Having listened to Rajah, Rain added, "Not being well versed in all the gods, I would say let us not permit evil Asmondeus to gain any more power."
The earlier conversation had her ruminating on the Gray Corsairs and a memory of them had come to her, "I do remember hearing that the Gray Corsairs were the naval arm of the Steel Falcons, an organisation established in Andoran who've made a name for themselves for attacking slave galleons and liberating slaves. The Steel Falcons, too, have orchestrated rebellion in Cheliax and could prove useful against the common enemy here and in The Shackles."
You move first to the one with the hand sticking out. After cutting at the thread for some time, you're able to pull enough of the webbing away from the body to reveal it is a human man; you are not sure where he comes from, but he seems to have no clothes on. Further, you can see various poorly healed scars and wounds on his body. You are not sure if this man is alive or dead - but putting the gleaming side of your blade in front of his mouth you observe that, after a moment, that there must have been just enough of life in him as his breath has fogged the blade - though barely...
You are not sure how badly off he is, though; his skin looks a dull shade of gray for the most part, and there are various wounds on his body which are mottled purple.
In short, you are clear that this man is only barely alive; yet he does still live.
Moving to the other bound web you manage to cut it open as well. What you see inside sickens you.
There is the body of a man; but his limbs have been removed and where cauterized. His eyes have been burned out, too. As you glance over the body you note that there are multiple wounds on the corpse, not unlike the other man; but it suddenly dawns on you that the man had his limbs and eyes removed in a way that left him alive enough for the spider to feat upon his flesh.
Meanwhile, you are sure he is dead.
What do you do?
”We got to get back home right away and let our lord know what’s up...Indeed; we must also do what we can to return our new friends to their own home. If troubles with Cheliax are truly ranging the world over then it is likely that they themselves must deal with the rumored ‘secret agent’ who is serving Cheliax even as he poses as a loyalist to the lords of The Shackles..."
Christopher nods then looks at you all.
”Well – what do you all think?” he asks.
Rain looked to her companions then back at Ironhorse and Daeron. Variel had moved to the floor above and she wondered what his opinion would be on the matter.
"I cast my vote to continue on to Castle Urion. If there is a spy among the court, then it best we discover them and ask our questions. At least we may speak with your lord to see what must be done next. Are you in agreement?" Rain looked about her ship companions, hoping to gauge their thoughts on the matter.
As she waited to hear aye or nay on the matter, Rain removed Svingli's Eye from her pack and moved to the doorway and peered outside in the storm.
After surveying the sky and contemplating the direction of the wind and so forth, Rain made her forecasts then moved back to the company and asked Ironhorse, "When do you wish to leave for the castle?"
"Finding this spy sounds like it might be necessary. Let's go there and do it!"
After surveying the sky and contemplating the direction of the wind and so forth, Rain made her forecasts then moved back to the company and asked Ironhorse, "When do you wish to leave for the castle?"
Christopher rubs his chin thoughtfully as he contemplates this.
"I'd wager at sunup - we'd need time for the horses to rest up for the night, but I'll be happy to introduce you to our lord if you'd like to meet him," he says with a friendly nod at Rain.
"Finding this spy sounds like it might be necessary. Let's go there and do it!"
Christopher looks at Jiro with a pleased surprise.
"You'd help us out with that? I got to say - I really appreciate it! You guys seem pretty handy to have around. When we get to Urion, I'll let our lord know how you guys helped out!" he says with a grin at Jiro.
"Continuing on to the castle and locating this spy sounds like a fine plan to me as well. Let us move forward!" he says with excitement. "Well, after a good night's rest as the good Christopher mentioned. Plus, no one wants to get out in this miserable weather."
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Cutting the rest of the webbing Variel carries the man to the stairs and hollers for Rajah to come quickly.
You watch the energy from your spell merge into the man's flesh; it's not clear how much it is able to help him, but you think you see him twitch slightly when you cast it...
"Rajah - come quickly!" comes Variel's voice from the second floor.
Snapping his attention up the stairs, Rajah immediately takes off. As he reaches the area and notices Variel, "What it is, Variel?! Is there something wrong?! Are you all right?!" he asks, his tone full of concern.
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Variel briefly answers Rajah, I am fine. This man here is in need of help. I found him in a cocoon above. He's alive barely.
Once Rajah gets to working on him Variel expounds a bit. Earlier I found myself here while the rest of you were outside. I saw the spider initially but left him alone. I came back to make sure that there were no other spiders upstairs. Young ones, that kind of thing. I saw this man in the cocoon and cut him free. When I did so he gave the slightest breath and I cast bear's endurance on him to keep him alive till you could examine him. There is another body up there as well but he is dead already. More it looks like he was tortured and then left here to feed the spider.
Nodding, Rajah immediately bends down to work on the man, placing a hand upon him and letting the healing magic flow through him.
He then checks to see if the man suffers from any other form of maladies.
As he checks on him, "It is a good thing you found him when you did, Variel. Who knows how much longer he would've lasted. Here's hoping he suffers from nothing more than external injuries."
The man’s eyes open and he stares at both of you; then his eyes widen in sudden terror –
”Not the Captain… For the god’s sake, no more – no more!” he cries out, then he swoons from the shock.
The rest of the company does what it can to make sure that the wounded man is safe and stable. He is given a bunk and blankets as well as being kept an eye on. Daeron goes outside for a bit and returns with some icicles which have dripped from the trees. He put them in a cup and is breaking off small pieces of ice to let them melt in the man’s mouth so he gains water without too much of it upsetting his stomach.
The party then breaks things up into a watch and sleeps the night without incident, though the sound of rain outside is occasionally punctuated with the sound of strange noises which sound like creaking and groaning of the trees – naturally it is assumed such things are just the wind, of course.
Meanwhile, the next day arrives and you’re free to get up, get your kits packed and determine what you’d like to do as you ride off.
The wounded man seems too weak to respond, but he’s a semi-conscious state – able to be moved gently and helped, but still too out of it to offer any real answers.
However, the map, the contents of the chest and the letter have been collected and put in the gear for the horses. Daeron has given the man his own horse and is prepared to walk besides it as they plan to head for town.
Christopher is thinking about things during the morning; it’s clear he’s deciding on a plan of action, but will wait to see what the rest of you do before announcing his intentions.
"I'd wager at sunup - we'd need time for the horses to rest up for the night, but I'll be happy to introduce you to our lord if you'd like to meet him," he says with a friendly nod at Rain.
"We will be ready to leave come morning. I prepare some of my spells at night's end for the coming day. As to your lord, aye, it is good for us to acquaint ourselves. I am certain our Captain and your Lord will have much to discuss, too."
Noting the wind and air, Rain added to those in the room, "It will be colder tomorrow for I can feel it in the air current coming from the river. The wind will have an extra bite and rain will keep us company through most of the day. The ice on the ground will have melted off by mid-afternoon, so there is that. Least there is no snow."
Moving away from the heavy doors and deeper into the room, Rain pointed to the chest of coins, "The coin we will split evenly among us. For now, we will leave it in the chest for better transport. The wood is oaken and will keep the contents safe."
It was then she heard Variel shout for Rajah and wondered what he had discovered on the floor above. "If there is trouble, call for us and we will come," she said to Rajah as he climbed the stairs, almost out of sight.
When the wounded man was brought down and laid on one of the cots, Rain placed a worn blanket over him and wondered if he was one of the Gray Corsairs. He was in a bad way and even though she had adequate knowledge of the healing arts, she would aid when she could and would leave the man to the more skilled healer among them.
"Let's have someone on watch and change over every hour. There is enough of us to cover the night through and still get enough rest. Neko and I will take first watch and this will give me time to prepare my spells before I sleep. I will keep watch over the wounded man as well and wake the next person on watch when my shift is done."
During first watch, Rain sat side by side with Neko on the blankets on the floor. She laid out her magical pike directly in front of her in case of trouble and her other weapons within easy reach. With her golden cat companion, in the quiet of the room, Rain prepared her limited ranger spells and was vigilant for possible intruders and threats.
The sound of the rain echoed in her mind as she meditated in the quiet. Occasionally the sound of creaking and groaning trees filtered into her mind. Thoughts moved to the way the trees had reacted to the presence of the giant spider when it had escaped the tower. And the single Rowan among the Oak. Neko kept vigil as Rain meditated.
When her shift and meditation had come to an end, she rose, checked the patient one last time, woke the next person and then set aside any wet clothing and tricorne - hanging them up so they could dry during the night - and curled up on one of the cots with Neko beside her, using the blankets for warmth.
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Rain rose and stretched. Quickly tending to her morning ablution, she began to set her pack to right and folded the blankets. Donning her cloak, tricorne and boots (she slept with her light armour on), Rain looked to the patient on the cot and asked those who were awake and up, "How does he fare?" Neko was awake, too, her emerald eyes shining as she licked herself clean and hopped off the cot, swishing her thick golden tail back and forth as she walked to Rain.
She joined the others to break their fast, sharing her rations with those who had none. Rain took out some of the chicken Flynn had bought for Neko and handed pieces to her. The cat devoured the meal swiftly. Rain looked to Amen and Jiro, "Is your strength any better? Do you require further healing before we leave? We cannot be caught at a disadvantage on the path to the castle."
As the wounded man was set steadily/carefully on Christopher's horse, Rain ensured the contents of the chest were all there and secured for the ride through the rain.
"We do not know this man or what kind of man he is. All we know is he was captured by the spider and tortured. Let us have a care as we travel," she quietly/discreetly advised to her companions.
With magical pike in hand and looking to Ironhorse, Rain said, "You know the direction of your castle, so as I scout ahead, I'd have your company to show us the way, if you'd please."
Seijiro watches the care taken for the man and hopes he's feeling better soon. Still, he's concerned because the man is so pale and shaky looking. To Rajah, he asks "Is he going to be okay? Even with your care, he still doesn't look good."
He prepares himself for the day's travels, packing his gear and getting ready to ride, then joins the others for breakfast, pulling out rations and munching them without taking time to really taste them
He nods to Rain, as he hadn't considered that the man might be in need of watching. He might be still suffering from the lingering affects of his travail with the spider, but she was right... nothing was known of him and he could be a threat as well when he was at his best.
He rides near the patient and his caregiver , just to keep a close eye on him.
Rain rose and stretched. Quickly tending to her morning ablution, she began to set her pack to right and folded the blankets. Donning her cloak, tricorne and boots (she slept with her light armour on), Rain looked to the patient on the cot and asked those who were awake and up, "How does he fare?" Neko was awake, too, her emerald eyes shining as she licked herself clean and hopped off the cot, swishing her thick golden tail back and forth as she walked to Rain.
Seijiro watches the care taken for the man and hopes he's feeling better soon. Still, he's concerned because the man is so pale and shaky looking. To Rajah, he asks "Is he going to be okay? Even with your care, he still doesn't look good."
"Well, I believe he will be alright in time. He's in shock and obviously malnourished and a bit dehydrated. Only food, water and rest will return his strength to him; but we do not want to feed him too much at a time or it might make things worse. He will recuperate I do not doubt, it is just going to take several days for him to return to full strength. I would say in a day or two he should be far more coherent and able to get around, albeit, somewhat weakened," he concludes. "He is strong to be able to survive what he's been through and if he can do that, I am most confident he will make it through a bit of hunger and thirst," he says with a grin, nodding confidently.
"Something tells me he'll never be the same around spiders again though... If I were him I'd flee in terror a the smallest one after what he's been through... I'm glad to hear he's going to recover though."
"I must admit I've felt stronger... weak as a kitten still, though a feisty kitten at least."
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Variel takes his turn at watch and is thankful the night passes quickly and uneventfully. further the man that was saved from the webbing hopefully was on the mend and the worst of his ordeal was over. In the morning Variel prepared his spells although he left some room in his expanding abilities to study some later as well.
With the group ready to move out Variel was torn between going with Rain in unfamiliar territory and staying back with the group where he would not get in her way. In the end Variel knew that she could take care of herself so would stay with the group and the wounded man. After all Jiro and Amen-set were not at full strength and if something should happen they may need the help. throughout the day though as they followed Rain he would breath easier when she came back to point out the direction to take. Content to listen tot eh conversations around him Variel listens more than he talks as he tries to judge the men the those that they are working for. It seemed like they were honest people but you never knew.
In the morning Daeron will lay his hands on Amen-set and then Jiro – casting Lesser Restoration on each.
The party then exits the tower and prepares to set off, but Rain points out something odd – specifically; the hewn heaps of spider flesh are no gone from the grass; only a black stain remains where the blood colored the grass. It as if there is never a massacred beast laying on the grass at all.
As she peers about, she thinks – though is not entirely sure – that the roots of the trees seem to be somewhat moved. The trees themselves do not look different; or at least, you do not think they do, but you’d swear it was as if the roots of the trees were like gnarled fingers pushed through the grass – though none of the trees or roots is in the circle which the tower rested in to begin with.
As the company looks around, Amen-set peers very hard to the north, then turns to Rain –
”Oh my senet; assuredly thy informed me to the north there was a tree of unusual consequence; yet my eyes perceive naught but trees not unlike these others. Have thy perhaps been in error with thy observations?” she asks.
Rain – it’s true; to the north where you had sworn was a rowan tree the night before you now see nothing but oaks, the whole thing very mysterious.
With magical pike in hand and looking to Ironhorse, Rain said, "You know the direction of your castle, so as I scout ahead, I'd have your company to show us the way, if you'd please."
Christopher glances at Rain.
”We might have been there tonight if we rode hard; but given that we’re moving on foot for the most part, it will likely take us until tomorrow morning, unfortunately,” he says with a nod at the wounded man you’re currently dragging.
The slower pace seems to upset Christopher, especially given the information you’ve found; yet he is not eager to leave the wounded man who may have follow-up information behind without being able to ask him specific questions in case he passes. He has ordered Robb and Nicolae to ride as fast as they can for Urion to alert their lord as quickly as possible and have them send out a group with horses to find you and escort you back while he and Daeron remain back with you all.
Everyone is now moving at a relatively modest walking pace over the grass. To your west, about a mile or so, you can see a wide river – the far bank seems obscured by thick fog, though you’re told it is nearly 1,000 feet across at this point, and roughly 60 feet deep in the middle of the riverbed. The grassy fields are themselves nearly a mile and half wide; which gives you roughly a half of a mile to move from the trees.
Seijiro turns to DAeron... "I feel tremendously better, thank the gods, and thank you! I feel back to myself again!"
Will PM you
** spoiler omitted **
"I must admit I've felt stronger... weak as a kitten still, though a feisty kitten at least."
Seijiro turns to DAeron... "I feel tremendously better, thank the gods, and thank you! I feel back to myself again!"
Rain inclined her head at the holy man for restoring the strength of her companions. "Thank you, Priest Daeron. It is wise to be at full strength as we travel."
”Oh my senet; assuredly thy informed me to the north there was a tree of unusual consequence; yet my eyes perceive naught but trees not unlike these others. Have thy perhaps been in error with thy observations?” she asks.
"I was not mistaken. There was a singular Rowan among the Oaks. Also, the roots of the trees have shifted during the night. See how they appear as gnarled fingers pushing through the grass..."
”We might have been there tonight if we rode hard; but given that we’re moving on foot for the most part, it will likely take us until tomorrow morning, unfortunately,” he says with a nod at the wounded man you’re currently dragging.
Rain cast a quick glance at the stranger bundled on the travois and silently pondered upon his predicament and theirs as well.
As she walked in front with Neko and Christopher Whitehorse, she noted the broad river with its thick fog and then the grassy field. Rain remembered the unexpected and uncommonly thick fog from the night before when she had heard the noises outside. "Christopher, is this fastest and safest track to the castle?"
Gazing at Ironhorse and then Variel at the back, minding the flank, she spoke, "I could take the injured man in my arms and fly him to the castle. This will allow you all to pick up the pace and mayhap we may reach it in less than a day. I do not want to spend the night out in the open. What say you?", she particularly looked to Rajah then as he could best tell her if the man would survive being held and flown to the castle instead of being dragged on a travois.
At Rain's suggestion, Rajah shrugs. "I do not see why you could not. He is progressing well enough. As long as heights do not bother him, I think he should do quite well," he says, nodding. "Of course, if you arrive at the castle and would obviously be unknown, would she be perceived as a threat?" he asks, looking over at Christopher.
"I was not mistaken. There was a singular Rowan among the Oaks. Also, the roots of the trees have shifted during the night. See how they appear as gnarled fingers pushing through the grass..."
You really aren't sure without actually studying the terrain more closely in question, but if you had to wager, you would think it might be an Ent...
Ents are often called "Tree Herdsmen" - they see trees much like shepherds see sheep; they love and care for trees and are protective of them. Your party had not taken any wood from the forest for a fire; further, you did nothing to outwardly harm the trees around you - though you could have (either by accident or intention). You would guess the Rowan may have been studying not only you, but the tower itself.
Ents are remarkably strong, though; their roots can sunder rock with ease, should they wish it. You wonder, then, why the Ent (if Ent it was) didn't attempt to assail the tower if it had issues with the tower - but you're confident there's an answer to that question...
Now, as for the trees surrounding the tower? This is a more difficult question; it would take help from you traveling companions to answer. But if they haven't tried to help by now, I can only assume they're not going to try, unfortunately.
Therefore, Daeron and Christopher (being that they're both Rangers, though different levels) will add Aid Checks to yours with success - you deem the trees are called a - Huorn -. You think that the Ent guarded you even as it guarded the Huorns, but you still cannot understand why - if they were so powerful - that they didn't attack the tower directly - at least; not yet. You would guess, if it was Huorns, that is probably why there was so much fog last night (possibly) - and you'd also guess that they may have destroyed the spider remains for some purpose; but you're not sure what that purpose may be...
In any case, you'd wager that it doesn't much matter now, as you're no longer in the woods - but you think that information might be useful later.
"Christopher, is this fastest and safest track to the castle?"
He turns to Rain and nods.
"Aye... See the river there?" he says waving at the river to your west "that almost like a road to Urion. You follow the river up and you'll find the primary keep on a small peninsula. Just south of the tower they built a bay - back in the old days - and around the bay our town kind of grew up."
"Plus, the town is literally a crossroads of sorts - you got a road leading to Numeria to the north, one over toward Ustalav, and the other stabs west a bit before heading south on the eastern side of Echo Woods, but then it goes down south through the River Kingdoms."
"Point is - you can't miss it."
Gazing at Ironhorse and then Variel at the back, minding the flank, she spoke, "I could take the injured man in my arms and fly him to the castle?"
Christopher rubs his chin thoughtfully.
At Rain's suggestion, Rajah shrugs. "I do not see why you could not. He is progressing well enough. As long as heights do not bother him, I think he should do quite well," he says, nodding. "Of course, if you arrive at the castle and would obviously be unknown, would she be perceived as a threat?" he asks, looking over at Christopher.
You get the sense most of his attention was on Rain and he almost missed Rajah's comment, but it's clear he observed it, too...
"Well, you could do that - but where would you go when you go there? I mean, I guess I could give you directions... Also, I won't say no if you want to do that; it would be helpful, but are you sure you want to risk it? After all, we still don't know what kind of person this man is we got here..." his voice trails off, but it's clear he's leaving this option up to you.
Having given more thought to the issue of the trees by the tower, Rain shared her suspicions,
"I believe the Rowan is an Ent, caring for the Oaks in the forest around the tower. We did not harm any of the trees and therefore it simply stood, watchful. The other trees at the border of the copse did assail the spider, so I think they may be Huoron. That would explain the unusual fog around the tower last eve and the missing remains of the spider. Such knowledge should be noted for other explorations to the tower ruins. I am uncertain why they did not try to assail the tower itself." Looking to Ironhorse and Daeron, "Perhaps the Lord of Castle Urion or your Queen know more of such things."
Rain listened as Christopher gave direction via the river to their township. She nodded upon the conclusion, "That is good to know. Thank you."
"Of course, if you arrive at the castle and would obviously be unknown, would she be perceived as a threat?" he asks, looking over at Christopher.
"Not if Ironorse or Daeron gave me a letter of introduction to pass to their lord or some such assurance of my identity."
"Well, you could do that - but where would you go when you go there? I mean, I guess I could give you directions... Also, I won't say no if you want to do that; it would be helpful, but are you sure you want to risk it? After all, we still don't know what kind of person this man is we got here..."
"Plainly, I would rather we kept together as I am well versed in fighting and this is a foreign place to me. I am simply seeking faster passage through this place so we may arrive at the Castle before nightfall. There are dangers in this place we are not versed in and I'd rather not be caught out during a storm in the night. If we can be rid of the travois and picked up pace we could surely reach our destination faster. The man is stable now and we still do not know if he is friend or foe."
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As the talk continues on Variel can't help but chime in. I can understand the wish to bring this man to safety and to hurry on to the city, however it will leave Rain vulnerable to any threats. I am not one to risk her well being on the state of another man when we can all go safely together. Yes it will take another half day to complete but we are no good to help you either if we are beaten, injured, or fatigued by the time we arrive.
Unless there are other means available to us for travel then have Rain scout ahead for the best path but no too far ahead to run into trouble.
Summing up –
Rain has elected to carry the wounded man to the town called Castle Urion. According to Christopher, the best place to go is a small keep on the road about two miles from the town. Christopher informs the party that Marshal Rowan had implemented a plan which was now made into Royal Law in which – starting from the capital city – there would be a structure built every twenty miles on the road. These structures were like taverns, but they were sponsored by the Crown.
The structure had stables with six horses who could be dispatched at a moment’s notice if a courier arrived and a fresh horse was needed. Further, the structure also had a small place to treat those who were wounded or injured on the trail. The entire structure was surrounded by a 10 foot wall which went across the road itself. The wall had two entrances; one on either side, so a rider could ride straight through the compound if they were in a hurry. Finally, the structure could house roughly 60 people, and would have enough provisions within to feed 60 people for a period of one week.
Christopher recommends Rain fly to this structure with the wounded man and leave him at that place as it did have a trained healer to tend to wounded; then, requisition the six horses within and lead them back to her companions to the south.
If the company continued to move fast while Rain did that, and Rain was able to lead the five horses while riding the sixth one and then bring them to the company relatively quickly (a Handle Animal Check DC 15 or a Survival Check of 18) then she would be able to give her companions the horses. They would then be able to arrive at the structure shortly after sunset and then they could either leave the horses and proceed on foot to the city, or they could stay the night at the tavern to see how the wounded man was doing.
The party is able to arrive at the small tavern-like structure. When you arrive, you discover it is very much as Christopher had described and they enter and meet with the staff who are on hand. In addition to what might be interpreted as a very small garrison for troops, you also notice there many other travelers there; at least seven other horses stabled and while you haven’t had much time to look around, you can see someone swing open the doors to the “Common Room” of the tavern seems to be filled with far more than seven people – enough that you’d suspect people who may have traveled on foot. In short, though the compound may have military applications, it is clearly also a functioning tavern.
Christopher calls to a stable boy and tosses him the reigns of the horses and dismounts quickly. He pauses –
”I’m going to go visit that guy quickly and try to get some answers. We probably can’t have too many people crowding in the room with me as those rooms for sick people aren't too big. I could maybe take two of you who want to ask him any questions or talk to him, too, if you’d like?”
”As for the rest of you, the Common Room has a lot of folk in it – if you want to poke around and try to get some news about our kingdom on your own it may be handy to have. Me and my guys have been gone for nearly three weeks, so who knows what’s been happening in the meantime, you know?’
”We’re only about two miles from Castle Urion. When I find out what happened to the guy, I’m going to ride hard for the Castle tonight. You can come with me when I leave, or catch up later tonight, or you can rest here tonight and then travel on tomorrow, if you’d like – however you want to do it. I’ll do my best to get you an audience with the Lord formally as soon as I can, but I don’t know when that’s up to him, not me.”
After he lays out his plans, he nods to Daeron who heads to the stables with Robb and Nicolae to help with the horses.
Between flying and riding in the rain, Rain's muscles were thrumming and she felt as if she'd been travelling for days even though only a day had past since they were transported to these kingdoms. Alas, much had happened since then.
Rain dismounted her horse as did Neko who had been seated afore her. It had taken some persuasion for the mount to accept the golden cat's presence, yet Rain managed to settle the mare well enough. She, too, handed her reins to the stable boy.
In the yard outside the tavern, Rain unfurled her silver dragon wings and stretched them, feeling the wind brush along the leathery membrane. It felt good to stretch them out. Not wanting to garner too much notice, Rain furled them by her side.
”I’m going to go visit that guy quickly and try to get some answers...I could maybe take two of you who want to ask him any questions or talk to him, too, if you’d like?”
"I will join you. Neko can attend Amen-set until my return." Rain smiled at the younger woman, trusting Amen with her cat companion. Looking to Variel, she asked, "Var, will you join us? You were the one to find this man among the webs."
”We’re only about two miles from Castle Urion. When I find out what happened to the guy, I’m going to ride hard for the Castle tonight. You can come with me when I leave, or catch up later tonight, or you can rest here tonight and then travel on tomorrow, if you’d like – however you want to do it."
"I prefer to stay here tonight, rise early and then ride to the castle. What say you?," she asked her companions.
"I prefer to stay here tonight, rise early and then ride to the castle. What say you?," she asked her companions.
Amen-set nods.
"A wise plan, indeed. For even if this man's lord should entertain our presence whence we arrive, that should not likely be until nearly ten... yet here we may begin to gather our own information from the folk in this place and try to plan our action, especially given that this place is heralded as a place where many roads intersect. Therefore, I deem we shall meet folk from many places to learn many things."
"Further, once thy gleaned what knowledge thy can from this man, please share it with us and then we shall all be able to continue to use our time here to build on that knowledge," she says with a bow.
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Variel nods sagely to Rain. Indeed I am interested in why he was left in that condition and by whom. Not to mention who is he and what did he do to deserve such a fate.
With talk to traveling in the morning or not Variel chimes in, I think it best to stay and get a good night's sleep while we can. We do not know the area and while we are. Hold I s safe it is still unfamiliar to us.
Seijiro nods at the assessment of the others. "Staying the night here and learning what we can is a good idea. We can travel the last bit in the morning and arrive during the day... Most defended castles and such don't like late night visits from strangers they can't vet properly in the dark."
When the man finally is able to wake up he seems to be nervous but healthy. He stares at you all and Christopher instantly introduces himself, including his title and position, as well as your current location and status. The man seems to react as if he believes this is all some sort of ruse – as if he will be lured into believing the kind words of help, only to be tortured again and therefore feel the pain and hopelessness more acutely.
This complicates things a bit, but eventually your combined efforts convince the man you are being sincere. When this is done, he informs you that is name is Sebastian Donato – First Officer to David “The Dirk” Hawkins, the very man named in the letter you discovered!
Their men were crucified, but as he and David were the officers they given special treatment. Specifically, Hawkins was indeed tortured by their people; in which they have each limb amputated slowly, while using magics to prevent dying too soon – then, finally, when the limbs were amputated and the face disfigured the body was then dragged alive to the chamber and given to the spider to feed on.
A similar treatment for Sebastian was planned, but it seemed they did not have the time to perform such a lengthy ritual, so they merely beat him and then left him for the spider, too.
At this point Christopher asks the following questions –
1. Who was the leader of the group?
He believes the man was referred only as The Marquis – however, one of his men also called him My Baron.
2. Why did they attack you specifically?
It was known that the Gray Corsairs would do what they could to prevent the assaults from Cheliax river pirates; they wanted to prevent that in advance.
3. How long ago did they leave you?
Sebastian is not sure, given his condition and all he endured, but his best guess leads you believe the men left at the same date you found on the letter – in other words; the letter was written, Sebastian was dispatched the very same day, but for some reason the letter was not sent.
Christopher considers this – he does not mention the letter or its contents. Instead, he asks one last question –
4. What will you do now?
Sebastian is better physically, but still somewhat shaken mentally; it is likely he may have nightmares for a long time. However, he is resolved to journey to Castle Urion at dawn and then do what he can to aid inform the Gray Corsairs of what happened.
While the man is questioned the rest of you enter the Common Room.
You are once surprised at how varied and unusual the group you see before you, but even more than the mixture of unusual cultures was their gear.
Unlike your home in The Shackles, it seems that in The River Kingdoms firearms were much more common. Most travelers carried pistols openly on them, many of them having two or three. Further, you could clearly make out four men and two elves sitting in a corner – all of them wearing green tunics with the symbol of a golden griffon on the chest – but they each had long, finely-made, double-barreled muskets over their shoulders or by their chairs.
You notice a dancer in the corner and she looks beautiful and exotic; but on closer inspection you observe her skin is a very fine green scale, and her eyes are golden and the pupils somewhat reptilian. Despite her cold-blooded heritage, you possesses of the qualities you have seen in most warm-blooded sentients; to the point you merely assumed she was human at first.
You hear four goblins singing a strange song – despite being goblins, no one seems to be overly concerned. They dress better than most goblins, though still ragged, but they have a crudely made tunic with the symbol of a Wolf on it.
A Halfling is preparing the food and drinks at the bar; you are not sure, but you think you see a Tiefling sitting in the corner speaking to a sandy-haired man who looks he is wearing an Aldori Dueling sword at his hip as he leans over the table.
Finally, in a corner in which screens have been placed up to offer privacy you note that one of the Halflings is bringing over a platter with tea and multiple cups. There is also a strange flask and multiple smaller cups with it – from inside the screened area you think you can hear the sound of the Minkai language.
What would you like to do first?
Rajah nods in agreement with the others. "One cannot argue against a good night's rest."
As his eye catches the woman dancing in the corner, I daresay that woman is quite lovely - a vision to be certain. If I were a gambling man I would guess her name to be... oh... Destiny perhaps. If she does not call on me mayhap I shall call on her and who knows how far we could go together.
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Variel does not press for any more information from Sebastian as indeed they received more than he expected already. It was sounding like more and more they were going t have to make plans to confront the Cheliaxian pirates quickly. Only then would they get the support and r sources necessary to head home to the Shackels.
Once they leave the Sebastian and it is just him Rain and the others he speaks aloud. It seems like before we reach the castle we must decide if and how we are best able to use our talents in such a way as to garner passage back to the Dread Lady. I am inclined to through our efforts with the Gray Corsairs and end the Cheliaxian pirate threat. Doing so not only weakens Cheliax but may provide us with resources as well. Taking their ships and goods, we could hire someone to sail to the Island of Empty Eyes to further our hoards.
Variel does not press for any more information from Sebastian as indeed they received more than he expected already. It was sounding like more and more they were going t have to make plans to confront the Cheliaxian pirates quickly. Only then would they get the support and r sources necessary to head home to the Shackels.
Christopher nods at Variel and then glances at Rain for a bit, then he turns back to Variel.
"Well, I appreciate all you guys to help us out. I'll explain it to our lord clearly; don't worry, if there's a way to get you home, I'd wager he knows," he adds.
With that, he nods to Variel, then tips his hat to Rain.
Daeron bows to her and then Variel.
"May the stars shine on you both..."
Then, realizing there is not much more to be said, he turns and leaves with Christopher.
Once they leave the Sebastian and it is just him Rain and the others he speaks aloud. It seems like before we reach the castle we must decide if and how we are best able to use our talents in such a way as to garner passage back to the Dread Lady. I am inclined to through our efforts with the Gray Corsairs and end the Cheliaxian pirate threat. Doing so not only weakens Cheliax but may provide us with resources as well. Taking their ships and goods, we could hire someone to sail to the Island of Empty Eyes to further our hoards.
Amen-set stares at him thoughtfully.
"There are a myriad of possibilities which now surround us. Yet methinks that they - as well as all the plans and policies we may have come up with and pursued - are now likely damned," she says with a matter of fact voice.
"In truth, I am saddened, for I had looked forward to engaging this threat which we had heard about."
She sighs thoughtfully with a somewhat disappointed tone, then shrugs.
Swinging herself to her feet she moves to the counter and speaks to the Halfling who seems to be standing on some sort of raised platform to better serve her customers. She speaks to him quickly and quietly and he nods happily, then she turns and walks to the section of the tavern that had been covered with some movable screen walls, where she heard the sound of voices in the Minkai language.
Then she enters that part of the tavern and disappears from sight.
Sebastian Donato seemed eager to speak and tell them of his predicament and that of his Captain. "I am sorry your Captain suffered such a terrible fate at the hands of these scoundrels. I am glad you did not follow him. You have been most helpful, Master Sebastian. Now, rest and regain more of your strength."
As they left the room and the recovering man on the cot, Rain looked to Variel and then Christopher Ironhorse and Daeron, "We appreciate your aid in this endeavour, Master Ironhorse. We shall follow in the morning and we will find you so we may be introduced to the lord of the castle>" Rain inclined her head at Ironhorse's courtesy.
Upon Daeron's parting words, Rain smiled and replied in lilting Elven, "Until next we meet," and watched as both males took their leave to begin their ride to Castle Urion this night.
"It seems like before we reach the castle we must decide if and how we are best able to use our talents in such a way as to garner passage back to the Dread Lady. I am inclined to through our efforts with the Gray Corsairs and end the Cheliaxian pirate threat..."
"This Lord of Castle Urion may employ a spellcaster with deep magic who can open another portal for us to travel back to the ship. But aye, I would know what these Gray Corsairs know so we may better deal with the Chelaxian spies on our seas and lands. If we must help them with their impending pirate threat, then so be it so we may return home." Neko moved across to Rain and came to sit beside her mistress, her golden fur and emerald green eyes glistening in the candlelight.
Catching Amen's deflated tone, Rain looked upon the young woman, "We may yet engage this threat, little sister. It seems our paths have converged and we share a common enemy with our new River Kingdom allies."
Sebastian Donato seemed eager to speak and tell them of his predicament and that of his Captain. "I am sorry your Captain suffered such a terrible fate at the hands of these scoundrels. I am glad you did not follow him. You have been most helpful, Master Sebastian. Now, rest and regain more of your strength."
The man nods his head.
"Yes, you are right. I shall need rest and strength to take my vengeance on those who did that thing," he says.
"I thank you and your companions; your aid will not be forgotten as long as I live, I swear it," he adds.
Catching Amen's deflated tone, Rain looked upon the young woman, "We may yet engage this threat, little sister. It seems our paths have converged and we share a common enemy with our new River Kingdom allies."
She pauses at the opening to the screens and looks back at Rain.
"It is written - Never judge a sword by its sheen, nor a man by his words - instead, judge a thing on how it performs," she says with a shrug.
"I would see this thing finished; if thy would as well, then I ask that ye come with me to aid me."
She beckons you to the opening, and unlike the more boisterous part of the tavern you are currently in, behind the screens it seems quieter and more private. In any case, this seems to be where Amen-set wished to go to gain news, though for now she is currently waiting for you.
Pausing in the Common Room you observe your companions for a moment, then follow Amen-set behind the screens.
Inside you see that the room is nearly identical to the other corners of the Inn, excepting that the tables and chairs have been removed. Instead, you see several low tables, perhaps only 40 Centimeters off the ground.
Placed around these are thick, padded mats in which various creatures seem to be either kneeling or sitting. The Halfling who has entered is carrying a pot of tea and serving it to a group of Halflings in the corner that are chatting quietly with a young, female humanoid that you believe might be called a “Sylph”.
You notice one of the Halflings is smoking and the female is waving her hands and the smoke rings the Halfling blow seem to twist and bend into strange shapes which seem to focus a bit of her attention even as she talks.
At another table you see four creatures which you assume are kobolds, but they seem larger, and their skin has a distinct metallic, silvery sheen to it. They are lightly armed, with twin swords that remind you vaguely of a curved Elven blade, but different somehow. Sitting by them is a strange man who is listening to the talk; his face is pale blue and his hair is jet black, but his eyes are completely white and have no apparent irises.
You instantly recognize the language they are speaking to be Minkaian, and they seem to be having some sort of quiet discussion about dealing with the dangers of “wako” – which you know to be a sort of pirate.
As you watch, the Halfling who brought in the tea has now turned and put the lacquered clay pot of another drink on the table that the silvery kobold-types are sitting at and she pours the drink for those who wish it. Seeing you and Amen-set at the doorway she smiles and nods at you.
”Hello there and good evening,” she says to you in a quiet voice which seems to echo the more quiet tone of the room.
”I reckon you two ladies might like a pot of tea and maybe something hot from the pot to munch on?” she adds.
”My name’s Lily and this here’s my place – that is to say; I run it,” she adds with a grin.
”I don’t know if this here’s the spot for you two, but I ain’t the sort to tell a lady where to sit,” she adds with a wave of her hand at the remaining low table and the mats near to it.
”Begging your pardon, we got just one rule in this spot – if you don’t mind, that is… We just ask that you take off your boots – don’t worry, we got some indoor shoes for you to wear,” she adds, indicating a low wrack of small, clean slippers.
The slippers are rather wide and have no backing for the heel; but they have thin strings which you can tie around the back of your ankle to keep them from being too loose on your feet, allowing nearly any race with any sized foot to wear them without much worry for size.
Amen-set glances at you and then shrugs. It takes her a moment to begin to unlace her boots, but the Halfling named Peaches pauses her – ”Hang on, I got a lad who can give you a hand with that,” she says, then claps briskly and a small creature hurries out. He looks like a dwarf in size, but quickly you realize his face is clearly furred; he seems to be almost like a human with a rat face, and then you notice the long tail draped behind him.
”Begging your pardon Mister Rikkan, these young ladies need a hand,” she says.
With deft precision he bends and helps you take off your boots so you don’t even need to bend down, then places slippers on your feet and laces them for you so you don’t even need to move, all the while he is chattering softly, though with what you feel to be a friendly tone, though you’re not sure about the words as you cannot understand his language.
When he is done he looks back at the Halfling and she smiles at him and he bows back almost fawningly, then scurries away back to his place in the shadows.
She turns to you both.
”Well, if you ladies would have a seat I can fetch you some wine,” she says with a glance at Rain’s Elven features ”Of course, we also got some good beer on tap, and tea, of course, if you’re looking for something a bit warmer, I got warm mead and what some of the lads from back east like – a rice wine they call “sake” - but don't let it be being made from rice fool you, it's pretty good stuff, but they like it served warm, so it's pretty good on a ruffianly night like this."
”Meantime, if you'll just tell me what you’d like I'll get it, but feel free to get to know everyone,” she says with a wave of her hand at the others, then waits to see what you’ll do next.
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"This Lord of Castle Urion may employ a spellcaster with deep magic who can open another portal for us to travel back to the ship. But aye, I would know what these Gray Corsairs know so we may better deal with the Chelaxian spies on our seas and lands. If we must help them with their impending pirate threat, then so be it so we may return home." Neko moved across to Rain and came to sit beside her mistress, her golden fur and emerald green eyes glistening in the candlelight.
Hopefully we can help them out quickly and employ any magics they might have. I am anxious to return to our isle and set it right. We have much to do before we must leave for our wedding.
As it seems the others are canvassing the common's area and the talk with Sabastian was over Variel found a room for the night, told Rain which room it was and went to bed to get ready for the early morning trip.
Hm. I confess I am curious as to what the tiefling woman has to say. Rajah - with the aid of his trusty helm - walks near the tiefling and the man she is speaking to and walks right past them at a leisurely pace, finding a table nearby to sit and attempts to listen to the conversation at hand if possible. He plays the part of ordering by giving a simple wave to summon a bartender as he turns an ear to the table.
Rajah, as you sit at the table the bartender brings you a tankard of spiced rum and some hot bread with a slab of butter and honey the two in the corner glance at your direction, then seem to ignore you and continue to talk –
: I already told you; 100 gold a week is standard for new contract work. But if you’re as handy with your blade as you claim to be, then you’ll be able to rise quickly. You need only the opportunity to demonstrate your skill and you will certainly achieve more than the base rate, if you’re as good as you claim…
: Yes, and I told you that I don’t like these terms. I work for a week for only a 100 gold with the off-chance that maybe my skills will somehow be rewarded? What does that even mean? In other words, if I work and distinguish myself – what’s the guarantee of the bonus, eh? Are we talking 200, 500 – more, or maybe not even 200? The bottom line - it’s not contracted, so it’s not fact – but even if there is a guarantee, when will it be paid out?
The Tiefling rolls her eyes and shakes her head.
: You keep speaking of contracts and promises; I can’t give you those, no – not when things can be negotiated, or when they need to be dealt with some more subtlety – otherwise others will hear of it and they’ll demand equal bonuses and things will get ugly. Still, if you have better options then this, I’d like to hear it…
The man grunts.
: Those Ustalavian diplomats who came to the Castle yesterday said that there’s been Reavers attacking their settlements on the western bank, too. And there’s been issues with Reavers hitting the Sullen north of here, too – on both banks, no less. That means those river rats are taking the swag back to wherever their base camp is. That means if a lad joins on with a crew to find those scum then they’ll likely find a lot of plunder tucked away somewhere – plunder that’s not logged or noted and can be easily “adjusted” before the formal count is given to the locals when it’s found, eh? That’s worth more than a mere 100 a week, at least, the way I see it… he responds then takes a gulp of his drink.
The Tiefling laughs sardonically and leans back in her chair.
: Ah! So that’s what you’re banking on, eh? Well, you saw the boys in the green tabards? They’re Queen’s Riders – they’re loyal to the Queen and I can promise you that they don’t put up with that sort of thing. If any of the swag is found and pinched by locals then those locals will be strung up. Didn’t you hear what happened to that casino owner a few years back? I’m telling you, if the Crown is involved in this than you won’t be able to ‘dip your beak’ in the findings, and if you try then I’d wager you’ll get the noose. But if you want work that has the chance for… advancement? Well, you need to find a job in which the Crown isn’t so interested in; doing knife work over in Ustalav is better… they don’t care what happens there, and you’re more likely to walk off with your own findings clean without notice. But in the River Kingdoms the Crown does things formally and by the book. So yes, if they make a deal with you then you’ll get paid and paid the promised price - and that might even be a lot more than 500, but it may not... The point is, they don’t put up with lightfingering the goods; you do a job, you get paid, but you do anything sly and you'll regret it, trust me on that!
The Sandy-Haired man leans back.
: The point is you're pitching me a bad set of deals. Basically, I stick with your cheap base rates and gamble on getting more from nobles who don’t pay much attention to what their mercenaries decide to take, if I do work for those who live across the river. Or, I could get high rates of pay to fight those damned Reavers on this side of the river where this Queen and her folk are a hell of lot more 'honorable' - but the bottom line is if I take on better terms on this side then it’s stick by the terms clean or get stuck by them… Huh! Seems like a piss-poor set of choices if you ask me.
The Tiefling smiles wryly at him.
: Look; I already told you I need to bring in recruits… if you sign on with me tonight then maybe I’ll take you upstairs now and give you an 'advance', as it were… she responds and reaches under the table.
The Sandy-Haired man suddenly stiffens and winces, then grins slyly.
: Well, hell! I got to say, I’ve never said ‘no’ to a good advance…
"I would see this thing finished; if thy would as well, then I ask that ye come with me to aid me."
Amen had set off for the screened section of the Common Room and beckoned Rain to come.
Looking to Variel, she quietly had a word, "I will find you after I am done here. In case of trouble, I'll be by those screens or beyond. Amen seeks my aid." Rain watched as Variel made his way to the sleeping chambers, then turned her gaze to her golden cat, "Come, let us circulate the room," and the two moved toward Amen.
Once beyond the screens, they were greeted by a Halfling serving maid, Lily. Rain smiled. "Good eve. I am Rain, this is my sister Amen-set and my cat, Neko. A mug of wine and something hot from the pot would be lovely. If you have roasted chicken or other strips of meat, kindly bring a small bowl for my cat."
As the ratfolk, Rikkan, came to help them out of their boots and into the clean slippers, Rain's dark blue brow quirked at the service, but she permitted it for this was their rule. She uttered a quiet, "Thank you," and gave Rikkan a small smile once he had finished the task.
Looking to Amen, Rain had a quiet word, "Come, let us sit, little sister."
Rain then moved to the low table Lily had gestured to earlier and after Amen was seated, sat down at one of the vacant mats. Neko padded over and sat beside her on the neighbouring mat; the golden cat's full tail brushing back and forth as her emerald eyes assessed the space and her nose gently sniffed the air. Rain's own turquoise eyes casually/discreetly moved about the patrons in his place, watching people and listening to any passing conversation she could hear, in Minkaian or any other tongue spoken behind the screens.
+2=32
Looking to Amen, Rain had a quiet word, "Come, let us sit, little sister."
Once beyond the screens, they were greeted by a Halfling serving maid, Lily. Rain smiled. "Good eve. I am Rain, this is my sister Amen-set and my cat, Neko. A mug of wine and something hot from the pot would be lovely. If you have roasted chicken or other strips of meat, kindly bring a small bowl for my cat."
The Halfling grins widely and nods.
”Aye, indeed – we got some good chicken. But we also have some good rainbow trout and some other freshwater fish, if your cat would prefer it? Tell you what, I’ll bring a bit of everything, just to be sure,” she says with a bob of her head.
As the ratfolk, Rikkan, came to help them out of their boots and into the clean slippers, Rain's dark blue brow quirked at the service, but she permitted it for this was their rule. She uttered a quiet, "Thank you," and gave Rikkan a small smile once he had finished the task.
Amen-set glances at Rain during the proceedings. But unlike Rain, Amen-set seems more suspicious of the entire thing. Naturally, she has no problem in masking how she feels, which makes it easy to gauge her opinion – but as she stares at the Ratfolk before her she gives him a hard look in which it seems as if she’s daring him to steal her boots.
However, once that is finished, she then seems to calm down a bit.
As her gaze sweeps the room she stiffens at the sight of the silvery looking kobolds but says nothing, as if struck by surprise or awe.
Looking to Amen, Rain had a quiet word, "Come, let us sit, little sister."
At that, Amen-set rips her gaze away from the kobold folk and then sits down by Rain, clearly a bit awkward on the mats and looking as if she’s uncomfortable with all the formalities around her.
As the meat is brought to them and Neko is given a bowl with roasted chicken, and a small plate with a roasted rainbow trout to munch on, a platter of warm bread is brought to start you both along with a small bowl with honey and one with butter. There is a good pot of tea, as well as hot chicken soup and cold sliced chicken and a fine cheese.
Amen-set stares at the food with a bland look, but picks up a mug of beer and takes a sip, then drinks it – slowly at first – but she continues until the entire mug is finished and she lets out a deep gasp of breath and some evident satisfaction.
Then, stretching her legs out as comfortably around the low table as she can, she notes how Rain is listening for a bit, then pours herself another mug of the beer and frowns, almost as if she'd rather be doing something other than simply listening for details.
Suddenly, she swings herself to her feet.
”Greetings and well met, my friends,” she says in a loud voice, grabbing the attention of the others in the room.
”I am named Amen-set Neitaker, and this is my sister named Rain of the House Taneththir. We have journeyed far from the southlands and are delighted to meet so many fine and hospitable folk in the north,” she says as the people in this part of the tavern now stare at her with mixtures of interest, confusion and in some cases mild amusement, clearly wondering how much the young Amen-set has had to drink.
”Know, too, that we are both sailors of great skill and renown in our homeland; further, we seek to learn more of this land, including the ways and cultures of your people.”
She glances at Rain for a moment, as if for encouragement or any other suggestions, but then continues.
”It is said that the queen of your land is called The Dragon Queen; therefore, with this in mind, I say unto thee – Bonum Vesper!,” she adds in Dragonic.
At that her eyes turn to stare hard at the silver kobold types and they stare at her for a moment, then what looks like the chief of them stands up and the others quickly follow, except for the man with no irises, he merely turns his head and seems to watch, though it is not clear if he can see.
”I am Ogami Ittō,” the chief of the kobolds says and bows.
Amen-set returns to the bow and the other silvery kobolds behind him do, too.
”Greetings, Ogami-san,” she responds.
”This is my sister, Rain-chan; further, she is the anjin-sama on our vessel The Dread Lady,” Amen-set adds as the other onlookers in the room seem to shrug and go back to their respective meals and business.
Striding with a purpose she moves to their table.
”I would be honored if you allowed my sister and I to join with you and your companions.”
”Not at all, the honor is mine,” Ittō says in response, then gestures for Rain and Amen-set to sit down at their table, which Amen-set eagerly does.
The silver kobolds make room, but all the while the man with no irises seems to stare at you all.
Without turning his gaze, he speaks to Ittō.
Ittō glances at the man and then at Rain.
”My apologies, Rain-san, but we notice you have a cat with you. It is good to travel with such a companion; our people both honor and love them, for they blessed with luck and are goodly beasts besides,” he adds.
When Rain and Amen-set have seated themselves at the table, the one called Ittō nods at one of his lads who instantly calls for more of their drinks.
Ittō turns and looks at Rain.
”So – you are great sailors, and further you are the Anjin-sama of your ship; this is a great honor! As you are guests in our land, please tell us what we can do to help you,” he adds with a polite voice as the Halfling lily returns with more cheese and bread and another pitcher of the steaming wine that the kobolds seem to be enjoying.
SEijiro hears some MInkaian honorifics being exchanged with names from beyond the screened off section, but since only Rain was specifically invited, he turns his attention inward and dozes in his chair for a bit... finally gets up and goes upstairs to his room to sleep.