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Reiko pushes her chair back from the table, making more room for the latest arrivals with a nod of greeting. "I expect Koya-sama will keep us safe, not the other way around." she says with a note of amusement. "There is an old saying among my people..." Reiko lies, "Age and treachery always overcomes youth and skill."
The goodbye conversation with Raul dampens Vigny's mood when she returns to the table, but it does not last a long time. She is terribly interested in the planning proceedings, but not for the same reasons as anyone else might be.
Despite her feelings for him, Vigny has spent precious little time around Sandru in the several years since her rescue, and she had been quite young then. Being able to observe him now, in a different context and talking about new things, keeps her focused on the proceedings.
The exchanges between Sandru and Koya are particularly captivating and revealing. Vigny's memories of her parents are vaguer than she would like, all over a decade old and ending when she was nine. Since then she's seen little of families and what they are like. There were bonds among the orphans and the brothers and sister at the Broken Manacle orphanage, but it wasn't a family. Seeing Sandru's demeanor shift as it does around Koya reveals an unexpected side of him, one that is SO ADORABLE!
Yes, much of the actual planning itself is dull, dull, dull. But it's not stuff entirely outside of Vigny's experience. Having to predict provisioning for larger numbers of people was a regular task at the Broken Manacle. Not her job precisely, but she helped when needed. Vigny offers to make notes and lists, and pushes to ensure a reasonable supply of ale and wine as included, more than would have otherwise been allocated for the journey.
"You come from a wise people, Reiko," Koya says as Sandru refills her cup, "but I do wish you wouldn't say treachery. It's too close to the tru– I mean makes me sound so devious! Besides, it's hardly my fault if someone lacks any common sense or the brains a goblin was blessed with."
"Vell, Hy vasn't usink dem enyvay," Gkirkhan jokes as he fixes a plate for Iona and himself. Iona eagerly tucks into her breakfast while Gkirkhan takes his seat. "If Mizz Koya iz enyting like mein grandmodder, den she'll be just vine, just... vine," he adds, growing pale for a moment before shaking himself out of whatever had come over him. "Bot dot's not vhat Hy vanted to talk about. Ve vanted to know if hyu needed a cook und a healer," he asks in a very chipper voice.
Gkirkhan seems to be scared of his grandmother.
"You come from a wise people, Reiko," Koya says as Sandru refills her cup, "but I do wish you wouldn't say treachery. It's too close to the tru– I mean makes me sound so devious!"
Reiko smiles, "Perhaps I need to learn more diplomatic words in the Common tongue. But it was a compliment, Koya-sama, and I expect your talents and wisdom will be quite helpful."
She looks at Sandru in particular and the rest of the table in a more general way, "When will we leave? I have a little packing to do. Also, should I buy a horse?"
Jerukh smiles gently at his mother's sharp wit and the constant underestimation she faced due to her age.
Catching Vigny's mooning look at this brother, the alchemist rolls his eyes toward the heavens, then rises;
"I too need to pack..."
He looks toward Gkirkan and Iona;
"For my part it would be good to have help in both."
He turns to Sandru;
"They are good people brother. You would do well to take them."
"You're fine, dear," Koya reassures Reiko, "I think we'll be leaving in a couple of days, so now's the time to take care of any unfinished business before we go."
---
"Mm-hmm, We don't really have any plans, so we decided to see if you'd want us along. I can help with keeping people healthy, while Gkirkhan is a good cook and brewer," Iona answers as Gkirkhan begins to eat his breakfast.
"Jah, so ve just haff sum vanderlust, und ve nefer did pay hyu back for savink us," the half-orc adds between bites.
Noticing Jerukh notice what she's about, Vigny freezes and scans around at the others at the table looking for a diversionary move. Making a quick decision, she scuttles over to Gkirkhan. "So you know brewing Gkirkhan? What about distilling? Do you think we could build a portable still?"
Jerukh stops momentarily in his tracks as talk turns to a portable still being procured for the journey.
Great. Now every night will be like this place. Drunken flirtation will abound and days will seem like weeks...
"Ov course! Hy em a follower ov de Lucky Drunk! Hy learned how to brew and distill from my modder. If ve made a still, ve'd need three vagons, vun for brewink, vun for distillink, und vun to hold all de barrels," Gkirkhan answers, positively beaming as he considers the possibilities.
"No, absolutely not," Sandru says firmly, "we aren't going that far, and we'll be gone no more than six weeks. There's no reason to have all of that, even if we were going to gone longer. Why the supplies for all..." Sandru continues on explaining to Vigny and Gkirkhan why they can't turn three wagons into a mobile brewery and distillery.
Iona, though sees Soli's expression fall and leans closer so she won't be overheard.
"Do you want someone to go with you," she asks in a whisper.
"Oh, I didn't realize it would be such a large operation."
To Sandru Vigny replies "I was just thinking about other possible revenue streams. You know, taking easy to get mundane stuff and converting it to something highly profitable . Especially in out of the way little places."
To Gkirkhan she says under her breath "We'll talk more later" with a pat on the back.
Reiko glances at Soli and Iona curiously. She didn't recall hearing about the cheerful paladin's home previously, "Where's home?"
"Oh, I didn't realize it would be such a large operation."
To Sandru Vigny replies "I was just thinking about other possible revenue streams. You know, taking easy to get mundane stuff and converting it to something highly profitable . Especially in out of the way little places."
"Huh? Hyu vant to make some to sell? Dot vas just for us," Gkirkhan says when Vigny brings up selling what they make.
The apparent sheer volume of alcohol facilitates a shake of the head from the alchemist as he mutters to himself;
"Couple of days...Just enough time to prepare some tinctures and formulae. Just..."
Jerukh approaches his mother, laying a gentle hand on her shoulder as he passes;
"Mamă. I've potions to prepare for the journey. Unless Sandru or you need me, I'll be working until we leave."
"Well, it seems that it's time that Ameiko gets lunch started, and it looks like Jerukh and Soliana have errands to run. Why don't we take a break and pick this back up this afternoon," Koya suggests.
"Vell, if ve're going to hafe a big adfenture I suppose I should go shopping," Emi remarks as she stretches and rises from the table. "Vould anyvun like to come vith me?"
Iona gives Soli an encouraging smile as she senses the young paladin's trepidation.
"It's going to be okay Soliana. We're behind you if you need help."
The trip out to Ruvyn's Grove, the small copse of trees about ten minutes from the gate where Soliana's father had built a small cottage for him and his young daughter when he'd first come to Sandpoint, is uneventful, with Iona trying to get to know the three of you better. As you approach, a handsome elf with long white hair worn in a braid and piercing eyes looks up from the trap he was busy mending and gives a smile as he sees Soliana.
"Soli," he calls out as he puts away the trap and stands to come meet you. "Ah, it's so good to see you? Have you made some new friends," he asks as he gives his daughter a hug.
"A pleasure to meet you," Ruvyn says after being introduced. He then turns back to Soliana, giving a chuckle as he does so.
"Same as ever. Getting the traps ready for the hunting season and preparing for the harvest season," he answers. "What about you? You must be busy at the Cathedral these days with the Swallowtail Festival coming up in, what a month? Six weeks?"
Vigny returns the elf's greetings, but otherwise stays out of the way and quiet. She waits for Soli to tell her what needs to be done.
"Alright," Ruvyn answers in a much more serious, and worried tone. He leads the four young women to a set of log benches around a well used firepit and motions for everyone ot have a seat before doing the same.
"So, what's this something else," he asks his eyes on Soliana.
"I wish you wouldn't go," Ruvyn says quietly. "I can't do anything to stop you, though. If this is what you want, then I can only pray for your safety. If you'll excuse me, I need to finish mending my traps."
With that, the elf gets up and returns to his work.
That was... abrupt... I wonder if it would have been better to give them some privacy.
Vigny stands up. "Well, I for one have never been out this way before... I think I'll take a look around."
She finds some mushrooms, flowers, or whatever is within sight very interesting and wanders off a ways to give Soli and her father some space.
"Olisin jäänyt," he snaps, "Se paikka on kirottu! Miksi olet niin innokas leikkaamaan elämäsi lyhyempi?!"
He looks at you, Soli, with a scowl on his face for several moments as he reigns his temper back in.
"I cannot stop you; you no longer live under my roof. I will not bless this venture of yours. It's folly and will only end in ruin," he says quietly as he calms himself.
"If you want my blessing, then you would find someone that you could spend your life together with. I'd bless any union that would allow you to do that. I'd bless your going to Magnimar, but I'll not be glad to see you head north, especially to a place that's so fell to my southern kin."
"I'd have you stay. That place is cursed! Why are you so eager to cut your life shorter?!"
Ruvyn just shakes his head, the motion made jerky by his anger. Without a word, he returns to mending his traps and doesn't even acknowledge Soliana's apology. When the four of you leave, Ruvyn doesn't even seem to notice, or care.
On the way back, Iona wraps Soli in a hug for a moment, before awkwardly letting go.
"Sorry, but it seemed like you needed it after, well, that," she says before blushing with embarrassment and looking away.
Vigny keeps quiet on the trip back to town since she doesn't know what might be the right thing to say. She's not completely sure what to make of the exchange between Soliana and her father, especially with "elven" complications muddying the waters in this case.
It did seem extremely awkward though. Parents appeared to be very simple back when she had them, but from what she's seen recently she's beginning to wonder if maybe it's a kind of relationship that doesn't age well.
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Blissfully unaware of the somewhat uncomfortable situation at Soliana's family home, Emi has a pleasant day out and about in Sandpoint. She flits from shop to shop trying on clothes and looking through old potions and scrolls, and of course makes a stop at Sandpoint Savories for a custard and berry tart. By the time she returns to the Rusty Dragon she's purchased a half-used wand of magic missiles, two potions , four scrolls , a shiny new jeweled ring, and some beautiful new skirts and tops, fit for dealing with gentlemen of standing.
After changing into a fancy (but no less revealing) new outfit she takes the money gathered from her new friends and heads to the Cathedral. She does her best to avoid the stuffy Abadarans there and track down a Desnan or a Shelynite she can talk to. Once she has successfully received a half-spent wand of cure light wounds for an appropriate donation she heads back to the Rusty Dragon once more to see if the others have returned yet.
Iona visibly restrains herself from trying to hug Soliana again, instead settling on giving a word of encouragement.
"We're sisters Soliana, even if we just met only a few days ago. Don't worry about all the awkward family drama. Besides, you want to know who Gkirkhan is most terrified of? His grandmother on his mom's side," she says with a smile.
A few days later, the small caravan heads out with Sandru and the Licktoad Lickers, named by a slightly drunk Ameiko the night before because they'd given the Licktoads a licking, as she put it, leading. The first day sees several miles put behind them and a lovely breeze bringing the first hints of autumn helps the distance pass swiftly. For the next couple of days things go well, if a bit monotonously, but on the fifth day, Koya's young apprentice, Tatiana Pavel, approaches you while doing her best to avoid looking you in the eyes.
"Um," she begins as she shifts from foot to foot, "c-can you go with me to gather some herbs Koya asked me to find? I-I'm afraid of the woods."
"Oh I have no doubts it'd be something," Iona chuckles, "his mother also sounds like she'd be an interesting person to meet, too."
"B-but aren't there goblins in there," Tatiana asks as she covers her mouth with a note that apparently has the list of what they're looking for.
Jerukh enjoys the time of study and solitude, with the knowledge that on the caravan the latter will become a precious luxury.
He harvests raw materials, local herbs and restocks essentials necessary for his alchemy.
The healer then procures the necessary equipment to provide him with a portable laboratory whilst on the road.
With the remainder of his coin Jerukh procures a cudgel made of fine Darkwood.
75GP - Share in CLW Wand
380GP - MW Darkwood Club
100GP - Potion of Shillelagh (x2)
50GP - Potion of Remove Fear
4GP - Candlerod (x4)
50GP - Troll Oil
05SP - Herb: Garlic (x5)
5GP - Alchemical Reagent: Gold (x1)
20GP - Alchemical Reagent: Moondew
60GP - Rusting Powder
Leaves him with 61 GP and 5SP from his share of the loot.
Jerukh nods back at Soliana;
"Most probably. We will come regardless. Besides I can see what skills you have learned from Mamă."
Vigny picks up a few new items for the journey north. First there is the new, finely crafted breastplate from Savah's, She also picks up a couple of nice scarves and a new set of traveling clothes. She also has another really, very terrific new pair of boots made because feet matter and you never know. For those days of riding into the sunset, she buys a pair of smoked goggles.
In the first few days of the journey Vigny spends plenty of time learning what she can about handling the wagons and animals. Riddleport never provided much exposure to animals that weren't chickens, dogs, goats, and so forth, so she's very new to draft animals. Besides it's the best way she can think of for spending time with Sandru without creeping on him too hard.
++++++++
Vigny squats down to eye level with Tatiana, her face set in mock seriousness.
"Yes, I'll come with you. There is one condition though. This can't be only about collecting herbs."
She stares for a moment at the girl to let the gravity of the thing sink in.
"It has to be a picnic too!" She adds with a grin. "I'll see what I can throw together for us to eat."
Emi spends her days riding on the wagons, and flirting with the cutest of the wagon drivers. In the evenings, when she's not chatting away with Ameiko or her new friends, she breaks up the monotony of the isolated camps by dancing around the fire, often convincing Ameiko to play or sing with her.
When Emi hears Soliana and Jerukh volunteering to go on the herb gathering expedition she cuts off her current flirtation and trots over. "Yes, of course ve'll come," she answers with a smile, "you needn't vorry, ve're experienced goblin hunters. Especially Reiko... vhere is she? Ve should make sure to bring her along too..."
Reiko, it seems, ate something that didn't agree with her, hence the need for the herbs to brew something to settle her stomach. So, one short, the Licktoad Lickers head off into the nearby woods to help young Tatiana gather them. The forest here is different from the Tickwood or the Nettlewood back home. The trees are older and the undergrowth much sparser than in the nettlewood, and the canopy is much thicker than in the Tickwood, casting everything into a gloom.
With Jerukh helping, things are going well. Tatiana and he have managed to gather more than half the herbs listed in greater amounts than Koya had asked for. Things are cool in the shade, and, so far, the only animals you've seen are some squirrels and songbirds.
"Okay! We've only got six more things to get! This won't take long at all with your help," Koya's young apprentice says with a wide, beaming grin on her face.
Emi conjures a quartet of glowing orbs and spaces them evenly around the party as they explore the dimly light world beneath the forest canopy. "Figny, I hope you'fe been practicing," she comments half-jokingly, "Ve'll miss Reiko's blade if any trouble arrifes..."