@Rogar and Robin: Rogar makes the minimum, but proper, reply to the richly dressed dwarf and human.They point you in the direction of the Rusty Dragon. Robin does not recognize either of them and they quickly head back up the street.
Having seen the namesake outside and entered the common room (thanks for reading the prior posts) the wonder twins enter and Robin approaches the bar where the large Ulfen man is busy refilling mugs.
The man turns and says with a smile:"And who might yoo be, little man, dressed all like a Faxenmacher (clown}? To pour an ale es easy, but to get that smell es not. That es the salmon curry for da Festival to marrow. There es dinner, but not dat, ja? Have seat and Bethany will get yoor fute ready. Drink for yoo?"
The lady halfling, Bethany, comes around the bar. "Get down off that barstool, youngster, come sit here and take a load off. You too master dwarf. Will you be needing guestrooms tonight?" She shows you to a table,seating them near the stage.
As she approaches the dwarf she says, "Oh my, someone can use a bath too. After you've eaten, we'll get that beard all scrubbed out. I'll ask Lars to prepare a tub. You'll never guess who else is down there now. A real live elf. We don't see them much in here 'xcept for Miss Hannah when she has a mind. Don't see to many of your folk either, but glad to have you both.". She reads off the menu of sea bass or mint lamb and waits expectantly for you to order.
"I vill have the lamb, Miss," Rogar responded politely. "A bath vould do me vell and a guest room vill be fine for me, the harder the bed the better."
He took a sip of the ale provided and snorted in approval. It wasn't dwarven, but it wasn't the piss water humans called ale either.
"Excuse me, miss, but the barman, he spoke vith a familiar accent, is he a Northman?"
The dwarf hoped beyond hope. The Shoanti, despite their prowess in combat, had spent too much time among the softer nations to be counted on, but the norther berserkers, well they seemed to have some stone in their soul as well.
@Rogar "Aye, sir. The lamb and a hard bed it is. Morris here will take your things up to the third floor landing. Come to the baths and your dinner will be waiting. And you master fool?" she says with a smirk at Robin. She snaps and the male Halfling springs over and gather Rogar's things and starts to haul them upstairs.
She leads you to the baths downstairs where you hear the pleasant singing of a female elf voice behind one of the curtained areas. The bath is steaming hot. Similar kimonos and slippers await you.
As she walks you to the bath, Bethany says in a lowered voice, "Lars is indeed a Northman. He is a gentle soul, but can be quite fierce when inflamed which is quite rare. He returned to Sandpoint with Lady Ameiko after the death of her mother, bless her soul, and has been at her side since."
After the bath, you find your things all in order up in your room. A gentle knock tells you your dinner is ready in the common room.
Smoke gave Hosk a puzzled face but let it slide. The old man hated goblins. He'd observed that. Good to know he'd jump down his throat no matter what he said. He might as well say nothing. Hell, they acted like he wasn't here, right? Might as well return the favor. Argh!
Entering the inn, he takes the time to appreciate the crowd of whispering people and the sound of quiet, foreign music. The scent of smoke, food and dim light. This was a nicer place than that crowded Deer inn, for certain.
Showing distinctly Shoanti-like stoicism, he takes the earthen stein and nods to the Ulfen bartender. "Smoke," he says, and gestures at himself with a thumb. He holds his hand high over the bar for a handshake in greeting.
And, of course, Cadas took this time to become silent as a stone. It appeared to be his time to shine-- in a crowded tavern, he felt more at home, no doubt. "We'll have... whatever you think is better, really. You're the one with more experience, ma'am, and I'm sure you know best," he says pleasantly and complimentary, and follows up with "I suppose we'll take a room as well, for now?", glancing to Cadas. He wasn't sure what she wanted, but, well, this would be fine. "If you've two, two. If you've one, then, well, one. But two beds? We're not..." he gestures between them ambiguously.
He caught the look of the Tien woman and returns her smile, though he was sure she couldn't see it in the darkness of the place. Hosk returned as Smoke took a half-on-half-off seat at the bar, waiting to see if Hosk would spirit them away to a private table or leave them-- or just him-- to their own devices. He was fine here, sure that between the halfling servers and Ulfen man he could find some interesting conversation. Hosk seemed nice, but still, Cadas was his charge-- no matter how much she said 'we're equals in combat' he'd still look out for her-- so whether or not he was perched on the bar, he'd be watching from a distance.
@Smoke & Cadas: The Ulfen bartender extends his hands to shake, and you see his is missing 2 fingers from his right hand in addition to the eye and scar. He is friendly and helpful and would answer any direct questions.
Bethany giggles at your discomfort over your relationship with Cadas and goes to prepare two rooms (with one bed each).
Daviren Hosk soon returns and leads you to a table as the Tien woman departs. He suggests you order the same, as him, but doesn't insist. The food is amazingly prepared, well seasoned and exotic (like the music).
As you sit, the room begins to fill up. Strangers and those you recognize from earlier in the day appear in the common room and find seats, meals, and drinks attended by the Dragon's staff.
Soon Tinuviel, Rogar, and Robin come down and are forced to pull up tables near you due to the growing crowd. ().
To ALL: Bethany and Morris pull the tables together and allow you to sit in a group, if you choose. The staff keeps your drinks filled and the room begins to fill with the buzz of conversation.
"Lady Ameiko is going to sing for real now," Bethany tells you, and just then the Tien woman returns to the stage, a foreign looking lute instrument in her hand. She is dressed in a revealing gown which looks exsquisite on her lean frame.
She begins to sing and play exotic music from far away lands, but ends with some of the more common fare about heroic adventures and lost loves.
Perform (sing): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
The performance has the entire room enchanted including yourselves. When she finishes the crowd erupts in applause, some with tears streaming. She bows low, and descends the stage circling the room and conversing at the tables.
Eventually she makes her way to where your group is sitting. "Well, isn't this a motley crew? What brings you folks to my fine establishment this evening? I trust all has been to your liking so far?" She smiles a dazzling smile that catches you offguard at first. "I'm sure there must be story behind this group, tell me the tale and I'll tell you one in return." She pulls up an extra chair and sits, eager to listen.
.
@Smoke & Cadas: The Ulfen bartender extends his hands to shake, and you see his is missing 2 fingers from his right hand in addition to the eye and scar. He is friendly and helpful and would answer any direct questions.
- "How's it going? Good night?"
- "What's your name?"- "What's this festival about?"
- "Lots of people. Good for business?"
- "Who's the lady on stage?"
- "Know who I could talk to about some important matters regarding giants?"
To ALL: Bethany and Morris pull the tables together and allow you to sit in a group, if you choose. The staff keeps your drinks filled and the room begins to fill with the buzz of conversation.
Smoke gestures to the dwarf he met earlier. "Well met," he says, imitating a dwarf he'd met outside of Wolf's Ear a year ago. He doesn't mention the reason he seems to know him, but engages in polite conversation either way: "Guess it's a small town, huh?"
To the halfling and the elven woman, he gives a nod. "Evening." Smoke drinks a lot of water, nursing the same stein that Lars gave him as long as he can-- drinking made the mind muddy and might put him out of sorts. He listens carefully. He keeps up conversation when appropriate. And while he appears rough around the edges, he maintains a level of decency with his food. He may have been born in a barn, but he wasn't about to act like he was.
At least not in polite company.
Eventually she makes her way to where your group is sitting. "Well, isn't this a motley crew? What brings you folks to my fine establishment this evening? I trust all has been to your liking so far?" She smiles a dazzling smile that catches you offguard at first. "I'm sure there must be story behind this group, tell me the tale and I'll tell you one in return." She pulls up an extra chair and sits, eager to listen.
He gives her the once-over with his eyes and then sits, a bit frozen. Should he tell the truth? No doubt someone else would get a chance to spin something before he made up his mind.
@Smoke: Lars is a bit taken aback by your questioning and arches a suspicious eyebrow at you. He blows out a deep breath and tries to answer your questions while still working the bar. You get the feeling he wishes you'd just go away.
His answers summarized are:
Seen up close, Lady Ameiko is quite fetching. It's no wonder your tongue is tied. She looks at you closely. "You have an interesting way about you, big fellow. Tell me your name and how I can help you this evening, hmmm?"
Daviren Hosk nearly chokes on his ale when she starts this flirtatious line of conversation with Smoke. He nods to the lad. "Well, go oon boy, there the bonny lass has gi'en yoo an openin'. Time to take advantage, eh?". He smiles good-naturedly at you to make sure there's no offense.
Lady Ameiko smiles at Robin and playfully rubs his head. "You have some training Sir Halfling, on the stage? I can see by our attire that you are an entertainer. Please feel free to use the stage as you see fit. Until they run you off..." She smiles and winks at the jester.
Lookig around she says to all:"Are you all enjoying the Festival so far? It gets going in earnest tomorrow of course. Zantus is quite proud of his new church, and the party will do the town good as an ending to the "recent unpleasantness". It is a nice closure for all of us."
Bethany appears at Hosk's elbow. "Xuse me sir, just thought you'd like to know Bethany has arrived." . Hosk excuses himself from the table. If you watch him, you see he goes into a far corner and meets someone who is hard to make out in the darkness of the room. The stranger hugs Daviren and they sit down together in animated conversation.
He listens to Robin's lie-- or was it? He wasn't quite sure. Smoke knew that he wasn't all truth when he mentioned him, but Andoran... that was pretty far away.
Wait, wasn't he the guy who got him with the pie? That was tasty.
Remind me to thank him later.
He got maybe a half-breath out before Hosk interrupted with encouragement. Smoke was starting to like Hosk a bit more-- he reminded him of the weird uncle he had on his father's side of the family. Nothing wrong with that-- the weird uncle was also his favorite. He turned to Ameiko and says "Well, to be honest: I didn't come here for you specifically, but I'm sure glad I ended up here! That was amazing. Your performance, I mean. I've never heard anything like it. Nothing like the music back home-- not that there's anything wrong with the music back home. It was just... a lot prettier." He gives her a sheepish smile. "My name's Smoke. You're Lady Ameiko? It's a real pleasure to meet you." He's glad they're both sitting, and bows his head in lieu of going for a handshake.
Robin introduces Rogar and his lost hammer, and Smoke nods along. He's more interested in the streaks of white across her bangs and the tattoo on her arm, which he appraises when he thinks she's not looking.
When Smoke gets a chance, he responds to Ameiko's question with "Warm food, interesting people, conversation, beautiful... music-- I don't know if tonight could get much better," before wishing he could stuff his foot in his mouth. Did he just lose the advantage? He wasn't as charming as he hoped. Smoke looked for Hosk for advice while Ameiko asked about the festival--
-- to find him across the room, speaking familiarly with a beautiful elven woman. He glanced across the table to make sure it wasn't the same one that'd been seated with them. Elves all looked the same, right? He had no idea. She had to be the... well, second elf he'd ever met in his life. Wait, distracted.
He turned around in time to ask "Recent unpleasantness?" Smoke's one-track mind jumped to giants, of course.
Boo enjoys the songs and the conversation but says little. She is also enjoying the after effects of her bath, then wine and the food.
She completely fails to notice the stranger in the corner being distracted by the antics of her familiar, who is having an excellent time in the rafters.
After a bit, a very important question occurs to her.
"You mentioned a festival. Will there be butterflies?"
"Room and board," the Dwarf replied softly to the question as to what brings him to her tavern. "Though the above average ale and fine entertainment vas a nice bonus."
He took another deep drink of ale and listened to the others. When Robin mentioned Foebreaker, he rolled his eyes.
"I made no such claim that the Foebreaker belonged to Good King Taargick, if that were the case every dwarf in creation would be hunting for it," He responded with a huff. "Foebreaker was forged for my ancestor, Torgaar Orcwarden."
The ranger notices the newcomer, but pays her little heed.
"I'm sure your human festival will be...festive." Rogar replied.
@Smoke and Cadas: You spend a few minutes doing the requisite chores and settling the new horses, and eventually are ready to head next door for refreshments. Smoke makes a flip comment to the man about goblins and you see a change come over Hosk. The mirth and kindness that was present disappears and a cold steel fills his features. His blue eyes burn with a fire that makes you look away. "Aye lad, an' what is there to like about the buggers, do you ken? The only gud gobbie is one impaled on me sword blade. Seen enuf to ken that in my day an' I reckon yoo will too." He shakes his head and his visage resets to the normal, easy manner to which you are growing accustomed.
Catas help with the horses and pays extra attention to the cat, trying to make a friend. But she rubs it the wrong way and her hands smell of strange things so the cat hisses and backs away. Cadas looks sad for a moment but gets back to the horses.
After Hosk calms from his reaction to goblins Cadas adds We've had our share of trouble with goblinoids on the planes. They come at night. We kept dogs to warn us when we knew we were close to their warrens. Her eyes grow dark and distant as she adds. Goblins is part of the troubles I come to talk about.
Before the group heads over to the Inn Cadas admits something to Hosk. This stable is so nice I could just sleep here. Guard the horses and all that. Maybe make up with the cat. Truth is, I never slept in a proper bed. Not sure I'd know how. Besides no room in that big old pile of lumber could be any nicer that what you have here. What do you say? Regardless she realizes she will have to go inside the Inn to get dinner.
Easing over to the Dragon, you enter (see prior post for those entering) and the man at the bar addresses your grizzled companion: Herr Hosk, it iz our honor to haf yoo wif us again this even. An' yoo brought frien's, I see. Very goot, sir, very goot indeed." The Ulfen man turns to start pouring ale into earthen crocks for all three.
The halfling servant lady approaches and hugs the older fellow. "Come, come Daviren, take your usual table. Lars will have the ale up in a few. And just who ARE these friends of yours,now? Strange times bring stranger folks, they say. Meaning no offense o'course. She giggles to cover her embarrassment. "Dinner is sea bass or lamb with mint. Do your guests require a room tonight? They are starting to fill up."
Cadas looks over to Hosk meaningfully. We will be needing to sleep somewhere. she acknowledges.
Hosk smiles at the kindly old halfling. "Lamb fer me, Bethany. An' some of them spiced taters to go with. Met these travelers up at the festival, I did. They'll have to be a'answerin' for themselfs about rooms, eh? Has Miss Hannah bin in tonight? I wuld like a word wit her if'n you see here, ken?" The halfling, Bethany apparently, replies that Hannah has not been in, but is expected anytime.
"Order dinner if'n you're hungry Cadas an' feed the lad too. If'n yoo'll excuse me, I have someone ta speak ta for a moment." He rises and approaches the stage,...
The fish would be lovely, baked with leeks in clay if possible, and some "spiced taters" too if they are tender after you dress them out. She is not really sure what she just ordered.
@Cadas and Smoke: The horses appear to be fine specimens and extremely well cared for. Hosk obviously knows his business.
As you stop near the Cathedral and say your prayer, Hosk waits respectfully. "So yoo've a message for them in town, eh? It might be that ol' man Hosk can help yoo wif that. I might know a few that'll hear ya oot, but reckon not til mornin'." He squints at Cadas in the failing light sizing her up a little differently than before. "I ken it ain't like Gozreh to send warnin's to jest everyun, eh? Tell me, how a bonny lass came upon such a dire omen, then."
I know you mean no harm by it Hosk, so none is taken, but I am not afforded the comfort of the life of a bonny lass. I am a of a long line of sooths and wise women of the Shoanti. Shamen and druids of Gozreh every one. He had favored me for good or ill and that sets my course. She looks to Hosk to see if that satisfies him.
Hosk tries to dissuade you from sleeping in the stable, but will relent if you insist. He says something like, "Prettiest stable dweller I've had in an age, eh?" and laughs if you push it. He does try to sell you on the Dragon's baths.
He takes no offense as you exert your religious bloodlines. He mutters to Smoke "Nae tellin' 'bout Gods and women, and here we ha'e a wee bit o' both." But he accords you more respect for standing up for yourself, and tries not to bring faith back into the discussion. Ya shorely remin' me a someun that i'd like ya to meet, if'n we get the chance, I ken you'd be like two peas in a pod, you wood"
Ameiko smiles and gracefully accepts all the praise for her singing and the quality of her establishment. "I have tried to make the Dragon a comfortable place for travelers and adventurers with stories to tell. It's like I would want if I were still traveling..." she trails off with a far-away look.
To Smoke's introduction: " Oh, where ARE my manners. Yes, I am she, Ameiko Kaijitsu, proud owner of the Rusty Dragon. How that came to be, now that is an interesting story."
To Tinuviel: She smiles, indulgently acquiescing to the flightiness of the Elder Race. "Yes, dear I believe there will be butterflies. I heard that discussion earlier this week. Zantus has gone all out, and after all, what is a Desna Festival without them? I think you'll find we throw quite a party in Sandpoint!"
To Rogar: "Spoken like a dour dwarf indeed. You do your forefathers proud, keeping that tradition alive. But, I would hear more of your family's hammer and see if it doesn't fit well into a story I am crafting. Perhaps after the festival?"
To Robin: "I feel you would mop the stage with me, literally if you could, but a girl could do worse."
As Smoke turns back and asks the question about "unpleasantness", Ameiko's eyes sparkle with mischief. "I see that I haven't completely lost you to the beauty of dear Bethany over there, as I have the grumpy Ranger, but he always was the love-struck one, wasn't he. Welcome back to the table! It is better for your return." She playfully pats your hand and lets it linger an extra moment.
She sighs and motions for Morris to refill all the drinks at the table. "So you have not heard of Sandpoint's recent troubles? The tale is long in the telling, so I encourage you drink up and sit back. I do have a tendency to spin a good yarn now and then..."
Ameiko sighs and begins to spin the tale as only a master bard can.
"I had just come back to town after the death of my mother."
"By Fate or Luck (aren't those often the same?), the sherriff, after having a few too many, wandered into the wrong alleyway (still called Chopper's Alley) just as The Chopper was finishing a victim. There was a fight and old Casp was killed, but not before wounding the serial murderer. The Guard, led by Sherriff Hemlock (he was then just a Shoanti soldier with a Shoanti name), followed the blood trail out to Stoot's Rock, an island in the shadow of the Old Light. There they found Jervis Stoot, an eccentric woodcarver who had lived alone on his rock carving his exotic birds, dead. At first they thought him a victim of the Chopper also, but apparently, all the eyes and tongues of the victims were found in his basement along with, (they say) some demon altar."
"Stoot's Rock is still abandoned and the house is said to be haunted by the demon spirit to this day. As such, no Gods-fearing folk go out that way much these days."
Ameiko pauses looks around the assembled group who are all spellbound by her story. "As you can tell, Sandpoint has an unpleasant history. The owner of this very place was one of the Chopper's victims and that's how I ended up owning it. I was able to bring my friends to come work for me and have been ever since. But The Chopper's Tale is only part of our troubled past."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Smoke looks at her hand for a moment before she withdraws it, and seems perplexed-- but then smiles. "Sorry I ever left."
He listens intently to the story, taking a sip from the clay mug in front of him. Serial killers? Tongues and eyes? He had a mental image of the alter, eyes blazing and staring, tongues laid out like lamb flanks across it, some angry symbol in the middle and winced. Maybe not the best imagery for eating. It didn't bother him too much, and he forgot about it soon after she'd said it.
Shoanti soldier with a Shoanti name, huh? Sounded familiar.
At the end, he asks "And the rest? Of the troubled past, if I can ask, you know," dumbly, not sure if he's supposed to be interested or not.
Rogar noticed the anger in Ameiko's voice. It was the same anger he often choked down when talking about Foebreaker.
"Among my people there are fools, hungry for power and eager to commit malice, they vorship the Dark Smith. Sometimes they vere fine Dwarves who stumbled across something they shouldn't have, losing themselves in the process. Of course, there can be no mercy for them, but it riles the blood to think that a once fine stone carver has surrendered all that makes him a dwarf for the lies of fell powers."
"Pardon me, but are you any relation to the people who make the lovely glass?" Boo smiles ruefully at asking such a forward question.
To Smoke: Ameiko glances your way as you rejoin her comment, and gives a little smile and nod. But she then gets too involved in the story to flirt much more (so far).
To Rogar : The Dark Smith is known to me. I do not know if this was a similar case or just a deranged individual. Hemlock, who was there, will have more information. I was only newly back in town when all this transpired."
To Tinuviel's questions about her family's biz: "Why yes, the Glassworks here were started by my grandfather, Rokuru, when Sandpoint was founded. It has been in my family since before the exodus from Tien. My father now runs the business, but I am not part of that concern. My interests are elsewhere..." She adds softly,"Much to his dismay."
If there are no other questions, the lovely Tien storyteller picks up the thread again.
"As I said, the murders were only part of the Troubles. Only a month or so after the Chopper was put down, the old Church burned. Father Tobyn, a benevolent man, who had been priest for years (since before i left Sandpoint, in fact), and his adopted daughter were killed in the blaze. No one is quite sure what caused the fire, but there is certainly speculation."
"The best rumor is that the fire was purposefully set from inside the building. I don't know if I believe that. Only the Tobyn and Nualia, the daughter, lived inside. Why would they have cause...
Bethany the halfling hostess begins tugging on Ameiko's sleeve insistently, interrupting the story. Annoyed, the lady turns to the servant. "Yes, Bethany, what is it?". The halfing looks warily at the assembled group then whispers to her mistress.
"Here?" Ameiko says to Bethany, then turning to you: "Excuse me my friends, there is urgent business I must attend to. Welcome to the Rusty Dragon, I do hope you will come see our booth at the Festival tomorrow, and your stay with us will be long and pleasant.".
She looks at Smoke with a look that may say more, but then disappears behind the bar.
"Now," Bethany says, covering for the boss, "who needs a night cap?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Cadas takes the hand of the Ulfen bartender, shaking it with surprising strength. She takes note of the maiming but does not flinch away from the hand. Such things are common among "The people". She introduces herself and adds in her thick proud accent. You were not always I bartender I think. Some day I'd hear your story. Her Grandmother was a great priest of Gozreh. It was said at the height of her power she could have restored such a hand. Cadas wonders if she will walk Gozreh's path so far.
The main room is open with high ceilings and Cadas is not too uncomfortable. She enjoys the meal, but the seasoning is so foreign to her and the dish so well presented that she feels she is eating art and not mere food. Since she is not celebrating anything she does not partake in alcoholic drink. Besides, she doubts this place would have a proper kefir (fermented milk her people would have made with horse milk and grains). She is stunned at the performance as she did not know such beautiful music existed in all the world and looks at Ameiko in awe. Wiping away a tear she manages to complement As beautiful as the sky.
Cadas' senses are almost overwhelmed with the sounds and tastes and sights of this place. Her vision darts around to take in everything. She is normally quite perceptive and those senses are heightened such that she misses little this evening. That must be why she immediately takes note of the beautiful elf woman with short cropped brown hair and a circlet on her head and her relationship with Host. Her eyes jump to a silver chain round the newcomers neck sporting a jade leaf holy symbol with a drop of water dripping from it. Cadas recognizes it immediately. She wears a similar, but more modest symbol at her throat. A sister? she wonders, and vows to talk to the woman soon.
As the table introduces itself to Ameiko she takes note of the others seated with her. A halfling. The one who was dancing in the line and who threw the pies. She smiles at the memory of the pie hitting Smoke and wonders how he will react to the small man. A dwarf. Rare enough in these parts, but always welcome. He is likely on some personal errand. They always are. And an elf. Of course the elf has to ask about butterflies. What is the big deal with butterflies? Haven't these people been out to the great plains? Hmm, maybe they haven't. She imagines what it would be like to have to live in a walled town like this and a dark look crosses her face for a moment. At her turn she introduces herself to the group. I am Cadas, of the Shoanti. she adds totally unnecessarily as her adornment, arms, armor, and tatoos, clearly mark her for who she is. I am a priest of Gozreh as she says this she touches the symbol at her throat and looks over at the woman with Host and have traveled to Sandpoint to bring warning of foretold future unpleasantries.
Cadas listens to the story and enjoys the telling but the actual horror is almost missed on her. She fails to fully connect to what the townsfolk went through as she does not know the security of a town or what it feels to loose it. There is good and bad in all places. she finally agrees.
Smoke furrows his brow as he watches her go, but says nothing. No doubt something interesting was afoot in this-place-ville. Uh, Sandpoint, right?
Nonetheless, this Hemlock fellow was probably the person to speak to, and no doubt they had something in common. He was interested in the weird things that happened, but it wasn't his place to ask-- instead, he wanted to talk about...
Bigger problems.
When Ameiko was gone, Smoke looks at Robin and, like he's talking about the weather, mentions: "You know, you have fantastic aim." He smirks. "You're also a fantastic guess. How'd you know that was my favorite?" No doubt he sounded odd to anyone listening in.
To Robin: Bethany is a pretty tough nut to crack despite your nearly flawless Albanian.
If anyone else wants to post this on Festival Eve, feel free. There are still some NPC interaction opportunities if you want them. If you're ready to turn in, just check out and when everyone's done, we'll turn the calendar page to the Festival.
Tinuviel goes over to Cadas.
"Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Tinuviel Surana. I understand that you are new to this part of the world as well. Unless you have other arrangements, I would be honoured if you shared my room with me this night. In my experience, inns can be more restful if you sleep in a private room than otherwise. The common rooms tend to stay noisy and the stables attract the drunkards."
Cadas considers Tinuviel's proposal. She really seems to be chewing over the simple offer a lot more than it deserves. Finally she agrees. Yes. I had planned to stay with the horses, but Hosk was concerned and wanted me to stay in the inn. He seems a good man and I do not wish to worry him needlessly. Smoke will have to find his own place to sleep. She smiles up at the young man, sure that this will not be a problem for him.
Excuse me for a moment Tinuviel. I think I see a sister of my faith. She rises and goes to where Hosk is talking with the elven woman. At an appropriate time she interrupts Hosk, you must introduce me to your friend. It appears we share something important. She lightly touches her holy symbol as she speaks.
"Of course."
Boo tells the nice lady where the room is. She then returns to enjoying the inn's ambience.
Smoke, staring after Ameiko and lost in thought, is interrupted by Robin's joke-- to which he bursts out in loud, inappropriate laughter.
A moment later he casts a glance to Rogar, who still hasn't left the table. Embarrassed doesn't describe it. "Funny, huh?" he says tentatively.
[b["Bah,"[/b]The dwarf grunted "If it doesn't spit it out, ve vill drink him too. A little protein vith your ale is guud for the humors."
Then the Dwarf laughs heartily and slaps the young halfling on the back.
"You know how to tell a good and proper dwarven joke."
Boo listened to the halfling's story.
I don't get it. Elves don't generally drink beer. Is that the funny part? If so, why isn't it at the end? Dwarves drink beer. But everyone knows that, so how is that funny. I don't get it.
Tinuviel laughs quietly, if uncertainly.
I missed something there. Maybe having three flies at the same time in different drinks is funny?
Smoke nods appreciatively. This Robin guy made a dwarf smile! He thought they were all anvils and frowns and gritty gravel or something.
"Don't worry about before-- Robin, you said your name was?" he says when he gets the chance. "I can take a joke-- and it looks like you've got a lot to give. Got any about Shoanti?"
Startled, Tinuviel turns to the little man.
"Greetings, Robin, I am Tinuviel Surana. Xal dos neitar thalra natha maelthra vel'drav dos ph'bri wun yie. I'm here to meet a mage my parents know, a certain Ilsoari Gandethus. He is the headmaster at the Turandorok Acadamy. Also the festival of the Lady of Night, which should be glorious. And yourself? What brings you here?
While the evening begins to wind down, it comes time to pay the bill. Bethany brings you the sums and has some good news. "The Lady Ameiko has a standing policy that interesting guests get services at half price. I am sure she would consider all of you that."
She sniffs and stares holes at Robin. "As such, I have adjusted your tabs." She proceeds to pass them out.
@Cadas: As you approach old Hosk and the elven woman ( you see that they are huddled close together and behaving as long-time lovers would, intimate without being obvious, comfortable to sit in silence together.
When you speak, Hosk rises from the seat, a wry grin spreading on his grizzled face. "Aye lassie, this is the one I was a'speakin' of 'rlier. May I present Miss Hannah Velerin, me longtime frien' and sumtime sweeth'rt." His face colors redly as much from drink as embarrassment. It's easy to see that terms of endearment do not come easy to him. "Hannah, me luv, this is the Shoanti priestess I wuz a'telling yoo 'bout. She's come ta Sandpoint ta share sum omen r'gardin' the town. She is a keeper of Nature's Balance as well. Mebbe yoo two outta meet, I ken, eh?. 'ere lassie, sit down and talk a spell with Miss Hannah, yeah?"
The elven priestess regards you with curiosity, taking in your manner, clothing, symbol, and tattoos she says playfully "Really, Dav, could you have said anything more obvious? It is quite apparent to anyone with eyes that this poor girl is from the wilderness. She must be uncomfortable indoors, and likely in the city at all. Poor thing, do sit down. Tell me about your travels and this dream omen that Dav has mentioned. We are sisters of the Faith, and as such needs must trust one another."
As is the way with all of the Elder Race, her words flow like music, her laughter like sunlight. She beams a radiant smile at you which makes it all the way to her eyes. She truly is welcoming as she casts her arms about you in a warm embrace.
At least he's trying...
Tinuviel beams a smile at the small man.
"That does sound lovely, if sticky. Thank you. I'm off to bed. Sleep well, everyone."
With that she smiles at the room, in general, and heads off to sleep.
Smoke watches Robin and Tinuviel leave, finally finishing off the tankard he'd been taking care of the entire night. He presses three gold pieces into Bethany's hands-- "Two nights, and meals for both, for both me and Cadas." If his math was right. "One for you and Lars-- that should buy another couple meals in the morning, right?" He hadn't seen Tinuviel give money up, so, if he was paying for their room as well, so be it. He noticed she was caught up in a conversation with Hosk and his beautiful friend and decided it was best to leave them be for now. How had he gone from being a bit wary to trusting Hosk in the last few hours? The man had a charm about him.
Maybe it was the accent.
He stood up and regarded Rogar. "Sad to say, but I'm getting a bit restless. Good tidings-- glad to have met you. Hope to see you walking the festival tomorrow," he says, and dips out the door.
Smoke as you walk the streets of Sandpoint in the dark, you can easily see this town was not built for defense. It is a commercial center, not a fortress and a determined army of kobolds could probably take the place let alone giants. It would be a cakewalk.
You an occasional City Watchman out patrolling especially among the rowdier nightspots, but they look like constables not soldiers and even soft for that.
A growing sense of unease blossoms inside you as you remember your past and consider your future.
By and large any folks on the street are revelers headed to bed or merchants getting in late and/or putting finishing touches on their stalls in the market square.
Smoke as you walk the streets of Sandpoint in the dark, you can easily see this town was not built for defense. It is a commercial center, not a fortress and a determined army of kobolds could probably take the place let alone giants. It would be a cakewalk.
You an occasional City Watchman out patrolling especially among the rowdier nightspots, but they look like constables not soldiers and even soft for that.
A growing sense of unease blossoms inside you as you remember your past and consider your future.
By and large any folks on the street are revelers headed to bed or merchants getting in late and/or putting finishing touches on their stalls in the market square.
Rogar nodded to each of the table mates as they left, uttering a traditional dwarven farewell to each.
"May your hearth be varm and your bed be hard," He said with the warmth of the fine Ale he had been drinking sitting comfortably in his stomach.
As most of the others left, leaving only he and the Shoanti shaman in the room with the regulars, Rogar waddled up to the bar and placed 2 gold pieces on the bar, for his food, his bath and his private room.
"I'll have another pint of ale, northman," he said. "in fact just keep 'em coming til I run out of the over pay and there'll be a pair of silvers in it for you."
He took the mug from the bartender and took a long drink from it's frothy contents.
"Good to see at least one tavern in this longshanks town has a quality cup of grog," he grunted approvingly. "I've got a question for you Northman. Vere are all my kin? I've seen but one, vearing the Maker's Hammer, since I stepped foot in this town. Ve're not so far from Janderhoff not to have at least a few local of the stout folk are you?"
@Cadas: As you approach old Hosk and the elven woman ( you see that they are huddled close together and behaving as long-time lovers would, intimate without being obvious, comfortable to sit in silence together.
When you speak, Hosk rises from the seat, a wry grin spreading on his grizzled face. "Aye lassie, this is the one I was a'speakin' of 'rlier. May I present Miss Hannah Velerin, me longtime frien' and sumtime sweeth'rt." His face colors redly as much from drink as embarrassment. It's easy to see that terms of endearment do not come easy to him. "Hannah, me luv, this is the Shoanti priestess I wuz a'telling yoo 'bout. She's come ta Sandpoint ta share sum omen r'gardin' the town. She is a keeper of Nature's Balance as well. Mebbe yoo two outta meet, I ken, eh?. 'ere lassie, sit down and talk a spell with Miss Hannah, yeah?"
The elven priestess regards you with curiosity, taking in your manner, clothing, symbol, and tattoos she says playfully "Really, Dav, could you have said anything more obvious? It is quite apparent to anyone with eyes that this poor girl is from the wilderness. She must be uncomfortable indoors, and likely in the city at all. Poor thing, do sit down. Tell me about your travels and this dream omen that Dav has mentioned. We are sisters of the Faith, and as such needs must trust one another."
As is the way with all of the Elder Race, her words flow like music, her laughter like sunlight. She beams a radiant smile at you which makes it all the way to her eyes. She truly is welcoming as she casts her arms about you in a warm embrace.
Cadas accepts the hug in sisterly fashion and tries to return it as warmly, thinking that she had never actually touched an elf before and never thought she would. Strange things these adventures. I am pleased to meet a sister of my faith so far from home Hannah Velerin. She says too formally as she sits. You have it right that I'd sooner be beneath the open sky, even in a rain storm, than inside an inn even as grand as this one. But we all make sacrifices for greater things, yes.
As Cadas speaks it is as if a great burden is lifted from the young woman. She has ventured a long way into strange environments and unsure surrounding on faith, and now has a chance to share what she knows with someone who will hear and understand. What I am going to tell you is not only from my visions but come from the wisest of the step from the gathering of the tribes under the open sky by the sea where Gozreh speaks loudest. My sisters there are shamen and druid of Gozreh. They pledge fully to him and are wiser than myself, so more clearly receive and interpret his omens. And this is what they prophesy. She takes both of Hannah's hands and hold them as her eyes loose focus and she begins to chant in a sing song fashion. The balance is threatened for all of Varisa. Giants are on the move and have stirred up the lesser races that sometimes serve them. Something of evil organizes and guides them; drives them even beyond their usual desire for destruction. And the casting of bones and the flight of birds and the reading of the entrails, they all point to Sandpoint. Hannah, a fight is coming like none in memory, and it begins here. She is breathing hard when she finishes. Her face flush and a bead of sweat rolls down one side of her face. As her eyes once again find Hannah's she releases her grip on the elf woman's hands and says in a very small voice. It is almost too much. I have come to Sandpoint but now what shall I do?
@Rogar: Lars smiles at you as mention his tip. "Es hart to pry coinz from dwarf, ja? Longbeart is generous one. Lars lucky, ja?" He chortles with laughter but keeps your mug filled.
To your further question he shrugs:"Nein, Herr Dwarf, wery few of the beartet vons aroun' Sandpoint. No golt to mine, no gems to cut, meanz no dwarves, ja? This es new town and lumber is bizness here. Dere is dwarf at lumber guilt, Lars tinks but dont know heem gute, ok?."
@Cadas
Hannah is overcome following Cadas revelation. A single tear trails down her face. She reaches up and strokes Cadas' cheek like a mother comforting an exhausted child.
"You have done well to bring this to me, Young Sister. Do not worry, while my portents are different, I have had similar visions and my commune with The Wind and Waves causes me great worry these days. Trouble is brewing there can be no doubt, but the Balance must be kept. I will take your message to those that will help us when Festival ends."
"Now, Dear One, lay down your burden and rest if you can, for you have traveled far and your message is now delivered. Nature's blessing on you as you rest."
She stands to depart and Hosk with her. "G'night, lassie. Yoo dun well, ken? 'annah will know what tae do next, 'ave nae fear. An' watch over that boy o' yers tae, I 'ave a sense abou' 'im, yeah?"
As you watch, they amble to the exit. Before leaving, Hannnah turns and gives you a small nod, her eyes locking with yours in understanding, then they are gone into the night.
Adolina d'Jhaltera
