Sandpoint, 1st day of Rova, Early Morning
As the sun lazily rises above the nearby peaks of the Ravenroost, the small town of Sandpoint is already full of activity. While today is the officially the first day of autumn, the cloudless sky and warm air seems to indicate that summer hasn’t really ended yet. The first day of autumn is the day when the Swallowtail festival is held, a holy day of gathering and celebration for Desna’s faithful. This year, the festival is especially special for Sandpoint since the occasion will serve to consecrate the newly built cathedral. And so, with this many reasons to celebrate, excitement is already felt in the cathedral square as residents and visitors both start to arrive, and several merchant tents featuring food, clothes, local crafts, and souvenirs are there to meet them.
Picture : Ameiko Kaijitsu
Izbahn wakes up from a restful night sleep in his oversized bed, luxuriating in the feel of the clean linen on his skin. He could easily get used to this, and he wondered if he had stayed with his family, whether he would be waking up in a bed this nice. Such thoughts start to darken his mood, so he banished them from his mind with long practiced ease.
'Always look forward, and never look back' was his headmasters advice to him, and he followed it religiously now. Now the Swallowtail festival was in town and he is determined to enjoy it to the fullest.
After dressing and preparing his spells for the day, he left his room and went downstairs to the common room, swinging his cane in his hand. Scanning the area, he had never seen such a diverse group of people before gathered in one place. Still there were a few young ladies who catched his eyes. He decides to order a light breakfast, the better to save room for the variey of foodstuffs later, and then strike up a conversation with anyone who seens friendly and willing to listen to him.
Syeira wakes up, eager to get up and take in the sounds and smells of the common room of the Rusty Dragon.
She decides to bathe and dress in her finest clothes. After buffing up her leather armor she drapes multicolored scarfs around her body.
She decides to leave her rapier at home, but takes the whip with her. It's always pleases the crowd when she uses the whip in some of her dancing performances.
Hoping not to use it today, she also slides her razor in one of the secretive pockets of her scarf.
Grabbing her flute she heads downstairs, on the way down she catches a glance of Ameiko who flashes her a quick wave.
At the bottom of the stairs she looks around for a place to sit and eat. She orders a full plate of food and a small pitcher of wine. Emptying the wine into her waterskin and finishing the plate of food quickly.
Ready to enjoy the day, she heads outside and makes her way to the cathedral square. Once there she browses the various tents for awhile before finding a good spot to start her days performance.
She takes out her flute and starts a merry tune, when people start to notice her play she also begins to dance.
I descended the stairs from my room to the Rusty Dragon's crowded common room, taking in the crowded room with a faint smile. So far, the town of Sandpoint was quite to my liking. It had everything I looked for in a temporary home: friendly locals, a comfortable inn with good food, possible work. Attractive and interesting inn-keepers. You know, all the bare essentials.
making my way through the room's tables, I reached into one of the inner pockets of my heavy coat and extracted a few coins for breakfast as I stepped up to the bar. "Ameiko! You're looking suitably lovely for such a festive day." I said by way of greeting, grinning at her when she turned to me. "Seems as though there's quite a buzz going around about the festival, and with your food involved, I can't say I'm surprised." I was distracted by the plate of spiced potatoes and sausages placed in front of me (oh yes, I could get used to this), it was a few bites before I resumed my conversation "Whats this I hear about a new cathedral being blessed today?"
Venmirl rises as soon as he sees the sun peeking through the cracks of his door. He walks out of his room into the alley and around to the front of the house. Venmirl can tell that today is special because already at this hour of the morning there are more than double the normal amount of townsfolk walking the streets.
When he opens the front door to the cottage, his landlords, Alic and Marran, are already awake and eating some fruit. They are full of chatter, pondering the activities they imagine may take place during the Swallowtail festival.
Venmirl smiles to himself. Although he has only been in town a few months, he has taken to Alic and Marran. Alic especially, who reminds him somewhat of his grandfather. He grabs a piece of fruit off the table and heads back out the door.
"I will try to seek you at the festival." He says to them. "We will look for you also. Perhaps we may share a midday meal during the festivities!" Alic yells as the door closes.
Venmirl walks briskly. Even though he lives across the street for the church, he is anxious to see his handiwork from the previous day and to check if father Zantan has any other work for him before the festival begins.
Calla awakens later than usual on the morning of the festival: her family, knowing that they would not have to work today, had stayed up late the night before, celebrating their new life in Sandpoint. Although Calla is the only one of them to have made any sort of money, they have been able to get by well enough. She knows she will need to find a better source of income soon, but the festival is also a special day and she has set aside a few coins to spend on gifts.
Bidding their parents good-day, Calla and her brother Galdor set off from their modest rented house on the edge of town. Upon entering the town proper, Galdor immediately runs off to join some of his friends in a game. Even though she sees the disapproving looks from some of the other youngsters' parents- something which normally troubles her- Calla can't help but smile: if Galdor is happy, that is all that matters.
Calla heads into the market to see if she can find a gift for her parents, but makes sure not to stray too far from Galdor.
Izbahn
You find room to sit next to a gnome sporting clear-blue hair and beard and carrying numerous scrolls and parchments. He seems to be middle-aged but you’ve always found a gnome’s age to be hard to judge. In fact, everything about gnomes is hard to judge. While you both eat breakfast, he presents himself as Veznutt Parooh, local cartographer. “And you, stranger,” he says, “what bring you to Sandpoint? The festival would be the obvious answer but not everyone is obvious.”
Syeira
It doesn’t take much time before a small crowd gathers around you to hear your tune and watch you dance. After completing the first part of your performance, you get a modest round of applause and you notice that one of your spectators is Chask Haladan, the shopkeeper of the Curious Goblin. “Miss Iliosana, you didn’t tell me you had such talents. You looked so shy and bookish in my shop.”
She moves towards him while dancing, and says:
"Still waters run deep, my friend."
She winks at him and continues to dance and play her flute.
During her dance she passes by the young men in the audiance and flirts with them lightly.
Perform(Dance) 1d20+8=22
Izbahn hasn't had much of an opportunity to make many friends since arriving in Sandpoint and he feels curiously at ease with the diminutive folk. The fact he towers over the gentleman doesn't hurt either. He replies to the gnome, remembering his manners:
"Why call me Izbahn, good sir. I am here on vacation from my studies. I came here to unwind and enjoy myself. This festival is really going to be something to remember!
You are a cartographer are you not? I would very much like to see your maps some time, as I am always looking to broaden my knowledge of faraway lands."
Calla gets distracted on her way to the market by Syeira's performance, and is among the crowd watching her as she dances and makes music.
Zelazny
"Only 'suitably' lovely? I'm hurt!" Ameiko replies with a sly smile. "I was rather going for a dashing or shocking look. Well, I suppose suitably will have to do. So, mr … Zelazny, was it? You've heard right. Good old Abstalar will bless his new church this afternoon but most people are simply looking for a decent excuse to have fun and forget their troubles. I prefer to handle the fun and let father Abstalar handle the spirituality."
Venmirl
It doesn't take you much time to find Abstalar Zantus inside the church. He is calm and meditating at the altar of Desna while, all around him, acolytes of the 6 faiths are busy taking care of the last few details needed for today. Not wanting to disturb him, you wait for a little while before he notices you. As you ask him if he needs some more work done, he smiles at you and shakes his head. "It is kind of you to offer it my friend, but everything is being taken care off. You've already have done much for us yesterday. Go out, have some fun and try not to look too gloom. We already have Belor* to do that."
Calla & Syeira
As Syeira gracefully dances, she notices a young woman standing tall behind the few young and not so young men she has attracted. She wears clothes marking her as a Shoanti and looks a bit out of place in these surroundings.
Picture : 'Father' Abstalar Zantus
Venmirl smiles at father Zantus and walks out the door into the main courtyard. He hadn't realized he was still looking unhappy to others. Recently he was able to allow himself to feel happiness again without feeling guilt for not being in a state of mourning over his wife's death. Obviously the effect hadn't taken hold completely. He then made a promise to himself that he would enjoy the day's festivities.
Smiling a little playfully I replied "Ah, but who am I, a perfect stranger, to say that you make even Desna herself jealous? I wouldn't dare, for fear of appearing ungentlemanly and presumptous." Giving an exagerrated bow, I continued and retook my seat. "And indeed I am Zelazny. An excuse for merriment is always welcome, particularly if the food is as good as your's."
Izbahn
"Enchanted, Izbahn. By all means, come visit me at my shop some time. It’s just next door, The Way North I call it." Veznutt says with a chuckle. "I’m always looking for new people to tell me what they know of nearby or distant lands. Well, in fact, I’m always interested in learning something new. A gnome has to keep himself busy and entertained, you know. And what about yourself? You mentioned studies. May I inquire your area of expertise?"
Zelazny
"Yes, you’re right. We wouldn’t want to risk divine retribution." Ameiko smiles as she scans the activity in her inn. "I’ll make sure to pass your compliments to my cooks … at least the ones about the food. It was great chatting with you but I really got to run. There’s still so much I need to take care of today. I’m sure I’ll see you around." This said, she gets up and disappears into one of the inn’s back room.
As he walks through the crowd, Venmirl sees a circle of onlookers watching a woman playing flute and dancing. The music is quite nice and he decides to join the crowd to get a better look.
As part of her dance she drops one of her scarfs on the floor near the crowd.
When she finishes her performance she ends near the scarf, winks at the closest good looking gentleman and bows.
Before rising again, she waits until the last person (if any) throws money in the scarf.
While rising she addresses the crowd:
"Thank you good people of Sandpoint, may Desna smile upon you this day."
She then grabs the scarf and walks off to one of the drinking tents.
Sitting down, she orders a glass of wine, and starts counting the money (if any) and uses that to pay for her drink.
While drinking her wine she looks around and takes in her surroundings.
When another Shoanti enters the group of onlookers, Calla slowly backs away from the crowd and heads for the market stalls, casting a nervous look over her shoulder at the tall man. She walks over to a stall and begins inspecting the wares for sale, trying to find simple jewelry for her mother and a new knife for her father.
"Well Veznutt, I may not look it, but I am a recent graduate of the Twilight Academy", I say with a note of pride, rather justified in y opinion. "it may not be the biggest school in Golarion, but it certainly is the toughest!"
I take another sip of my tea, which is quite tasty, and continue "As for my expertise, it is all forms of magic, I was taught to narrow your range may be a shortcut to power, but in the long run you cripple yourself by your limitations you place on yourself.
After that long speech, I realize I am running late, as I want to catch the festivities as they are beginning. I stand up and put down some coins for my breakfast, and say to Veznutt "It was a pleasure to meet you. I promise, I will stop by your shop and we can continue this conversation. I look forward to sharing with you some tales of the places I have learned about."
"Of course. Hopefully the day won't be too hard you." I said with a cheerful smile, watching her go and leaving shortly thereafter. I walked into the crowded street, allowing myself a slight swagger as I wandered towards the heart of the festivities. The wares offered by most of the merchants weren't exceptional enough to catch my eye, so I wandered on, pausing briefly to watch a Varisian woman's dance. Vagabonds and scoundrels they might sometimes be, but they could dance and play a merry tune like no others. Whistling a poor imitation of the girl's song (music has never been one of my gifts), I bought a goblet of wine, looking about the crowded market place for something of interest.
Syeira
Quickly counting the morning's earnings, you are surprised to find a gold piece in your scarf. Someone was feeling especially generous today. The rest of the coins are silver and copper. Not a bad pay for a single performance.
Calla
It doesn't take you much time to find a sharp and solid knife for your father but most jewelry you find is simply too expensive. You finally find the perfect gift in the tent of a seemingly extremely old Varisian. It's a simple but beautiful necklace made of colorful beads and polished seashells. As you pay for it, the old woman stares blankly as if lost in a sort of transe and quickly utters out: "She comes, the blessed child that was lost. Blessed, she is no more and her Wrath is great." Suddenly coming out of the transe, she takes your coins as if nothing happened. A bit unnerved by this, you quickly leave her tent to rejoin the celebration.
Izbahn
"So, you're a wizard! Fascinating, I've dabbled a bit in wizardry myself but I think I lacked the focus to become a great mage. I must congratulate you on your graduation. I've heard that a few accidents sometimes happen to the apprentices at the Twilight Academy." Veznutt says before letting the young mage go. It doesn't take much time for you to reach the cathedral square since it's but a few yards south of the White Deer Inn. The square is already full of festivities and merchant stalls.
Late morning, Midday
Many whispers can be heard rising in the crowd as four humans approach the small stage at square's center. The lone woman amongst the four is the first to greet the crowd. She presents herself as Kendra Deverin, mayor of Sandpoint. Mayor Deverin’s friendly attitude and excitement prove contagious as she welcomes visitors to town and jokes about how even Larz Rovanky, the local tanner (and notorious workaholic) managed to tear himself away from the tannery to attend, much to everyone’s but Larz’s amusement. The next speaker, Sheriff Hemlock, brings the crowd down a bit with his dour mood, his reminder to be safe around the evening’s bonfire, and his request for a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives in the fire that claimed the town’s previous church five years ago. Fortunately, the colorful Cyrdak Drokkus is more than up to the challenge of bringing the crowd’s mood back up with his rousing anecdotes as he delivers a not-completely-irreverent recap of the long process the town went through to finance and construct the new cathedral. He throws in a bit of self-promotion at the end, as is his wont, inviting everyone to stop by the Sandpoint Theater the following evening to check out his new production of “The Harpy’s Curse,” revealing that the lead role of Avisera the harpy queen will be played by none other than the famous Magnimarian diva Allishanda! The final speaker is a middle-aged men wearing robes that identify him as a priest of Desna. Some of you recognize Father Zantus while others hear his name whispered around you. As he speaks, some acolytes pull a covered cart in front of the stage. "Legends tells us that Divine Desna, the Song of Spheres, once battled a great horde of demons that had left their foul Abyss. She was victorious but the ordeal had weaken her and thus she plummeted from the Heavens to your humble land. It was no angel or great planar ally that saved her from this predicament but a simple blind orphan. The orphan's heart was pure and she didn't need to see the goddess' beautiful physical form to be moved by her. Slowly, she nursed the goddess back to health. To thank the orphan for her care, Desna brought her along to the Heavens where the child was tranformed into an immortal and angelic butterfly. In this form, the child could forever fly in the day and night, seeing all the wonders of the world and watching over those who are lost on their chosen road. And thus, to remember that even the seemingly small and insignificant can do great things and are worthy of our attention, we celebrate on this day, the first of Autumn." Father Zantus nods at the acolytes below him and they pull aside the cart’s cover, releasing the thousand children of Desna—a furious storm of a thousand swallowtail butterflies that swarm into the air in a spiraling riot of color to a great cheer from the crowd. "I declare this Swallowtail festival to be underway, enjoy yourselves!" Father Zantus concludes with a great voice.
Not long after, all matter of food and drinks are revealed at numerous stalls. Lunch is provided free, at the expense of Sandpoint’s taverns. Each brings its best dishes—this event is a marketing push by the taverns as much to win new customers as it is to feed a hungry crowd. It soon becomes apparent that the darling of the lunch is, once again, Ameiko Kaijitsu, whose remarkable curry-spiced salmon and early winterdrop mead easily overshadow the other offerings, such as the Hagfish’s lobster chowder or the White Deer’s peppercorn venison.
Izbahn left the inn and proceeded to immerse himself in the festivities. After tasting the curry-spiced salmon and early winterdrop mead from the White Deer tavern, he wondered if perhaps, maybe he picked the wrong place to stay at. This seafood was quite simply, heavenly, and also looking at the proprieter, he wondered if maybe she was a mage, considering the magic she performed on it.
Once he finished the meal, he started partaking the wares, examining the various items for sale, but due to lhis limited funds, did not purchase anything. Maybe the gnome has some work for him. He made a note to ask him about it.
Something nagged at his mind, something he said about the 'accidents' at the Twilight Academy. Surely he wasn't implying that...he quickly cut off the train of thought. He had never felt threatened during his studies. As a matter of fact, he always felt protected somehow...
Distracted momentarily, he stumbled over a stone lying on the cobbled street and then bumped into someone. "Excuse me, my apologies, I didn't mean to..." he says to the young Shoanti woman who became the victim of his clumsiness. Realizing her heritage and knowing how touchy their culture can be in certain situations, he fervently prays she is one of the more forgiving ones.
I'm happy to see the good people of Sandpoint so generous.
When I see a crowd gathering before the stage in the center and see the whispers of the crowd I quickly finish my drink, and head over.
Moved by the last speech about Desna, and the huge swarm of butterflies, she applauds loudly.
As soon as the various foods and drinks are presented, I start to follow my now to the spiced curry and spot the two pony tails of Ameiko.
When I have her attention I wave her to come over and say:
"Ameiko, give me a large plate of your finest salmon. And don't forget the flask of wine."
Realizing the wine is starting to affect me, I decide it might be a good idea to have a glass of water instead of wine. There will be plenty of time to drink tonight.
"Better yet, hold the wine, I don't want to end up drunk this early."
While I'm waiting for the food, I look around and see a red haired man absentmindedly bump into a woman. He looks pretty handsome to her, although it could be the drinks talking.
I chuckle a bit, shake my head and turn my attention to my food. No time for that now, perhaps I'll "bump" into him tonight. You never know what a festival might bring.
"She comes, the blessed child that was lost. Blessed, she is no more and her Wrath is great."
Calla isn't sure what to make of the Varisian woman's "prophecy," but it has been bothering her all day long. After the speeches, Calla wanders aimlessly around the festival, watching the various events and performances and inspecting the market stalls, but her mind keeps going back to the strange woman in the tent. Calla takes out the necklace she bought from the woman and fiddles idly with its beads as she walks along the street.
Suddenly, a man stumbles and bumps into her. Calla manages to stay upright, but she drops the necklace, which thankfully remains intact. "Oh! Excuse me... I wasn't looking-" Realizing she's speaking over him, Calla stops talking. "Don't worry, it's all right." She smiles a bit, then remembers the necklace. "Oh.." She stoops to pick it up, thankful that it seems undamaged.
I say, with a relieved note in my voice says, "No no, it was all my fault, here let me get that for you." I reach for the fallen necklace but I am too slow, as she retrieves the necklace. Getting a closer at her, I realize she is just a girl, barely at the coming of age in the more civilized land. True, I had studied the Shoanti culture, but sometimes actually seeing it has a greater impact than just looking at portraits in a musty tome.
Looking at her further I could see she is trained as a warrior, as evidenced by her well built form and seeing her smile changed her features, transforming her back into a frightened child and seeing the troubled look in her eyes, moved me more than I wanted to admit.
After helping her up and steering her away from the crowded street, I say to her, "Forgive me, my name is Izbahn", and after a couple seconds trying to collect my thoughts continue, "Please don't take this the wrong way, but you look troubled, is there something wrong?"
Calla inspects the necklace and sees that no damage has been done. Looking up, she realizes that the man is still looking at her. She lets him direct her away from the crowd and introduce himself. "I am Calla. I am all right... I was just thinking about the clouds. But thank you." Izbahn recognizes this as the Shoanti way of saying, "I am troubled about something, but you wouldn't understand."
Calla places the necklace in her belt pouch and says, "Are you from here, Izbahn?"
Izbahn recognizes the ritual response, and decides not to press the issue, although thinking to himself, 'That makes two of us.'
He replies to her "It is nice to meet you Calla. I am not from here, I was raised in Galduria, and..." (there is a slight hitch to his voice) "I am visiting Sandpoint for the festival. This has been quite the experience, I have never seen anything like it before. Are you from around here?"
"I am from the north. I have only recently come here, within the last month. It seems to be a good place. My family is happy here, and that is what is important." As she speaks, she watches a group of children playing out some sort of battle. Calla does not lie well, and her uncertainly about her life here plainly shows. "I have never been to a festival either..."
As Venmirl listens to father Zantus talk of his goddess, he keeps thinking of the glimpse he caught of the Shoanti girl that was also watching the dancing woman a bit earlier. He has seen her a few times around town and he wonders what has brought her to this town. What clan is she? She didn't have the look of the Skoan-Quah.
After meeting his landlords for lunch, he spots the woman who was dancing and playing so wonderfully. He walks down the aisle of her table. She is sitting alone at the moment. He keeps walking, past where she sits. He had thought of striking a conversation with her, but not this time.
"Wait" he says to himself. He remembers telling himself earlier that he would enjoy the festival, and surely it is best to spend it with company. As he turns around to approach her, Venmirl remembers what father Zantus said to him in the church. He tries to put on his most lighthearted and carefree face. Unsure of what to say he blurts out "Greetings! I saw you playing your instrument earlier today. It was better than I have ever heard before...not that I have much experience with music, but yes, delightful." He can feel his face go flush "My name is Venmirl." he says with a smile.
Izbahn, seeing her face flush after telling the obvious lie, does not challenge her on it, he can see she has clouds on her soul, to borrow a parlance from Shoanti custom. Seeing the silence drag uncomfortably long, he decides to take the initative.
"Would you like some company Calla?" There was a Varisian dancer he saw earlier who had caught his eye, but he had not really been paying attention. As he looks around the festival grounds, he catches site of the pretty lady talking with another Shoanti warrior, this one from a different clan, if he was not mistaken. Knowing something of the clan interrivalries and yet not sure how they would respond to one another, he pauses and waits for Calla to respond...
I look up at him and notice the broad shoulders and intriguing tattoos, always fancying some male attention I smile at him and answer:
"Well Venmirl, thank you very much. A compliment from a handsome looking gentleman such as yourself is always welcome."
"Perhaps I should thank Desna for your fortunate arrival."
"I was beginning to wonder if I had to go explore the fair all by my self."
I roll my eyes and try to look as innocent as possible.
"My name is Syeira, and I'd loooooove a tour of the marketstalls."
I get up, move up to him and slide my arm around his and try to lead him away.
"Where should we go first?"
Calla smiles at Izbahn. "That would please me. Thank you." She is inwardly relieved, and it shows in her suddenly cheery attitude: she is not used to people being truly friendly to her.
"What would you like to do first?"
Izbahn, relieved by her change in attitude, wonders for a moment where to go. The festival is in full swing and he had already eaten that fantastic salmon earlier. Idly, he noticed the Varisian dancer had disappeared. Oh well, he had his company for the day, and he hoped, the start of something which he hasn't had a lot of: a friendship.
"Shall we go this way?", pointing towards the center of the milling throng of people at the center of the festival grounds.
Calla looks from Izbahn to the crowd of people and back. "Yes," she says bluntly.
While they are walking, Calla raises her voice to be heard above the crowd and says, "So, Izbahn... what is your calling? I am a hunter, but I was once a warrior." Seeing Izbahn glance at the weapons she still carries, Calla smiles and says, "It is hard to set them down for good. You never know when you will walk a dangerous path."
"Syeira, very nice to meet you." he says as she takes his arm away. His feet stand in place for a half second until her momentum jerks him out of his trance down the aisle.
"Uhhh, how about here?" He points to the nearest stalls, not aware of what their occupants are selling. Venmirl is taken aback by both his new acquaintance's beauty and her forwardness. His mind instantly throws a wave of guilt over his body as he thinks of his deceased wife.
"This is my first Swallowtail Festival actually, I've only recently moved to Sandpoint. I'm afraid I won't be much of a tour guide."
The second stall they come across has a nice assortment of fine weapons. He has been meaning to purchase a dagger. The people in town have been staring at his klar with its skull hilt.
"So I take it you do not live in Sandpoint?"
Izbahn says nothing for a moment, knowing how the Shoanti feel about wizardry, but then decides he would be doing her grave insult by hiding who we was.
Bluntly, he replies "I am a wizard", and watches her reaction carefully. Seeing her react to this, he continues "Not everyone walks the same path as the warrior. We each have our talents."
Calla's reaction is difficult to read when Izbahn mentions that he is a wizard, though she isn't smiling. She says, "I have known some who use magic. Some bad, some good. What do you do with your magic?"
Izbahn replies, after a moment of thought "Well, I could tell you something that you want to hear, but somehow I don't think you will take me at my word. Just think on this, do you judge the warrior by the weapon he carries, or do you judge him by what is in his heart?" He then lapses into silence.
At that, Calla smiles. "All right then, Izbahn. We will not judge one another by our weapons and magic. What, then, is in your heart?"
Once most people are done with lunch, a group of three men wearing musical instruments climb on the stage and start to play some well known tunes. A few young folk start dancing to the music.
Zelazny
As you scan the square and sip on wine, a brown haired young woman suddenly grabs your arm and pulls on it gently toward the dancers. "Hey stranger, wanna dance?" She says simply.
Calla
While chatting with the young wizard, an angry complaint catches your attention. Watching in that direction, you see that Galdor and a few other children are running away from a big bald man who's red-faced and puffing. The children look half scared and half excited as their pursuer screams after them. "I'll catch you ... you little rascals!"
Izbahn smiles back at Calla, and says "Well my heart is...uhh..." and for a moment looks a little flustered. "I think we should all help each..." his voice trails off as he notices Calla distracted by some commotion...
As I wandered through the market, examing a bauble here, sampling a treat here, I noticed the dancer from earlier talking with a small group that looked slightly out of place with the denizens of Sandpoint. My curiosity had gotten me into trouble before, and it looked like it was about to do so once more when a young woman grabbed my arm and asked me to dance. Who am I to turn up a good dance with a pretty girl? Deciding my curiosity could wait, I covered my surprise with a charming smile and allowed myself to be pulled into the crowd of dancers. "It would be a pleasure."
`I look at him and see that perhaps I acted a bit bold, but what's done is done. And he's not resisting that hard.
"Well, I'll not hold it against you, handsome."
I laugh at him playfully, and say:
"What better way to enjoy this beautiful day and lovely festival with a friendly face."
"Since you've already lived here a few months and I just arrived a few days ago, why don't you lead. I've always liked a man who takes charge."
I wink at him and let Venmirl move me along the market.
While walking along I answer his question;
"I've just come to Sandpoint to perform at the festival, I don't really have a home. I just travel from place to place, performing at festivals and meeting all sorts of people."
"No family, no home, no restrictions just lots of freedom to do dance and sing where ever I come."
"How about you, what brought you to Sandpoint?"
Seeing the angry bald man chasing after Galdor, Calla immediately begins to look distressed. "I'm sorry..." she says to Izbahn, regretfully interrupting him. "Sir! What's happened?" She calls out to the man. "Has my brother done something wrong?" She hurries to catch up to him...
Zelazny
You gracefully lead the pretty girl into an energic dance and she seems to be having lots of fun. Maybe a bit to much fun, as you notice she doesn't miss an opportunity to get close to you and press her body against yours. As the musicians finish the tune and you both pause to catch your breath, she whispers to you. "You have some talent ... Can I ask your name stranger? I'm Shayliss."
Calla (and Izbahn, if you want to do something as well)
Not even stopping to listen to you, the bald man keeps chasing the children. You manage to intercept him and place yourself between him and the young ones. "Getsh out of my way, woman!" He says with a drunken voice as he tries to push you aside.
Izbahn, on seeing Calla hurry off, is torn between letting her take care of her business and helping her out. Figuring this won't take llong and since it really does not concern him, he decides to wait here for Calla to return.
After seeing the situation deteriorate, he decides to take action. He approaches the older man threatening Calla, and says in hopefully a calming voice:
"Ho there, that is no way to treat a lady! What is going on here? Are these children causing you problems?"
Calla stands firmly in the man's way. Trying to sound calm, she says, "If they've done something wrong, I will try to fix the problem..." but the man doesn't seem to care what she has to say...