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Sandpoint's Swallowtail Festival has been a quaint affair for all of the towns 42 year history, a release of butterflies to honor Desna. Originally intended by the Magnimarian settlers to appease the native Varisians who venerate the goddess of dreams above all others, many of the newcomers took to both the ceremony and the religion with an impressive eagerness. To a people who pulled away from the oppressive regime of Cheliax, only then to move again from Magnimar just to carve out their own little nitch in the world along the Lost Coast, there is much to be revered in a deity who preaches freedom. Thus the festival has grown throughout the years.
This all changed 5 years ago, during a period that was known as the late unpleasantness to the locals. Over just two short months the town was struck by repeated tragedies. First, the tragic death of Atsuii Kaijitsu one of the town's nobles and mother of Ameiko who runs the Rusty dragon. Atsuii lost her footing and tumbled from one of the cliffs while out walking one night.
Then, following closely behind Atsuii's death, a series of grisly murders started to occur through the town, new victims seeming to pop up constantly, their eyes and tongue removed. Quickly the killer became known among the populace as the chopper due to his proficiency with slashing weapons. Over the course of a month 25 victims were brought to light, the previous sheriff Casp Avertin being the last, though he managed to strike the killer a mortal blow as well. Following the trail of blood, the guards, led by then deputy Belor Hemlock, made their way to 'Stoots rock' a small out cropping of stone just north of town which was home to one of Sandpoint's more beloved and eccentric citizens, Jervus Stoot.
Stoot was a wood carver who often would see birds in the whorls of wood and shape them with amazing skill so others could see them as well. However, what the guards found in Stoot's cabin wasn't simply a carving. In the basement they found Jervus at the base of an altar to a birdlike demon, his own eyes and tongue having been pulled free from his head while he still lived in a final offering to his dark master. The guard collapsed the stair and burned down the shack, hoping it was all finally over. Unfortunately that was not meant to be.
The final act this town suffered through this cursed time was a great fire that began in the shrine to Desna. This fire burned hot and quickly, destroying the church and spreading outwards to burn down the North Coast Stables, the White Deer Inn, as well as three homes. This tragic event was not limited to causing only property damage however, for the churches beloved pastor, a man named Ezakien Tobyn as well as his adopted daughter, an aasimar Nualia were killed within.
The loss of so many of their citizens, especially the priest who held such high regard in town, greatly quashed the morale of those in town. So, even though after the fire died down the town seemed to return to normal, the spirits of the population were down. Mayor Kendra Deverin saw this and proposed that a new chapel be built, but on a much grander scale, a true cathedral not just to Desna but to the six primary gods of the region.
This endeavor has taken 5 years to complete and held quite a cost, but it seems that to the people of Sandpoint it has been worth it as finally their spirits are raising and for the first time in five years the Swallowtail Festival is something that everyone is looking forward to, drawing not only Sandpoint's entire population but also many people from Magnimar and further. It is expected to be an event to be remembered.
Our scene opens with a huge crowd gathered outside of the cathedral as early afternoon begins. Several of the town's prominent citizens are intended to give speeches very shortly, but for now most of those here are either talking or playing a variety of group oriented games, or sampling one of the many dishes provided by the local taverns free of charge.
Jereth grins from ear to ear as he sits upon Alana amid the press of the crowd that fills the streets of Sandpoint. His blond hair shines in the sun as his left hand sweeps the hood of his cloak aside and he tilts his face towards the sun closing his eyes. His right hand remains steady, however, grasping the shaft of his lance and holding it upright with the butt resting in a hardened leather ‘cup’ next to his right stirrup. The green of the pennant matches the green on the long thick cloak which is fastened about his shoulders by a thick bronze brooch and draped over the back of his horse.
Sandpoint at last! Having never been here before Jereth feels the thrill of excitement as he looks over the heads of the people gathered. He is so affected by the energy of the day that he almost forgets about his duty, almost. His orders were to meet his Mistress, Lady Dame Keldonza at the Rusty Dragon Inn. Now, if only he could find it in this press of humanity. It would appear that he arrived during a festival, honoring Desna. What good fortune! Surely Dame Keldonza will allow him an hour or so to look around once they meet up. Such few opportunities for celebration lately, what with running errands for her and all.
His left hand moves from his cloak to pat Alana’s neck. He can feel the warmth of her blood and the tightness of her muscles even through his brown riding gloves. She is a powerful animal, bred and trained for war, and this press of people served only to remind her of her training, and her excitement was clear.
“Steady girl.” He says as he pats her neck and then takes up the reins again. Gently easing her forward through the crowds and keeping an eye out for errant children he moves forward following the general direction of those gathered. Seeing someone who looks like they might be a local willing to talk he calls out. “Excuse me, might you know the way to the Rusty Dragon Inn?”
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The young woman the Paladin calls out to turns on her heel and stops, letting her eyes trail up the large horse he rides upon. It is rare that so fine an a beast comes through this small town, and it stands easily a hand and a half taller than any of the nags that Hosk keeps in his stable. Those horses are meant much more for field work though, and perhaps stomping the occasional goblin who runs too close, or at least that is Hosk's claim.
When the girl's eyes finally make their way up to the handsome knight she flushes slightly and takes the edge of her skirt in her hands to give a small curtsy. "Of course, sir." She responds, pointing back towards the center of town. "If you head back to the southern gate, it would be the largest building at the first intersection into town."
Her smile widens as she rocks on the balls of her feet. "Of course, I don't suppose that will do you much good for a time, sir. The inn is closed til nightfall." He stretches up on her tip toes to try and peer over the crowd and points towards a lovely woman with wildly styled hair serving what looks like a spiced fish to a table of fair goers. "Ameiko, the owner, is over there showing off her cooking. Can't rightly think of any inns in town that are open at the moment, everyone is here after all."
In a flash of boldness the girl looks up to Jereth again. "Perhaps I can show you around, sir? My name is Shayliss."
Jereth’s smile brightens as Shayliss answers him. His eyes meet hers and remain there as she speaks. Nodding his head at her directions towards the center of Sandpoint he begins to offer her a nod of thanks, until she tells him that everything is closed down. He hadn’t counted on that. A look of uncertainty crosses his face as he tries to think what to do. His thoughts are slightly distracted, however, by the flush upon Shayliss’ face, and a certain dryness in his throat.
Doing his best to set such unworthy thoughts aside he returns his attention to the young woman, not a difficult thing to do at all. Could she show him around? Of course she could. But his orders? Well, if his Mistress is around then he will find her. Perhaps this Ameiko could tell him where she is? Well, he can take a few moments to talk with Shayliss and let her show him around. It is a Knight’s duty to be gracious after all.
Having straightened his thoughts out, and justified his course of action, Jereth uses a strap of leather to fasten his lance to the saddle horn so that it won’t fall. Then he dismounts smoothly and stands before Shayliss. Reaching a hand out he gently takes hers in his own and kisses her knuckle. “I am pleased to meet you Shayliss. My name is Jereth Holtan, Squire to Lady Dame Keldonza of Magnimar, and I would be delighted if you would introduce me to Sandpoint.”
The wilds around Sandpoint just didn't feel right to the gnome as he walked across them. The Charred Staff was in his bag as he whittled away at a new one to replace it. Of course he always felt this way when approaching settlements that damaged the land and brought it further from the first world. These settlements were nothing like those in his own woods. He slipped into the southern gate of the town without even being stopped. Looking around he wondered why the guards were so Lax today... observing the humans he could tell that they were preparing for some kind of ceremony...
The gnome looks around as he approaches the nearest building and inquires in a voice much too high for his gruff looks. "Where would I find Mr. Hosk?" to no one in particular. If no one answers him, he will go to the nearest group of people, and repeat his request. As he interjects he looks around for any herbavore animals in the area who might use large peices of wood, for the peices that were half eaten always made decent sculptures that the humans seemed to enjoy, and he would need to pay his room and board soon.
"I'm not really sure this is a good Idea.
But to not help my love, to give into fear...
This would be my shame, if only there were a hero here."
I pulled my cloak tight around myself even though there was no chill in the air today. I have lurked outside for a few days now building up my courage to enter, but I picked the wrong night to show my colors, everyone is out in the streets.
"Moon and sun watch over my steps,
Wind and rain be always at my back.
For I need you now my promise I kept,
I enter the town, there's no turning back."
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Pausing near a table that is filled with what looks like merchants eating their fill she points down the line to each in turn. "The gnome is Veznutt, he runs 'The way north' which is a map shop." Shayliss leans in a bit then, whispering with a little giggle "He's got maps of all over, but I don't think he's ever left town before." Motioning towards a man with thick glasses sitting atop a bulbous nose who is talking quietly with the gnome, Shayliss nods a bit "Thats Brodert Quink. He's the town scholar. Sorta. Came here to study old light, an old ruined light house. And he seems bright enough about all this Thassilonian stuff. But he has some crazy ideas, so doesn't get along with most other scholars too well." She then points at an older couple, the white haired man staring off into space while his wife lectures him. "Are Mr. and Mrs. Kesk. They own the jewelry store in town." With a giggle and a wink she adds "He always looks like that. Least when she is around." Scanning further down the table she spots a middle aged woman with dark skin crossed with a number of scars sitting adjacent to a short and very plump man, and beside him is a scrawny man with a long hooked nose. "Thats Savah, she owns the armory in town. Then its Aliver, the pillbug. He is our herbalist. Next to him is Nisk. He's an alchemist." She wrinkles her nose again, looking up to Jereth and giving a small shake of her head as if that wasn't totally accurate. Finally, at the end of the table sits a halfling who she gives a nod to. "Thats Olmur. He works the grocer. Can't say too much of him, Jereth. My dad competes with him some so we don't talk much."
Moving along, Shayliss seems to take liberties resting against the Paladins arm as she goes, though she always maintains a level of decency, seeming more proud of the fact that she has managed such a handsome escort then to be trying to encourage something inappropriate. She gives a bit of a giggle and nods towards a half-orc and a dwarf who seem to be stumbling around with a mound of mugs at their feet, as if they were holding some sort of last man standing drinking contest. "Thats Gorvi, our trash collector and Volioker our town locksmith. He's quite talented, almost all the locks in town are his work."
The next table she guides Jereth to has four men sitting side by side on it in perfect silence, though the two on the far end look much less pleased with this arrangement. "Thats Larz Rovanky and Das Korvut. They do the tanning and the smithing in town. Neither is known for being the friendliest of folk. The kids even sing a rhyme about Korvut." She winks a bit "Maybe I'll tell you sometime?" She nods then towards the others "Thats Turch and Chod. They run the fish market and the butcher shop. Probably got volunteered to pay the other two company, since they aren't too bad of folk, if you don't mind the smell."
Inhabited by three scholarly men and a woman dressed in a fine blue robe, it almost seems that the next table the knight is shown was perfectly silent as well, but after just a few seconds of observation it becomes obvious that those here are speaking quietly and peacefully even over the bustle of the festival around them. "The woman there is Sabyl. Her and her daughter run the house of blue stones here in town, kind of a shrine to Irori, good spot for those who worship her to go meditate or read or whatever they like to do in that stuffy room. Next to her are some of her like minded friends. Ilsoari runs our academy and orphanage in town, Chask owns the curious goblin, a bookstore. And Mr. Voon has a magic shop I suppose. Strange place though, not too many customers but always something new there.
Nodding towards each as they move past, Shayliss indicates the various people walking between the tables to offer out their various dishes to try. First is a one legged man, who doesn't seem to let it slow him down as he grins and dollops out steaming pieces of fish. "Thats Jargie, he runs the hagfish down by the shore there. Has a real hagfish! There is a prize up for anyone who can drink a cup of the water from its tank." She makes a face at that, then motions to a tall handsome man with a somber look on his face. "Thats Gaven, he runs the Two Knight brewery. Used to with his brother, but wade passed on some time back. Aint been the same since." Finally she nods to a tall human who almost looks like he could be a half-orc himself. "That over there is Cracktooth. He's got his own tavern where the artsy types like to go. You can't tell it by looking at him, but he considers himself something of a playwright and likes to do all sorts of satires after the real plays let out."
This last little bit of information make Shayliss' eyes go wide as if she was almost forgetting some juicy bit of gossip, and she quickly searches around until she spots a very merrily dressed man standing talking to a somber individual up by the stage. "Thats Cyrdak. He owns the playhouse in town. Quite a flirt, but..." She glance around before leaning in close to whisper "Folks say him and Jasper are an item. Thats Jasper over there, used to be something big in the church of Abadar. Runs the mercantile league for us now."
Somewhat coyly leading Jereth towards the center ring where people are dancing, Shayliss keeps pointing out those who are up near the stage now, most of whom look like nobles, seeming to enjoy all the gossip. "Thats Lonjiku Kaijitsu, he owns the glass works. He's Ameiko's father, but he doesn't talk to her much. Doesn't exactly approve and all. Next to him is Belven Valdemar. They run most of the ship building and fishery work in town, his father would normally be here but he's getting on in his years and it looks like Belven is pretty much taking over. Next to him is Titus Scarnetti. They do most of the milling in town, both lumber and flower. Ok, they do -all- the milling in town. Had a few fires over the last year, seems to have destroyed most of the competition." She gives a meaningful look at that, before motioning to an attractive middle aged woman who seems to be more politely listening to the other nobles than joining in the conversation. "Thats the Mayor, Kendra Deverin. She's a good woman, most folks in town are very glad to have her as mayor, except maybe Scarnetti but thats just because he thought he had an in for it." She gives a bit of a giggle and nods a bit towards a pair who seem to have taken to a shadowy corner behind the stage to talk some, a tall heavily built man and a very lovely woman. "That there is Belor Hemlock, our sheriff. He's a good man too. Really helped the town after some of our... Difficulties a few years back. With him is Kaye, she owns the Pixies Kitten, which is, something of an embarrassment to most of the town. But the sheriff likes her well enough so most take to her ok."
Pausing near the edge of the edge of the grassy area that has become an improvised dance floor she nods out towards those dancing there. "Lets see, the four men and the dwarf out there are Banny and Ibor, they run the lumber mill in town." She giggles a bit "My sister would know a bit more about them as she tends to fancy Banny, but I don't know them well. The dwarf is Aesrick, he runs the carpenters guild. The other two are Courrin and Wheen. Wheen is our wheelwright and makes some of the best wagons around. Courinn runs the grain mill. Not too bad of a fellow. After those fires I mentioned, he even dropped prices so no one would complain there wasn't any other options."
She gives a small tilt of her head to the other side of the grass where a group of four Varisian women have set up, two, who seem of rather advanced age sit playing flutes to provide music while the other two dance in ever increasing whirls that send their scarves and skirts billowing around them. "Thats Madame Mvashti. She's something of a holy person to the Varisians around here. They say she was old when the town was founded and she can see much in those cards of hers. Next to her is Risa. She owns a tavern in town, though its mostly her kids who run it now. She is a great story teller. The two dancing is Rynshinn, who owns a beautiful clothing store in town. How I'd love to get a dress from there, but father always says no. And Alma who is our baker. She is a sweet woman and its good to see her happy. That hasn't happened so often since her son was Sheriff when the bad things happened."
She shakes her head a bit as if to get rid of those thoughts, then she gives Jereth's arm a bit of a tug. "Come now, would you like to dance?"
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Walking into town through the southern gate, one of the first things Tamai is likely to notice(outside of the lack of guard) is that the sign declaring the town is made of a mirror hung on a post, proclaiming "Welcome to Sandpoint. See yourself as we do."
For the friendly greeting of the sign however, there are few people to see in the lower half of the city as most of the people seem to have migrated up towards the cathedral, leaving their shops and houses locked and sealed.
When finally the gnome does spot a group of slightly inebriated townsfolk and asks them for directions to the groom, one of them tilts their head a bit as if trying to drunkenly size the little fellow up and then points up towards the crowd above. "I imagine old Hosk is up there like everyone else. Can't say I seen him today, but if he's not there, he should be." The man gives an emphatic nod at that.
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Dannie seems destined for a strong shock to the senses as she enters the town from the woods outside. Even as she moves past the buildings they all seem abandoned, but for the noises of revelry coming from the north.
Its not until she reaches the outskirts of that square in her search for someone who could be her hero that she finds the possibilities and the change is very dramatic, shifting from barren streets that beyond their lack of natural sense are not so different from her usual surroundings to suddenly being confronted with well over a thousand faces, drinking, eating and dancing.
The throng of people don't seem to take much notice yet of the woman standing on the outside, strangers being quite expected on this day, giving her a chance to observe or approach in her own time.
-Tarlane
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Tamai nods his thanks and follows in the direction of the crowd. Humans and their drinking, why can't they just enjoy the smell of fresh cut wood and feel of the sun on their back? he thinks. Well, at least they arn't as bad as Dwarves are in that respect
Approaching the crowd, Tamai realizes he will never be able to find Hosk-Gnomefriend from the ground, so he looks around for something to climb on to find his friend.
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Readily available around the large clearing where the crowd is gathered is a number of different scalable objects.
The dais where presentations are to be made shortly is clear at the moment, though its questionable how appreciative people will be of a gnome taking the main stage, at least if he doesn't have something to say.
Also around the clearing are dozens of tables, most set with diners, and large casks of ale and wine, both those in use traditionally and those which are being used as improvised tables as well.
Finally, a bit further away from the crowd so it may be strain on the eyes, are two large wagons. One stacked high with firewood meant for the dusk bonfire, the other covered with a cloth and likely containing the butterflies to be released for the ceremony.
Dannie makes a conscious effort to dial down her innate glow, and slowly steps out of the shadows and walks through some of the crowds.
Though obviously skittish, the lure of free food, and hopefully alcohol, turns out to be just the right incentive to put a spring in her step, and forget her current woes.
Jereth removes his riding gloves, tucking them under his belt, and offers Shayliss his left arm as she begins to show him around the town. The softness of her hand seems to burn upon his skin as he escorts her from one place to the next. He keeps Alana’s reins in his right hand so that she doesn’t wonder off now that he isn’t riding. Her eyes roll slightly at the sight of her master paying attention to someone else, but the horse makes no other comment.
He is a very attentive listener, leaning close to hear Shayliss’ whispers and sharing a smile with her. His eyes always move to meet hers when she turns to address him, and he can’t seem to keep from smiling, even though his throat is slightly dry. When he looks out to see the people she is showing him he also keeps his eyes out for his Mistress, but he can’t seem to see any sign of her. Is it possible that she isn’t here yet? Yes, its’ possible. He did ride rather hard for the past few days because he was afraid of being late. Well, if he is early, and it looks like this is the case because she would never fail to find him, then perhaps he has more time to relax then he thought. This thought broadens his smile as Shayliss slowly guides him through the crowds towards the cleared area for dancing.
When she invites him to dance Jereth is slightly surprised for a moment and then smiles shyly as red creeps over his cheeks. “I… certainly. I would love to.” Taking a moment to tie Alana’s reins to a nearby post, and giving the jealous horse a loving pat on the neck, he turns back towards Shayliss and offers her his arm once more. “I fear you’ll find I have two left feet, but I never could say no to a beautiful lady.”
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Even though a stranger in the city, the beautiful elven woman is immediately welcomed among those there, greeted with smiles and offered foods, from the spicy dishes of Ameiko to the more home cooked flavors of Risa's place.
Alcohol is out in force as well, a heavy mix of fine stout ales along with a mix of cheaper wines and whiskeys being served up.
As the elven woman makes her way into the crowd in such of these treats a tall human man, who is dressed as a upper class merchant with loose hanging dark hair, scoops up a mug from one of the tables and approaches, giving a small nod and a smile. "Greetings, Miss. Perhaps you'd care for a drink?"
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Shayliss seems to enjoy having such an attentive listener as she walks and gossips on Jereth's arm. When he agrees to dance and ties up the horse, she gives a bit of a grin, seeing how he treats it like it would be jealous of her company, so she playfully sticks her tongue out towards the animal as she leads him out onto the field.
Taking one of the knights hands and scooting in a bit close so he can rest his hand on the small of her back for the dance, the girl starts to sway a bit to try and build up a rhythm before setting her feet to motion. "Don't worry, sir, I'm sure you'll do just fine."
<If you could give me a perform check, that would be great. Go ahead and give yourself a +2 circumstance bonus since its for her rather then an audience and she is a bit biased.>
Sylvan: "Hi, Eniya hi. Quier yoofa Nanshi Seileel?" She says with a glitter in her eye, until she realizes who she is speaking with, then she looks a little to the side awkwardly but holds her hand out and says "Ninfa."
DM Use, or someone with Sylvan language:
Hi, Eniya hi. Quier yoofa Nanshi Seileel?: "Yes, I accept. Any beautiful Elven Wine?
Ninfa: "My Thanks."
(OOC: Jereth rolled a 14 on Perform (Dance).)
Holding her hand gently in his, and shyly placing his right hand upon the small of her back, Jereth begins to move with her. Letting her guide him through the steps of the dance he does his best to avoid stepping on her toes. At first he is unsure of himself, and looks rather nervous, but as the dance goes on he gains more confidence in himself and offers her a smile when he thinks he has it right.
As they dance he keeps his attention on her and then asks a question that he hadn’t thought about before, having been distracted. “Forgive me for asking, but I’m afraid I don’t know what this festival is about. Would you mind telling me? I heard something about the blessing of Desna.”
Finally, a bit further away from the crowd so it may be strain on the eyes, are two large wagons. One stacked high with firewood meant for the dusk bonfire, the other covered with a cloth and likely containing the butterflies to be released for the ceremony.
Tamai decides the wagons are the best bet for now - the dias would be better - but why disrupt a ceremony.... that would be foolish. So he climbs the firewood wagon and starts looking for Hosk-Gnomefriend
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Seeming a bit taken aback by the elven woman's strange language, the man reaches up and brushes his hair back from his face as he considers her.
Seeing her hand extended he reaches out and takes her fingers for just a moment so he can brush his lips across the back of her hand before releasing it to offer her one of the mugs, which while certainly not containing elven wine at least holds some of the finest mead available.
Clearing his throat a bit and trying a new tactic he speaks in a slightly out of practice but well polished elven. "Do enjoy. My name is Aldern, my beauty. Perhaps this language is more to your liking?"
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Shayliss seems quite content with the dance, taking the opportunity to even press a bit closer to the handsome knight while she makes slow circles around the pavilion with him.
At his question, she seems to consider. "Well, I think it has been a ceremony here since before most of us were around, probably back from just when this was a meeting spot for Varisians. They do take to Desna quite strongly after all. But really, its a festival to celebrate the end of summer and the coming of fall. Its why we celebrate it the first day of Rova, to start the fall correctly."
She nods a bit at that, though she obviously isn't too interested in the history part of the celebration, suddenly the girl's face lights up a bit though and she smiles wide. "At dusk though, we release a whole wagon full of swallowtail! Have you ever seen one? They are butterfly that can get as big as a bird!"
She seems to simply bounce at the thought of the butterflies all around, though something catches her in her tracks and she looks a bit nervous for a moment as she glances over the paladins shoulder. "I... I think I should probably head home now, Jereth. It really has been wonderful. Come visit me sometime soon?"
She tilts her head at that and dips up, sneaking a kiss to the knights cheek and trying to squirm away to slide into the crowd opposite of whatever she had seen. Glancing back that way the only thing that stands out is the drunken man she had seemed to avoid earlier when beginning the tour.
...Clearing his throat a bit and trying a new tactic he speaks in a slightly out of practice but well polished elven. "Do enjoy. My name is Aldern, my beauty. Perhaps this language is more to your liking?"
Dannie is slightly hesitant and almost freezes at his touch like an animal starring into the light of a Will-O-Wisp. She blushes when he kisses her hand and her Nimbus of Light summons uncontrolled motes of light that wink in and out about her person.
Aldern would see elaborately crafted tattoos spiraling from the tops of her hand, under her palms, tumbling all the way up her arms into the unseen areas underneath her clothing.
As a matter of fact, she seemed to have enjoyed it, blushing more at the attention and sipping from the mug while playing coy. She seems to be warming up to him which is not typical for her.
"My, you are full of surprises aren't you? My name is Dannie. I have come from lands far away, but I shall not burden you with my troubles, it looks like this is a celebration and it is a time to put those woes aside. Is it not?"
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Scaling up to the top of wagon of firewood actually proves to be relatively easy for the small gnome as its packed in pretty tightly. Once balanced up top he is able to run his gaze over the fun and revelry that shows up all around him.
At first it seems that Hosk is no where to be seen out in the crowd, even after a few moments of dedicated searching. Then something is spotted that isn't the grouchy groom, but something just as good. Tied off just to the side of the festival is the old nag that is Hosk's closest companion, a ratty looking horse named 'stomp' who likely is the only one who has as much a dislike for goblins as Hosk himself.
The mare is reined in outside of the area of the crowds before a small wooden structure with a sign above it of a leaf coated in dew that simply says 'Hannahs'.
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Smiling to the elf, Aldern nods his head, continuing to speak in elven with her, the language seeming to come back to him more comfortably as he uses it. He certainly has a charming air about him as he flirts casually.
"That it is. There are always troubles in this world, though it pains my heart to know that any darkness has found its way into your light." He seems to take the peculiarity in stride as the woman begins to glow slightly, though the peasants around them back away a bit except for a daring child that tries to step closer and touch one of the glowing specs as if it were a firefly.
"I too am a stranger here, though you speak as if you have come a much greater distance. My family has an old manor near here that I have been hoping to reclaim. It has sat empty too many years now." He seems to become a bit more sullen at that thought before shaking it off and smiling.
"No, no, as you said, this is a day to be joyous rather than look upon our challenges. Perhaps you would like more mead? I think the ceremony will start soon."
Making his way back down, Tamai makes his way through the crowd towards Hannahs..attempting to sound gruff as he forces his way by people.
"Do you suppose they have something just a bit stronger? This Mead is golden, but Red Wine is divine."
Jereth nods as he listens to her describe the history of the celebration, while his hand is very away of the gentle brushing of her long dark hair against it as its rests upon her waist. He can feel her move closer to him as they dance, and swallows as his mouth goes even dryer. The Varisian dress she is wearing seems to flow about her as they dance, and the soft fabric feel nearly electric to his hand. Trying to keep his sight focused upon her own doe brown eyes he can feel a bit of her own joy creeping into him as she describes the butterflies that will be released.
“I’ve heard of them, but never seen one myself. Seeing one would be wonderful.” He responds to her question. He is about to say something more when she suddenly looks nervous and stops dancing. He looks at her with a question in his eyes, but is stopped by her explanation. He barely gets out an, “I will.” Before she kisses his cheek, causing him to blush with surprise and embarrassment, and nimbly escapes from his gentle hands. He watches her leave, with his right hand touching his cheek where the kissed him and a foolish grin upon his face, and sighs as the light shines upon her flowing dark hair just before she is lost in the crowd.
Slowly, the foolish grin fades away to be replaced by a confused look. His eyes search her out for a moment longer, but fail to find her. Shaking his head he turns around and starts to walk back across the dancing green towards Alana with his hand still touching his cheek. Jereth is so filled with his own thoughts that he nearly bumps into the drunken man and quickly steps back and to the side. “Pardon me sir.” Then he makes to return to his horse.
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The crowd is slow to part for the smaller figure shifting its way through, though they do slowly make room to allow him past, offering down a mug or bit of food along the way.
When the gnome finally nears the doorway of Hannah's he hears a recognizable gruff voice call out from within. "Blast woman, you're worse then those sneaky little demons."
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Laughing lightly at the question, Aldern glances around for a few seconds before giving a smile. "Give me just a moment, my dear." Then turns and moves to one of the tables where a server is offering samples of his patrons wares. Drawing some coin from his pouch, Aldern hands them to the servant and is in return gifted with a flask which he returns to Dannie's side with. "This may be more to your liking."
Laughing lightly at the question, Aldern glances around for a few seconds before giving a smile. "Give me just a moment, my dear." Then turns and moves to one of the tables where a server is offering samples of his patrons wares. Drawing some coin from his pouch, Aldern hands them to the servant and is in return gifted with a flask which he returns to Dannie's side with. "This may be more to your liking."
Looking curious I peek..
"What is in there hmm? Could you be trying to impress me good Aldern? The fact I didn't run away when your lips brushed my hand should of told you I was already interested. Though I would gladly like to sample what you have hidden in there." Dannie says with a what may be considered a hint of innuendo.
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The drunken man pauses as Jereth brushes past him, drawing back as if offended for a moment though then when he is apologized to he simply nods his head and continues on his way through the crowd.
Coming out of the crowd with a mug of spiced ale and a slight smile is the woman who was indicated to be Ameiko earlier. She holds out the mug to the Jereth in offering, shaking her head a bit. "Don't mind him. Thats just Ven. He runs the local market. Has a stash of his special drink in the celler and I think he breaks into it from time to time. Really not such a bad guy normally."
"Take that back!" Damia calls as she swings her first towards the face of the young boy standing in front of her. The face of the young girl is contorted with anger, her cheeks smudged with dirt. She cries out once more as her fist narrowly misses the face of the boy, and she falls to the dirt in defeat. The boy runs away laughing, leaving her alone for the time being.
Her mother disapproved of her fighting, but Damia didn't care. Most of the others who were around her age treated her like she was an outcast, pointing out her differences any chance they had. It always enraged her. They had no right to treat her as such. Her mother may not have actually given birth to her, but she had still raised her from an infant. The only reason they treated her differently because she looked different. Her skin was a rich golden brown, her hair a few shades lighter. Her mother claimed that the other girls were envious of her looks and the boys liked her, but she didn't understand why that would mean they would tease her.
Shaking her head, she stands and brushes the loose dirt from her pants. It was not late in the midday, and she had nothing to do. She had finished the chores her mother told her, and was allowed to spend the rest of the day however she please. She pauses for a moment, thinking of what she would do to spend her day. Her face then breaks out in a grin, and she starts to run towards where Ameiko is. Ameiko was always nice to the girl, letting her occasionally sit in the inn at night to watch the patrons.
Reaching Ameiko, she calls out to her, "Ameiko, might I be able to sample some of your cooking?"
Jereth’s mind quickly forgets about the drunken man as it returns to his confused emotions regarding the girl Shayliss. Not having encountered many young women his own age, except for the few training as Knights or Squires, he finds himself rather confused and flustered. Did he do or say something wrong? Was there something in his teeth? Unable to answer his own questions he shakes his head and continues walking towards where Alana is tied up.
That is when he finds a mug of ale being held out to him by the striking woman who can only be Ameiko. Offering her a shy smile he accepts the proffered drink and nods his head. “Thank you. And please don’t be concerned. I was not offended, after all, I got in his way. But where are my manners. My name is Jereth Holtan, Squire to Lady Dame Keldonza, of Magnimar. You are Ameiko right?” He moves the mug to his left hand and extends his right intending to kiss her hand in a gentlemanly fashion.
Jinn and Lenna had made plans the week before to spend the morning of the Swallowtail Festival together. They had agreed to spend the morning at the beach. It had been day since the two had found time to spend together hanging out and just enjoying each others company. So it was with a good humor and a ferocious appetite that they made there way through the crowd at the festival.
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Aldern chuckles softly to the elven girl as she returns his flirting, grinning a bit. "Well, while I don't believe they have any red wine of the quality you seek, I think this may still do the trick. It has a hint of a mint flavor to it that while strange is surprisingly good. I took to it when I was living with my family back in Korvosa for a time."
He gives a bit of a playful flourish, proffering the bottle forth. "Please, my beauty, if you would."
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Giving a grin that is more at home in the barroom the a courtesans chambers when her hand is kissed, Ameiko gives something of a mock curtsey to the knight along with a genuine smile. "I am called Ameiko Kaijitsu. A pleasure to meet you, Jereth. I am glad you were not offended, we wouldn't want you to think poorly about our little town, now would we?"
Hearing her name called out she turns to look towards where the younger girl comes trotting up and shakes her head with a smile. "Damia Sorn! You know better then to interrupt someone who is talking." The woman flashes a wink towards Jereth "We were speaking of the towns troublemakers and its amazing how they appear."
As she speaks its clear that Ameiko has the barest hint of a strange accent that remains on her voice, and its also clear she has a fondness or perhaps feels some sort of kinship with the younger girl, even as she ribs her a bit. Ameiko reaches up and ruffles Damia's hair lightly and nods towards one of the tables. "Come then, both of you. You must try my curry salmon, I do hope it will win the prize this year." She nods towards the mug in Jereths hand. "And they say my winterdrop mead is the best. And you'll say it too. At least you'd better." She winks again at that, the gesture coming easily for her, though she glances down towards Damia, giving a false glare. "For you, little missy, milk."
Tamai looks around, and pokes his head into Hannah's maybe I'll just have to stand guard for now. He strains his senses to ensure he shouldn't go in anyway, then looks for a 'local' and asks "What is this place?".
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Lenna walks along at Jinn's side, holding his arm and just enjoying the sights and sounds of the festival. She has a warm smile on her face as it really has been a perfect day, time spent down on the beach all alone, since everyone was at the festival, then getting to enjoy the food and drink that the evening promises.
After snatching up a plate that is quickly forgotten about and finishing off a few mugs of mead, Lenna tugs at Jinn's hand, giving him teasing look with glittering eyes as she tries to lead him towards one of the two big wagons on the periphery of town.
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Peering around inside of Hannah's it looks like a small hospital ward, simply four cots spaced out around the room.
Only one of them is currently occupied however, as a pale, gaunt looking Hosk sits upon it grimacing. He appears to have a large bandage around his upper thigh, though there is just a momentary glimpse of it as it is mostly blocked by a middle aged woman with mousy brown hair that is just showing the first hints of gray.
She seems to be trying to adjust the bandage slightly which brings another growl from him. "Hannah, your damnable poultice is worse then what they put in me!"
Hannah shakes her head "Hosk, you whine more then little Aeren Barett when he scraped his knee. Now hush and try and get some rest."
When the gnome flags down a passerby, the man looks up at the sign above and gives a small shrug of his shoulders. "Thats Hannahs, she's a bit of everything I suppose. Something like a priestess of Gozreh, only without all the priest stuff. She tends to pick lots of plants, tend to any of the smaller cuts and breaks around town, is the town midwife, and look after the other worshipers about. She's a nice enough lady, if an odd one."
"Lu ona Veli, rigocioni ona pelkel, toera ona satuku, Eniya pelay quier
Seileel. Berstut Aldern. Berstut V'bir kwaina."
More to herself she muses a question aloud. "Eniya hon, feileshan'ohevitay."
Dannie takes the offered bottle, breathing in it's aroma as she opens the top she pours Aldern and herself a large mug.
Elven: "It's not the type of glass I usually drink from, but it's
what is on the inside that counts."
Dannie takes one of Aldern's arm in her two handed grip shortly after and asks him to walk with her.
Elven: "Show me what is worth seeing Aldern, I need someone to walk with me, I'm not used to such activity all focused in one place, clothed anyway, and I could use someone as friendly and charming as you to help me with my own vulnerabilities."
She gives him a small pout, and it's starting to show she may be intoxicated.
Lu ona Veli, rigocioni ona pelkel, toera ona satuku, Eniya pelay quier Seileel. Berstut Aldern. Berstut V'bir kwaina:
Dark or light, vibrant or smooth, young or old, I welcome any wine. Drink Aldern, Drink and be happy.
Eniya hon, feileshan'ohevitay:
I wonder, is he with wife?
Convinced that he wouldn't be disturbing anything terribly important by going in, Tamai takes Hosk's staff from his pack, and enters the hut. "Hosk Gnome-friend! What happened? Don't tell me the one who helped defend my home-forest was hurt doing mundane stablework? Why did you forsake your Staff I made? i found it charred and damaged... I have re-carved as much as I could into it, but it will never look that same." He doesn't like seeing his friend injured after finding the damaged staff, and frets over his recent carvings and how inadequate they feel when compared to the original work he did on this same staff.
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Aldern tilts his head slightly, clearly not following the sylvan conversation, though that could be for the best. When the words are again spoken in elvish, he smiles. "Of course, my dear, I'd be happy to show you around and let you see all the festival has to offer."
He turns for a moment and scans the crowd until he picks out three men standing off to the side of the main events, simply watching. He waves a hand to them to shoo them away. "Mr. Craesby, you and the others have my leave to enjoy the festivities. I cannot imagine I will need any more assistance tonight and I have wonderful company, thank you." He turns to face the elf at his side at that, with a smile.
"Perhaps we should find some food to go with this wine, sweet?" He motions forth to guide the girl towards some of the tables for a meal.
Dannie threads the leather riding gloves through her simple belt leaving them dangling in plain view and nods at Aldern and follows his lead.
Elven: "I look forward to sampling some of the good things I see here tonight."
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Hosk blinks at the suddenly familiar voice, and starts to nudge Hannah aside to rise, though thats clearly a bad idea as he drops back down onto the cot with a bit of a groan. Seeing the gnome, he gives a wide grin, even as he somewhat casually pulls a blanket over the bandage so it can't be seen just how bad the wound beneath it must be.
"Tamai? Is that you my friend?" He chuckles heartily, though with a hint of sadness to it. "No, I'm afraid it wasn't stable work that brought me into this... predicament. I was out to Wartle to pick me up a horse, one of the finest beasts I've laid eyes on. But on my return I was overtaken I suppose. It was the damn little beasts what did it. I heard them up ahead so I took a moment to tie off Shadowmist and sneak around into the brush to ambush them. One of the pests was juggling a torch and dropped it, setting a blaze. If you think that was an accident, you don't know their cruel cunning like I do. I had to fall out in the open where they overwhelmed me. I chased them off, but I took a horse chopper to the leg doing it. I think the little bastard poisoned me, but Hannah here says it was just rusty."
He pauses a moment and shakes his head. "They fled and I couldn't chase after, could barely walk. Little beasts grabbed Shadowmist. Probably horsemeat by now, you know how they are with horses..." He gives a sigh and shrugs a bit at that. "It is good to see you though friend. I thought I had lost the staff in the fire that the bugger set. But, I was near to nettlewood by this point. Can't imagine how the staff could have gotten all the way to Sanos. Perhaps Gozreh was saying that you should pay your old friend Hosk a visit?"
Jereth smiles as Ameiko offers him her name, “The pleasure is mine Miss Kaijitsu. I must confess that I was intending to seek you out soon, so I am pleased that we have met.”
When the young girl makes her own entrance into the conversation, and is introduced to Jereth as Damia Som, he turns to greet her in the same way he greeted Ameiko. “It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Som. My name is Jereth Holtan, Squire to Lady Dame Keldonza of Magnimar.”
A pleasant smile grows upon his lips as he watches the two interact with each other. If one could judge a town by those who you meet when first entering it then Sandpoint must be a fine place indeed. As the invitation to join Ameiko for some salmon is given Jereth smiles and lifts the indicated mug to his lips. Taking a single small swallow, his expression is thoughtful for a moment before a grin regains its position on his lips as he lifts the mug slightly as if toasting. “It is indeed quite excellent. I must confess that this is the first mead I have ever tried.” Taking a second swallow he smiles again and nods his head.
As they move over towards the tables where Ameiko’s salmon is being served Jereth clears his throat slightly and speaks in a quiet voice. “Miss Kaijitsu, if I may, I am told that you run the Rusty Dragon Inn here in Sandpoint. Could you perhaps tell me if my Mistress has arrived in town? She gave me instructions to meet her at your inn specifically. I just arrived this afternoon and haven’t seen any sign of her.”
She grins at the scorn Ameiko attempts to give her, shaking her head, "Oh 'Meiko, you know just how much I love your cooking." She looks over to Jereth as he introduces himself, "Hello, you'll find Ameiko has the best cooking in town."
As the milk is offered to her, she scrunches her nose in distaste, "Milk? I hate milk!" She takes the milk, making another face as she takes a small sip. Shaking her head, she follows Ameiko and Jereth.
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Aldern smiles warmly at the elven girl at his side, resting his palm over her fingers where they sit on his arm. As he leads her to one of the tables piled with food he glances down at the riding gloves that she pointedly hangs from her hip. "Are you an equestrian, my dear? I was planning to go for a boar hunt in the tickwood tomorrow, if you would, I would treasure your company."
He smiles as he looks over the foods at the table, raises his eyes to Ameiko as she approaches with the other two in tow. "This is Ameiko, Dannie. I have boarded in her inn these last few days and have been delightfully surprised by the quality of the fare. I think you would be most impressed."
With that he switches back to common as he gives Ameiko and Damia a bow and Jereth a polite nod of his head. "Welcome. It seems you have attracted quite a flock, Ameiko. The secret of your dishes must have slipped out."
Nodding his head again politely he smiles. "I'm Aldern, Aldern Foxglove. Formerly of Magnimar."
Jereth bows a greeting to the wealthy looking merchant, and when his attention turns to the elfin woman at his side he is at a loss for a moment. Unable to remember the customary greeting for one of her race and sex he settles for the more classic standard greeting. Striding forward intending upon kissing her hand, after shaking Aldem’s, he introduces himself. "I am pleased to meet you Master Foxglove. I am Jereth Holtan, Squire to Lady Dame Keldonza, also of Magnimar.”
(OOC: A knowledge check to see if I know anything about the Foxglove family. I received a 14.)
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(OOC: The foxgloves are a wealthy noble and merchant family from Korvosa that is fairly well known. About a century ago, the family branched from Korvosa to Magnimar and had a manor built about a days ride from Sandpoint and Magnimar along the coast. Foxglove Manor is 80 years old, and has been the seat of the Foxglove family the whole time. Some sort of tragedy struck the family a few decades ago, and no one’s lived there since. Common rumor holds that the place is haunted.)
Her eyes widen in surprise as she looks upon Aldern. "Foxglove? As in Foxglove Manor? Is that where you're staying? That place is haunted!"
She gasps slightly, bringing her hand to her mouth, averting her eyes to the floor, "I.. I'm sorry! I didn't mean to be so rude."
Tamai glances each way suspiciously "Or the beasts moved it to get me away from the forest, with you injured and me heading in the other direction the gnomes will be much easier to attack. "He looks From Hosk to the store owner. "Do either of you know of a place I could find a creature who would know how to get to Sanos? I could alert the enclave about a possible attack. A burrowing or flying animal would be best, as they would be harder for the pests to try to eat" He puts away his carving knife and looks around nervously.