"Skinny?" Horatio chuckles at the dwarf's comment. "My good man, I'll have you know I worked hard for this lithe, muscular figure." There's merriment in his voice, suggesting he isn't taking his own words too seriously. He extends his free hand, shifting from the bar only slightly. "Horatio's the name, and I assure you, I have no intention of trying the dragon's breath. It sounds awfully rough on the voice, which isn't good for one in my line of work. No, I know my limits... well, some of them."
Seeing the dwarf call for a drink for Noro, he nods appreciatively. "She's a fine drinker, that one. I don't remember much from the last time I drank with her. I think it led to a contest, and I vaguely remember doing a dance on a table that would have been better suited to the Pixie's Kitten than a place like this." He shakes his head with a chuckle. "That was a good night."
Ameiko gives Horatio a coy smile and playfully slaps him.
"Oh my, what would your mother say if she heard you talking like this! The drinks no trouble. Does she have a place to stay, other than you bed I mean." She nods her head towards Pavanna.
Ameiko looks at Victoria puzzled for a moment then shrugs.
"Sure, if you don't mind telling him I said ease up on the heat. Not everyone likes their food that spicy."
Noro manages to find a pair of seats at the end of the bar closest to the kitchen door. The pair of drunks go from happy to angry to happy again as they are almost knocked to the ground only to see it was the half-tien woman. They have the look of out-of-towners, possibly guards for a caravan staying in town. One of them slides in close to her, slurring his words as a smile splits his ruddy face.
"Helllooooooo thar! Wash a purdy thang like yoush doin' here?"
His friend hovers nearby, eyeing Noro appreciatively.
Ameiko brings back a glass of wine and a bottle of dwarven stout.
"Sorry Noro. I've only got a bottle of Old Law left and I need that for making drinks."
Pavanna's vigil over the wild-haired man proves nothing more than he seems to like watching people as sips at his drink.
Horatio laughs as the rubs his cheek, still being melodramatic. "Why my dear, you're already messing up my beautiful face! You know it's all I have going for me! As for my dear mother, I'm sure her ears are burning right now, but she'll have to save her choice words for my triumphant return to Korvosa." He takes a swig of his mead, swiping a thumb across his lips to catch a stray drop. "As for the lady, well, she's staying at the White Deer. I think so, anyway. I assume she's still welcome there, even if I'm not. I'll likely be sleeping alone." He sighs melodramatically. "Oh, woe is me!"
it doesn't take long for Noro to figure out what is bothering Lou. she doesn't even need to go in the Kitchen for that.
but before she can say anything Noro finds her self being approached by the "gentleman"
none of your bushiness she says as Noro stomps his foot then attempts to shove him into his friend.
rolling her eyes I don't have time for thish
Victoria nods, and walks behind the bar to the kitchen.
"Hello? I'm looking for a man by the name of Lou."
Saroune, with six eyes suddenly regarding her, blushed and looked down, embarrassed.
"I apologize for interrupting. I'm new in town and I was hoping to find some reading material on arcane theory. If that's okay."
Victoria walks into a better lit, and much warmer room. The large table in the middle of the space holds a multitude of ingredients, meats, knives and other cooking utensils. Two large iron stoves and a big fireplace hold simmering pots and roasting meats. The air carries strong spices that mingle with the smoke. Three people bustle about. One with a Tien look about him looks up at the door when Lou is mentioned. The other two, a half-elf with some nasty scars on her arms and a dwarf with skin that looks like old wood, continue to prepare the noon meal.
Ameiko shakes her head and chuckles.
"You turn on the charm and I'll bet you could find someone to help warm the sheets."
While drunk, extremely drunk at that, the men have enough wits to know when to back off. Though the one whose foot you stomped on limps off and mentions something about women and compliments. Most of the words are too slurred to make out.
"If you're looking for musty tomes, you've definitely come to the right place." The woman cracks a smile as she sends the man into a fluster.
"Whamufraphl!? My dear, you wound me! These are no mere musty tomes! These are my pride and joy!"
"Easy Chask. I'm sure it was only a jest." The other man looks from Chask to Saroune, his smile warm and friendly. "If Chask doesn't mind me imposing on him, you're more than welcome to stay. Allow me to introduce myself and my associates first. I am Brodert Quink, a scholar of ancient Thassilon if you will. The flustered gentleman is a friend of mine, Chask Haladan, the owner of the Curious Goblin. The lady is Sabyl Sorn, master of the House of Blue Stones here in Sandpoint."
Sabyl bows politely before speaking again.
"Well met. I don't believe I caught your name however."
"Well, it hasn't worked so far, but the day is young. Would but one kiss for good luck be out of the question?" The bard leans in, attempting to lightly hook two fingers under Ameiko's chin, raised eyebrows punctuating the question.
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!”
Tolus waves at Pavanna and starts to walk forward when he remembers that Ameiko was less than pleased last time his Bardishe knocked on the rafters. He removes the long handled weapon and leans it against the door post. Otherwise, he has little difficulty making his way though the crowd. Full chain mail and other assorted weapons do that.
He reflexively does his best to not listen to the song, but finds it lifting his mood nonetheless. He nods a greeting to Pavanna, Good to see a friendly face, Ms. Alazario. I wasn't expecting to find you here. If this is you friends fault I had better meet him. With the day I'm having today I'm beginning to run out of the will to do anything except go with it and see where fate takes me. His tone is tired in spite of the early hour and his voice is a little on the rough side, but he manages to make it pleasant.
What a day.
“I know the feeling,” Pavanna says ruefully, leading the way back through the taproom. “Sometimes I think that’s the definition of ‘life’. Then the sun comes up again, and it’s a whole new day, and the world’s all shiny and new and we get the chance to tell ‘fate’ we decide how things go this time around.”
They get back to where Horatio’s standing with the innkeeper just in time to hear the end of the Korvosan’s ‘a kiss for luck?’ sally — and the Tian woman’s response.
Lou looks up at the person looking for him he looks a bit disgruntled but not so much as to effect his work. {overworked perhaps? but Victoria can sense it is something deeper)
I am Lou, was the food to spicy? I'm sorry if it was, usually the spicy is reserved for "special" customers
mimicing the quotes with his fingers and indicating there is a particular customer in mind
I muse at how Noro handles ths drunks. "You seem quite popular around town. Is it always like this for you?"
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Bowing her head in an apologetic fashion and reaching for her coin pouch, Victoria spoke loudly as to be heard.
"Oh, no. I believe Ameiko said something about the spice, but I tend to enjoy spicy foods. No, I'm here to relieve a debt between Noro and yourself?"
She pulled out her bag of silver coins and retrieved 3 (leaving 6 in the bag) and handed the bag to Lou before placing the 3 coins back into her pouch.
Bowing her head in an apologetic fashion and reaching for her coin pouch, Victoria spoke loudly as to be heard.
"Oh, no. I believe Ameiko said something about the spice, but I tend to enjoy spicy foods. No, I'm here to relieve a debt between Noro and yourself?"
She pulled out her bag of silver coins and retrieved 3 (leaving 6 in the bag) and handed the bag to Lou before placing the 3 coins back into her pouch.
Lou just laughs then takes the money. he pulls out 3 silver and tosses the rest back then opens a cupbord and pulls out a bottle. and tosses her the bottle.
Tell my sister she can come and get her own wine from now on.
Lou then shows her to the door and glancing out he catches sight of that bard making moves for Amieko. Victoria can tell this is really upsetting Lou.
his grip tightens on the door he looks as though he is about to say something but is holding back his anger. damn tourist!
he then turns and goes back to preparing the noontime meals. apparently taking great pleasure in chopping the chicken with his cleaver. constantly mumbling something about bards and womanizers.
I muse at how Noro handles ths drunks. "You seem quite popular around town. Is it always like this for you?"
Noro turns to Aki no, I'm trying to reshtrain myshelf today. Like I shaid I have to work tonight and I really need the money. normally thoshe two would have ended up un the gutter outshide or at the leasht limping to the church begging for shome healing
I sip my wine and nod. "You have good self control there. You've mentioned work before but we got interrupted when you started hunting Victoria-San. What kind of work do you do? Does it relate to your skills? Is it open to the general public?"
Noro takes a drink from her ale. and is apparently taken a bit by surprise at the line of questions she looks as though she is looking for the right words to say, choosing her answer carefully.
I work down at the docksh. and I would shay yesh, definately relatesh to my skillsh. As far ash being open. I think it besht you just shtay out of it. not shomething you should get yourshelf involved with
Noro is not telling you everything but not so much secretive but rather protecting you. the less you know the better
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Walking back out, Victoria finds her way back to Noro. Handing her the bottle, she watches the conversation she's having carefully, also trying to eavesdrop on Ameiko and Horatio. When she has a chance to speak, Victoria speaks up.
"Noro, Lou has accepted the money and gave me this to give to you. He also seems upset about all of the visitors. One in particular. Not sure why."
Victoria nods her head toward the bard to indicate that he is who she's talking about.
Noro takes the bottle and looks toward where Victoria indicates.
hmmm. well let me explain. Noro motions for them to come closer so she does not have to yell
You she that lady over there? Amieko ish her name, She runsh thish place. and well, Lou has been wanting to ask her on a date for shome time now. he even took the job to get closher. but he never could get the nerve to ashk. well it looksh like that newcomer hash jusht come on in and wooing her without a care in the world. guess poor Lou ish jusht watching hish dreams get carried away I guessh
I smile. "I will be the judge of what I should or should not be involved in. I can take care of myself. If it is assciation you fear then allow me to show up not as an acquaintance of yours but as a simple wanderer looking to see what there is at Sandpoint. I merely wish to see all corners of this place and the way you make your work sound, it seems the very place I may have been looking for."
I smile at Victoria and extend my hand to her. "My lovely flower, would you like to accompany me to docks for an evening stroll later? We could see what it may have too offer a young couple under the moonlight."
Aki is being only a bit sarcastic. He seems as he wouldn't mind a lady's company but he has an ulterior motive for wanting to go to the docks. May have something to do with the term "unlawful"
I smile in return more coincidently. "Well then." I non agressively take Victoria's hand in mine. "I look forward to our ti.e together." If she lets me I gently touch my lip to the top of her hand. Looking into her eyes I smile warmly.
Noro rolls her eyes at the affectionate display. and grabs her drink and heads to the front steps of the tavern. trying to weave her way through the crowd, her apparent distaste for such crowd is evident.
along the way she stumbles though and dumping the entire contents of her drink all over Horatio.
Oh I am shoooo shorry, itsh really too crowded in here. let me help you clean that off She continues to fein clumbsiness as she goes to clean off and "accidentially" elbows him across the cheek.
practically knocking him to the floor
i am sho shorry again, I am really clumbsy today. as she helps him up
Shtay away from Amieko, you are upshetting my brother
she then takes a seat outside on the front step. Still close enough to the door to hear everything going on.
Horatio raises his mug to Noro as she approaches, but is surprised to find himself suddenly doused in Dwarven stout. The thick smell assails his nostrils. He starts to say "No harm done" as she attempts to clean him off, but the elbow to the cheek catches him off guard and he falls to the floor, spilling his own mead in the process. He looks up at Noro with an expression that could bascically equate to "The hell, dude?"
His face changes as she whispers about her brother. A look of understanding is quickly replaced by a laugh.
He waits for Noro to leave, tugging at his dripping shirt. He weighs the options and determines discomfort to be the greater of two evils, pulling off the soaked garment. Not even noon and she's already getting me out of my clothes. What a day... He then follows Noro, finding her sitting just outside the Dragon. He stands over her a few seconds before finally asking, "So what's this about your brother?"
Thirzin motions to Noro, still staying on his stool a moment longer to finish his beer before heading her way, as he notices she is leaving the bar. Once he's over to her, the dwarf smiles, the wide show of happiness natural on his face. "Nice work there, when it came to Skinny there. Ya got a mean fist there, lass."
The dwarf extends a rough hand up to the woman. "Name's Thirzin! Figured it'd be better to start on good terms with ya."
The ranger doesn't seem to mind barging in on the conversation.
Ameiko, realizing what was going on, but just not soon enough to stop it, begins turning red with anger as Noro manages to land a surprise blow on Horatio. Her temper gets the better of her as she storms out the door, yelling for Lou to man the bar.
"地獄はそれを何でしたか？！そのジャッカスは私の居酒屋に来て誰かの顎を破壊しようとすることを教えましたか？あなたは、私はヘムロックがあなたの夜の刑務所 に来ていない幸運。"
Ameiko looks about ready to come to blows as she animatedly yells at Noro.
Oh, of course, where are my manners? My name is Saroune Anzoletta. I'm something of a Thassilonian scholar myself. I would love to take some time and pick your brain, if you don't mind. Saroune smiled. The two subjects that Saroune could speak confidently on were Thassilon and magic.
I also happen to be in the hunt for any works on the arcane: theoretical... and, she pats her scroll case, more practical. You wouldn't happen to have anything like that, would you?
Horatio barely has time to register the dwarf's presence before Ameiko bursts through the door. She's yelling, but he can't figure out what about. Blast these language barriers.
Her body language, thankfully, is much easier to read. He quickly steps between the two ladies, ready to stop them coming to blows if need be. "Would you both please calm down and tell me what's going in? In Common, if you don't mind. There's no need for a fight here."
Noro’s ‘accident’ draws a gasp of outrage from Pavanna, but she’s a shade too slow to block Noro’s path before she gets past and heads outside. She shoots Horatio a sympathetic look as he goes past, trying not to admire the view too openly. Not bad, she muses. Not as bulky as the soldiers I grew up around, but he certainly takes care of himself....
Once the dwarf and the clearly-furious innkeeper have passed her as well, she turns back to Olivius with a pained expression. “So much for the introductions,” she apologises. “Horatio’s not that bad, really, but he likes to play the ‘lover-boy’ and sometimes he meets a... mixed reception.”
Chask chuckles as Saroune's enthusiasm shines through.
"Well, I'm afraid that most of the works here are on theory. I know some tricks, but a wizard I am not."
"Ilsoari might have a spellbook or two that she can use." Sabyl says as she returns to leaning against a bookcase.
"True, but he's probably busy keeping an eye on his band of rascals." Brodert chuckles as he pulls out another chair. "Please, have a seat. I'm very much interested in what you know. If you don't mind humoring me, I'll let you pick over the musty cobwebs in my head."
Another cheerful chuckle fills the area as he taps a knuckle to his bald pate.
Noro stands first she is about to address Horatio until Amieko comes out.
Noro looks her in the eye as the verbal assault continues.
我做了什麼，我不得不這樣做，你真的不得到它做你！樓後，一直以來我們的孩子，為什麼不能你看！
I did what I had to do, you really don't get it do you! Lou has been after you since we were kids, why can't you see that!
Noro responds back but stops when Horatio speaks.
we're bothering the guests. I left immediately so to prevent a further scene. If it would make you feel better then let the sheriff lock me up for the night.
Noro's voice is calmer when she switches back to common.
{is it possible there is an apologetic tone in her voice? that could be a first)
The fact that Noro, of all the people in Sandpoint, was trying the diplomatic route causes Ameiko more pause than the revelation that Lou has a crush on her.
"それは私が、私は認めざるを得ない気も私の父の気性をより多く持っているようだ、しかし、あなたは試してみて、今夜のエンターテイメントをレイアウトする必要 がありましたか？"
I watch spectacle unfold. Interesting, she has a strong sense of family. She cares for her brother so dearly as to act out his feelings for him. I look over at Victoria. "Quite a sight that. It's nice to see people get so worked up over matters as simple as love. Alas I wish we truly lived in times so easy but with all the dark places out there, how can one spend so much on such a matter."
I pause for a moment and hold up both hands defensively to Victoria. "Oh forgive me, I tend to ramble at times it is nothing. So, on a different note, what brings a lovely lady like yourself to Sandpoint?"
Horatio sighs and leans back against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest. Well, this is awkward. He waits to see how the scene unfolds, trying to get a better grasp on the situation.
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"Oh my, I hope this isn't my fault." Victoria muttered to herself as she looked on. "If it gets too serious, I may have to step in. I wish I could understand what they're saying."
As she looked on, she listened to Akisame, nodding in agreeance. "Yes, real compassion is rare these days. I'm here to watch the new cathedral open and observe the festivities. I want to make sure the locals are safe. Yourself?"
啊啊啊，對不起，但我是.....
Ahh yeah, sorry , but I was.....
noro starts to respond but switches back to common ahh hell, you know me, short fushe and not much thinking.
she glances at Horatio and sizes him up, then back to Amieko
而且，實際上，我是擔心你可能會愛上他。一個花花公子，好色之徒？你比這更好的。
besides, I was actually worried you might fall for him. come on a dandy, womanizer? you're better than that.
go ahead back inshide, let me and pretty boy here short thingsh out
At her comment about the happenings I respond. "They speak my native tongue. It is nothing you did. If I understand the situation correctly, that bard was making a romantic play on Noroku's brother's love interest. Noroku is simply acting in her brother's place. I am sure the matter will resolve itself without intervention. Seems they are talking it out at the moment So iit's best for now to let them settle it."
I respond to her second inquiry. "Normally I travel the land helping those who are taken advantage of and abused by others. I step in on behalf of the law and of good where either reach or reside. At the moment I have come to my father's hometown here in Sandpoint to retrieve a token he left me and thought I might stay and enjoy the festival too."
I fiddle with my wine glass for the moment a bit hesitant to speak further but I feel I can trust Victoria. "I have heard of foul play and dark corners here in Sandpoint. I am curious to see where they exist, what they are, and what may be done to remove them. There are a lot of good people here like Noro who do not deserve to live under such yokes. I would do what I could to ease the burden if not remove it " I seem solemn for a moment as if the weight of my mission were actually sitting on my shoulders right now.
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Victoria smiles, comforted by everything Akisame has said. "It's almost as if you knew exactly why I came. Perhaps we can help each other then, for the good of the people."
She becomes a little less distant now. Since her time at the church, those who had similar ideals to hers were few and far between. Her eyes glow at Akisame for a moment, just to be absolutely safe, but after detecting no evil she decides to lower her hood and let her hair fall around the robe. Though it didn't seem like much, it meant she was beginning to trust Akisame.
"This burden is not yours alone to bear."
Saroune took the offered seat, grinning broadly. It wasn't every day that she got a chance to talk about these sort of things. She loved her Varisians dearly, but they were practically useless when it came to any sort of scholarly pursuits, especially where magic was concerned.
Not that they ever needed to; sorcery ran strong among Varisians. Many could tap into this latent power naturally. It was something Saroune had never felt. For her, magic was endless study and toil. Her smile faltered slightly. It would do her no good now to dwell over the failure of her blood. She needed to focus on the opportunity in front of her.
Saroune leaned forward, towards Brodert. [b]What interests me most? The magic of ancient Thassilon. Varisia as we know it is little more than untamed wilderness, but it used to be so much more. The rulers of Thassilon were the first to develop in the modern sense; that is to say, magical schools. But their aspects were so much more advanced, so much purer. It's fascinating to see how the Runelords performed transmutation or, as they would have called it: "jótékonyság". Saroune grinned again, hoping to get to try more of her ancient Thassilonian.
Noro’s ‘accident’ draws a gasp of outrage from Pavanna, but she’s a shade too slow to block Noro’s path before she gets past and heads outside. She shoots Horatio a sympathetic look as he goes past, trying not to admire the view too openly. Not bad, she muses. Not as bulky as the soldiers I grew up around, but he certainly takes care of himself....
Once the dwarf and the clearly-furious innkeeper have passed her as well, she turns back to Olivius with a pained expression. “So much for the introductions,” she apologises. “Horatio’s not that bad, really, but he likes to play the ‘lover-boy’ and sometimes he meets a... mixed reception.”
Olivius nods in understanding. I've seen him play a couple times when Glinter's given me the day. Not bad with his violin. Now that Glinter's given me today and all the other days besides, perhaps I'll see more of him and you can introduce us.
He pats his stomach, But until then, care for some lunch? I still have fully half my pay from Glinter, which is all he gave me, but it's plenty for a meal, if you're hungry.
Olivius nods in understanding. I've seen him play a couple times when Glinter's given me the day. Not bad with his violin. Now that Glinter's given me today and all the other days besides, perhaps I'll see more of him and you can introduce us.
He pats his stomach, But until then, care for some lunch? I still have fully half my pay from Glinter, which is all he gave me, but it's plenty for a meal, if you're hungry.
Pavanna cocks her head and stares, indignant at what she just heard. “Wait: Glinter fired you? Why would he rid himself of a soldier with your qualities? The man has to be an idiot!”
Or was it your family’s doing? flits across her mind. From things Olivius said on the trip up from Magnimar, his relationship with his parents is ‘strained’ at best, and from what she knows of the worst kinds of nobility, it wouldn’t be beyond them to reach out and ‘inconvenience’ their black sheep, even this far from Cheliax. Or does Glinter not want Olivius around to see some of the things he does?
“And if you’re sure you can spare the coin? Well, just mulled wine and something light for me. I’m meeting Father Zantus for lunch later, and I think he wants to watch me eat to be sure I do, so I’d better not ruin my appetite. It’s an unfortunate turn, but maintaining the balance of inter-faith politics takes precedence over my stomach,” she says, with a roll of the eyes. “Nonetheless: thank you, Olivius. It would be my pleasure to break bread with you.”