits are small at first. You become a Pathfinder. For you that might be just a name like any other. But there are a lot of places all over the world where you could just walk in show your badge and get a free bed and a meal. That doesn't sound much when you're here with enough money in your pouch but that could save you, when you're out of luck."
"And that is just for starters. If you stay with the Society long enough and actually contribute to it's goals you might get promoted, your findings might get published these boons become bigger. The number of places to offer that are less than the bed and breakfast ones, but I for example could walk in a lot of places and get thousands of gold in an instant just for being a Pathfinder Venture Captain. If I was ever found dead in the streets by a Pathfinder I would propably be brought back and the Society would see to it to get me resurrected."
"As for your parents, the best thing would be that you use the money you earn to save some up for them. The Society won't take care of that for you. But guarding caravans has this risk too without the oppotunity to make that amount of money."
"As for you and Gwenhwyfar staying together. I can understand that. My husband and I were both Pathfinders first and a couple then and have been together ever since. I won't send you on different missions. But I can't give a garantee no one else would ask you to. It's unlikely and if all else fails you always have the option to decline that and leave."
"Does that answer your questions?" Mrs. Heidmarch inquires.
"Yes, but it also adds one. 'Decline that and leave'. Do you mean that I can't refuse a mission without leaving the pathfinders?"
"The Society is a hierarchical Organization. If you don't like a mission I offer you, I'll find someone else who does like it. If you don't like any missions I offer you, I'll throw you out myself. I have not seen it done in Varisia, where i'm in charge, but in Absalom where the normal applicants have to prove themself they don't have much of a choice until they are renowned Pathfinders themself."
"So I can't rule out, that someone full of himself and trying hard to make an ass out of himself will come to Magnimar to try to pull that stunt off against my wishes and order you. And if you're too honest to just say yes and then not really try then the only way would be to leave. But you wanted a garantee and that I can't give." Mrs. Heidmarch explains.
"What you have given is enough. You have given your word that you will avoid it, and given me a way to avoid it as well if worst comes to worst. I thank you. Oh, when I talk about loyalty's I don't talk lightly. If it ever comes to a decision between the pathfinders or Gwen, Gwen comes out top every time. Is that an issue? I doubt it will be what with her joining as well. But I should ask."
"The society has a long term goal. Even if your priorities cause you to be unavailable for a year, that doesn't change anything. Just make sure it's not the first year."
"Then where do I sign?" Jimmy says joking, placing his hands on Gwen's shoulders giving them a squeeze
"No signing required, your word is enough. Just makesure you're at the docks tomorrow at noon. We're leaving with Captain Ahab's ship to Magnimar. And please tell the others."
"Tauriell already told me, she'd only come for the job, but the others haven't told me so far."
"Niamh said, she'd come along for the job, Abomentolor was undecided yet and he wanted to ask if we could carry Oz along, as he seems like paralyzed, ma'm." Gwenhwyfar explains.
"Well, everyone that want's to come along should be at the docks tomorrow. They can tell me then. And This Oz guy. At worst I have him pay his share of the travel costs."
"So if everything is clear I'd say see you tomorrow. I have my last visit with Brodert Quink and I'm already late."
"Thank you for your time." Jimmy says heading to the door and opening it, waiting got Gwen and then looking to see if he needs to hold it for Mrs Heidmarch
"Thank you for choosing to join." Mrs. Heidmarch states taking the door from Jimmy and locking it. "Good bye for today." she bids Jimmy and Gwenhwyfar farewell and leaves to meet with Brodert Quink.
"Do you want to talk about this a bit more Gwen?" Jimmy asks taking her hand
"I would like to go back to my mum. There is only so much time left and I want to spend that time with her. You can join if you like." Gwenhwyfar says.
"Only if I wont be intruding, and if we can go past the general store."
Mrs. Heidmarch stops at the table and tells the rest of the group "Tomorrow at noon the ship of Captain Ahab will leave to Magnimar. Everyone who wants to join the Pathfinder Society or just wants the job should be there on time. See you tomorrow. Good Bye."
She then continues on her way.
"Sure thing. What do you need?" Gwenhwyfar asks.
"Some suits and shoes they were making for me. Nothing important. shall we be on our way?"
"Oh, you mean the Sandpoint Boutique. Sure I'd like to see what you got." Gwenhyfar replies with some excitement.
"Shops all look the same to me." He says with a grin offering her his arm and heads downstairs again
"Then onwards to the exchangeable shop!" Gwenhyfar jokes imitating a gallopping horse.
"HI HO SILVER AWAAAY!" Galloping outside
Together Gwenhyfar and Jimmy enter the Sandpoint Boutiqe and collect the finished clothes and shoes. Jimmy decides that today is not the day to show these off.
So Gwenhwyfar takes Jimmy home with her and they have a nice evening together with Fiona. Fiona tells many stories from when Gwenhwyfar was a little girl. And a lot of the talking is also about what will be. Some tears are shed but also much fun is had.
When it is time for bed Gwen brings Jimmy outside and kisses him goodbye. Just to make sure he doesn't forget that this isn't a dream.
Then Gwenhwyfar and her mum get themself ready for bed and go to sleep.
Niamh goes to bed at sunset.
Before sunrise Niamh wakes up again and gets dressed before she packs her things in her backpack and walks with her backpack and instruments to the Sandpoint Savories to buy some buns and an apple pie for breakfast with Brodert Quink and of course for the others too.
She has breakfast with him and gets some more tips for playing the transverse flute.
Before she leaves she told Brodert that she thanks him and she hopes they will play together sometimes again and she's a bit sad that she hadn't time to help him with the history but she has to leave the town today. So Brodert can have his full sleep again.
"Ok, see you tomorrow then." Abomentolor says to Mrs. Heidmarch.
To the rest of the group he adds "I'll go check if I can buy a saddle in this town. See you later." He then leaves to meet with Daviren Hosk at the Goblin squash stables.
Davrien tells him how he would get a saddle, but that includes a lot of waiting, as the saddle would have to be custom made. As that's no option due to Abomentolor leaving tomorrow they tell each other the newest stories about killed Goblins. They have a fun afternoon together and Daviren invites him over for supper.
Abomentolor arrives at the Rusty Dragon late at night.
The next morning he wakes up late, packs up his stuff and leaves directly for the docks. Being quite a while before noon he is the first one, so he seeks out the Pequod and jumps on board. Greeting the Captain he stores his stuff beside his preferred bunk and then has some smalltalk with Captain Ahab.
He then borrows a pushcart and goes back to the Rusty Dragon to fetch Oz Torm. With the help of the maid he is able to carry him out to wheel him to the ship. And the captain helps him to store Oz under deck.
Then Abomentolor and Captain Ahab tell each others jokes until the others arrive.
After her visit at Brodert Quink Niamh walks to the ship with the breakfast. Recognising Abomentolor and the Captain she goes to them and stands there listening to the conversation.
After his evening with Gwen and Fiona Jimmy heads back to the Rusty Dragon where he heads up to his room. He spends a lot of time inspecting his spear and armor. Before he goes to sleep he lays out his shaving kit in front of the basin so he can shave in the morning.
Waking up before dawn he shaves with his fancy kit, taking his time. He then begins to pack his clothes and shoes and loose belongings into his pack, leaving his shaving kit for last. He uses the whetstone from his shaving kit to sharpen his spear before packing the kit and heading out to find Torbin to see how the bracelets are coming along.
Reaching the smithy and finding Torbin standing outside leaning against a pillar of the open-sided building, Jimmy greets the dwarf and inquires about the bracelets. Inspecting them and finding them more than satisfactory Jimmy hands Torbin 7 platinum pieces. "The extra is for the fine work on such short notice, these are above and beyond what I expected. Thank you."
Next Jimmy heads off towards the temple and Gwen's house where he waits outside for her to appear so they can discus their plans.
Tauriell sit's alone besides Oz. "You know I'm called a stick in the mud sometime, but besides you I look like a bundle of joy. Have fun here, I'll go to my room."
Tauriell then enjoys the afternoon in her room together with Fluffypuff counting coins and watching out of the window from the quite comfortable bed.
As the night comes and the stars are out she opens the window and climbs to the roof. There she enjoys a fresh breeze that blows from the sea and watches the stars.
She finally goes to bed as the the day is dawning. She wakes up shortly before noon and arrives at the docks fashionably late.
Gwenhwyfar does her morning routine together with her mum. Then she packs her stuff. After a copious breakfast together Gwenhwyfar and her mum leave the cottage together in direction of the habor.
They are surprised to find Jimmy waiting on the street.
"Oh hello Jimmy. Why didn't you knock?"
"I didn't want to interrupt your prayer time or your time with your mum." Jimmy smiles giving her a hug
"That's nice of you, but it's almost noon! Let's go we have to be on time for the ship and Mrs. Heidmarch." Gwenhwyfar replies.
"After you." Jimmy says shouldering his bag and grabbing what Gwen will hand him to carry as well.
Gwenhwyfar leads to the Harbor. The little group arrives together meeting Abomentolor and Niamh.
"Good day" Jimmy says as he makes his way on board, stowing his and Gwen's belongings and going back to help Gwen on board
"Hello." Niamh greets Gwenhwyfar and Jimmy.
Turning to Abomentolor and Tauriell sche says "Did someone of you have breakfast yet? I have something for you." and gives them the buns.
Mrs. Heidmarch arrives shortly after Gwen, Jimmy and Fiona a farmhand in tow who wheels several sack with food after her.
"Good morning to all of you. Please help to stow our provisions away."
As everything is finished Tauriell finally arrives and hops on board, greets all and disappears to set up her place under deck again.
Mrs. Heidmarch then asks Captain to prepare for the leave and sets herself up in the Captains Cabin.
To the questioning looks he shrugs and explains
then the captain orders Jimmy and Tauriell to help get the ship out of the harbor and soon it is on it's way to Magnimar.
It's a two day trip. Mrs. Heidmarch uses the time to get to know each member of the group better by catching them alone and talking about their motivations and goals. Summarized in two questions: "What did you do with your life until now and what do you expect to gain by joining or working for the Pathfinder Society."
Gwenhyfar answers to Mrs. Heidmarch's question "I wanted to become an Adept of Sarenrae like my mum. Look here I've got a really beautiful holy symbol from Jimmy. But that didn't work. So for the last few month I was an apprentice to Hannah. She is a healer too and Sandpoints midwife. But it was only a compromise that I could still help people with my healing skills."
"With the Pathfinders, I don't know. I can still help with my healing. But I don't like that I now see and help that people get hurt or killed."
"What I like is collecting knowledge. I even bought a chroniclers kit. Wanna see it? I'm gonna learn drawing and map making. I bet I will become really good at that." Giggling and blushing a bit she adds "And I'll get to stay together with Jimmy. But don't tell him."
As it is Tauriell's turn she shrugs. "I've been living in the woods for some decades. It's nice, but it would be much nicer if it were an elven wood. I think I had enough time alone with myself now. As for your Pathfinder Society. Your goals are ok, so I have no problem supporting it. Basically until now it's just a really well paid babysitter job. Abomentolor does the talking mostly short, followed by burning. Gwen does all the writing. And I stand around shooting the bad guys as they emerge. I only need to get better gear. These guys are much more sturdy than rabbits."
Abomentolor smiles from ear to ear as he is given the chance to produce himself. "Well, as you know I'm Abomentolor Goblinburner. I burn goblins and other scum. But that kind of fame is limited and only brings you so far. Did you notice how you turned heads when you entered? How everyone is happy to see you and to work with you?"
"That's what I want. I want the title, I want the fame. And I want people to know who Abomentolor is. And then it shouldn't be Goblinburner. Maybe Dragonslayer or Bearer of Elemental Wrath. Something to make my fans cheer and my enemies tremble. Pathfinder Abomentolor is a bit lame, but it bears potential to bring me closer to my goals."
"So if you can offer that, I'm in."
"I learned playing the fiddle in Varisia. I was taught by an other bard. After I learned playing the fiddle I start travelling. But I was never paid for it." Niamh smirks at Mrs.Heidmarch "It'll be a good opportunity to have accompany while travelling and it wouldn't be boring." She pauses a bit and then adds
"And I'll have to tell stories!" Her tone gets excited.
"I was a caravan guard as you know. It was all I was qualified to do really, stab people, and it paid relatively well. It gave me money to send to my parents. I support them as much as I can." Jimmy says when asked about his past. "Becoming a pathfinder promises to provide me with more money and resources with which to support my parents. If I can get a free room and board it's money saved to be sent to them. It also seems to be lower risk than guarding caravans for better pay, being with people who know how to use a sword or bow, and can actually heal a wound properly makes this a lot safer. And it will also help me keep a promise I made to Gwen, and keep me near to her. Honestly that is probably the main reason, Gwen joining your ranks."