Ms. Merali! How goes the shop?...I typically wait until after the carnival to relax, especially with a nice bottle of wine from that wonderful Varisian cook - what was her name? The one married to that Orc. She has some delicious dessert ports. I still have some bottles from last year if any of you would like to try some after the Carnival leaves. And I plan on restocking my stores later this week.
"I'll have to try some of her wares! I must admit, I'm more accustomed to using spirits for their properties as chemical solvents rather than as social solvents." She stifles a slight chuckle at her own joke.
At her faux pas, he keeps his smile plastered on his face, "Yes, indeed, most charitable."
Aliana forces herself to keep a smile, but seeing the same forced effort in Alexite's grin, she begins to focus more on talking with the others. As the conversation continues, she begins to focus on polite questions toward others rather than saying too much of herself.
Care to take a walk with us? Ms. Merali, you're welcome to join as well.
"Of course!" Aliana falls in with the rest of the group as they make their way toward the new arrivals. As everyone walks, she seems to intentionally shorten her stride just a hair, as if to show deference to the pace of the others.
She sees a holy symbol of Desna around the neck of the man leaning on his staff next to the carnival's entrance, and as she gets closer, he looks up, and she sees the glint in his eyes. Ooh, finally someone else interesting to talk to, she thinks.
The green skin and large tusks of the figure a bit behind him surprise her for a moment, but she recognizes the slight softness that half-human ancestry lends to an orc's jagged features. She curses not knowing more than a few words of Orcish; she's grown up rarely, if ever, hearing her own language, so she prides herself on learning as many languages as possible in order to speak to others she meets in their native tongues. Well, I know the next one on my list now, she notes to herself.
Orne gives his family hugs, especially his younger sister. He's tall like his father, but with a narrower frame... Nearly slender.
He'd picked up a pastry for the younger half-orc, and as she devours it with much outward delight, he uses divine magicks to mend small tears and worn areas on her clothing.
No news here, what news do you bring? Law enforcement continues to bird watch... I continue getting jobs with foreign merchants and caravan matters.
For a half-blood, I'm articulate! My eyes work better for night guard duty and I can help them overcome cultural disparity. Let them understand each other, take less offense and get on with mutually beneficial trade.
He passes his father some coin. They never asked for it, nor needed it, but Orne felt good about it so they accepted.
Responding to Fish's question, Elric says, I'm always happy to have another set of eyes on the look out and anther pair of hands to help. Care to take a walk with us? Ms. Merali, you're welcome to join as well.Sheriff Feldane frowns.
"But of course you first need to concentrate in your fight. After it come to me, and we will talk. Being a town guard is not for everybody, or a decision to be taken lightly."
We don't need to enlist them, Sheriff; but an extra set of eyes that can report back to you or me is always welcome. Turning to Fish he says, Unless you want to enlist, Fish?
Mr. Ilsurian, my apologies, Elric smiles and extends his hand out, It is always wonderful to see you, especially after the work you've done to promote justice and acceptance in the community.
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No news here, what news do you bring? Law enforcement continues to bird watch... I continue getting jobs with foreign merchants and caravan matters.
He passes his father some coin. They never asked for it, nor needed it, but Orne felt good about it so they accepted.
Orne's father grudgingly accepts Orne's coin, a little bit ashamed, but unable to conceal his pride of the success of his son. He "thanks" him in Varisian.
"I'll pay you, son, later. Now excuse me, I need to get back to work. You are strong, I am proud."His sister, pretty in a half-orc kind of way, dressed in the colorful way Varisian girls do, embraces and smiles at him.
"Tell me everything! Where have you been?"
Her mother asks him to eat something.
"You seem very thin! You need to eat well! We have been fine, the Carnival is doing well, with nothing new, really. Your father keeps being the best foreman they have for the zoo crew, and have been keeping out of trouble. Thank Desna he has stopped drinking, you know he can become too, orcish, when he drinks. "
She hug his son.
"Have you find a nice girl? There is a new Varisian girl in the Carnival, very pretty, that you need to know. I think you would be a great couple!"
Orne's sister screams.
"Ika! Yes, she is great! She is teaching me to read and write!"
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We don't need to enlist them, Sheriff; but an extra set of eyes that can report back to you or me is always welcome. Turning to Fish he says, Unless you want to enlist, Fish?
Sheriff Feldane seems unconvinced.
"We need eyes and ears that report only actual crimes, and only in town. The Carnival's security is outside of jurisdiction, and we don't need anyone else complaining about "suspicious" varisians strangers around town... We got too many false reports as it is without "deputizing" more people."|
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Robella Moncello gets near Aliana and whispers something to her in low voice.
"Should we tell them about the gynosphinx?"
We don't need to enlist them, Sheriff; but an extra set of eyes that can report back to you or me is always welcome. Turning to Fish he says, Unless you want to enlist, Fish?Sheriff Feldane seems unconvinced.
"We need eyes and ears that report only actual crimes, and only in town. The Carnival's security is outside of jurisdiction, and we don't need anyone else complaining about "suspicious" varisians strangers around town... We got too many false reports as it is without "deputizing" more people."
"No worries there Sheriff. I should probably stick to my arena training and fishing lines. Which reminds me, it's about time for me to check my traps and lines, so if you'll excuse me, I have some work to do. I'm sure I'll run into everyone again once the carnival opens for business. Good day folks" Fish says with a bow and begins to turn to head back towards the docks.
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Pavo will keep walking until until he's out of sight of the others. He will then come to an abrupt stop and say "I hope your fighting skills are better than your sneaking skills.
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The Shoanti Champion approaches him directly, standing straight, all of her muscles rippling in expectation.
She stands just an inch from him. Pavo could swear he feels the heat emanating from her tanned skin.
She starts walking around him, a finger touching his chest, his arms, his back, feeling his muscles and bones.
She stops when she returns to his front.
"Yes." - She says in Varisian.
Her voice is guttural, deep, coarse. It is the first time Pavo hears it.
She stands there, her eyes fixed on his.
"And what is your name warrior?" He responds in Varisian, returning her gaze.
She seems ready for our dance in the arena. I wonder if she is as anxious as I he thinks to himself.
Orlin moves slowly, giving plenty of time for the group to splinter a bit before he arrives.
The odd gait, limp and staff, are typically disregarded on the first glance, as the usual look, is taken in by the stern features, and gently glittering eyes, as if one was looking at the night sky, beneath a deeply tanned, bald scalp. He normally dresses in shades of blue, and has a small hand carved, wooden butterfly symbol displayed upon his breast.
Those who know, know that some 15 years ago, he took a terrible fall after climbing to see the stars, and had many breaks in the bones in his right leg, and while he was attended to quickly, and a healing was done, his right leg had many of the bones heal oddly, mostly in his knee, giving him a restricted range of motion, and heavy limp.
You are the most promising lumberjack Ilsurian has seen in a long time. Your skill, stamina and endurance has gained a reputation with all the other lumberjacks.
He pauses as he finally reaches the group, giving a short bow, and greeting to each in turn.
"Greetings and Salutations this fine day. Sherriff, Elders, Goodmen and Ladies all. The rest of the Lumbermen should be down most likely tommorrow, I finished my share a bit early. Ok, a bit more than my share, but either way, it takes me longer to make it into town. How fares the town? The Carnival? Master Krupt? How are your feelings for the big day?"
"Greetings and Salutations this fine day. Sherriff, Elders, Goodmen and Ladies all. The rest of the Lumbermen should be down most likely tommorrow, I finished my share a bit early. Ok, a bit more than my share, but either way, it takes me longer to make it into town. How fares the town? The Carnival? Master Krupt? How are your feelings for the big day?" This last assuming he hasn't left, or if he's returned
"Greetings Stormborn, glad to see you haven't slowed down. Ahh, the big day. Much like a fish just caught, I'm ready for the fight to begin, win or lose, and I don't plan on losing" he says with a wide grin.
We don't need to enlist them, Sheriff; but an extra set of eyes that can report back to you or me is always welcome. Turning to Fish he says, Unless you want to enlist, Fish?Sheriff Feldane seems unconvinced.
"We need eyes and ears that report only actual crimes, and only in town. The Carnival's security is outside of jurisdiction, and we don't need anyone else complaining about "suspicious" varisians strangers around town... We got too many false reports as it is without "deputizing" more people."
Pardon us, folks, I need to speak with the Sheriff in private for a minute.
Taking the Sheriff aside, Elric whispers, Are you saying that the Carnival is no longer our concern? That we should not investigate any crimes that occur in the Carnival grounds?
This is our home, Kyra. We don't abandon the farmers because they're outside of the city limits. We don't abandon the ship owners when a crime occurs on the open waters. I don't think we should abandon the Carnival to whatever no good anyone is up to just because they're not a permanent fixture.
I understand that we may not want false reports, and if I was out of line inviting Fish to walk with me, I'll accept my irresponsibility on that part. But I cannot in good conscious ignore what happens to anyone who comes to our town, Varisian or no.
Please do not order the department away from the Carnival; it will lead to bad tidings.
"Glad to hear it Fish! Counting on you for a great match and a great show!"
"Anything new and exciting since the last time we made it back to town? Anything new with the Carnival ahead? Or should I just head in?"
Robella Moncello gets near Aliana and whispers something to her in low voice.
"Should we tell them about the gynosphinx?"
** spoiler omitted **
"You heard the guards, they asked us to keep it secret, or everyone's going to try and sneak a peek before it's safe! I'm sure they have things well in hand." Aliana stops for a moment. "But...do you think we should maybe tell Sheriff Feldane or Constable Huntington? Just in case...if something goes wrong, they should know about such a dangerous creature on the carnival grounds."
Aliana steps over to where the Sheriff and Constable Huntington are leaning together in whispered conversation. "Excuse me...when you have a moment?"
"Greetings and Salutations this fine day. Sherriff, Elders, Goodmen and Ladies all. The rest of the Lumbermen should be down most likely tommorrow, I finished my share a bit early. Ok, a bit more than my share, but either way, it takes me longer to make it into town. How fares the town? The Carnival? Master...
"Song of the Spheres guide your path, sir!" Aliana returns his short bow. "I hope your journey was blessed."
"Glad to hear it Fish! Counting on you for a great match and a great show!"
"Anything new and exciting since the last time we made it back to town? Anything new with the Carnival ahead? Or should I just head in?"
"I hope the show is as exilirating for the spectators as it is for me"
Yes father, and I'll be keeping tabs... with interest. Get it through your thick head old man. It's me who's paying you back. I'm a result if your parenting, nurturing and instilled discipline.
I did not become... like either of you, outwardly. But, I am who I am because of each of you. And I'm grateful. Is that it for the mushy stuff... He grins, squeezing his father's shoulders as the older man turns to get back to work.
Now, little one... Tell me if this reading and writing! You do know how to make a big brother proud. Or we can discuss later.
Come, give me a tour.
Aliana waits to speak to the Sheriff and Constable, but as Orne walks near, she steps away for a moment and gives a polite nod. She makes a fumbled attempt at a greeting in Orcish, but after stumbling for several seconds, she gives up the attempt and switches to Common. "Well met, traveler! Welcome to Ilsurian! I hope you enjoy the carnival! Have you traveled far?"
The half-orc smiles benignly. Thank you, Ms. Merali.
My family travels with the carnival. This is my sister, Nala. It is good to visit with them. I live here, as much as anywhere else. But, my work keeps me out of town proper, mostly. And often during the day, I'm sleeping off a hard night's work.
Mr. Ilsurian, my apologies, Elric smiles and extends his hand out, It is always wonderful to see you, especially after the work you've done to promote justice and acceptance in the community.
Alexite grasps the constable's proffered hand, "Oh, have I? My that would be hard work." He smiles blandly at the compliment with a look mixed of mild surprise and vacancy.
The half-orc smiles benignly. Thank you, Ms. Merali.
My family travels with the carnival. This is my sister, Nala. It is good to visit with them. I live here, as much as anywhere else. But, my work keeps me out of town proper, mostly. And often during the day, I'm sleeping off a hard night's work.
"Well, lovely to have a chance to finally make your acquaintance, then, and yours as well, Nala." Aliana drops into a small curtsy toward the little girl with a smile. "What work is it that keeps you out of Ilsurian so much? And what does your family do in the carnival?"
Alexite grasps the constable's proffered hand, "Oh, have I? My that would be hard work." He smiles blandly at the compliment with a look mixed of mild surprise and vacancy.
Aliana quickly turns away and fakes a cough to try and hide her exasperation at Alexite's shallow preening.
Mr. Ilsurian, my apologies, Elric smiles and extends his hand out, It is always wonderful to see you, especially after the work you've done to promote justice and acceptance in the community.Alexite grasps the constable's proffered hand, "Oh, have I? My that would be hard work." He smiles blandly at the compliment with a look mixed of mild surprise and vacancy.
Of course it would. Elric responds somewhat sarcastically, ignoring the man's confusion. I obviously have him confused with someone else in the Ilsurian Family.
After the awkward exchange, Elric turns towards the Sheriff to speak with her.
Orne continues chatting with Aliana.
Well met, indeed. Do you need some water? Sometimes the dust, straw... He waves his hand, indicating the environment.
Mother cooks, father husbands the animals... that never sounds quite right. And, Nala keeps them righteous. His smile isn't threatening, but toothy.
"Sounds quite interesting - wait, does your mother also sell wine, by any chance? I've had some of her dessert wines recommended quite highly to me by Constable Huntington. He says they're quite fine. Perhaps I'll see you later at your mother's booth - I always enjoy a chance to sample fine Varisian cooking. Of course, it's all fine compared to mine." She laughs. "Oh, wait - " Aliana sees a pause in conversation between Constable Huntington and Sheriff Feldane. "Sorry, but if you'll give me a moment, I have matters to discuss with the Constable and the Sheriff. It was wonderful to meet you, and you, Nala! Keep that brother of yours in line."
She gives Orne and Nala a wide smile and walks back over to Constable Huntington. "Sorry if I'm interrupting, but I had something I wanted to discuss - about one of the carnival shows? I was talking with some of the guards earlier, and it sounds like they're setting up that big round tent to show a - I think they called it a Gynosphinx? I know they're quite concerned with setting up magical protections inside the tent, so it must present some degree of danger. But don't worry, Miss Almara's being quite thorough in her preparations; I'm sure everything will be fine."
She hesitates for a moment. "Could you try not to spread the word too much? They asked me to keep it a secret, so no one would try to sneak in before the tent was safe. They said they trusted me - I don't want them to know I've told anyone. But I just thought you and Sheriff Feldane should know. You know...in case anything does go wrong."
Wine, no... But... He waves in parting. Squeezing his sister's hand, they continue their tour.
You see Nala, done folks like to get into everyone else's business... Maybe, on a simple man. But, I mostly keep to myself unless it's directly related to work or Desna.
Of course it would. Elric responds somewhat sarcastically, ignoring the man's confusion. I obviously have him confused with someone else in the Ilsurian Family.
After the awkward exchange, Elric turns towards the Sheriff to speak with her.
Alexite merely raises his eyebrows at the constable's sarcasm.
Aliana quickly turns away and fakes a cough to try and hide her exasperation at Alexite's shallow preening. Bluff: 1d20 ⇒ 3
"Song of the Spheres guide your path, sir!" Aliana returns his short bow. "I hope your journey was blessed.
"And may She guide your feet on your journeys, near and far, and may the Stars give you light to see."
Orlin continues with a word, that didn't quite seem to be any known language, and then Aliana too, feels the gentle warmth.
During the brief moments that Orne drifted near, Orlin gives him a nod, as one of Her Servants, to another, yet letting him continue his slightly delayed journey.
As the Sheriff and/or Constable rejoin the huddle.
"I do hope the rest of the boys are well behaved this trip into town, things got a little rowdy last month... I'd rather not spend Quite so many hours mending broken bones. Though, the Carnival should keep everyone entertained before it's back up into the hills for us. I'll keep my eyes open over the next couple days, and see if I can keep the injuries to a minimum. For your sake, and Mine."
"And what is your name warrior?" He responds in Varisian, returning her gaze.
She seems ready for our dance in the arena. I wonder if she is as anxious as I he thinks to himself.
"As much as I enjoy your company, I do have some work that I must attend to. Those fish traps won't empty themselves. You are welcome to accompany me of course, if you wish, and you can stand the smell. Not every one appreciates the smell of the docks."
Fish resumes his stroll back to the docks, with or without company.
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"And what is your name warrior?" He responds in Varisian, returning her gaze.
She seems ready for our dance in the arena. I wonder if she is as anxious as I he thinks to himself.
The woman looks deeply into Pavo's eyes, like trying to see inside his mind.
She extends her arms and grabs him by the shoulders.She smiles.
She release him, and walks away without turning her back to him, with her eyes on his.
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Taking the Sheriff aside, Elric whispers, Are you saying that the Carnival is no longer our concern? That we should not investigate any crimes that occur in the Carnival grounds?
This is our home, Kyra. We don't abandon the farmers because they're outside of the city limits. We don't abandon the ship owners when a crime occurs on the open waters. I don't think we should abandon the Carnival to whatever no good anyone is up to just because they're not a permanent fixture.
I understand that we may not want false reports, and if I was out of line inviting Fish to walk with me, I'll accept my irresponsibility on that part. But I cannot in good conscious ignore what happens to anyone who comes to our town, Varisian or no.
Please do not order the department away from the Carnival; it will lead to bad tidings.
The Sheriff frowns.
"Do as I say. What do you want us to do? Try to arrest every petty thief, every "dancer" and every pusher in the carnival? When a farmer or a housewife returns home all bothered up, and tells their spouse that they were robbed, are we going to investigate who they give the money to, and in exchange of what? Are you mad?"She looks at the carnival.
"We don't force anyone to come, and they don't either. Every townsfolk that comes here is looking for something, and it is not our business to know what. This is their only outlet, and they will riot if we poke our big noses in. So we stay back, let them do whatever they want to do, and keep the peace IN TOWN."
She looks at Elric with something like a disappointing look.
"They are just entertainers and merchants. They know they need to take care of their clients. They are not criminal or murderers. They are perfectly able to take care of their business. I expected you to know that, and know we don't need to get in their hair. We take care of town, but we leave the carnival alone, understand? They are good people."
Taking the Sheriff aside, Elric whispers, Are you saying that the Carnival is no longer our concern? That we should not investigate any crimes that occur in the Carnival grounds?
This is our home, Kyra. We don't abandon the farmers because they're outside of the city limits. We don't abandon the ship owners when a crime occurs on the open waters. I don't think we should abandon the Carnival to whatever no good anyone is up to just because they're not a permanent fixture.
I understand that we may not want false reports, and if I was out of line inviting Fish to walk with me, I'll accept my irresponsibility on that part. But I cannot in good conscious ignore what happens to anyone who comes to our town, Varisian or no.
Please do not order the department away from the Carnival; it will lead to bad tidings.The Sheriff frowns.
"Do as I say. What do you want us to do? Try to arrest every petty thief, every "dancer" and every pusher in the carnival? When a farmer or a housewife returns home all bothered up, and tells their spouse that they were robbed, are we going to investigate who they give the money to, and in exchange of what? Are you mad?"
She looks at the carnival.
"We don't force anyone to come, and they don't either. Every townsfolk that comes here is looking for something, and it is not our business to know what. This is their only outlet, and they will riot if we poke our big noses in. So we stay back, let them do whatever they want to do, and keep the peace IN TOWN."
She looks at Elric with something like a disappointing look.
"They are just entertainers and merchants. They know they need to take care of their clients. They are not criminal or murderers. They are perfectly able to take care of their business. I expected you to know that, and know we don't need to get in their hair. We take care of town, but we leave the carnival alone, understand? They are good people."
Elric frowns back.
No, I do not get it. I do not understand. And I think you misunderstand me.
You seem to be under the impression that if I include the carnival in my territory, then I'll be harassing the Varisians. That I'll be arresting them based on every little rumor and every drunkard's word of a lost coin and a lost bet.
This is not what I mean. What I mean is that if someone from town tries to rob a merchant in the carnival, then it is just as much our responsibility to investigate that robbery than if it had happened in town. If someone - Gods forbid - gets murdered, then we investigate that as if it happened in town, or out in the farmlands, or out on the lake, or up river, or in any of the other areas where we visit and patrol.
It seems to me as if you are ordering me to stay away from any crime that happens here and just let anarchy run loose in the carnival.
I... I'm not sure I can stand by and let someone get away with murder just because it happened on carnival grounds as compared to in the town, Sheriff, and I think you know me well enough to know that.
This is our home, and we protect everyone - native and visitor alike.
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"Well, lovely to have a chance to finally make your acquaintance, then, and yours as well, Nala." Aliana drops into a small curtsy toward the little girl with a smile. "What work is it that keeps you out of Ilsurian so much? And what does your family do in the carnival?"The half-orc smiles benignly. Thank you, Ms. Merali.
My family travels with the carnival. This is my sister, Nala. It is good to visit with them. I live here, as much as anywhere else. But, my work keeps me out of town proper, mostly. And often during the day, I'm sleeping off a hard night's work.
Nala, standing very proudly, answers Aliana.
"My father is an animal keeper, and my mother a great cook!"|
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This is not what I mean. What I mean is that if someone from town tries to rob a merchant in the carnival, then it is just as much our responsibility to investigate that robbery than if it had happened in town. If someone - Gods forbid - gets murdered, then we investigate that as if it happened in town, or out in the farmlands, or out on the lake, or up river, or in any of the other areas where we visit and patrol.
It seems to me as if you are ordering me to stay away from any crime that happens here and just let anarchy run loose in the carnival.
Kyra smiles.
"How many years have been they coming? When have we got problems in there? They have their own bouncers, and know how to deal with drunks, jealous spouses and angry customers even better than us! Don't worry, they are perfectly able to keep order in the carnival grounds. But if we got there, and start clashing with their security people..."She looks at the others.
"You do as I tell you to, and everything will be fine. Let's go to the others, and wase them about this "monster" the carnival brought."
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Sheriff Feldane gets the whole group together (even Pavo, before his "meeting" with the Shoanti Champion).
"Ok, I hear it. The carnival brought a big dangerous monster to town, right? And I bet they will sell tickets to go and see it. Remember some 3 years ago they brought a siren? I bet it's only an illusion or some girl disguised. I wouldn't worry about it. Now, if you excuse me, the constable and me need to go talk with [b]the carnival owner."[/b]
Nala, Orne's kid sister, interjects.
"That is not true! Jherizhana is very big, and scares me a lot!"
The sheriff smiles, ignores the kid, and walks into the carnival grounds.
Aliana watches Sheriff Feldane withdraw, then turns to the others. "Well, I'm glad to have seen all of you; I hope the next few days go well, for everyone! If you'll excuse me, I have some things to attend to - I hope I can speak with all of you again soon. Nala, do you know where Clerk Atepmo is?"
"Of course, sweetheart! Lead the way." Aliana takes Nala's hand, following as Nala leads her through the crowd. "Tell me more about the carnival! What has it been like for you traveling this year? What new shows have you brought? I know about Jherizhana, of course."
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You start walking into a section of the carnival not for visitors, as show by the lack of attractions and decoration (Number 5 in the Umbra Carnival map). A couple guards start moving towards you, but they see Nala and Orne and stop, smile and let you pass.
Nala's eyes widen.
"Have you seen her? We children are not allowed to she her! They say is too dangerous. Ika says I should never see her, as her... chest... is not covered" - Nala's face gets a little bit of red over her normal green color - "and she also says that she likes to eat children!"
You arrive to one of the wagon, where Clerk Atepmo, Master of Accounts, receive them, and greets them in Varisian.
"Aliana, my daughter, I hope you are ok, and the year has treat you well. Will you want a space in the Winding Market this year? We, of course, will give you a hefty discount from the normal tariff."
Yes, Sheriff. Elric says.
After she talks to the group, he follows her to the Carnival boss.
Nala seems to be speaking with an insider's knowledge. When she mentions being frightened, Orne releases an instinctive gutteral sound, nearly a growl. His tusks more prominent than usual.
He listens intently. Everything on its time.
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The meeting is short and tense. Kyra Feldane makes the conditions for the Carnival to operate.
"...I don't want any kind of narcotics, stolen goods or poisons get into town, I don't care what happens in your Carnival, but I don't want any of it getting out. I don't want any "dancer" working outside of your premises, or any of your goons chasing a local that forgot to pay something. Are we clear?"
Almara Delisen, her face hard, nods.
"Of course Sheriff. And I hope you will keep an eye on my people when it goes to Ilsurian to trade, right? We thank you for saving the girl last year, and I hope we don't have that kind of problems this one."
They seems ready to finish the interview.
It doesn't take Fish long to reach the docks. He checks the fishing lines that are out, refilling any lost bait and transferring any catches to his cage. He moves to pull up the sunk traps, emptying out any new prizes and renewing the bait in those as well. As part of a practiced routine, it takes him hardly any time at all. It's easy to see that he's done this hundreds of times before. Once done he heads home to wash up some and update his inventory.
The whole time he thinks about her. Her eyes, her look, her touch. He wonders about their brief encounter and ponders what exactly it was she was doing. Was she really interested in him, or was she just trying to get him off his game? She barely said a word, but her eyes said enough. Enough to leave him confused anyway. He finished up at his house, changed out of his work clothes and into something a tad more appropriate. His clothes were rather plain, but they were clean. They were also loose and did not restrict his movement. He aimed to work out a little after seeing some of the carnival attractions. He slipped his cestus back on and sheathed his kukri in a hidden belt scabbard in the middle of his back. While the carnival had its fair share of guards and protections, it wasn't what he would consider safe. He shook his head to get the memory of what happened to that little girl out and made his way back to the fair.
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So...
I will start with the carnival opening tonight. If you want to do something before, hurry up!
"Mama's not said anything about setting up in the Market this year, so I don't know if we'd have time to set up anything. But if there's anything that anyone needs, I'll be glad to arrange any trades necessary through the shop in town. I can accompany anyone who wants to pick up anything - no one in town should give them a bad time if I'm with them. Or I can deliver any necessary goods here. And certainly I'll speak with Mama about being prepared for next year!"
Aliana speaks with the Clerk a while longer, creating a list of the alchemical supplies the Carnival is still in need of.
Orlin gives the small cluster of slowly separating individuals a small bow.
"May the gods of our peoples shine down on us all this day."
He heads unerringly towards a specific tent in the distance. If/When the Carnival Guards stop him...
"Peace be on you this day, and the Blessings of Desna guide your feet on your journey's. I seek the All-Seeing Hajeck, to offer her my aid if she'll have it, and ask for a reading, as I have done every year for the last 20."