Dalkk's routine with Vuzi has goten serious on a whole new level. Once or twice he's tried to tie up the trolls, but he plans did not include 2 large creatures and there seems to be little point in doing so most days. He still gives Vance the same treatment though. Every single morning Dalkk starts counting down. He'll slow the party down if there is any chance that the venture forward could distract from the spell casting routine. He will keep the fighters posted and at the ready should the spell fail. It is no secret that the dwarf hates Giants, and the only thing improved by the Trolls becoming undead has surprisingly enough been the smell.
Whilst on there way out of the area Dalkk will begin stockpiling food. All the food. Every free moment he will push Simon to help them hunt or gather for the hungry dwarves. If they happen across any travler or merchant Dalkk will buy out any food they have to spare.
As they approach the Dwarven camp Dalkk will suggest a night's rest, even if it's early. In the morning, assuming Vuzi's spell still holds, he will recruit Simon to help scout a space for Vance and his trolls to hide. They were lucky Vance went unnoticed before, but if there was a worse idea then marching two living Trolls into Dwarf camp, they found it.
Dalkk will take the lead into the camp upon L'nshpad with sacs of troll bits tied to the saddle. Normally full of smart remarks, complaining, and awkward phrasing the Dwarf is terribly silent. He scratches the scruff that began to regrow under his chin. He is clearly in deep thought and not looking forward to yet another emotional experiance.
Simon is well within his field of expertise and manages to find a lot of eatables, not only by hunting but also by digging out huge loads of roots, half-submerged plants and vegetables that are full of nutrients and vitamins.
As they approach the camp, he finds a neat hollow, slightly overgrown and well hidden from sight for the Trolls and Vance to stay hidden.
Once again you are challenged, but a short description of who you are gains you access without argument. The watch party leader taps his wrists together and speaks a message about your arrival into the gauntlets he has on. A raven springs from them and flies away to deliver the message. Your escort can't help but glance at all the trophies Dalkk has strapped to his lizard occasionally, though they're doing their best to remain professional.
Last time the camp was sparsely populated. The outriders must have been called in this time. The camp is much more crowded this time, but not exactly packed. You notice empty tents, packed belongings, and other such signs of casualties, but very few wounded soldier types. It hasn't been easy for these dwarves. Trolls don't take prisoners.
You approach the central, large tent and find that Rubyfist has moved outside. He sits in his large chair and glowers at Dalkk as he approaches. The dwarves whisper to each other and you even notice a couple children push through the crowd for a look.
They brought their kitties with them?
In such a dangerous place - did street dogs ate their brains?!
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Dalkk had entered the camp as silent and stone faced as he left. When he is lead in front of Rubyfist he waits for a short while, wondering who is supposed to speak first. A short dwarven leg is swung over the lizard head as Dalkk dismounts. Any insight into the ceremony of conduct is long behind him, and even back then his understanding was shaky at best.
"Master Rubyfist!" Dalkk will speak loudly, almost to the crowd. "Ye charged us wit' the extermination of trolls in the surrounds. " Dalkk will make his way to the first of six burlap sacks of troll heads. Using a handaxe he will slice the bottom so that the troll heads spill out onto the ground. "I have returned in accordance to your wishes. " Another bag will be cut open. To move to the next Dalkk will have to kick a troll skull out of the way. He continues in the same manner with the other four. This would spill enormous green grotesque skulls out for all to see.
"The Den was found where ye told us it be, though now all that remains be ashes. As ye promised, there be a particularly old, fat, and vile b%$~& that control the lot." Dalkk will secure the sack reserved just for her, bits of flesh and identifiers included. He walks in front of L'nshpad and to his chair. This sac he opens slowly, first holding up the head for all to see. Next he'll pull out her weapons, religious symbols, anything that could prove it was her and lay them out of the ground. "All that remains of her be these trophies of yers now, Master Rubyfist."
Dalkk will motion to Simon for assistance. He has a slight smirk with this next one. ”And because ye gave us such a fun task of killing so many trolls, we thought ta' bring snacks!" Dalkk pulls off the blankets behind the saddle, revealing Simon's bounty. Surely sacks full of vegetation and a few hopefully larger animals were found. Dalkk returns to the trophies and gives a deep bow to Rubyfist. He is still half expecting his own execution, but at least he'd die amongst Dwarves.
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The crowd, especially the children, start to cheer, but Rubyfist cuts across them.
You DARE! Rubyfist springs from his seat, again moving faster than anyone of his size has any right to. You come before us having done your duty and act like it's some kind of PARTY!
The crowd murmurs and starts looking to each other. Some are clearly automatically falling in line. Others look offended. Whispers of "why not" and "look at all that food" drift on the breeze.
Then, as if the universe wanted to give the socially stunted Dalkk a break, A grizzled old dwarf with white hair, an eye patch, and a pair of heavy duty tongs instead of a hand stalks forward.
That's ENOUGH, Rubyfist! The lad did that ye asked. 'Ee and 'is troop did more ta solve da problem than ye did in months! Look ye at all da heads!
He is Windukslagdam! Rubyfist shouts.
And he just killed some 40 trolls! For US.
There are more murmors. The crowd is rapidly turning against Rubyfist, and the food isn't helping the furious dwarf's case. The guards move in around Rubyfist and then the string of tension youall feel building snaps. Everyone starts shouting in dwarven and the more vulnerable members of the band rapidly retreat. Dalkk is grabbed by the mob and dragged into the verbal melee happening around Rubyfist and the elder dwarf!
Vuzi wades in next to Dalkk and screams above the noise in dwaven, and gives Rubyfist a hard look.
Cain nods,
Cain is openly glaring at Rubyfist as though daring him to be the one who attacks first, his arms are tightly folded across his body, but his allies know him to be quite the quick draw with his bones, those swords could be put in less than a second.
Dalkk is stunned. He was content to die here... But now... Can it be true. He speaks only loud enough for his friends who do not speak Dwarven to hear. "They.. They're calling to end my exile..”
Dalkk turns to what any Dwarf does best amongst hard times. Drinking. He takes a minute amongst the shouting to go to his happy place, and puts together an extract of Eagle's Splendor. He begins handing vials to Simon.
”Quick lad, drink this. Ok now gargle this, spit it back out, there be a good kitty. Down this one, mind the taste it be fresh. One more outta do it."
Dalkk is traditionally not a diplomat, but does his best to coach Simon on what to say, hoping his friends will help as well.
A long since buried picture of his past rises before Simon's inner eye.
A scene of similar heated discussion, on a small town square. Settler, farmers, hunter, and alchemists were discussing the matter of whether to slash and burn the nearby forest to aid the growth of the town.
He was there as well, trying to swing them around, sparing 'his' forest.
But in the end, it all was in vain. He just wasn't good with words.
Dalkks feverish instructions are welcome to the Catfolk and he follows them, happy to have some distraction from the close-by dispute.
Then, his limbs are stretching and a sudden growth makes him wonder what in Gozreths name he just drank.
Looking down quizzically at the dwarf at his feet and his wide, pleading eyes sudden understanding dawn in Simon.
Oh my ... why me??
But there certainly is no way back, the first dwarves are already focusing their attention at the now towering Cat and Dalkks hope is lasting heavily on his shoulders.
He closes his eyes for a moment to pray to Gozreth for some clever words .
"Eher-meowour." Simon clears his throat.
Remembering the boiling, cutting feelings and thoughts from their first meeting, Simons resolve grows and he decides to go all in...
"Honored dwarves... my name is Simon Blue-Eye and I am comrade and friend with Dalkk-purrurr, who is from your blood.
While I don't know about your traditions and way of life, I know a lot about the laws of nature-meow.
And one of those laws ...
One of the most important laws is: Strength lies in Unity.
If you're alone in the wild or dissent with your kin, you will perish-miaur.
Even the Trolls we hunted down ... for YOU did understand that law!
But you, you bicker about some accident long since past-frch!
No wonder most of you are in such a bad shape.
Mind you, most of you that is. Your leader seems to be perfectly fine.
Where is your honor, Rubyfist-grfcrch, letting your people suffer and hunger like that, while keeping a personal reserve for yourself?!
And if someone tries to help those very same people you are unable, or worse yet: unwilling to help, you slash out-grfrchh?
How can you call yourself an honorable dwarf-miii?
Isn't Dalkk-purrur here, the more honorable one?
He has gone on a mission you all thought would be suicide, wiithout batting an eye ... and succeeded!
Even more than that, he even brought back food for your starving people-purr!
Now stop that nonsense and thank your saviour and grab some of that food we brought-MEOWOUR!"
Simon's inspired, downright magical speech cuts across the quarreling like a lightning strike. The dwarves just stare. An uncomfortable silence follows. Torbjorn stares Rubyfist down with an intensity that could melt steel.
You swore. he whispers, but it's heard by everyone. You swore before us all. "Equal Shares." you said. That was the deal.
Rubyfist suddenly looks like a fish out of water. His mouth opens and closes several times before he can speak. The others wait. You can feel the tide turning on him by the second.
I did as I agreed. Equal shares OF THE PROFIT!
Torbjorn suddenly backhands Rubyfist, and not with his normal hand. There is a ringing CLANK as Rubyfist is launched several feet into the air and into a puddle by the mechanical arm of the other dwarf.
Torbjorn barks something in Dwarven that is clearly some kind of condemnation.
I name you Oath-Breaker! Until you prove your worth you are now the least of Us! I challenge you!
The guards fall back into a circle. Rubyfist pulls himself up onto his feet and rubs an angry red mark that covers half his face. But going quietly is not his style. He draws his magical dagger and points it at Torbjorn.
Then the shouting starts anew, but only between the two dwarves. Those in the know are witness to the most blistering display of insults, name-calling, and general disparagement of character you've ever seen. Insults fly and are parried by clever twists, re-framings, dismissals, and parodies. The dwarves words swirl like ethereal knives and cut just as deeply.
In the end, Rubyfist runs out of material more quickly. The crowd sees this and more start cheering for Torbjorn than for Rubyfist. This only whips Rubyfist up and he goes in again, and again, and again. Near the end even his guards are snickering at his expense.
Finally, he gives up. He is out of words. Torbjorn strides over, gives his one last good verbal kick, and rips a jeweled brooch from his shirt.
The crowd goes wild and Rubyfist, inspite of his bulk, looks truly deflated. Everyone promptly ignores him and an impromptu party kicks off! Children climb up on the food piles and start throwing vegetables to everyone and several large kegs are tapped almost as if someone expected this to happen.
What follows is a party for the ages. It's the first time you've felt this completely full and dry and comfortable in weeks.
For Dalkk, he's still near the bottom of the social ladder, but he's not locked in the basement anymore, and he has one dwarf, and a motley assortment of friends, to thank for it.
Dalkk nearly collapses from being overwhelmed. Dalkk hugs and leans against the big blue furry leg for support. It's so foreign to him. He walks around guarded, but even being able to walk amongst his kind once more is strange and unusual for him. As the party breaks out he's almost gawking. There is no danger, no trouble. He knows that even now he's an outcast, but he's an outcast inside the camp.
After some merryment, and tactically waiting for Torbjorn to have consumed more then a few drinks, Dalkk will approach him preferably when less people are around. "Thank ye Torbjorn for what ye did today. I.. If t'day proved anything it be that I'm not skilled with my words. It's been nearly a third o'me life I've spent away from kin. I'm scared ta'ask.. what does this mean now. Don't ye be mistaken, I deserve all that came to me, I ain't trying to excuse that. Still though... I cannae remember being happier then I am t'day. I know I don't deserve even this... but if there be a way.. it be wrong o' me to ask, but if there be anyway I have ta try and ask, be there any room for me here?"
Torbjorn looks at Dalkk with eyes that say he's not nearly into his cups as his three empty tankards would suggest. He is serious and sober. Yer welcome, Dalkk. And you're right, ya did deserve yer exile, but wha'cha did proved yer dedication to yer kin. That, in my opinion and just about everyone else's, deserves recongnition. As for a place here, that's up to you. Do you want a place here?
Cain frowns as he watches the exchange. Am I about to loose my.... my friend?
”A few hours ago I was hoping Rubyfist would kill me when I came back just so me blood would be spilled amongst me kin. If that is a real offer I need to go make arrangements." Dalkk looks up, meeting eyes with with Cain.
Torbjorn looks dead serious. By the end ye might want to return to exploring Rappan Athuk, but yes. Yes it is.
Ohhh... He's ...
Gonna stay here...?
The achievement from before, suddenly starts to feel kind of stale in Simons mouth.
But yeah...
He had probably dreamed of this for really, really long...
Dalkk looks around and realizes he wasn’t as alone as he thought he was. He is socially inept but even he can see surprise on the face of his friends. ”I’ll be happy ta face whate’er may come. Enjoy yer drink Torbjorn, I need to go talk to my friends.”
He’ll look around and see the Simon was near enough as well. The Dwarf will attempt to gather his friends aside from the other Dwarves. ”I dinnae realize ye would see that… I dinnae want to bring it up to ye all unless I knew it could happen. For those that dinnae catch it… Torbjorn has said I could stay.” Dalkk nearly chokes on these words. They sound so foreign to him even in concept, to be able to stay amongst his kin once more. ”It’s been so long since I’ve been allowed in Dwarf lands… I lost track o’the years. Must o’been mor’an two decades now.” Dalkk looks a little lost and quietly adds ”I was so young back then…”
He’ll look back up to the group, eyes threatening to break into tears and voice nearly cracking. “I have ta do this lads. By Brigh I never once thought it be possible, I was resolved to spend my years away from me people. Truly… this be well beyond what I e’er could hae conceived. I dinnae e’en know what I’d do fer them, but I’d be happy to clean there latrines fer the next decade if it meant I could be amongst my kin once more.”
Cain, swallows a few times, the words not coming out right, what does one even say? Do you express Congratulations? Dispair? Rage?
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Vuzi is amazed when Simon's words work.
Vuzi starts to cry. "I understand you haf to do dis. To be accepted by your kin again is important. I do not vant you to go though. Vu are a gud friend. Dese people need you. You make good plans and can lead dem." She hugs the dwarf with all her strength. As she's hugging she whispers in his ear.
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Dalkk nearly backs away from Vuzi at first in shock, but then wraps strong stocky arms about her. He was not opposed to it, but it’s likely been since before his exile that he’d even been part of a hug. He laughs a bit ”Oh aye, the great leader Windukslagdam. If I do though… I’ll be doing my part to make more friends with Orcs. I’ll be heading out with you to see them in the morning… best we find them before they get any ideas.”
Dalkk looks to Cain. For different reasons both seem equally lost at how to react. Taking the cue from Vuzi though, he’ll lunge forward and wrap both arms around the warrior. Should he allow it, the hug will go on for a longer length of time then it should.
Dalkk will offer the same to the others, and very awkwardly excuse himself, promising to meet once again in the morning.
The dwarf is far from quiet, reflecting on the party’s ventures thus far. He will share in the retelling of their great battles, and advice he can offer for their next trip into the Dungeon of Graves. When he finally returns to Vance he tells him his plans. This is of course after one last time being ready to kill him should Vuzi’s spell fail.
Dalkk will set about retrieving another item. He’ll get down on one knee and in his hands present the smallest makeshift crossbow you’d ever seen. The stock and bow limbs made of sturdy twig and bow string made of a piece of wire. Alone with it are a collection of tiny metal splinters made from scrap, flattened at one end for fletching and pointed at the other. ”I may miss ye most o all Master Skeets. I hope ye will remember me by this, an’ use it ta keep the boss man safe.”
Once he’s finished with his goodbyes he will walk with his friends far as he can, leaving them with instruction and gold to send a cart of food back to the camp. Coin is given for adequate guard as well. It will be hard for Dalkk to say goodbye, and after any parting words he will let them continue on, warning them the road ahead is long. He will watch them long as he can, wondering if he should chase after them, praying to Brigh that they will be safe, and hoping that he will have the chance to see them once more.
Finally Dalkk Windukslagdam will turn back toward the Dwarven Camp. To his Dwarven camp. After more than 20 years in exile Dalkk will take his first steps towards home. He never came to the Dungeon of Graves – the deadly Rappan Athuk – with goals of friendship in mind. It wasn’t long after arriving in Bristleback Inn that he fought that word, friends, with such confusion and nearly contempt. Perhaps it was out of self-preservation. He’d lost so much from those close to him once before how could he risk losing it all again. It was only through that bond now that he has found his kin once more. As the camp comes into view he thinks back over his new friends and new family to come. Not many have left Rappan Athuk better then when they first challenged it, but for one dwarf, the Dungeon of Graves changed his life for the better.
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First Simon is broody and down as it dawns to him, that Dalkk will leave the motley group. But then, he seems to change his mind and joins the party with force.
Life is now!
He plays several funny little melodies on his flute, laughs much, plays games of hide&seek and tag with the children and shares several mugs with Dalkk that night, until passing out as one of the first - he was never much of a drinker to begin with...
The next morning is hard on Simon, not only that he has a massive hangover from his first real drinking the night before, no, he also has to cope with the fact that they are going to leave a friend behind. Another first time for the Catfolk. And not a pleasant one at that.
Seeing Dalkk pat and scratch Emily thoroughly (causing a vibrating purring that echoes throughout the camp) causes the first of many tears to well up in his eyes. The words the dwarf has for him doesn't improve that either, but add quite a bit of red shade to his cheeks as well.
He will take the offered glass and stow it in his backpack with trembling hands, then turning for a long and fluffy hug, alternating between heavy sobs and deep purring.
After letting him go, he will raise his voice, so any dwarven bystanders will surely catch his words as well.
"Take care of yourself, Dalkk-purrurr.
You have a golden heart, don't hide it, nor let anyone break or bury it with dirt-meow!"
He will lower his voice to a whisper afterwards, so only Dalkk or very keen-sensed bystanders can hear it.
"You remember those scent-trail I used on you all as we entered the dungeon-miii?
Here, take this vial. It contains two doses of it, you will certainly figure out how to make more of them-meew.
Its scent means 'shelter', but it can only be translated as 'home' or 'friends' purrur.
Apply it to your pack or tent and it will stay for a year.
Wherever you go, I can find you by following that scent-purr.
You better make sure you're on good health when I return-meow!
After that, Simon will step back and let's Emily say goodby as well, before turning to follow the others back towards the town.
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The black pantheress gets on her rear legs, standing upright and places her paws on Dalkks shoulder.
She certainly has grown and also got heavier than the first time you saw her, that's for sure!
She looks in Dalkks eyes with her yellow cat eyes and purrs for long seconds.
Then she suddenly pushes with her powerful rear legs and knocks over the dwarf, licking all over his face with her surprisingly rough tongue.
That tickles!
As you wonder how long she will continue this, she suddenly stops and touches the broad nose of the dwarf with her own.
With a quick and nimble move, she gets of you and helps you getting back up by pushing her head against your back and rubbing her head against your side, such that your hand is placed on her head one last time before returning to Simon's side.
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Cain initially seems like he'd rather keep his distance from the dwarf, but when the other man hugs him he hugs back tightly, his eyes streaming with tears he tries not to show once his head is on the other man's shoulder, but the drips make themselves known quite well "you will be missed. is all he can choke out at this point. Skeets also joins the hug, smacking himself against the back of Dalkk's head.
.....
In the morning, when gifts are exchanged, Marco gives him one of the spikes from his right arm, saying it's "to remind you that you will always be a part of us, and us a part of you". When he goes for the hand shake, Cain ignores it and hugs him again.
Skeets gleefully accepts the crossbow as soon as I can figure out how to hold and/or use this thing, monsters better beware!
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Vuzi drinks with the dwarves as much as she is allowed to. When she's good an sloshed she warns them.
The next morning she hugs Dalkk again.
The party departs the camp the next day with the undeniable feeling of leaving someone behind, but you move on anyway.
Several days later you arrive back a Zelkor's Ferry to find the town downright abuzz! Pye has returned, but he is not alone. Nobody will say much to you, however, other than he brought along someone else from his mission to sell your super evil sword.
You enter his store to see Pye himself with a man dressed exactly like an adventurer's propaganda poster. He has a well made, pristinely clean adventurer's outfit on with a fine leather backpack, high black leather boots, and a smile that would make pearls self conscious. Pye, who looks very nervous and it trying not to show it, introduces you.
Friends! Come! Meet your purchaser! This is Baron Arhibald Bennedict Thunderblossom.
The man strikes forward and shakes each of your hands vigorously. His face is lit up with genuine enthusiasm.
Please! Call me Thunder! Excellent to meet you, all of you! Just wonderful, oh my! Pye here tells me you have actually managed snick a bit from Rappan Athuk! What a day! I have my doubts, of course. These things are copied all the time and, while I do not doubt you, my family does and have sent me to verify it's source and authenticity
Pye, standing behind the man, looks at youall with pleading eyes.
"ripped the sword out of the undead creature's claws. Nearly killed us a couple times over in the process, but when we decided to run I wasn't about to leave empty handed m The warrior extends his hand "Marco Cain.
What you have here is a thing talked about in hushed tones with nervous glances in taverns and by-ways all over Golarion: The Rich Young Investor. This man is too young and too sheltered to know what "nearly killed" actually means and you realize with a sinking feeling that he will probably ask to go see the site of your battle personally, all for sake of authentication, of course. And, from the look on Pye's face, you know that you cannot deny him if you ever want to see your money, or any other money from expensive evil artifacts.
"You DIDN'T! Really! Well, if I knew I was meeting someone as mighty as that I would have worn my good clothes! Are you the one they call Cain?
"...... I did say that was my name. Yes..... I just told it to you"
Wonderful! he moves on to Simon without missing a beat. And Simon? Yes, must be! And Vuzi! My my! How wonderful to meet you!
Simon is still broody after the goodbye from Dalkk and is taken by surprise. He looks the man up and down while sniffing audibly.
As the man addresses him after quickly going over Cain, he nods in surprise.
How comes he knows our names...?
"How comes he knows our names-miii?"
***
Whoops, I said that out loud, didn't I?!
The man smells of new fabric and chemicals from the dying and tanning processes. Humans could never detect the scent, but this one smells... new. To humans he would smell fresh and clean.
He smiles at you and motions backwards in Pye's general direction. My good friend here told me quite the tale coming back! I suspect most of it was made up, but I don't blame him. It was a long trip! He gives you a conspiratorial wink as if Pye wasn't standing right there behind him.
Nikki scurries through the small town village place with hasty but ”Pardon me, excuse me, coming through” squeaked out as she dodges traffic.
I've never seen this place so busy. Dark said the cat has business with Pye,
but surely this isn't all for that?
When the tiny rat thing finally approaches Pye's shop she'll give an annoyed sigh at the number of people, on lookers and otherwise, in and around the small building.
Oh bother. Of all the days to come to town... There's a line
Nikki will sit nearby and wait for the shop to clear out some before she enters.
He want's a story eh? I'll give him one. "it was a dungeon. there were swarms of rats, more than I could count, both dire and standard varieties, a few necromancers and traps, Ghouls and a few of course disgusting slimes. the entrance was guarded by at least a dozen gargoyles, maybe two dozen. most of that was fairly standard for a dungeon from what I can tell, deadly, but to an experienced adventurer nothing you can't handle with a bit of luck and a heaping amount of experience and skill. though the entrance guards were a tad excessive. this was not the case for the man who held that blade. his magical influence compelled half our group to flee from the start and practically toyed with the rest of us while he beat the hell out of us with that sword and his magics. any given second could have been our last. if we hadn't run when we did we would have died, of that I am certain. we had to fortify a room after we made our escape before we head outside, because we were in no condition to handle the gargoyles. do you have any other questions? His tone is steady and confident, like he thinks that anyone who would refute his words to be a fool.
SO... He is like my former masters ...
Reading and talking about adventures.
Nothing but talk and dress-up in the end.
He better hope, that he will never end up in Rappan Attuk.
He'd be dead before even reaching the front door...
Simon does not seem to fond of Archibald.
It surprises you a bit, since the positive, joyful way of the man seems to fit Simons own mindset quite a bit.
But the Catfolk is clear is keeping his distance and his expression can be described quizzically at best ... or slightly annoyed at worst.
"There's no reason to question the story of Pye-meow.
I nearly died there and then-grrch.
Cain-purr managed the wonder to take that evil sword from that lost soul as we retreated."
He visibly shudders on the last two sentences.
A nagging feeling in the back of his head, tells Simon that Emily doesn't feel to well in here with all those people milling around.
Turning to his companion, she is pressed against a wall, several people of the crowd starring at her, loudly discussing her appearance and whether or not it would be dangerous to approach and pat her.
She is looking back at him with pleading eyes and obvious discomfort.
Simon half turns to the dress-up.
"Will you excuse me ... Sir-mii?
My Sister-purrurrr is not used too so many people around her.
I'll take her outside and away from the crowd before anything unfortunate happens-meow."
Shifting turning and snaking through the crowd, Simon reaches Emily and both make for the exit side-by-side.
But the crowd doesn't really response to the calls of the nimble Catfolk and finally Emily's patience runs out as a smelly fellow actually managed to step on her tail!
The pantheress emits a massive, frightening hiss-roar that only a big cats can produce.
The roar is sure to chill everyone nearby to the bones and ensure that the two cats will finally get some room to breath and exit the crowded room.
Simon tries his best to excuse and explain what happened on the walk out. Pointing out that 'he head told them' and 'asked everyone nicely'.
Nikki jumps to her feet when she hears a roar of commotion from inside the small shop.
Cats. Why did it have to be cats. No, don't be so judgemental, I'm sure it'll be fine.
When she sees the biped and Quadroped felines emerge she figures she might have stumbled across her target. She scurries over, being sure to approach from the side the big black cat isn't on. She speaks louder then most might need to but she has found it often neccesary.
”Mister! Hey excuse me, Mister! I'm an acquaintance of Ulman Dark. Are you Simon? I'm looking for a Simon."
Glad to be out of the crowd (finally), Simon exhales somewhat annoyed as he is yet again called.
Ahrh, what now? Ulman Dark ..?
Ah, yeah, that dark fellow who helped me with Sarazeks curse!
The catfolk turns and simultaneously sniffs the air, trying to figure out who it was that called him out.
Having finished his turn towards the direction of the call, he blinks in surprise.
There's no one in sight!
His keen scent tells him ... rats!
Directing his gaze to the ground, half-fearing to get attacked by a swarm of his least-favorite rodents, he blinks again as blue eyes finally lock upon Nikki.
Huh? What is that? Too small ... and weird for a ratfolk.
But the smell matches ... mostly.
But ... what with those scales, that tail and those horns?!
His thoughts are interrupted by a sudden build-up of hunting passion, that was not his own. Adding one and one, he quickly grasps Emilys armor and holds fast while calling: "Emily, halt!"
The call came just in time!
The pantheress had already locked eyes on the Ratfolk and was readying a jump, her muscles already tensed.
Probably to your immense relief, the black feline follows the call of the grey-white one immediately and lays down on the ground - but her eyes are still following your every moves.
Turning back, Simon takes a few steps forwards and sits down cross-legged before Nikki such that he is not towering over her as much.
"Yes, I'm Simon. Please excuse my Sister, ...", here he comes to a halt.
He's clearly searching for a way to address Nikki.
Archibald looks absolutely fascinated by your story. Wow. Simply incredible! Good thing you've cleared out most of the threats down there! Or it sounds like you have! Ha-ha! he play-punches Cain on the shoulder. Should be able to pop down for a right-quick check and a peek around then! Not that I plan to come back without a story or two of my own!
"we haven't killed the greatest threat. The man who used that sword is still there. And it would have taken much longer than we were there to kill all the rats and slimes." he internally sighs "likewise many of the traps have likely reset and there could be monsters from the lower levels we haven't gotten to yet that could have migrated up to where we have already cleared. But I won't stop you from going off and getting yourself killed, but if you are going to join us I need to know you can handle yourself for three seconds. Try to hit me.
The man's face actually lights up at this news, Fantastic! It's settled then! We go strike down this menace to establish proper ownership of the weapon, then I can release the funds! When would you like to depart?
Blinks, did he not hear the last part of what I said? "only if you can success sfully draw blood from me or show us some kind of magic to prove you can hold your own in the event of an ambush long enough for us to deal with what's in front of us. That or you hire some extra bodyguards. We are adventurers. Not babysitters. You don't have to try here if you don't want to. Outside of town would suffice. " he forms a layer of bone over one hand.
The tiny Ratfolk flinches and gets ready to run. She didn't realize how close the Quadroped was to pouncing, but the sudden move from Simon startled her. She makes a small circle and stands back up. Once she's sure she is safe she steps closer to the now sitting Simon. She stands upright as much as she can, resting her hands on his knee. When she speaks her voice is clear and precise which hints clearly of education.
“Thank you for controlling your Sister. " Nikki has a perplexed look as she ponders the finer details of how these two could be brother and sister, but is too polite to ask, and takes Sister as a name or title.
"My name is Nicodemus Tempest, Miss Tempest if you prefer or Nikki if you insist. I understand that you have survived the horrors of Rappan Athuk? I am looking to explore the Dungeon of Graves myself. If you are planning to return I would very much like to join you. In exchange I can not only offer you my company but my services as a spell caster. I assure you I will not be a burden."
Nikki looks up hopefully at the gray one, still occasionally glancing at the Sister for safety reasons.
Oh, sir, I could not hope to match you in force of arms! I shall inquire around for capable individuals to act as a guard. I hear there was a formidable group that departed for the Mouth of Doom not many weeks ago. Perhaps they have fared as well as you! he bows gracefully and takes his leave with a spring in his step and a brilliant smile on his face.
Cain looks to the others as he leaves "I apologize for taking the reigns on that one, I just figured that damage control was as good a result as we were going to get."
Simon is clearly surprised and impressed by the clear, confident talk of the tiny ratfolk.
"Nice to meet you, Miss Nikki-meow.
My name is Simon Blue-Eye and this is my Sister Emily Black-Fur.
Yo don't have to fear her, she wont hunt you now - unless you give her a reason-meew.
Sooo, you want to step down to that hell with us-miii?
Do you know that there are many ... Of your kindred down there.
I mean rats. Dangerous, giant ones. And lots of them-frch.
How will you feel, if they attack us-miii?"
"Well... Rat or otherwise I'd rather treat killing as a last resort instead of a first resort Mister Simon but I will not hesitate to do what is necessary. Should I question your conviction if a feline should be set upon us? In truth though some of my motivation in heading to this dark place is to speak with them, but I assure you that will remain secondary to the safety and well being of myself and any group I should be venturing forth with.”
Nikki will watch a very fancy man pour out of the shop followed shortly by another who appears to be more stoic.
”Is this the rest of your party coming now?"