Chief Defender Halgra takes a few moments to personally thank each of you for your support and kind efforts on Ruby's behalf tonight. She takes the time to shake hands and seems to commit the name to each of your faces, if not previously known.
Halgra pats Adir on the back, likewise taking a moment to scratch Tuzak between the ears. Good going Adi, your sister loves you dearly, I am glad you were able to be there for her.
Delia, good to see you, and your cat. I dare say sometime soon you may be riding that cat instead of your horse on patrol.
Little Leira, not so little anymore. I have not seen Erik around Ivory Hall lately, I take it all is well then at home. Clearly you have been practicing your marksmanship. Kurst will have some competition next Archer's Day.
Master Morgrim, I hope you and your uncle are well. It is good to see you here, helping out in Ruby's time of need. I know you have been pestered often about the Standing Vow, but knowing you are willing to help is a true comfort.
Halgra steps to Songan last, giving the catfolk a look-over as she moves to him. It takes a few tries to pronounce the name, but she gets it quicker than most. Songan, welcome to Trunau. I have heard a few things about you, but nothing that would have prepared me for how useful and beneficial you can be. I want to thank you for being here tonight to help my Ruby.
Leira nods happy the Defender addresses her directly "Helping home and in the shop takes me most part of day, but at every single opportunity Erik has taken me to train. Please Hagra, let me help the town, let me scout and kill orcs! Like the older ones." the girl eyes shine in excitement as she brings a hand over her hopeknife's hilt.
"Of course, Mother. I was happy to be able to help. She's a good kid. Guess you did alright if you ended up with two of us, right?," Adir teases.
"An thank you Dief Chefender, for creatin so many chances for Vowin celebrations! Seems like jus th'other день we's drinkin to Adi there..." Morgrim says with a broad grin, and a wobble.
"" he shouts swiping another unoccupied mug from another nearby table and raising it as high as he can manage, "the мать a'the guard, 'n the матрона праздника... Torag благословить her 'n ее семья милиция," and then draining it.
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Songan tips his head and lifts his mug to Halgra, offering her a smile. "Your welcome means a great deal to me, Chief Defender Halgra. It was my pleasure and honor to compete on your daughter's behalf and I appreciate that you were willing to let chips fall where they may when she chose her champions. That you trusted me with her care means a great deal to me and you have my gratitude for it." Songan answers.
Halgra smiles at you all, taking Ruby up in her arms, obviously growing tired after all the excitement and celebration. Leira, you will have your chance soon enough. For now support your family, and when the position becomes available, you will have the chance to join the militia. Looking askance at Adir, I raised many of my sons right, but for you, fate has yet to favor me with an answer, she grins and offers a wink. She then turns and bows slightly to Morgrim. И , возможно, вы скоро обет присоединиться к нашей семье she retorts. Then, looking back to you all, It seems our newest defender is tired, we both bid you all a good evening. Enjoy the festivities and again, thank you all. She and her retinue then depart, taking Ruby and their throng back to Ivory Hall.
Adir, helped by the evening's libations, laughs uproariously at the jest. Knowing that it is all in good fun, he replies, "I'm sure we'll know the answer one of these days. Perhaps Fate has not flipped a coin yet. But this one's alright." He finally gives in to the urge and tousles Ruby's hair before grabbing her in a bear hug.
Leira nods at the Chief Defender as she leaves I will.
Afterwards she turns around and looks for other people to talk with. Approaching Songan she says "Sorry Songan. Have anyone shown the town to you already? I know the place where to eat the best roasted meat!" suddenly realizing he might not feel comfortable eating other animals, she adds "Sorry... I just did not mind to... we also have fish and potatoes..."
Delia grins at Halgra's words about Jace and she pats the warcat atop his head. "Indeed, we shall strike fear into the hearts of those foul hordes." She grants her a nod as the Chief Defender takes her leave. Delia takes a large swig of her ale and notices her lips are starting to tingle, this makes her grin even wider.
She suddenly throws her arm around Leira's shoulders while the younger woman talks with Songan. "I could go for some roast meat to go with this tasty ale!"
"Meat?!?" Morgrim exclaims with a grin of his own... "Веди к мясу!"
Despite his inebriation, he seems amazingly steady on his feet as he follows the young women (it must be easier to balance on those short legs).
After Halgra's departure, Adir circulates, acquiring fruit for Tuzak and meat for himself.
Groin finds a place in the chow line, just as Ruby's champions arrive. He grins and nods curtly to any that make eye contact, but stops to speak to Morgrim. "Хороший бросок, сэр."
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The catfolk can't help but chuckle at Leira's hesitance. "I assure you, I am no vegetarian. I enjoy meat as much as anyone else. Though I must admit you are correct in assuming I particularly enjoy the kind that swims."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Leira stumbles a bit under Delia's hug but she smiles while looking at Songan eyes "Sure, I suppose we can go to pay a visit to Rabus Clarenston." she looks at the cat-man again and clarifies "He is the owner of The Killin Ground, a nice bar just next to my home."
As Morgrim gets into the idea, Leira looks at Adir and says "Ei big A! Do you want to come and have a late dinner?!"
Assuming he says yes, the girl gathers with all his friends and the new comer and walks towards the local tavern. She tries to locate Erik or Sara to tell them she is retiring to the tavern.
She comments while walking "I hope he has prepared his Roasted Hope Beef and you want to try out the moonshine too Songan."
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"Oh, I have tried Rabus' moonshine. When I first arrived at the height of winter his bar was one of the two places that would actually grant me room on a somewhat permanent basis. While I'll give you that his roast beef is excellent, his bar has well-earned its moniker from the 'shine. I try not to partake of too much of the stuff. Ever heard someone say a cat on catnip behaved like it was drunk? They don't say that for no reason."
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Surprised at Leira's invitation, Adir recovers quickly. Grinning, he replies, "I knew you'd come around, just a matter of time."
The party makes their way to the Killin' Grounds, the festivities at the Commons having begun to draw to a close.
The streets are crowded at first, but begin to filter out the further you go. As you arrive at the Killin' Grounds, you find the tavern well packed with a mix of villagers, traveling merchants from the Barterstones, and others enjoying the later hours. Rabus Clarenston is behind the bar, and as you enter, he sends a small, older waitress over to see you to a table. There are only two places left to accommodate your group, the far front corner or one near the middle of the room.
Eyya, where ya wanna sits loves? asks the waitress, a dark skinned redhead, perhaps in her late 30's, her hair in long tight braids. As she moves, a few tattoos creep out from under her apron.
Delia, after surviving in raids on the orcs, prefers to have something to her back. "We'll take the corner." She quickly answers for the group, not really thinking whether anyone would rather sit elsewhere.
The waitress takes you all to the corner table, allowing you to take your seats on either of the two side benches or a chair at each end of the table. She mentions there are a few servings of beef remaining, so if you wish to order, might be best to do so now. Always busy they says when a Hopeblade thing goes down...
She stands ready to accept any orders.
Edit: Waitress
Adir takes a place beside Leira. "I'll take an order of the beef, two if there's enough," Adir says raising his hand. As his hand comes off the table, one can hear the rip of flesh being separated from a sticky surface. "Ugh, 'bout due for a storm to clean this place out."
"Всеговядина . И хлеб и сыр . И пиво . И рыба . И те вещи, мне нравится, что у вас есть иногда ..." Morgrim replies, then he nods at his companions with a satisfied smile.
Delia gives Morgrim a bemused expression and shakes her head at him. "I'll take some beef, bread and butter, some 'shine, and a stout. The darker the better."
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"That roof is the entire reason I decided to stay in Sanctuary instead of here. A room was offered, but it would've been too much trouble to build a roof over one section of the place...or rig the tarp so it didn't get rolled up with the rest of the roof during a storm." Songan explains as he takes a seat where they were offered, obviously taking care not to get his tail on any of the less-than-clean surfaces.
"I'll take some of the roast beef, as well, please. If you have any available, I'd prefer hot tea to drink...if you don't, something that doesn't have alcohol in it."
"Почему все ..." Morgrim begins, then with a wry grin and some concentration he says, "why's e'eryone tryin t'order beef? I ass'd her t'bring it all a'ready... with bread 'n cheese 'n fish fer kitty..."
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"Спасибо , брат. Присоединяйтесь к нам на некоторые продукты питания и напитки ?"
Groin seems taken aback at Morgrim's offer. His eyes nervously dart around the tavern, but seeing no open tables, "тханк уу, юр кортесы иис аппречиатед." He stammers and takes a seat.
The waitress mumbles something under her breath then moves off back towards the kitchen. The noises of the tavern are normal for a Hopeknife night, everyone seeming to be festive, despite the grim nature of the vow and the gift presented to the child.
After a several minutes, the waitress returns with a large communal platter heaped with beef, potato cubes, assorted broiled brine-vegetables, and several smaller plates. Another waitress, one of the regulars from town brings a platter stacked with your drinks. It takes a few minutes to scatter round the plates, clatter out the silverware, and lay out the libations as ordered.
With that, the pair retreat from the floor, leaving you alone with a half dozen other parties, all enjoying the late evening and friendly atmosphere.
Another waitress, one of the regulars from town
Leira looks and listens condescendingly to Adir. She then turns to Songan and asks "So, Songan, you told us you came from Firrine. That's a small town isn't it? Have you been living there? Or you are wandering around the region?"
As the conversation moves, Leira eats roasted beef, potatoes, and drinks the house speciality, while shyly adding to the common conversation "What do you think the 'white sword' graffiti means? Is it you Morgrim trying a late design for a new hopeknife?" laughs the girl.
Leira has heard the last rumours and she gives a look to the place curious about this Amilee Kurtfine local maiden.
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"Yes, Firrine is a small settlement...more of a waystation, really. Many crusaders go through there, either on their way to the Worldwound or to Ustalav. I...well, I suppose the truth of the matter is that I do not know how I came to be in Firrine. My earliest memories are of being there, but my earliest memories are not when they should be. I was...well, honestly, I'm not certain how old I was, but I would hazard a guess at six? Perhaps seven? All I remember is waking up in an alley somewhere in Firrine, dressed in rags, clutching a blanket, and this on a chain around my neck." he trails off, reaching into his shirt to pull out a small, old compass.
The instrument is old, scratched up, and battered; the compass needle is bent and only traces of the original silver-ish coating remain. "There is an inscription of some sort on the back, as well, but no one I have shown it to has been able to translate it for me. I assume it is a language either so ancient or so uncommon that it is lost to modern understandings."
"It is, truthfully, this compass that led me here. I am not certain why, but there are times when, in the dark, it almost seems to glow...and at others, the needle will suddenly move of its own accord, pointing some direction other than true north. Normally it isn't for long enough to let me actually track where it is pointing, but the last time it acted up, I decided to follow it. As it turns out, the compass brought me straight here."
Leira listens to Songan story with interest "Oh! It should have been horrible to raise alone." once the cat-man shows the compass she looks at his eyes and asks "Do you mind if I have a look at it?"
If allowed to, Leira takes the compass from Songan's hands, the fingers slightly touching each other.
After a second of hesitation, the girl recovers and looks at the artifact trying to recall if she has seen it before, or guess what can it be used for.
"It is a Wayfinder. I don't know much about it, just that it is some kind of symbol for an organization in Absalom. I think they usually signal to the North, but some of them are modified to signal different places." she looks at the cat-man eyes handing it back "I am sorry I don't know much more about it. I hope that is useful to you. If you wish we can gather one day and try to decipher the inscription. I have some skill on it."
Morgrim quietly settles into some serious eating. He listens to the others talking as the food and his hardy dwarven system quickly work him back towards sobriety. He periodically takes large gulps of his drink, to make sure its not too quickly.
Adir listens to Songan's story with interest, but offers little insight. He is a little busy. Eating isn't a contest unto itself, but if it were, he seems determined to challenge Morgrim for the title. He glances at the dwarf periodically to see how he is faring.
"Has there been any word on Meriman's son, Othdan?" Groin asks in heavily accented common. "I believe he was last seen at this tavern." Groin ends his query looking at Songan.
Morgrim seems blissfully unaware that he is participating in any manner of competition, though he is certainly giving the large young man a run for his money.
He seems fairlyt disinterested in talk of graffiti and compasses (at least as they compare to food), but does seem somewhat engaged when talk turns to the missing boy...
Adir pauses his breakneck pace to ask, "What's that about Othdan being missing?"
** spoiler omitted **
At Adir's mention of Othdan, a fellow patron leans back and comments. The man wavers and wobbles, partly due to the chair being back on two legs, partly due to the man's heightened inebriation. Oh, ain't youse 'erd. Lil Othy dun gone an run'd off ona cawse of 'is wooman afallin' fer sumon elst. 'Es all 'artbrokt. 'E dinna 'av tha chatchkeys ta fite fer 'er. But tha Daktani 'e ain't one fer messin' wit, ifin ya nos was good fer ya, am I rite? hiccup
Daktani is a local half-orc laborer and roustabout. He does odd jobs for merchants in the Barterstones, occasionally serves time with the patrols to pay off fines earned due to drunken disorderly charges, misdemeanor fighting, other associated social indiscretions. He lives sometimes here and there in town, other times he stays at a small shack in the woods nearby.
Not really understanding the man's speech, Leira asks him "Have you seen Amilee Kurtfine around?"
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Songan gives a nod as he listens to the story, seeming to consider it for a moment. "I have seen Daktani about before and he certainly seems like one I would not wish to tussle with. Do you think Othdan sought him out and there was a fight? Perhaps we should try to find Daktani and ask him about it. Diplomatically, of course."
"I saw the boy's father earlier at the ceremony, he seemed...distressed. The boy should not put his father through such torment, broken heart or not." Groin says, a pained expression on his face.
"Broken heart? Aww, that's nothing. I get my heart broken half a dozen times a day. That's what they do. He'll be back soon enough."
"Well..." Morgrim chimes in setting down his forks and standing up, "we're not gonna solve that tonight and, speakin a brokenhearts, there's still one more thing t'see to before the celebrations are complete! If you all want to look for this boy tomorrow, why don't we meet up at the Ramblehouse after breakfast?"
He pauses for a moment for nods or objections, then adds, "Now, unless either of you two ladies are interested in some fine dwarven sausage for dessert, I need to go find someone interested in giving the champion of the hammer throw one more test of stamina!" He smirks as if joking when he makes his offer to Leira and Delia, by waits briefly for a response none the less...
He heads back towards the densest parts of the crowd in search of a willing young woman or two who would like to celebrate with one of the victors... preferably a human or half-orc... we're all the same on the inside and I'm not ready for another mouth to feed... let's see, what have we here...
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Songan nearly visibly cringes at the less-than-subtle nature of Morgrim's comment, and when the dwarf walks away, he puts his head in his hands and shakes it slightly, a quiet sigh escaping him.
Choosing to ignore the opportunity for further commentary, he looks over to Adir. "Even though you are likely correct, it seems that the reputation born by Daktani at least bears out an inquiry. It won't hurt to check."
Adir shrugs. "Sure, why not? Who saw him last, anyway?" As Morgrim walks away, Adir does a subtle fist pump, his competition vanquished.
Checking with the more familiar waitress, you discover that Amilee has only come back to the Killin' Fields once, the night after Othdan disappeared.
The night of the disappearance, the couple got into an argument shortly before they left. While Daktani was there that night, and as per usual making an arse of himself, including making passes at Amilee and other women present, the waitress is fairly sure Daktani left before the couple. He's been doing that a lot lately, leaving well before the nights young, not coming back until early evening. Must have a paying gig somewhere's, maybe guarding a merchant's shop o'ernite. Fools if they trust that gadabout. Just as soon be the thief is he, always tossing off junk to sell for cheap.
There seems to be little else to learn at the tavern, and the hours are starting to lengthen. The late watch has just stopped in, meaning the last watch has relieved them at their posts. Reluctantly, you all begin to feel tired enough to need to retire for the night.
Morgrim is able to find himself only , the new barmaid, a local shopkeep's eldest daughter, or a half-orc mason's apprentice. He may pick a target and choose his approach if desired, testing for results or hand-wave et al.
Leira shocks her head at the barbarish but rather honest dwarven proposition, she offers a rather peaceful "I am thinking on becoming vegetarian Morgrim. Thanks, but no." to the dwarf not very compelled by the shape of the offer.
Later on, she nods in affirmation to the other ones, "Yes, I think it is worth to go and talk to him. I am rather worried by the old Othdan. Perhaps we can ask tomorrow."
Looking at the light outside she stands up "It has been a pleasing night, I hope we can have more of it later on, but my mom is probably worried by now. Thank you all!" she looks at Adir, then Songan and finally Delia.
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Once at home, Leira talks with her family and is whiling to listen Erik's and Sara's own histories. When she finally goes to bed, she touches her hands one last time and then leaves herself to float in the waters of her dreams happy of having almost paired with Krust in her archery skills.
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The following morning, everyone awakens ready to join up with new friends and old to check out the disappearance of Othdan Meriman. That is until a lone deep horn makes a series of wailing calls over Trunau. It takes a moment to recognize the horn, one of mourning used to mark solemn occasions. To sound on a day not known for memorial or holiday is most unusual. A town crier outside is making the rounds, announcing to all Patrol Captain Rodrik Grath has been found dead!
Morgrim's uncle barely notices his nephew's trist with the daughter of one of his business partners, rattled by the sad news before hurrying out to meet with other like-minded individuals regarding how this will impact the town, her peoples, and their businesses.
Halgra places the Ivory Hall on lockdown, allowing only the most able-bodied adults to come and go freely, and even then recommending they travel in pairs.
The Sanctuary is abuzz at the news, the senior clergy already on scene to assist in whatever way deemed possible.
Already a large crowd has gathered outside the Ramblehouse. Tenants of the inn are locked down while the militia arranges to question each person, and those who have had dealings with Rodrik over the last few days are asked to make themselves available if needed. Militiamen are milling around, keeping the crowd at bay. Patrol Lieutenant Kurst Grath is near the entrance, pale and frayed, taking a moment's air amidst the tragedy striking both his family, his unit, his town.
The whispers are rampant as you make your way through the crowds. The inn’s owner, Cham Larringfass, discovered Rodrik’s body in his room, his wrists fatally lacerated and his bloody hopeknife still gripped in his limp hand. The town militia arrived soon after and roped off the entire building to investigate the scene, but gossip this far indicates all signs point to a suicide, a fact that saddens many of the town’s citizens.
I heard it that Rodrik Grath was next in line for the position of patrol leader after his old man Jagrin retires. Jagrin’s a good commander, but he’s getting old, and it was time for some new blood in the militia’s leadership. Who's gonna be the leader now?
Have you read Rodrik’s last work, ‘The Other Side of Contempt’? After that tripe it's no wonder he’d take his own life. Who could write such garbage and not be a bit mental. Drove himself crazy I bet he did.
I don't think he killed himself. I bet it was murder. I sure won’t be staying at the Ramblehouse anytime soon—not until that innkeeper Cham Larringfass takes a closer look at who she rents rooms to, at least. I hear she let's just anybody stay, if they have the right coin. Never trust the short folk, I say.
Morgrim throws on his chainshirt, grabs his dorn dergar and rushes down to the Ramblehouse. He arrives in time to overhear some nonsense about never trusting shortfolk which he responds to with an unamused glare. Spotting some of the gang from last night, he pushes through the crowd to them and asks, "What happened, what are they saying?"