Herri takes a smallstep towards(E4)the sleeping dog to get a clear strike on goblin in f4 and to provide Nover with clear strike.
The fact that he held his wounded side did not slow Bellamy down, as he flipped and rolled away from the goblin, retracing his way here while being in the air for half the time Speaking of bows As he was about to land from his last aerial maneuver, he held his right arm forward and stretched his left arm back, in an archer's stance. Flame erupted from both his palms, shaping into an amorphous bow an arrow. As Bellamy "released" the arrow, it flew taking the bow with it, growing larger in volume and in length as it raced towards the goblin.
Landing with a wince and a smile the sorcerer continued holding his injured side "It is good to meet you again Elaina" He joked amidst semi labored breaths before returning his focus to the goblins ahead.
Stepping forward Nover swings his warhammer over his head in a deadly smash. His eyes alight with the battle, but Nover was calm and thinking straight. His mighty rage held at bay only by his patience.
"Let's keep this up!" He turns to his enemy with the mighty hammer in his hands "EAT THIS YOU PILE OF REFUSE!"
Herri steps around the goblin at F4, making way for Nover as he swings his sword across with perfect aiming, looking to separate the goblin's head from its neck. The goblin raises his arm, however, and takes the blow to his torso, the blade cutting deep but not mortally.
Nover steps towards the other northern goblin, swinging the heavy hammer in his hands as though it is a toy. Zella's shapely, unblemished legs on his brain, he manages to salvage their toned looks for a while longer as he makes that goblin not be with authority.
Bellamy tumbles past the goblin that just sorely wounded him, confusing the creature enough that he gets away from it before it even realizes he left. He then releases his fiery missile at the creature, catching it full in the torso. The goblin staggers under the onslaught, but is clearly ready to retaliate.
Zella will attack one of the goblins.
How many more goblins are running around this town?
Zella steps up to the goblin in F4 (F2 was smashed into oblivion by Nover), and seconds later it is drowning in its own blood from a well-placed snap of the wrist.
Elaina swirls into a deadly dance and tries to finish the fight.
Elaina charges at the goblin in C8, gathering momentum for her swing as she twirls. She lashes out with her weapon, the curving blade of the scimitar laid out flat. It lacks precision, and is normally a blow the goblin could easily avoid. However, the creature is still overbalanced from the devastating hit on Bellamy and can not react quickly enough and is knocked to the ground, holding its side and curling into a ball.
The party commences to coup de grace the wretched dog-like creature before it can wake.
Combat is over!
"Whew. I really hope that was the last of those disgusting little buggers this time. I'd rather like to avoid getting cut again, I bet their blades are absolutely filthy."
Zella looks at the person who had been calling for help at the start while she wraps her scarf around her latest wound. "Are you alright there?"
Eyeing the one goblin that was left unconscious, Nover tries to find something to clean his warhammer on.
"I wouldn't be surprised if there were more. But this was very organized. Something seems off."
I just polished this thing yesterday.
The nobleman glances around nervously, then, seeing no more wakeful goblins, he comes out of hiding. His eyes sweep over the group and settle on Zella, a grin spreading across his face. "Oh my brave heroes, thank you so much for saving me! I owe my life to you." At this point, he brushes the dust off his clothing, approaching closer.
His eyes dart about before settling back on Zella. "I have some urgent business to attend to. Why don't you look me up at the White Deer later? I'd love to talk some more and perhaps reward you for your help here!"
A smile greeted the nervous noble "Why not dine with dragons instead? The chef there knows her way about fire, steel and ingredients" The grin on the sorcerer's face widened as he stepped towards the barrel that had been a stalwart shield to the man that wished to reward them, and sat on one of them his left hand still clutching his side I'd best look through the remains...after a few moments of rest
The man absently nods his head as he turns away, "I shall meet you later at the Rusty Dragon, then. Until that time, farewell!"
Things are returning to some sense of normalcy now. Thankfully, most of the bodies that litter the streets are goblins. Bellamy rifles through the goblin belongings, finding little of value until he searches the leader. On him there are 20 gp and a weapon of surprisingly exceptional quality. Searching his memory, he decides that this blade is what goblins refer to as a Horsechopper.
"I am all for heading back to the Rusty Dragon now. I could surely use a good drink after all of this. This was definitely not the kind of excitement I was expecting at the Festival."
Nover lets out a whistle looking around at the damage the goblins did.
"I'm with you on that Zell. However I think I'll take a walk around town to see what has been damaged and will need help with the cleanup tomorrow morning. I don't think there will be any cleanup tonight with everybody recuperating from the attack and healing from wounds. I hope nobody was seriously harmed."
He looks down and closes his eyes, whispering a short prayer that everybody is alright.
"Grrr! Too bad we couldn't keep the leader alive. This one probably doesn't know anything..."
The Sheriff and Mayor approach, the Mayor grinning widely, the Sheriff scowling. The Mayor comes close, and practically yells for all to hear. "Behold these young heroes! They kept their nerves and helped to rid Sandpoint of this menace! Let's show our appreciation!"
Even through all the events of the day, there is still a rousing cheer from those still around. The Mayor waves and keeps gesturing to you guys, obviously wanting you to play the part.
As people go back to cleaning up, the Mayor speaks much more softly. "I would like to personally thank you for your assistance. Our guards are stretched thin enough already, and there would have been more fatalities and mayhem if you have not stepped up. And I would appreciate it if you would continue with your help to our Town. We would like to discuss you investigating this...incident later on. Our esteemed Sheriff will explain." She smiles at you, waving as she turns to leave.
Belor Hemlock approaches now, smiling, except at Bellamy. He addresses everyone it seems, except him. "Please meet me at the Garrison after supper. We have much to discuss, if you are up for it." He glares one last time at Bellamy before he takes his leave.
Herri quietly watched as the nobleman focused his entire attention on Zell. As the nobleman left Herri needed to ensure his new friends were taken care and pleaded for Iomedae once again to heal his companions.
Thereafter he noted to the group, "There really is something deceitful about the nobleman. Did you note that he spoke about the White Deer and then shortly thereafter identified the Rusty Dragon?" Anyone else get that feeling?
Herri walked on with the group quietly taking in the horrors of the day when he noted the Sheriff and Mayor approaching.
"Maybe they will have answers."
Herri intensely watches the two as they approach and speak for hidden clues to the events of the day.
At the words "more fatalities" Nover's heart sinks. For all that he and others could do, bad things still happened to people who did not deserve their fate. His head stays down and he stares at his hands and feet.
Under his breath he mutters a few times "I should have been there, I should have saved them."
Nover spends his time before dinner walking around a bit, consoling others who have lost something or someone the best that he can. Praying to the common human deities of death, and a prayer to Magrim.
Despite the Rusty Dragon having an excellent dinner as usual, it seems to be missing something.
The glare and scowl of Hemlock did little to effect Bellamy who returned the clear signs of displeasure and annoyance with an enigmatic grin and a single wave as the sheriff and the mayor left them "The garrison will be a fine place to be after supper" He commented, knowing full well that Belor could still hear him.
Before Bellamy could say anything else he saw how Nover took the news of the fatalities You cannot save everyone He thought to himself somberly, knowing that it would be best to leave Nover to himself for now.
Hopping of the barrel the sorcerer looked to his companions "The dragon awaits" He said before making his way to his pseudo home in Sandpoint.
Elaina gathers her things and heads to the Rusty Dragon. She sits alone and looks angry, as usual.
With a smile on his face, a not so sore, closed wound on his side and a slightly ripped shirt did Bellamy enter the Rusty Dragon. Despite the crowds, he was able to snake his way to front of the bar, his eyes laying on Ameiko who was busy at work "I help stop an army of goblins, and all I have to show for it is a hole in my shirt" He said in clear jest "But" Small flashes of light explode on the arm he just raised "I am not too displeased with the results" He continued as the minor light tricks died down.
"Well, we certainly fought a few groups of them, though I don't know about calling is a whole army. And could I get another goblet of wine please Ameiko?"
Ameiko flits around her Inn, serving her customers with energy and a smile. She lays down a steaming platter of food and a mug of ale for Zella and Herri, raising a hand to decline any payment if it was forthcoming.
She then makes her way to Elaina, giving her the same treatment. She notes Elaina's scowl, and says sweetly, with only the hint of an accent, "The town surely thanks ya for ya help, miss. Take these as a token of my gratitude." She winks at the surly dancer before going to the back.
She comes back out to serve Nover, sympathy crossing her lovely features as he mopes. She puts the ale and food down in front of him, giving him a few reassuring pats on the shoulder before moving to the next customer.
Lastly she bustles towards Bellamy, laughing in her husky tone as he shows off the hole in his shirt and his minor magic. "Looks like ya should be more careful next time, Bellamy. Too many holes like that will end a man. And I don't think ya need worry bout what to show for it. Methinks your bed will know the fruits of ya labor afore too long." She chuckles and nods her head towards another table, where a sultry red-haired girl sits. Bellamy recognizes her as the general store owner's younger daughter (although she is 18, and is technically a woman). As he looks, she winks at him, bending forward a little to show a little more of her ample bosom before taking a sip of her drink.
Ameiko nods to Zella, grinning, and rushes to the back. She returns quickly with a bottle of the wine, setting it on the table. The raucous calls of the crowd threaten to overwhelm her as she rushes off to the next table.
"Thanks boss. Damn goblins and their raids." He pounds his fist on the table. "Brings up a lot of bad memories."
Nover finds a pitcher of ale arrive at the table and shoved in front of him by some of the hired help. He catches Ameiko winking at him before scurrying off to help across the Inn.
Herri smiles and nods to Ameiko for delivery of the delicious food before him.
"Zella, I enjoy a little hint of home that you bring with your wonderful scarf. It like you never stops dancing. At least i am sure that is what the goblins say."
Herri laughs heartily as he drinks his tasty ale and digs into the night meal.
Lastly she bustles towards Bellamy, laughing in her husky tone as he shows off the hole in his shirt and his minor magic. "Looks like ya should be more careful next time, Bellamy. Too many holes like that will end a man. And I don't think ya need worry bout what to show for it. Methinks your bed will know the fruits of ya labor afore too long." She chuckles and nods her head towards another table, where a sultry red-haired girl sits. Bellamy recognizes her as the general store owner's younger daughter (although she is 18, and is technically a woman). As he looks, she winks at him, bending forward a little to show a little more of her ample bosom before taking a sip of her drink.
My bed? Bellamy wonders for a second what Ameiko was hinting at before turning where she nodded her head Ah, the daughter of the general store owner...Were girls back in my village that flirty? Wondered the sorcerer as he smiled back to the red head.
Her full pink lips curl up in an inviting smile before she takes another sip of her drink, eyes locked on the sorcerer.
Herri hears a resounding cheer of "It be true, the woman's scarf flicked about, and goblin blood was a'pourin!" A grizzled old timer a couple of tables down exclaims to his friends as they enjoy a drink together. The entire table, all exclusively middle-aged or older men, turns to look. The looks range from respect to downright desire as they eye-ogle the bard.
As he walked towards the table in a calm manner, Bellamy noted an unlit candle on one of the tables, with a wave of his right hand a spark of arcane energy that glowed with a red hue, leaped through the air in a zig-zag, and arcing motion, when it touched the wick of the candle, a small flame sprouted and burned brightly as it began consuming the previously unused candle.
"Hello Shayliss" Said Bellamy as he sat down in a free chair that was opposite of the redhead.
Shayliss's green eyes follow the spark before turning back to the approaching magician. "Hello handsome." The woman looks at the sorcerer over the top of her mug, face flushing with pleasure that Bellamy apparently knows her name. "Heard you made quite a show out there earlier."
"Thank you Herri, I am sure those goblins would have had some less kind words to say about my dancing. If tomorrow proves to be less, uhm, exciting, then I would be more than happy to perform a few dances here and sing as well."
"Some would say such shows were entertaining distractions, while others would not find enjoyment if it was presented to them in a silver plate" He said casually as his pointing finger ran along the outer edge of a plate that placed near him "So tell me why would a girl with fire in her hair turn her eyes towards someone like me?" He asks as a small grin crawled into his facade.
The old men grin at one another, then whoop and holler at Zella, a few dances definitely an appreciated gesture, even if it won't be until tomorrow.
The redhead looks at Bellamy slyly, the right side of her lips curling up. "Someone like you seems like just the sort of man to help me with my...needs." She lets you hang on that for a moment before continuing. "My father's store has a rodent infestation in the basement, and figured that with your unique skills you could certainly make sure I am well pleased by your efforts down there." The half smile remains, a dark red brow arching upward to join it.
A snort, was followed by a low, deep laugh as Bellamy could hardly believe what he was hearing "It is not often that I say this, but I am the worst person for this job" The black haired man placed his hand in front of his face and moved it casually from left to right, causing the flame that grew on its back and sides to dance while simultaneously leaving a trail of light and heat.
"A fire starter like myself, a closed basement filled with merchandise, and a shop made of wood...shhh" the flame diminished as he placed his pointing finger to his lips "Can you hear the sheriff calling for my arrest?" He said in a sly but no less jovial manner.
The woman seems a bit taken aback, eyes widening slightly before she redoubles her efforts, a full grin on her face now as she leans a little over the table to grab his arm in a pleading manner.
"The task at hand does not call for fire, but perhaps a steady pounding until we are both satisfied with the results."
Bellamy was slightly surprised by the determination of the young woman, and he did not miss her choice of words either Both satisfied? I had to shower me with the contents of her glass but, and yet here she is trying so hard to be in my company, I wonder why While not suspicious of others, Bellamy was curious and Shayliss' insistence has piqued his interest.
"I am sure rats are the least of your problems, so why don't you tell me what is bothering you? Desperation does not seem like something you are used to, but something must have driven you there hm? Do speak to me of what it is, even if I may not be able to help, I am told I am a surprisingly good listener..." Well not by the teachers I've had in my life, but what do they know? Bellamy smiled at his own mental comment, as he remembered for a moment his time at the academy.
The woman's grin freezes, and she gives Bellamy a level look before her grin resumes, more mischievous than ever. She stands up and leans over the table towards him, the milky white flesh of the tops of her breasts exposed to him as she presses her lips close to his ear:
She bats her eyes at him, slowly settling back down into her seat as she sips at her drink.
That cold look and the lifeless grin did more to ignite Bellamy's curiosity, but this time it was holding hand with something he rarely spent emotional fuel on, his suspicion; she had been snapped out of her performance for but a moment, but then she was back into it with more fervor than before and Bellamy would be lying if he even thought he was not enticed, it would be so easy to simply agree with her and get something besides this ripped shirt for his trouble, but the sorcerer was never discouraged by difficulty before.
"I'd be lying if I said I was not impressed by your determination, but its only making me question this even more, especially after I've caught a glimpse of something else in your eyes, something colder...no need for you to put the mask on so tightly, it will be hard to breath after a while" Bellamy's eyes looked very sincere and his words almost had a sympathetic but surprisingly stern quality to them "I am still willing to listen, but to something other than your overeager performance"
Her brow furrows in confusion, her eyes narrow in thought as she slowly processes what he is saying. She sits silently for a moment, clearly at a loss.
She tosses back the last of her drink, slamming it down on the table. She leans forward, speaking slowly, "I am willing to do much more than listen, you damned handsome fool! Or is it every day you have a lady practically throw themselves at you?"
The smile on Bellamy's face widens to a degree Shayliss has not seen before "No, no not everyday, so why is it now that a lady that I have not spoken to before decides to throw herself at me?" Asked Bellamy, the enigmatic look in his eyes focused on Shayliss "Because I am hero? Then why are you the only one?" Bellamy lets out another low toned deep laugh as he lowered his head and caused a bit of shadow to crawl onto his face.
"At first you tried to be coy, and every time I turned down your advances, you grew more direct, more determined and now frustration begins to settle in, I told you before, no? Tying the mask so tightly will leave you breathless" Bellamy raises his head till they are both at eye level "I have no doubt that you want to be in my company, you've been asking for it since the moment we've met" The sorcerer places his elbow on the table and brings his fist close to his chin "But you've tried so hard that you've....would "killed the mood" be appropriate? Call me a glutton for punishment but I enjoy the chase just as much as getting the prize" With that comment, the screech of his chair being pushed back was heard by both of them and soon he was on his feet "Your fortune is not with me my lady, I suggest you look for it elsewhere" The sounds of Bellamy's footsteps were drowned out by the sounds of laughter, jovial conversations and upbeat singing.
The lady scowls at his back, but it is short-lived as she moves on to her next conquest. Bullet dodged, Bellamy makes his way across the room, presumably to his new-found friends.
Elaina scowls down at her plate and continues to fuss with the tear in her dress. Why's everyone so happy? Everything is ruined! Watching Bellamy's rejection of the pretty girl does elicit a little giggle from her. Silly floozy, trying way too hard. Nobody likes that.