Asuriel's hand falls empty on the bed as Noro rips away her hand with a quip. Asuriel stops singing and turns her head and slowly opens her eyes as Noro turns over to rest. She sees past the tough girl act that Noro is holding to.
She has been embarrassed, beaten to unconsciousness and made a spectacle. The last thing she wants is to be doted on Asuriel. Did your leave your brain on the floor down under the bed?
She folds her hands on her chest and closes her eyes again.
My apologies Noro, I was only trying to help soothe. When I need to relax I tend to sing to myself. I did not intend for my voice to grate on your nerves. I know it is not a sultry sound. I do not have the sultry voice of a master bard, that is for sure
Healing is a matter of time as well as a matter of opportunity. Divine healing will close the skin and stop the bleeding this is true. But there is more to healing than just a simple spell or channel. I will leave you in peace.
"I'd be game for the dress, but pigtails wouldn't suit you," Horatio chuckles, taking another drink. "Ah, I've heard my share of superstitions and the like. Some folk think a bard will believe any old tripe, but the truth is, it's all about making a good story." Horatio continues his rambling, acting the part of a happy drunk, relieved to see his attempt to take the heat off Saroune is working.
Sabyl opens the door a crack and calls for Lou.
"Run downstairs and see if Ameiko has anything cold to drink. No alcohol. Last thing I need is to try and keep a drunk Noro from trying to knock me out."
Lou can be heard, just barely, to answer, but the words are too muffled. Sabyl closes the door again. and turns to the two girls in her care.
"Noro, you never did answer me. What caused you to challenge Yuto? What did he say about Lou and Ameiko? "
Sabyl, as Noro and Asuriel are finding, is almost bulldogedly persistent.
Aldern chuckles as he takes a sip of his drink.
"I love my sisters dearly, but Zeeva managed to get me wrapped around her finger before she was three. Beware what you ask for Horatio. We often find that it's not what we expected!" He says, giving the man an impish smile. "And what do you mean pigtails wouldn't suit me? I was told I pulled them off rather dashingly!"
"As for legends and superstitions, and where I'm from. I was raised in Korvosa with my sisters after our parents passed. Most of our peers would tell us anything, thinking that a few rubes from out beyond Magnimar would believe anything they told them." Aldern shakes his head in disgust, not all of it feigned.
"I was born near Sandpoint though, and I had been wanting to move back here. Senali is living in Magnimar with her husband and I believe she's soon to have a child, if not already. I'm afraid I am not very skilled when it comes to keeping up with the passing days unless it's dealing with business. Makes things just slightly awkward when you get a lady's age wrong in the wrong direction. I think I still have a bruise from the last time that happened." He chuckles again, and his eyes have far-off look to them.
"Zeeva should be returning from Absolom soon. Marvelous place. If you ever get the chance to go, take it! It's well worth the gold. I'll be meeting her in Magnimar when her ship arrives, which I think is in a few weeks time. Oh and listen to me ramble on like this! You'd think I was a doddering old fool!" He shakes his head.
Noro just glares at Sabyl He called her a Harlot, but there ish more, Talk to Lou.
Having gotten lost in gloomy thoughts, Pavanna looks up from (finally) clearing her plate to realise that Korl is half-hidden by a stack of empty tankards. Shaking her head, she glances past his apparent drinking-contest with Thirzin and cocks her head a little, trying to better overhear what’s being said between Horatio, Saroune, and Aldern the fop. Saroune seems to have found her footing, now that Horatio’s there to steady her. I hope he’s feeling better....
I just needs to take my mind off it somehow. Thinks about something else.
She isn't going to interrupt the conversation with Noro and Sabyl again, both of them probably could flatten her in under a second in her state. Hell, if either of them looked at her fiercely enough she was bound to fall unconscious.
Best not to push the limits any further than I already have. Besides, this bed isn't all that uncomfortable. Even if she is taking more than half of it.
From the left side of the bed, Asuriel opens her left eye slightly to eye Noro's position on the other side. She's still turned on her side, but she's consumed about 65% of the real estate.
Isn't there a saying about disturbing a sleeping animal? A cat, definitely a four legged animal. Was it cheetah?"
Thinking she hears footsteps approaching outside of the door and desperately thirsty, she opens her eyes and starts to sit up. She swings her legs over the bed, turning away from Noro. As she does so she happens to glance back on the bedding and frowns. A fist size blotch of red blood stains the bed. She reaches around to her lower back and touches a moist area on her back. She pulls her blood stained hand back around and notes obviously that there must be a wound her back as well.
Alarmed, she quickly throws herself back onto the bed and lays down again, ignoring the pain. Forgetting that her hand is bloodied, she folds it in her lap and tries not to think about it.
"Ah, Korvosa!" Horatio cries, latching onto the word and lifting his mug high. A few drops of ale splash from the rim; he quickly downs the rest of the mug to avoid such a thing happening again. After five mugs, he's starting to feel a lightness in his fingers. Were the Colours in the Rusty Dragon always this vibrant? Was Saroune always that pretty?
He gets up to fetch another drink, continuing to speak as he does to, calling back to Aldern and Saroune, continuing to act as though the drink has affected him more. "Nothing like hearing of home to twist at the old heart-strings! To Good King Eodred!" he cries, lifting his sixth mug of the evening in a toast. "May he live forever, if only to prevent the harlot wife of his from taking the crimson throne! Though, I must admit, she is much easier on the eyes than he is."
He lingers a moment near Pavanna, dropping a hand to her shoulder as if to steady himself, but gives her a quick, conspiratorial wink as he raises his mug again. He inclines his head ever-so-slightly to the table where Aldern and Saroune are still sitting, as if in invitation, before making his way back over, staggering slightly.
"Family is a wonderful thing, isn't it?" he continues rambling, leaning back on his chair and fiddling with his violin-strings. "Most of my extended family is bac in Cheliax, where I have no intention of meeting them. I have my parents, and an uncle in the Sable Company - oh, that's how I got this," he interrupts himself, holding up his bow. "Hippogriff tail-hair, that is. Sings a treat, I'll tell you. Course, I have no idea how I'll replace it when this wears out. Who knows, maybe I'll meet a nymph or a unicorn someday, I'm sure their hair would sound better." As he takes another swig, he grips Saroune's shoulder, giving her a grin and a wink. "My dear, you might be the only woman who could get me in pigtails. A few more drinks, and I might let you try it, though I might end up being too pretty for you to handle!"
She fills them with a delicious smelling tea. The smell seems to sap away the aches and pains both women are feeling.
"Drink this, both of you."
The tea fills the two with warmth as they feel their wounds close. Soon after they finish it, sleep begins to call to them, beckoning them to fall into a restful slumber.
Aldern grimaces as Horatio gushes about Korvosa.
"I'm afraid that I don't hold the city in as high of a regard as you do. Most of my memories of Korvosa are not fond ones."
When the subject moves on to music and pigtails, Aldern's mood lifts and he laughs.
"I must admit, that I was sober when my sister did that to me. And you say that is hippogriff hair? I must say that I wouldn't have even known if you hadn't pointed it out. I have a little musically talent, but, alas, the violin is not what I play. The ivory and ebony of a piano are my tools for musical pursuits. Perhaps we can persuade Miss Ameiko to allow us to put on a concert here in the Dragon."
The woman the voice belongs to can't be more than a couple of years older than Olivius, and it's quite possible she's just a little younger. Her hair, a rich mahogany, is tied back. Her green eyes dance in the light from the Rusty Dragon's windows. Her build is long and lean, but not too slender or gawky. One of her arms is bandaged, likely form an injury during the raid.
"Th'name's Savah. Mind if I chat with you for a bit?"
Asuriel's tea apparently was a little weaker than she had hoped it would be. It definitely refreshed her somewhat, but she hardly felt like herself still. The pain in her back recedes though and she is finally able to relax without discomfort and closes her eyes as she begins to doze off into sleep.
Olivius's head snaps in the direction of the address. He didn't know he was that noticeable, let alone that he was being watched. He's suddenly embarrassed by his lack of proficiency in the style. He wipes a layer of sweat from his brow. His breaths are deep, but controlled. I don't know if... you'd call what I'm doing... using it. More like... fumbling about. My name's Olivius.
After a moment he brings his breathing rate down enough to speak more clearly. He sets his weapon against the same beam of the stable as his spear. What can I do for you, Savah?
Between fatigue, injury and exhaustion, Noro and Asuriel quickly slip into a deep sleep. She begins to dream as nonsensical images and thoughts pass before her, slipping away before she will have time remember the details that her imagination conjurers. Asuriel often awakes each morning and remembers her dreams. She is aware some people are not like this, but for some reason she has often been able to recall with vivid detail the images that grace her sleep. She often sees these images as snippets of what is to come in the times ahead, placed their to guide her on her path.
The dream she is in now though is very, very different. In most situations the dreams feel real, but fuzzy and lacking feeling or emotion. But this dream is the definition of clarity and is vivid and so realistic that Asuriel feels her body responding physically to the stimulus in her dreams. She begins to squirm in her sleep unable to turn back from the strange feelings she was being flooded with.
Nor--
Asuriel bolts up in bed suddenly, out of breath and sweaty. Her head makes quick, jerky movements as she looks around the room trying to get her bearings.
She wipes her damp forehead with her hand as she looks to her left at Noro. She swallows a gulp of air uncomfortably as she comes to a shocking realization that she forgot to drop the life link with Noro earlier and that is still active.
Well THAT was interesting! I've never ...
Looking down at Noro she is unable to keep herself from grinning and she lets herself drop back down to the bed. For the first time today, she feels good and she accidentally giggles for a moment, covering her mouth trying to stifle the sound. She doesn't want to awaken Noro. She glances over at Noro to see if she has awoken her.
She doesn't drop the life link either.
Noro was resting comfortably after the "spaiish Iqusition" she had recieved.
Her rest was not so peaceful as one would expect. she was constantly squirming around. she started to sweat. (could it be a fever?) her breathing was getting heavier.
She had a tight grip on the mattress as she panted, her fingers ripping at the sheets.
Noro suddenly punches her pillow at the same time as Asuriel suddenly awakened, Noro then lay still. a breath of relief.
She lay soundly asleep after that. her face buried in her pillow
"The piano! Ah, a beautiful instrument, that. Almost as beautiful as the violin, I'd say. Probably about third - behind the cello, of course." Horatio leans forward for another drink before leaning his chair back again, feet braced against the legs of the table. "Always wanted to learn to play, but they're so expensive, and we never had the room for one. I did get to play a few chords on a beat-up harpsichord once, though." He rocks his seat backwards slightly, taking another deep drink from his mug. "A concert, you say? Well, if anything's bound to get me an audition in this town, it'll be a concert with a visiting noble! Very well, I accept!"
When Saroune mentions dancing, he squeezes his eyes shut for a moment, as if blocking something out. Before long, he opens them again, his face settled back into the rakish mask he's grown so used to - a tipsy grin and twinkling eyes. "So, you dance, then? You'll have to show me sometime. I can provide accompaniment for such a lovely lady any time." The words slip out before he can stop them, and he mentally curses himself. Damnit, lad, you're supposed to be stopping him from flirting with her, not taking up the mantle yourself!
Mean while, Thrizin has managed to drink Korl under the table, but no one seems to notice where Tharis has gotten off to. Ping has filled several pages in her sketchbook and nods a goodnight to the others as the hour grows late.
Asuriel and Noro are moved to seperate rooms. The cool night air helps soothe the pain and before long, both are in a deep, dreamless slumber.
"Ah, but doesn't every warrior start out fumbling with their weapons? I've never really mastered the heavier weapons. My first love has been the rapier and the dirk. Very quick and deadly, as a few goblins found out today."
Soon she and Olivius are discussing different styles of fighting, their travels, and anything else that comes up. Somehow, they wind up inside and drinking and the hour grows very late.
As one, by one, the party makes their way downstairs Ameiko greets them with cheery smile and a plate of some dish that smells delicious.
"Belor stopped by at the crack of dawn. He is planning on coming by in a little while to meet with you. Eat up, you're going to want it."
Asuriel yawns loudly as she stretches her arms and legs in bed. Rubbing her eyes she slowly sits up and notices the pain in her back has gone away. She has awoken refreshed, relaxed and rejuvinated. For some reason her dreams from last night escape her, but strange fleeting memories linger from the day before. It must be side effects of the tea.
I guess that tea was stronger than I gave it credit for! I'll need to ask Ameiko about obtaining some of that later on. I need to hurry up or I'll miss--
She rises from bed and glances out the window to see the that the morning is well underway. A slight panic sets in as Asuriel realizes she has overslept once again and missed morning prayers with Elizabeth. Her head sags slightly as she blows out an exasperated breath.
Having already missed the rising sun, she will hold off on her morning meal until she finishes her introspective prayers for the day. She moves to the window to get a good view of the sun. She kneels and begins reflection and prayer for about forty minutes. She should probably continue longer, but her stomach growls so loudly she can not focus past the distraction. Having not eaten the evening meal the day before she quickly makes haste towards the door.
Opening the door she nearly expects to find Sabyl standing guard outside her room. Finally free to leave her room, she departs down the stairs where she is greeted with a delicious smelling plate of food.
She looks around and notices none of the others from last night are down here yet.
I suppose they had a late night. Well at least the tieflings aren't down here eating, I don't have to worry about avoiding them again. That could get awkward.
She finishes her plate and asks for seconds, if they is allowed. She did not bring her coin purse with her when she left the cathedral yesterday, so she has no money to pay for additional food if they ask for payment.
"Ameiko, that was simply fantastic. I cannot recall the last time I have enjoyed a meal so. Might it be possible for me to have another? If there is enough for the others that is. I--I didn't bring any coin with me though, I can repay you at a later date?"
Asuriel ponders and wonders how Noro is fairing this morning. She assumes that the mental anguish of the events from yesterday will far outweigh the discomfort of healing.
"Don't worry about it" Ameiko tells Asuriel. "If it wasn't for your help, there might not be a Rusty Dragon right now. For all I know, there might not be a me!" she says with a laugh.
"After what you and the others did, a few free meals is the lest I can do."
Thirzin chuckles, having one last celebratory drink to show his conquest in the drinking of Cayden's nectars. And after the drink, unconsciousness and sleep finds the dwarf at the bar.
Thirzin chuckles, looking at Ameiko and taking the dish with great hunger and rumbling of his stomach.
"Ah, lass...Good food after a night of enjoying the beverages of this fine tavern...you bring good things! And ooh, something as well from the after effects of...oh, what do they call it? Cayden's Revenge?"
And with that, he quaffs the Kindness and sits down with food, to partake in the food.
Asuriel smiles and bows her head slightly in respect. "You are too kind Ameiko, I did only what anyone would do in that situation. You have my thanks."[/b]
As the dwarf heads downstairs she smirks as she takes notice of his need for the Kindness. Turning to Ameiko Asuriel smirks and says, "I hope you did not take a great loss offering free drinks to this dwarf! As I understand it, Torag has blessed them with the ability to drink themselves into unconsciousness and yet still maintain the ability to rise the next morning unaffected.... Or not? What is that Thizrin? Does a dwarf actually need an alchemist creation to escape Cayden's Revenge? I had heard such tales of your immunity! I am but a foolish girl I suppose then.
She covers her mouth with her hand to try and prevent the laughter from escaping, but she laughs loudly just the same.
Olivius wakes later than normal. Typically he's up with the sun, or soon thereafter, but today his body skips the dawn. He rubs the sleep out of his eyes and groans as he rolls out of bed and into the hard wood floor. The first order of business is fifty push-ups, two hundred sit-ups, and thirty pull-ups using the lip of the heavy wood doorframe.
The exercise jump starts his body and gets his blood flowing through his veins.
He quickly dresses in his rough traveling shirt, thick cloth pants and boots. Then he crosses to the small basin of cold water and splashes his face clear of any sweat. The stairs squeak under his weight as he descends. The new girl, who looks much prettier today now that she's not spewing Infernal at him or covered in battle grime, is there along with Thirzin who looks like he fell asleep at the bar. He's currently tucked into a plate of delicious lookin breakfast.
Olivius slides in next to him and claps him on the shoulder. Morning!
He gets his plate of food and thanks Ameiko. It's gone in three minutes flat.
Olivius jumps into the conversation with a joking grin. He appears to be vastly more friendly now that he isn't fighting or watching someone get pummeled.
Now now. Lets no mock the poor dwarf too badly. He did manage to drink that Teifling under the table, and that was After he matched me pint for pint for a good long while!
"Exactly!" He laughs. "And besides, I'm older than the lot of ya! Name a single human man my age that can match ya lot and even stay conscious!"
Laughing again, he continues in on his food. "And keep in mind, Olivius, I also had several pints in celebration of drinking both of you under the table." He pats the guy good naturedly on the arm and grins.
"SO what's the plans today? Hopefully no more goblins for awhile?"
Asuriel nods to Olivius and smiles, "It was Olivius, wasn't it? Good morning to you as well. I take it you all had a hearty evening down at the bar then? I had not intended to retire so early, but uh, it was strongly suggested I do so."
When she sees him devour his food similiar to how she had attacked it she laughs loudly again. "Ah! So I'm not the only one who is famished from yesterday! The food is delicious is it not?"
Asuriel leans back in her chair and smiles, letting the light of the sun warm her face. The morning has started off wonderfully. The warmth of the sun, the taste of delicious food and laughter with new friends.
He did manage to drink that Teifling under the table
So much for the perfect morning.
Hearing the mention of the tiefling Asuriel's smile fades slightly, barely able to refrain from frowning.
She naturally assumes he speaks of Pavanna since they seemed to be have known each other prior to the incident yesterday at the gate. "Ah, I'm not surprised. I don't believe there is anyone who would try to match the stamina of a dwarf at a drinking game! I suppose that the tiefling is staying here as well? Will she... be joining us this morning?"
There is a brief pause before quickly adding, "I'm told that Sheriff Hemlock would like to meet with us this morning. Given her aforementioned close relationship with the sheriff, I would hate for her to miss out."
"Name a single human man my age that can match ya lot and even stay conscious!"
Asuriel pushes the thought of the feisty teifling away and smiles once more, "Not I my dwarf friend! I'm afraid my tolerance is quite low. A few of those will have me falling on my bottom I'm afraid."
The food is delectable, I agree, but Pavanna isn't the Teifling under the bar. I was referring to one of the males. He tried to match Thirzin after you disappeared with Noro. Poor guy was literally drunk under the bar well through the night. I saw him. Pavanna should be down here soon though. She's probably doing her prayers.
He leans over the bar a little and discretely orders something and gives Ameiko a small phial before sitting again.
Boiled water with a pinch of this please.
The vial contains a yellowish mixture.
Ameiko sweeps over the table, clearing it of empty plates and refilling glasses with water, juice, or for those who want it, ale.
"I dunno, I hear Jargie at the Hagfish is in his fifties, and rumor has it that the man drank a couple of dwarves under the table last month."
She shakes her head with a laugh.
"Hard to believe, but some say that it was the water from Norah's tank that did them in."
At the mention of Norah's tank, Asuriel's broad smile returns once more.
"Ah dwarf, THAT is a challenge I'd like to see you undertake. I'd put a wager that it would do you in for sure. Neither Torag or Cayden protects those who venture to a glass from Norah's tank!"
Asuriel listens in on Olivius's conversation...
Pavanna should be down here soon though. She's probably doing her prayers.
Asuriel forces a fake smile and does a terrible job feigning her interest in Pavanna, "Wonderful. I was looking forward to seeing he again today.
Noro makes her way down stairs she seems a bit somber, but she is functioning normally.
Noro takes a seat and is quickly served some breakfast. she sits just and picks at her food. eating little.
however a smile somewhat crosses her lips at the mention of Norah's Tank. bringing back some memories.
Asuriel brightens some when she sees Noro make her approach to the table. In a warm voice she welcomes her to the table, "Good morning Noro. Feeling any better today?"
She pauses and adds with a slight grin, "Pleasant dreams I hope?"
"Would you like me to take a look at your injuries this morning? I have some more of that ointment which should help ease the bruising if it is still painful."
She searches around for the ointment, having forgotten she left it in the original room upstairs.
I get the feeling you two didn't hit it off too well. Olivius says as Noro makes her way downstairs.
Ameiko shrugs and goes off to fetch some more food and drinks as more of the party comes down. She returns a few minutes later with more food and Olivius' drink.
Asuriel tries to decide how to answer Olivius's question. She was taught to always be honest and sees no reason to lie to the man, he seems sincere enough in his question.
The usually talkative woman offers a right lipped smile and a terse "Not exactly."
Feeling her comment was too short she folds her hands on the table and says, "She is just passing through, correct? Here for the festival only I suppose?"
I hope.
I don't really know, to be honest. Olivius lifts the drink and sniffs it like it's tea or wine. The drink is steaming with a slight yellow color and smells faintly of brimstone.
I know she is here at least as long as the cathedral's dedication, but she hasn't said much beyond that. As a guard of the caravan, I didn't pry. She's a good sword, with a level head and good tactics knowledge most of the time. She's crazy lucky too.
He sips the odd drink and humms in pleasure.
Asuriel dryly remarks, "Hmmn. Level headed. The definition must have changed since I was a child."
Eager to change the subject she asks, "Are you going to search for a new caravan here in Sandpoint? I'm friendly with the large majority of merchants in town, I could ask around if you like?"
Observing the interesting drink she asks, "Is that the herbal tea? I had some last night and it was amazingly refreshing."
She sniffs and makes a sour face wrinkling her nose. "Most definitely not! What is that, it smells horrific!"
Olivius seems slightly confused by Asuriel's comment, being mostly oblivious to the Infernal babble's meaning from yesterday, but he transitions smoothly to the new topic.
I would love that, thank you. I have a few names, but I'm relatively new to the game and I only have one goblin Chieftain kill to my name, well, two now, he shudders, and anyway, I could use a good word in the right ears.
When asked about the tea, he holds it up for her to examine. If you're not from Cheliax it'll probably curl your nose hair, but it's a bit of nostalgia for me. Smells like home.
Asuriel brightens some when she sees Noro make her approach to the table. In a warm voice she welcomes her to the table, "Good morning Noro. Feeling any better today?"
She pauses and adds with a slight grin, "Pleasant dreams I hope?"
"Would you like me to take a look at your injuries this morning? I have some more of that ointment which should help ease the bruising if it is still painful."
She searches around for the ointment, having forgotten she left it in the original room upstairs.
As noro settles in, She simply grumbles at Asuriel's question. And she simply glares at at her for the dream remark.
No!, no ointment, no rubbing, no Touching she says to Asuriel and turns away from looking at her.
Noro is embarrased about something.
A solid "Thunk" and a muttered "ow" announces Ping's arrival. She looks very different from the night before. Her clothes are a disheveled mess, and her hair hangs about her face in a wild tangle. From the look of things, she must have hit her head on the door jamb leading to the stairs. She rubs the spot on her forehead and shuffles over to table where the rest are seated.
"M'rnin'." she mutters before nodding off, and banging her head on the table.
"'M awake! I'm awake!" she says as she rubs her head.