Sybil frowns a bit.
"Irnk, do not pretend you did not understand what I meant."
She inwardly sights before turning toward the chest again, hoping to be able to open it on the spot.
"Not," Irnk glowers back up at the dwarf, "In stories, always in tombs. Had words said, 'deserved rest' disturbed, Lief said." He adds.
Arms spread to indicate their surroundings, "Look like 'deserved rest' to you?"
After everything settles, and Sybil and Irnk start their usual squabbles, Apex backs up until she is against a wall, where she slowly slides down until she is in a sitting position, with her knees against her chest. She then lays her head on her knees. Her eyes stare blankly at nothing. With the mission over, the need for her strength gone, silent tears begin to fall.
After a few moments, she speaks, quietly, barely audible over Sybil and Irnk.
The bounty hunters will catch up to me soon. They may even be waiting for me in Sandpoint. You... should turn me in. There is a big reward for me, dead or alive, and you can probably claim some of it if you do. I.... I'm causing more pain to others around me the longer I run. Maybe... maybe I deserve the punishment waiting for me in Andoran. Maybe... I should have just let him have his way with me. We were to be wed, afterall.... I just wanted... to be free.
Her gaze is still fixed on nothing, because in her mind's eyes all she can see is that monster leaping through her wall of wind, and Avan breaking its neck.
Avan... I'm so sorry... I'll be with you soon, and I'll do anything to make it up to you in the afterlife. Please... please don't hate me...
Sybil rolls her eyes to Irnk's comment. However, before she can answer him, she is interrupted by Apex.
True, miss Stormshard needs us. aahhh complicated humans who cannot simply take the fall for their clan... cannot submit themselves to justice when need be. Although, it is true that their justice fails too often.
Sybil stops fiddling around with the chest and slowly approaches Apex. Once at her side she tries to pat the sylph's back in a motherly manner (most likely unsuccessfully).
"Miss Stormshard, I have overheard your conversations with Avan and know that you have said that you did not wish to slay that man. If this is true and if you believe that you will be wrongfully punished for these acts, then you do not have to fear. I will not turn you in, neither will anyone else here."
Irnk's expression as Apex speaks makes it plain what she says makes little sense to him. Shaking his head in clear befuddlement he adds, "Licktoad found these in one of those boats, not here. Licktoad didn't kill the dead again, we did. Big guy," obviously referring to Avan, "said his 'boss' was...
Tien, like these. Take this," now pointing to the chest, "stuff to her, maybe she knows who they were."
"I'll stay here & make certain they don't get back up again. She," he points to Apex, "can stay with if she wants, that way if these...
'bounty-hunters' are there, she won't be." Nodding in satisfaction, Irnk proceeds to remove all weapons from the fallen skeletons while also arranging them in something resembling 'at rest' poses, all the while intoning in Goblin.
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Galford aids Irnk in laying the skeletons in gentle repose while saying prayers to Desna as trained by his mum. He also takes note of Irnk's Chant and begins to learn the goblin tongue as he goes along.
As for Apex, he lets Aunt Sybil handle her. What did he know about the city laws? They did seem complicated.
After carefully listening to Irnk, Sybil turns to Apex and softly speaks to her.
"Or we can find a more pleasant place for you to stay close to Sandpoint."
Apex raises her head to look at Irnk before replying.
No... I don't wish to remain here, where Avan....
Her sentence trails off, and she swallows a lump in her throat before continuing.
It was my fault what happened... to him. I will be there when we take him back to the city and his people. It's my responsibility. If the hunters are there waiting, then someone will make a lot of gold.
She stands awkwardly when the skeletons are arranged neatly and everyone is ready to go, and pulls her hood up to obscure most of her face.
From his expression, it is plain Irnk doesn't quite understand Apex's turmoil, but he nods assent with her expressed wishes. "If you take this back now, you should make it back with daylight." He states, indicating the chest.
Quite... a bit. I think it was at least a thousand gold pieces. They want to bring me back to Andoran, and have a public... execution... to clear their names of the murder of the nobleman. Really, for them to save face, I don't think any price is... too much.
Whic is not of any importance to us, since we would never dare ask for such a reward. says Sybil, gazing sternly at Dao.
"It does go a ways toward telling us how determined they are however...". Irnk adds, his brow arched pugnaciously at Sybil.
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Irnk voice seems to have changed, after his close shave given by the skeleton. You could say it is deeper and better sounding now.
You scan the room. It seems empty and safe, for now.
About magic items, the sword that almost decapitated Irnk glows with a cold blue magic aura. Below the grime and dirt you see it's beautiful and perfectly conserved. A great sword, of exquisite craftsmanship, and excellent working condition. The armor of the skeleton, on the other side, was beautiful but is badly damaged (broken condition) and would need restoring to be in working order.
You then move to check the chest. It weighs just over 50 pounds with all of its contents, and is worth 250 gp. You open it after finding the key that hangs on the skeletal champion's neck.
Your eyes widen...it’s obvious that many objects (mostly fireworks and potions) have been removed from numerous slots in the chest’s velvet-lined interior - the handiwork of the Licktoad goblins. However, the chest still holds five potions of cure light wounds, two potions of cure moderate wounds, three potions of lesser restoration, a ring of climbing, a wand of identify with 19 charges, a masterwork chain shirt, a masterwork cold iron wakizashi, 11 Desnan candles, and four skyrockets, in addition to 3,820 sp, 421 gp, and various pieces of fine jewelry worth 560 gp total.
You grab the chest and prepare to move out of the cavern...
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Outside of the Cavern Walthus seem very happy to see you alive, and makes a face when it sees Irnk new neck scar.
"What happened? Are you ok?"
He has make a makeshift stretcher and put Avan's covered body in it, so you can take him to Sandpoint.
"But I don't know what to do with... that..."
He points at the monstrous body of the creature that killed Avan. You can see he doesn't want to get near it.
As sole answer to Irnk's annoying, yet smart comments, Sybil opens the chest. Upon seeing its contents, the dwarf's eyes grow wide. After a moment, she starts looking at their surroundings, trying to understand how such an honourable warrior would have been left in such a cave with this treasure.
I hate to admit it, however, Irnk is right, this is not a tomb. Yet, with such honour in battle, it seems unlikely that they would be thieves. On the other hand, if these skeletons guarded the treasure until someone returned for them, then they were forgotten. I guess that taking it might not be taking if from its rightfull owners and would be acceptable.
"Dao, would you mind helping me carry the chest?" she asks with a gentle smile.
--Upon exiting the cavern --
Sybil frowns at the body of the monster who stole Avan's life.
"It should be burnt. Irnk, would you mind taking care of this since you plan on staying here? Also, once you are done making sure the skeletons do not wake again, would you mind returning to your tribe? I think they might need some supervision." she turns toward Walthus.
"Mister Proudstump, would you mind helping us to carry our friend back to town? He deserves to be buried were he lived in the pas few months."
Having accompanied the others out of the cave, Irnk nods acknowledgment of Sybil's request, gathering what dry brush he is able before setting fire to the monstrous corpse. Once he is certain the fire is no threat to either himself or the others, he returns once more to the depths of the cave. There, he maintains his vigil over the formerly unquiet dead.
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Irnk goes into the cave again, eyes downcast, thinking in all the losses they all have endured to win this victory.
He reaches the last room, with the skeletons, and looks up.
A mature man in elegant tien warrior clothing is kneeling there, the old sword of the skeleton captain in his knees. His eyes closed, his mouth barely smiling, his face with a peaceful expression.
he opens his eyes, fixed on Irnk's.
"My name is Tsutamu Amatatsu, and I was a samurai. We tried to deliver a message..." - he nods to his sword - "...to my lords at Sandpoint, but out ships were caught in a storm and were grounded. We failed in our mission. I failed in my mission. Anger and shame wash over my soul, and filled it with hate. That is why I remained here. But now you have come, and you have braved even dead, something I wasn't able to do, to put my soul at ease. You have done that for me, and now you have to do something else. Take this sword and deliver it to their rightful owner at Sandpoint. Deliver the message. And if you can pity some old warrior, please take one of my bones and bury it in my land of birth."
He extends one of his hands, holding his sword sideways, towards Irnk.
At first puzzled at the spirit's strange tongue, Irnk's eyes flare as he realizes he has no difficulty understanding the shade's words. Bowing in acknowledgment, he steps forward, his two hands open to accept the blade.
Apex stays silent while they place Avan on the stretcher, his last words echoing in her mind, playing over and over.
Protect them... Protect them... Protect them...
Her tiny fists bunch at her sides, and angry tears begin to well up, though they stay hidden by her hood, and her hair.
How am I supposed to protect them when I couldn't even protect you? she whispers to him, before they begin to move back toward the city.
Sybil, concentrating on ending this awful trip unto the marshes does not go to Apex. Instead, she keeps her mind of the task at end, carrying the heavy chest with Dao. Her eyes are set on the road as they make their way toward Sandpoint, her mind trying to make sense of the horror they lived.
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The travel back to Sandpoint is uneventful. In fact, and for several years, Walthus Proudstump will tell the tale on how a group of heroes, with his help, helped make the swamp one of the safest places in all of the Lost Coast, besides Sandpoint.
Irnk finds the Licktoads Village not only empty, but torched to the ground, no bodies or valuable items there. He finds out the reason when you approach Sandpoint.
The remaining Licktoads have camped near Sandpoint, all their meager possessions packed up, ready to follow their chief to the new land of opportunity, food and plunder he will lead them to. A couple Sandpoint guards keep an eye of them. They first congratulate you on your success, then give you their condolences for Avan's loss, and finally ask you to get rid of the Goblins as soon as possible.
On Sandpoint the news of your victory are received with general joy, and the loss of Avan is seen as a low price for your success.
Only Ameiko seem really moved by the loss of her employee and friend. She goes to Apex, hugs her, and lets her tears flow.
She refuses to talk about the mission until after Avan is cremated.
That night, in a small ceremony in Sandpoint cemetery, you say goodbye to your friend, together with Ameiko Kaijitsu, Sandpoint Priest Abstalar Zantus, Mayor Kendra Deverin, Sheriff Belor Hemlock, Elf Ranger Shalelu Andosana, Varisian Sage Koya Mvashti, accompanied by a young varisian male.
Both Father Zantus and Mayor Deverin say some moving words about the sacrifice Avan, and Tharjuk too, made for the well being and the town, and how their sacrifice won't be forgotten.
Ameiko and Apex are given the most condolences, as the closest persons to Avan.
Both Mayor Deverin and Sheriff Hemlock ask you to go to the Town Hall for a meeting the next day, at midday, before a meal in your honor with the heads of the Sandpoint ruling families heads. She also asks you take the items you got with you.
Ameiko offers you to stay at the Rusty Dragon, free of charge, for as long as you need.
---
Do you accept Ameiko's offer?
Do you assist to the Town hall?
Do you take all the treasure you got with you?
Anything else you want to do before the meeting?
Apex lets the woman hug her, and whispers to her.
He died protecting me... And I couldn't save him... I'm so sorry...
Her own tears flow freely as she finishes her sentence, and then whispers once more.
He wanted me to protect them... But I how can I? How can I live with myself knowing that he died to save me? I... want to honor his request, but... I'm not strong enough... I miss him so... He was... I mean... Miss Ameiko... I never got to tell him... What he meant to me...
Sybil passes the end of the day and the following morning making sure that everything is in order. That is, she makes sure 1) that Dao stops first to see Koya, 2) that Irnk spends time with the Licktoad, making sure they are not interested in bugging the longshanks, 4) that the guards of Sandpoint know that they must keep far from the goblins and not antagonize them, 5) that father Zanthus has everything in hand for the cremation and that whether or not he requires her help, 6) that Apex is not left alone too much, 7) that she properly thanks Ameiko for the support she provides to Apex, 8) that the treasure chest is safe in her room at the rusty dragon .... 20) that she brings the chest to the meeting with the ruling familes, 21) that she is well dressed for the aforementionned meeting, and that she arrives exactly on time to it.
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Galford was interested in the chest. It was his first chest and his first adventure and this would be his first time dividing the chest contents. It would be his first loot as told by his Mother and Brother in their stories.
Tharjuck and Avan were also his first experience with the deaths an adventure could bring. He wasn't sure if he could be as heroic as Avan but he would honor Tharjuck as much as he can remembering the gentle herbalist.
Seeing his mum and enduring the extensive checks by her on his well being made it all the better when she prepared his favorite meals and of course once Auntie Sybil made sure that he was where he was supposed to be,she took off and came back several hours later.
The funeral he kept silent in respect to the two even though he felt that the words offered by the townsfolk felt hollow and complained bitterly to his Mother, Koya who comforted him and explained that the townsfolk were detached only because they weren't there like he was. Even though his mother had tried to explain things to him, he still felt like the two were just treated like figments.
The message from the towns hall made him excited and for a moment he forgot about the chest...just for a moment and its contents. Then hugging himself wth glee, he proceeded to the towns hall.
Irnk's sole noticeable response is to rather obviously ignore Sybil's frequent 'hairy eyeball' observations while at the same time attempting to haggle rather strenuously for an oxcart or two, with teams, to carry his small, green, psychotic, pyromaniacal kinfolk.
Apex nods to Ameiko's words, taking them to heart.
Then... so be it. I'll... I'll honor you like that, Avan. I promise.
Before the cremation ceremony, she takes a ring off of Avan's finger. A small silver band that seemed to have no value at all, other than the sentemental purpose it had to the man. Wordlessly, she slides it onto her finger before bowing her head before him. A tear slides down her cheek to drop onto his forehead.
I'll do it, Avan. Wherever they go, whatever they need, I'll watch over them. I'll keep then safe. And if I die doing it, then we'll meet in the afterlife, and I can tell you that... I loved you. I just wish I had told you... I miss you.
Her head stays bowed a few moments more, and then she takes her place with the group, silently crying.
Unlike Apex, Sybil did not cry at the funeral. Yet, even though she had seen countless humans be born and die of old age in her own life span, she was more affected by Avan and Tharjuk's loss than she expected. She wondered why... maybe it was because she felt she was the one in charge, maybe because they had died to save her life... a service she coud never repay.
Shaking off these thoughs, she notices Apex's cries and takes a few steps toward her before slowing rubbing her back.
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The Varisian Sage Koya Mvashti hugs Glaford and tries to confirt him.
"For the people of Sandpoint Tharjuk and Avan are a price we had to pay for a safer Brinestump. For us they are a much bigger loss. But their dead has not been in vain."
Irnk finds nobody on Sandpoint is willing to transport the Licktoads.
"Ferry a group of Goblins? Living Goblins? Are you nuts?"
The Licktoads seem eager to depart, and get away from Sandpoint. And they know each day has the risk of the Sandpoint people coming to finish them off.
The guards that watch over them is rotated frequently, as the guards gets annoyed rapidly with the Goblins antics, and Sandpoint Sheriff Belor Helmlock fears is only a matter of time the situation gets out of control.
Sandpoint Priest Abstalar Zantus thanks Sybil for his offer of help, and ask her to perform parts of the cremation ceremony, including doing the eulogy.
Ameiko Kaijitsu keeps together with Apex. She sees the ring in Apex finder, and smiles sadly.
"I am sure he is glad you took his ring."
In a moment Apex is away she talks to Sybil.
"No Thanks are needed. Sharing my pain with Apex is the only thing that prevents me from crying without end."
You all arrive to the meeting on time, and in a very presentable shape, as Sybil makes sure of it.
-----------------------------
The meeting is presided by Sandpoint Mayor Kendra Deverin, and attended by the other 3 heads of the Sandpoint founding families (which you only knew Ameiko Kaijitsu), Sheriff Belor Helmlock, Elf Ranger Shalelu Andosana, and the Varisian Sage Koya Mvashti.
Mayor Deverin thank you for your sacrifice, and tells you that after the meeting Sheriff Helmlock will pay 1,500 gp each, as Walthus Proudstump has tell them of the risks and successes you got in clearing the Brinstump of dangers, besides making a very detailed map of it.
She also tell you that the town will use the 3,000 gp "owed" to your two dead companions in commision a momument for Tharjuk and Avan, to be set on the entrance of the swamp, so everybody in the future know of the heroes that gave their life to make it a safe place.
Then, after making you at ease, she declares that the treasures you recovered are owned by Ameiko Kaijitsu, as their origin makes clear they belonged to her family originally.
Amieko interrupts the mayor.
"Thank you, Mayor Deverin, but the effort and losses they have suferred make me want to reward them on my part. My friends, please accept the items you recovered as a token of gratitude from the people of Sandpoint."
Irnk advances, and extends Tsutamu Amatatsu (The Skeleton Captain) sword to Ameiko.
"I promise to deliver this sword to its rightful owner."
Ameiko extends her hands, and ceremoniously accepts the sword. She examines it, and makes a puzlling face.
"My father once told me about swords like this. That they sometimes carried secrets with them."
She proceeds to open a secret compartment on the bottom of the sword, and extracts an old paper from it.
"It is written in Tien, the old language of my family."
She starts to read and translate for all present:
"My son, my heir. You know that I have kept secrets from you. You were always a perceptive son, and while you may not understand my reasons for secrecy, I hope that you realize it was necessary. Know that I was not angry with you for opening the warding box - I was angry with myself for withholding the truth from you and forcing you to seek out what I should have given to you. The words I spoke to you were from anger with myself, and it shames me to think of them now. I write this note as an apology, and to beg you to leave these secrets to history.
The Next few days will be the most important I have faced in many years. If our family’s enemies have, as I hope, forgotten us, I shall reunite with you and your wife, and your mother and I shall reveal the truth to you. But if they still seek the contents of the warding box, I fear that I may not speak to you again. The box holds our family’s greatest treasure, so I have returned it to Kortun’s care and it shall remain hidden in the secret third vault under Brinewall Castle-obscured from our enemies. I hope and pray I will not grant our foes the satisfaction of killing me themselves-if it comes to it, let my death by my own hand be my final act to protect you, so that our enemies believe our line ended.
I have instructed Tsutamu to keep this letter from you, delivering it to you only should I fail to return as I hope to. If I can, I will reveal all to you myself. If I cannot, this final missive from a father to a son must suffice as an apology in place of an explanation, and you must destroy this letter, flee to the south, and never return to Brinewall. If our enemies find what I have hidden, there will be nothing here for you. If they do not, they will lie in wait forever for your return.
I hope to see you again soon my son. But my heart tells me that I will not. I am sorry to have failed you, but I am proud of you, and I know you will survive this old man’s shame. You are strong, and you must remain so. For if you are reading this and I am gone, know that our enemies will never stop searching for us, and that is why I cannot reveal the truth to you until I know there is no chance of them finding us again.
Rokuro Kajitsu
Sunday, 29 Desnus, 4687"
The morning before the meeting, Apex sits at the table, barely touching her food. Instead, she is focused on the ring she took from Avan. Every so often, she sprinkled something on it, or rubs it with something, and occasionally, she sends little jolts of arcane power into it. Her staff sits beside her on the table, but it seems to be... losing some of its luster every time she she fiddles with the ring.
Before the meeting, she packs up and heads out into the town, promising Sybil she'll be at the town hall in time.
When she shows up, it's quite a shock. Gone is the boyish traveling outfit and worn cloak, and the slumped shoulders. Instead, she wears an outfit that accents her femininity. Small and slight she may be, but it's now evident that she does indeed posses lady like curves. Her shock blue hair is done up with several laviscious pins and arranged so that it looks regal while still being appropriate for adventuring. Her new cloak is still over her shoulders, but the hood is down, and she stands straight. Her belt is full of pouches, scroll cases, and several other items for spell work. Her staff is in her hand, but it looks much more worn that anyone remembers it looking. When the party gives her looks, her answer is simple.
I am a Mage, born of noble descent in Andoran. I fear my past no longer. If Avan... could escape his, then so shall I escape mine. If the hunters come... I will fight them. I may need your help though. And... Avan asked me to protect you. I'll... do my best.
During the meeting, she stays silent, but waits to speak to the mayor at the end. She needs to tell the town about the bounty hunters.
Arriving at the town hall, Sybil is dressed in her freshly cleaned blue and white dress. Having arrived 'slightly' too early, she waits for the others outside. When she first sees Apex, she is indeed surprised.
"You truly look magnificient." she first says before hearing the Sylph's explanation.
"Let us hope this does not happen.
I guess this is a good first step, but I am still worried about that girl... what will happen to her?
Now, what is it that you plan to do? How do you... oh, they are letting us in. Let's finish this conversation once we come out."
Upon being let into the Town hall, Sybil greets everyone, shaking hand which each of the present person and exchanging a few polite pleasantries. She sits, barely smiling, at the table and profusely thanks the mayor for the monument. She is even more thankfull to receive the contents of the chest -they should sell well in a market-.
Sybil stays surprisingly silent after Ameiko reads the letter. She does not know what to do with it, feeling like she heard some personal matters that she should not have. She looks at the tian woman, trying to capture how to act toward her.
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Ameiko looks puzzled, color leaving her face.
"This... My father... This never reach him."
Mayor Deverin interrupts.
"Well, I think this is all, you can leave us, and Sheriff Hemlock will give you your reward in the office. I thank you for everythig you have done, and Sandpoint will always be an open town for you, our heroes."
----
----
Belor Helmlock takes you all outside and pays you the promised sum.
As you are about to leave Ameiko and Koya reach you.
"Please follow us to the Dragon... we have a proposition for you..."
Once everyone stands up, Sybil walks toward the mayor and shakes her hand.
"We are really appreciative of all your thanks, even though the loss of our friends might mask our gratefulness. Do forgive us. Have a nice day mayor Deverin."
Sybil than goes outside with the others to receive their reward which she puts in their newly acquired chest. After trying a few times to lift it, unsuccessfully, Sybil turns back toward the sheriff.
"Sheriff, may we borrow one or two of your guards, this chest is getting a little heavy for us. I do not think we would be successful in reaching the Rusty Dragon with it." she asks in a nice tone of voice, eyeing two guards sitting in front of the garrison, right across the street.
After Koya and Ameiko speak to them about their proposition:
"Of course, we will come and listen."
As they walk toward the inn, Sybil approaches Apex.
"Miss Stormshard, do you have any idea what you will be doing in the near future? I approve of you coming out of hiding, yet, I cannot stop from being anxious for you. Do you have any idea where you might find some kind of peace haven?" she asks, looking truly worried.
I... I'll stay here. Sandru hired me as a caravan guard when I first came here, and it was enjoyable enough. I only quit because I intended on leaving. Perhaps he'll hire me back and I can stay and honor Avan by using my magic to protect the city. At least, that's my plan if Ameiko's "prospect" doesn't change anything. I get the feeling they want us to help them with something about what that letter said.... Perhaps find and explore that Brinewall place?
She fidgets with the ring she took from Avan, as it is too big for any finger but her thumb, and even then it's still loose.
Sybil, I think the idea of a monument is...nice, but it doesn't feel like it's enough... He was much more special than they'll ever know.... she looks as though she fights back a few tears, and then continues. I... don't think anything will ever be enough. Am I... selfish for thinking they owe him more?
As they enter the inn, she pauses for a moment, and looks at the dwarfette, her demeanor foreboding, and simultaneously distressed.
I warned the mayor about the hunters coming after me, but I have been thinking. If...if they come, and... I intend to stay here... I may have to... fight them, instead of running. And... I have to win. I... have to keep them from telling anyone else where I am. I always used my magic to escape them in the past. Now... I fear I'll have to... kill them... I don't want to, though... What... What should I do?
Sybil nods in undestanding to Apex's comment, yet grows somber.
"The citizens of Sandpoint owe him their safety. It is true. However, Avan's gift to them is but a consequence of the one he gave you.... us. For what he did was not to keep the town safer, but to keep us safe. I believe it is all four of us... and maybe even more so you... who are the most indebted to him. As such, I will always remember him and be thankfull to him, more deeply than most of the people of this town. So will you. I believe these memories and the wish to carry on his will are what we owe to him." answers Sybil, trying to be understanding yet affirm her own beliefs.
She smiles faintly to the sylph and goes on walking in silence for a while. Finally, she turns to Irnk.
"Irnk, do you have any idea what you will be doing? How will you move your tribe to a safer location? Any idea?"
== Once inside the Dragon ==
That is what I feared... thinks Sybil upon hearing Apex questions.
With a worried expression on her face she answers to the wizard:
"Miss Stormshard, I know you want to defend your freedom. But... you can't simply murder these people... I think that following Sandru should keep you safe, for he travels a lot. If not with him, you can keep traveling with other people. Finally, I know you see your magic as a possible weapon, but I have seen people use it for much more positive things. I do not know much about incantations and spells, but I believe that if you truly wish it, you could find a way of using them to deter your pursuers without having to end their lives."
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Kajistu? Isn't that Ameiko's family name? Wonders the Black Tengu as the letter is read out, however with his mum in attendance, he keeps his beak shut.
With the tantaslising offer of more adventure, Galford is more than eagar to see what Ameiko and his mum had in mind. Though at times he wishes his mum would see him as a man like his older brother Sandru and not always the child.
Afterall he helped saved Sandpoint!
Inwardly quashing the emotions arising when he thinks of his past friends.
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Ameiko and Koya take you into a booth in the Rusty Dragon. Ameiko orders drinks and fruit for all, and after you are all settled, she starts to talk.
"I am leaving. I have been planning in resuming my adventuring days for some time now, and this seems the best time to do so. I will take a week to set things in order here, at the Dragon, and at my glass-work factory, and then I will go north, to find this mysterious legacy you have informed of."
Koya nods, and takes over.
"And I will leave with her, my children. I am finally free to wander the land, and my bones ache for on last, or it is first, long trip. And north is as a good place as any, even if I won't be back right away, as I need to wander farther than Ameiko. I have read the cards, and they say it is a good time, an important time, so I will leave."
Ameiko smiles at Apex.
"And we would like for you to accompany us. I have grow fond of you, and I think you are the kind of people that would like some adventure in their life. Are you up to it?"
Koya takes Galford's hand.
"Please accompany me, my son. Sandru will come too, as we will be travelling in his caravan."
Ameiko looks at Irnk.
"And your Goblins can follow us, so they go to live in a better place, far from others, both for their and our safety."
They await your answer.
Sybil took a few sip of her drink while listening to the others talking. She nods with appreciation when Ameiko states that she will be going north with Koya and smiles with relief when the Tian women invites Apex to join her.
Good thing, with Ameiko with her, she should be safe from becoming to harsh and will be traveling, thus harder to track down.
With the added invitation for Dao and Irnk, Sybil feels like a weight is lifter from her shoulders. Here expression clearly soften. She then turns to Dao to pat his hand gently.
"Woe to the north, your pranks will reach it." she jokes.
Then, the dwarfette turns to Irnk and gives him a nod, her eyes expressing optimism for the goblin's tribe.
Finally, she turns back toward Ameiko and Koya.
"I will be glad to accompany you north in Sandru's caravan. I have myself been wanting to travel north for personal reasons, and now that I possess a new chest, it will be quite beneficial to have a caravan to carry it. As for adventures, I think I have had enough for now. Of course, if the caravan is ever in danger, I will help defend it and his members to the best of my skills."
Irnk has obviously been on edge the entire time he has been within the confines of Sandpoint, jumpy & irritable. So it is hardly surprising that his initial response to Ameiko's offer is a combination of shock & incredulity fading into hostile disbelief. "Bèl bagay. Kounye a yon moun vle ede nou..." He mutters, his narrowed gaze flitting from face to face. "I'll..
we'll think about it." He grumbles noncommittally before nodding begrudgingly as he backs out the door & makes his way back to the other Goblins.
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Galford glances as Irnk leaves having realised that after some observation, he may have managed to learn something after all.
"Hey Mum, of course I'll come. It'll be fun to do something together as a family and It'll be a good experience."
Turning to Sybil as the excited tengu motor mouths his way,
"Auntie can come too! It'll be great and the pranks that I could learn in the North. They'll have different methods too! Besides, the goblins would make a good practice material" saying the last out as an afterthought.
But... but I only just decided to make Sandpoint my home!
The syplh's first thought comes quickly, and is indignant, annoyed, but quite angry. However, reason quickly wins out.
Wait... If I leave with them, chances are the hunters will have a much harder time finding me, and I won't be forced to fight them again... Not to mention, I promised Avan I would protect our friends. There's no telling where this will end, either. Maybe I'll find a place at the end to call home where I will be safe from my parent's reach...
She smiles at Ameiko, shyly, and speaks when all the others are done.
I'll... I'll come along. This... might work out for me, really. I needed to... start moving again, but I wanted to honor Avan's request to protect his friends. Now... now I can do both.
She spins the ring on her finger anxiously as she speaks, and it begins to give off a very faint blue glow.
I can... be ready in a week's time...
Sybil, still sitting on her chair turns to see Irnk leave. Disappointment has now replaced her burgeoning enthusiasm. Slowly shaking her head, she turns back to the others.
"I suppose we will have to wait and see for Irnk. I will try to convince him later."
Turning to Dao, her smile comes back, if still somewhat weaker than before.
"I do not think so, but I am glad that you will get the chance to travel. Miss Stormshard, I am truly glad that you appreciate this chance. I will make my own preparations for the trip."