Aki quickly discovers it isn't tea she poured but a rice wine. she has no technique just pouring a drink and apparently the tea cups are what she has available to use.
Noro raises an eyebrow at his speech You shound like my mother, exshept for being a guy. but I wash born and raished here in Shandpoint, If your looking for pure Tien than Amieko ish who you'd be looking for.
she takes her drink and and chugs it down. She lets him check her wounds, wincing a bit when he touches some tender areas. (like the kidneys)
shtudied? yeah, my shtyle ish a mix between avoid gettin hit and beat the crap out of the other guy. shometimes I ain't that good at the firsht part.
you can guess in her body language that she probably does know some fighting styles but for what ever reason she does not wish to divulge it.
Sense Motive:
I like rice wine even better than tea.
"A mix gifted in martial arts. Will wonders never cease.""
I muse over the wounds for a moment. "Hmmm if fhis is all you sustained I wonder if the other guy is in more urgent need of aid " I joke. I too am a Varisian and Tien mix. My mother was Tien and raised me in Tien-Shu. My father was Varisian and he lived here most of his life. I came here to collect something he left for me and to see and experience his homeland. For as nice a place it is, it sure has some dark places. So, to study a personalized version of Quian I'm guessing. I study Aikido. It is a defensive style based on throwing."
noro lowers her shirt when he is done looking over the injury.
I wash going to the Dragon to shee my brother. I owe him shome money. You can go with me if you want. I have to be back before dark, have to work tonight.
She reaches under her mattress and grabs a small pouch of coin then opens the door motioning him to follow.
when it comes to family she always looks for ways to change the subject
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Shortly after yelling into the building, she heard movement inside. Someone was inside speaking with whoever had thrown the bottle and made the statement. I suppose it was no wonder the woman hadn't responded to Victoria. Still, she wanted to know what was happening. Before she has a chance to make it to the apartment, however, the door opens. Just before that, Victoria had thought she had over heard something about someone owing money, but only briefly was she able to overhear it. She wanted to know more, so she decided to wait and listen. Again, she hid herself behind a wall. She really thought she may have caught something this time.
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I pack up my kit after treatment and stand up. I smile. "Of course. I have yet to visit the Rusty Dragon myself. Lead the way." I follow Noro.
While enroute I ask. "So Noroku-san, you mentioned work tonight. What kind of work do you do?"
"'Hotter than a fire poker,' eh? Mind if use that next time? It's pretty good."
The bartender busies herself fixing another drink, a cold one if the frost on the mug is any clue. She finishes pouring it up, leaving a frothy head spilling over the top as she sets it down in front of you.
"On the house. You've earned it, and what ever else you drink tonight."
Cheer erupt from all around as good-natured slaps to the back rain down. Two ulfen sailors, already a little drunk, begin dancing a jig on a nearby table as their fellows belt out a bawdy tavern tune.
The musty smell of old parchment, paper, and leather wash over you as you step inside the Curious Goblin. Tall shelves stuffed with tomes and scrolls reach almost to the ceiling. Light from lamps and the windows allow you navigate the labyrinthine shop. From the back of the shop you hear what sound like two men discussing something.
"Yes, yes, yes. This is indeed a fortuitous find Chask, but are you sure that it's genuine?"
"Of course! See here? The way the figures are depicted?"
Of course, this may go a long way to explaining why no one else is in the shop.
After you take the candy stick, the man bites off some of the one in his mouth.
"Wouldn't happen to be one the guard Glinter told to bugger off, would ya? Man's a fool if you ask me."
He shakes his head and sighs.
"Saw him trying to get some of Hemlock's younger lads to join up with him. He'd be better off hiring you back for what you're worth if he's trying to head south. Licktoads are getting awfully rowdy."
Now that Olivius has found his voice, talking comes easier.
I would be. Out of the blue and for half the coin owed. It... Update me.
But thanks for the vote of confidence, but I hope hemlock's boys at least know which end to stick'em with. Locktoads are going to be the least of his worries if he gets another go kin attack like last time.
Olivius thinks solemnly for a moment, I hope he doesn't get anyone hurt just because he's thick in the head.
He takes another bite of the candy. It was helping, bit by bit. Still a bad day, though. Then something odd struck him.
Well you have me at a disadvantage. You clearly know or have heard of me. May I ask who my Lord of the Candy is?
You look up to find the stranger gone. There's no way he made it to a hiding place, and there was no splash. You do see that there's a bag of the cinnamon stick candies sitting on one of the thick posts that support the pier. Weighed down is a simple note that reads:
Don't worry. Things will get better. As for Glinter, Hemlock is a good judge of character, those boys know better.
Enjoy the treat.
-Cade
He shrugs and grins. "Course you can, lass. Hopefully that'll help me in finding a place to rest my noggin after the drinkin is done. Fairly new in town and there doesn't seem to be a damn spot open unless ya want to sleep in your own drool."
He chuckles and sips on the beer, knowing something good must come from surviving the drink of doom.
Saroune took a moment to soak in the sheer volume of books and scrolls; this collection was amazing! Especially for a town the size of Sandpoint. Running her hand along a series of books lining the shelf next to her, Saroune crept closer to where the voices were coming from. She should have just announced her presence, but curiosity almost always got the better of her.
As they head out Noro stops a moment they barely made it down a road away from the docks heading toward the center of town. she looks to Aki dock worker, ship called the Orca due in tonight
she starts to walk again thish way Aki starts to get the feeling that Noro is not heading into town as she made a few turns that just seemed illogical.
it seems she is doubling back toward the docks. she suddenly slows her pace she almost looks like she is attempting to sneak up on someone.
I merely follow Noro observing her actions. When she starts sneaking I put my hands into my sleaves and keep my distance trying not to blow her cover. I simply watch and wait to see what happens.
The bartender chuckles along with him, though the sound is barely heard above the boisterous crowd singing behind you.
"'Fraid there's not many of those places either. If ya can stand a grouch, and a mean one at that Garridan's place, the White Deer is alright. He probably has at least one room open. If you don't mind some company, and you have the coin, the Pixie's Kitten might tickle your fancy, but they may not have beds open either. I'd let ya have a room, but I think ever nook in this place is going to have a drunk in it."
She looks over to the table with the ulfen sailors as they lead the others in raising a racket.
"The name's Ameiko, and I'd like to know yours so I can make things up to ya."
After navigating the bookshelves you find a desk in an open area at the back of the shop. Seated around it are two old men, one of whom looks like he matches descriptions of Brodert Quink. Leaning against a nearby shelf is a woman who looks to be in her early thirties.
"Amazing! I believe you've found a treasure here. There's not many works that cover the fighting styles of the Shoanti." says the man that looks like Brodert
"I thought both Belor and Garridan were Shoanti? Why not ask them?" the woman asks.
Pavanna accepts the flattery with a bittersweet little smile, but she can barely stifle a sigh. Were they longer acquainted, she might offer deeper counsel, but she’s known the man for scarcely half an hour! Donning the mask of a carefree rake does nothing to heal the wounds beneath it, Horatio.
Instead of the words, she rests her hand on his shoulder for a moment. “A feeling, not a place,” she repeats gently, then surprises herself with a crooked grin. “And in the meantime, you’re right: brooding does no-one any good. If the Rusty Dragon is as full as you’ve said, there’s an audience awaiting. Some mulled wine and your music should sustain us both until I have to meet with Father Zantus and reassure him my studies haven’t starved me.”
"Well, Ameiko, my name is Thirzin. Thirzin Bronzebeard. Though if I drink many more of those Dragon's Breath, I might end up being known as Firebeard around this place." Through the whole speaking, he only interrupts briefly to guzzle on the frosty pint. "And what's this about making it up to me?"
Hearing the newest folks entering the tavern, the stout, sweaty dwarf appraises the newest...guests?
Her interest piqued by the conversation, Saroune cleared her throat, trying to get the others' attention.
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Victoria stays behind the wall expecting to see someone walk out of the building, but there must have been a split second that they exited and Victoria was busy finding her spot or something. She wasn't sure, but suddenly there was only silence. Walking back out to the street, evermore suspicious, she begins looking around the building for any sign of where its inhabitants could have gone.
Olivius is suddenly and thoroughly confused. He looks around, spins around, then shakes his head. Weird day. A very weird, bad day. He scoops up his spell book and component pouch, then pauses for a momet to stare at the candies. He knew for a fact that very few men could disappear into thin air. In fact, the only people be knew of who could pull that off were... Mages.
Olivius laughs to himself and snatches up the candy. Ive just met a mage! my first since Cheliax and my father's house. And a powerful one at that! What a day!
He strolls off the dock in approximately the opposite mood from when he barged on. There's almost a spring in his step. He gently tosses the candy from his right hand to the left and deftly pockets it. I think I need a drink. But indecision hits. After a moment he decides to not decide, and heads up into town to see which tavern catches his eye.
"The Dragon? Already?" He chuckles, but hops to his feet smoothly. "Well, I was planning on performing there tonight, but there's always time for a matinee, I suppose. At... ten in the morning." He frowns to himself, but shakes it off. "No matter! The Dragon it is! You're in for a treat, my lady." He scoops up his violin, bows again, and leads the way down Market Street, pointing out the inn's namesake sculpture. "At least it's easily identifiable, eh? This is the one place in Sandpoint that feels close to home." He sighs, placing a hand over his heart briefly, then holds the door open for Pavanna. "Ladies first."
Ordinarily, Pavanna’s first impulse to being called a ‘lady’ would be to ‘take umbrage’ and demand he take back those words; apart from her mother, most of the ‘ladies’ she’s met were Wiscrani matrons or their daughters, and she has no wish to be placed in the company of such walking vipers.
But here and now, the joke might truly sting, and there’s no harm to indulging (and yes, enjoying) Horatio’s courtly courtesy. She accepts his offer with a gracious nod and steps into the inn, pausing just inside the door to let her senses adjust to the light, the smells, and the din. Remembering a Varisian custom, she quickly sweeps off her hat; she has no wish (nor enough coin) to buy a round of drinks for so many people. (Besides, there’s no harm to it; as she mentioned to Horatio, Kostin and his compatriot have certainly spread the good news far and wide by now, so revealing her horns and ears can do little more damage.)
Horatio steps into the Dragon, inhaling deeply. The smells and sounds fill him with a temporary euphoria, and for the first time since the White Deer, the smile on his face looks truly genuine. He makes his way to the bar, gesturing for Pavanna to follow him. "Welcome to the Rusty Dragon! Here you'll find the best food, best beds, best company, and best performances in all of Sandpoint, the last provided by yours truly, of course. But the best thing about the Dragon, is without a doubt, the drinks! Speaking of which, the first one's on me. Not literally, of course, unless you want it that way. Go forth and mingle, while I take care of the rest!"
He picks his way through the tavern, stopping here to bow to a lady, there to laugh at a joke, and eventually finds his way to the bar, just in time to see a dwarf down a mug of something that seems to cause him some discomfort. He waits patiently for Ameiko to finish serving, then extends a hand to within inches of caressing her cheek. "Ah, Ameiko, I know I arranged to play here tonight, but I simply couldn't bear going that long without seeing your lovely face. As it is, this heat has me feeling terribly hot and bothered, not to mention thirsty," here he makes a show of loosening the throat of his shirt, leaving it hanging open with quite a gap, "and I was wondering if you had something that might relieve that ache? Or the thirst?" Blast. Not my smoothest. He manages a smile and a wink anyway, resting both his violin and one elbow on the bar.
Victoria stays behind the wall expecting to see someone walk out of the building, but there must have been a split second that they exited and Victoria was busy finding her spot or something. She wasn't sure, but suddenly there was only silence. Walking back out to the street, evermore suspicious, she begins looking around the building for any sign of where its inhabitants could have gone.
As Victoria peers around a corner something or someone grabs the scruff of her collar.
looking for shomeone? as the person pulls her up to face Noro.
looking at Victoria her arms now crossed across her chest. You don'y look like one of Jubrayl'sh thugs. Why are you shpying on me, shizing up the competetion perhapsh?
questioning her is a muscular human woman wearing common clothes typical of a dock worker. her shirt a bit bloody and some bruises on her. her hands indicitive of a worker (or a fighter).
I wonder what this is all about should be interesting.
I casually walk up on Victoria and Noro and simply stand there observing any exchange between the two.
Olivius continues up the street and wanders a bit before be finds himself in front of the Rusty Dragon. He's been here several times before, but the din pouring out of the place is uncanny. Curiosity overcomes him (I must really get my emotions under control) so he investigates.
As soon as he enters he is surprised to find Ulfen sailers dancing on tables and a bunch of people are looking meaningfully at a Dwarf at the bar. He gets a few meaningful glances himself. Chances are that rumors of his sudden dissmisal from Glinter's employ, his little fit at the docks, or both have reached people here by now. That, or the sight of a fully armed and armored Chelaxian caravan guard naturally draws attention.
He recognizes Horatio putting his moves on Ameiko, and the teifling, Panna with him. He recognizes Pavanna from the trip back in*, though he didn't talk to her much.
He's always thought the pretty boy bard a little to limp in the wrist** for his taste, but he could play a good tune if he tried. As for Pavanna, she was the first teifling he'd met that didn't try to stab him in the back. That alone was worth something in his book.
*
**
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Victoria seemed completely unfazed by the surprise. Peering up at the rough woman, Victoria's eyes began to glow, but only for a couple of seconds. Detecting no evil, Victoria spoke softly.
"I overheard something about someone owing money to someone else when I came to investigate the smashed bottle. Something just seems wrong with whoever your work or fight for, I only meant to help."
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Victoria seemed completely unfazed by the surprise. Peering up at the rough woman, Victoria's eyes began to glow, but only for a couple of seconds. Detecting no evil, Victoria spoke softly.
"I overheard something about someone owing money to someone else when I came to investigate the smashed bottle. Something just seems wrong with whoever your work or fight for, I only meant to help."
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Noro remains quiet for a about a minute Glances toward Aki then back to Victoria.
Intereshting. You want to help? well if you got 6 silver coinsh on ya then come with me over to the Rushty Dragon, take thoshe coins and go into the Kitchen, Give thoshe coins to the cook and tell him that you came to shettle Noro's debt. then bring bring me anything he givesh you
she hold out her hand Deal?
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Victoria looks down at Noro's outstretched hand.
"Under one condition. You tell me what the debt is for, and I will gladly pay it for you."
Since Victoria detected no evil on this Noro woman and detected no malicious intent, she felt reasonable in assuming that she would be doing nothing to aid evil. Nonetheless, she wanted some answers.
"Is Noro so unwilling to settle her debt in person? What have I stumbled upon. And to so willingly ask for aid from a complete stranger too. They have not even exchanged names. I wonder what will become of this encounter."
I stand there for a moment before announcing. "Noroku-san, do you know this person? You seem very willing to ask for her help so quickly." I look to the new woman. "I apologize for the intrusion but I am Akisame Koetsuji and this girl here is Noroku. I wanted to get the pleasantry's out of the way so we can act on more civil terms. What is your name miss?"
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Victoria turns her head to who is likely the person who was speaking to this woman inside of that room.
"Ah, my apologies. I am Victoria, Ivory Assassin. I am here to observe the festivities and the opening of the new cathedral."
Her voice is friendly, but stern.
It seems like something is going on in this city below the surface. I wonder what this small town has to hide...
noro waits for the intros.
Fine, Noro gives up the mysterious approach, she just isn't that type, The money ish for my brother. He is the cook at the Rushty Dragon, well one of the cooksh. the money ish to pay for the dinner he bought me the other day.
I smile broadly. "Well then Victoria-san, it is a pleasure to meet you. Let us be off to the Rusty Dragon and perhaps we can share a drink. Do you like wine or spirits. I am afraid I am not a fan of beers and the like though. It will be my treat." I look over at Noro. "You are welcome to join too Noroku-san, I have enough for you to get something as well."?
Noro looks to Victoria then back to Aki.
Then I'll take her drink then.
Noro leads them to the Rusty Dragon. the place already busy with visitors to the town.
Noro enters as a familiar face. waving to Amieko.
Amieko! ish Lou here today? Noro yells hoping she hears above the noise of the tavern.
I nod to Noro, "Very well then."
When we arrive at the Dragon I look it over curiously admiring any artwork and any asthetics it may have. "I admit I have not been to this tavern yet. It seems a very lively place."
"Well Thirzin, I don't have any rooms for you. I wish I could make the Dragon bigger, but... Let's just say that there are a couple of people who'd try to fight me every step of the way."
After downing one tankard of ale, you find another next to your elbow. Ameiko chuckles to herself.
"'Firebeard the dwarf.' Sounds too good to pass up. Enjoy your drink. I look forward to talking to you again."
The tavern doesn't seem to notice Pavanna's appearance, and with good reason. There are a few others in here that have an obviously fiendish heritage. A half-dozen ulfen sailors lead most of the tavern in a jaunty tavern tune. The rest are in conversations of their own as they mill about and away from the bar. It's easy enough to make it to the bar, and it becomes obvious that Pavanna is not the only tiefling in town this day. While there are only two, their fiendish heritage is much more evident than Pavanna's. Ameiko smiles at Horatio's melodramatics and brushes the hand aside.
"Certainly! Can't have the main attraction lose his voice now can I? After all, Your talents eclipse those of moi."
She serves up a mug of chilled mead and looks to be about to say something else when a loud woman with a lisp calls for her.
You're greeted by the chorus of a song that in Cheliax would have likely gotten the singers' heads on pikes. The tune is catchy, easy to hum, and the bit about Abrogail II's love life is pretty funny.
The tavern is certainly lively as a jaunty tune seems to be winding down. The bar is the most open, though it still looks crowded. Ameiko makes her way around the bar and meets you about halfway.
"Noro! I was afraid you were going to sleep the day away again. Lou's in the back cooking lunch. He seems a little off lately. Maybe you can cheer him up."
Turning to the others, she smiles and introduces herself.
"Hello to you two as well. I'm Ameiko and this is the Rusty Dragon! Ale, food, and tales are in plenty, so what'll it be?"
At the sound of you clearing your throat, the two men jump and look around until they spot you. The woman, on the other hand, remains calm as she looks up, her eyebrows quirked quizzically.
"Oh many pardons Miss. These old ears are hard of hearing sometimes. Welcome to the Curious Goblin. Is there anything I can help you with?" says the man who doesn't look like Brodert Quink.
Noro heads to the bar looking for a pair of seats. pushing a couple of drunks out of the way to make room.
she brushes off a seat for Aki and offers it. then takes a seat herself.
her position is not to far from the door to the kitchen if she can get it.
"I'll take another of these for my friend over there, if you'd be so kind." He gestures to Pavanna, still standing by the door. "And really, Ameiko, I thought you'd prefer my fiddling to my singing?" He winks again, the grin widening, but takes the drink as the subject of his attention is called elsewhere. He beckons Pavanna over, turning away from the bar, leaning both elbows back on it. Almost feels like home. Not quite. But almost.
He lets his eyes roam over the room. Plenty of newcomers, in town for the festival, no doubt. Already some music for now, and he doesn't feel like stealing the spotlight - not yet, anyway. He recognizes Noro as a local worth drinking with, and raises his mug to her in greeting. He doesn't recognize the armed Chelaxian man, nor the strange dwarf, nor the Tian man standing by Noro. But - hel-lo, who was that beauty in the hood? Well, she looks like an interesting sort. A bit small, but she seems to have a pretty face... what I can see of it, anyway. He sips his mead slowly, observing. For now.
I take my seat next to Noro and offer a few coins to Ameiko for drings. "I will have wine and I will let my friend here have whatever she wants on me. You two seem acquainted enough."
Pavanna watches Horatio flirt with Ameiko, not sure whether she should shake her head or sigh at his antics. Hearing more customers come in, she turns to see who they might be - and her face lights up as she recognises one of them. “Olivius!” she chirps, waving to him cheerily. He was one of the guards on the caravan she traveled with from Magnimar, and sparred with her several times in the evenings. He’s not the best with words, and perhaps not quite as worldly as he likes to act (but then, who is she to talk?), but he’s honest, works hard, and has steady nerves in a fight, and those are always good places to start.
She makes her way through the crowd to meet Olivius half-way. (The presence of other tieflings amongst that crowd, apparently as welcome as any other customer, is somewhat reassuring, but she learned early in life not to drop her guard completely. In particular, she tries to keep track of the fellow with the wild hair; (dis)appearing acts like that typically don’t bode well.) “Good to see you again, Mister Telraven! How have you been? Please, come and meet my new friend!”
The dwarf chuckles, his bronze beard dripping foamy brew, as he nods at the newcomers. "Best suggest ya not try the dragon's breath, Skinny." he muses aloud to the bard. "Light ya right up, like a hot poker."
Seeing the somewhat familiar looking heavy drinking Noro, he points. "Now THAT'S a woman who can drink. Hey Ameiko! One of the Dragons for the lady right there, on my tab. She looks like she can give me a run for my money."