fine, if it will shut ya up for now. and what do you mean, gentler touch, I ain't gentle enough?
Asuriel moves in to look over Noro, inspecting various areas for wounds. As she does so she says, "I meant no disrespect, I'm sorry if you have taken offense to my words. Now then, I don't see anything except a few bruises here and there and the remnants of a goblin blade."
She puts her hands on either side of Noro's face and turns them each side to side a bit and then lets go and nods. "And, I think you shall live to continue smashing goblins another day."
That goes double for someone who manages to remain so urbane when confronted with a self-important meddling busybody dashing into the middle of a group of professionals at work, addressing them in a language only one or two of them understand, trying to tell them how to do their job, and then proposing a magical linking between herself and one of their number when they’ve been given absolutely no reason to trust her, and indeed don’t know her from the Harlot Queen of Geb!”
Asuriel turns back to Pavanna and squares her body with her. As she looks down at the tiefling she studies her curiously, raising her left eyebrow ever so slightly. In a calm serene voice without a trace of hostility she asks, "Self-important meddling busybody? Harlot? My dearest tiefling, must you spew such filth from your mouth? I know it must be beyond your hellbound nature, but a simple thank you would have suffice."
A flat smile returns to her lips as she continues, "Now then, I have introduced myself to you but yet you have not returned the favor. Do you have a name or should I just tell Belor that his champion the horned tiefling has saved the gate?"
Glancing back at the goblins she says, "No doubt you are called to claim your spoils of victory, I shall be helping the injured to the cathedral and having a word with Father Zantus."
Asuriel moves to help whatever wounded she can. As she catches Horatio's eye she says, "Master Violinist? Would you do me the favor of accompanying me back to the cathedral? Perhaps you could recount for us a tale of your previous performances that would lighten the mood for some of our wounded guardsmen."
Asuriel begins moving back south towards the gate with whatever wounded she can assist.
Thirzin grumbles, as he feels the wound on his neck begin to clot on its own. "Fine, lass, but that still don't mean we have to release them back into the wilds! Bad for nature, these things!"
The dwarf looks around for a moment or two, noticing the struggling Noro.
Shaking his head at the overprotective nature of the healer folk, he proceeds to keep watch over the goblins, commenting to Olivius. "Good job with that giant pig sticker of yours."
Asuriel turns back to Pavanna and squares her body with her. As she looks down at the tiefling she studies her curiously, raising her left eyebrow ever so slightly. In a calm serene voice without a trace of hostility she asks, "Self-important meddling busybody? Harlot? My dearest tiefling, must you spew such filth from your mouth? I know it must be beyond your hellbound nature, but a simple thank you would have suffice."
“You barge into the middle of a fight and almost get yourself killed by one of those you thought to assist, and you expect a ‘thank you’?” How many times was this one dropped on her head as a baby? “You owe your life as much to Olivius’ swift wits as you do to goblin ineptitude, and if any gratitude is in order, you should be thanking him for realising you weren’t an enemy in time to stop himself spearing you by reflex!”
A flat smile returns to her lips as she continues, "Now then, I have introduced myself to you but yet you have not returned the favor. Do you have a name or should I just tell Belor that his champion the horned tiefling has saved the gate?"
“Sheriff Hemlock met me last night, dearie, so he knows my name full well. But since you insist....” The tiefling sweeps off her hat and offers a deep, mocking bow, knowing full well that the motion highlights her horns. “I am Pavanna Alazario, scholar and swordsworn soldier of Iomedae. Foster-daughter of Quinta Alazario, paladin of the Inheritor... a status which would, I believe, make her a far better judge of who is and is not ‘hellbound’ than you will ever be.”
Noro simply glances at Pav then at the fallen guard.
lets not worry bout any fightsh, you need a healer.
Noro does her best to make sure the wounds are for the most part secure and not going to get much worse.
If he looks pretty safe to move Noro will help her to her feet.
Noro lets the guard use her as a crutch as they will start to make thier way to the church.
The guardswoman is stable and can be moved without risking injury, but onlook at her legs show that she's not getting anywhere under her own power without taking time to heal up first.
"N-not the fight, there was a bounty for those men that got caught. An' wot's this 'bout a gob with no pants?"
Asuriel feigns surprise, "Ah, a solider then, yes of course. Though I am quite surprised to hear your mother-". The assimar pauses, places a finger to her lips as if pondering, "-no, I'm sorry, FOSTER mother. My apologies, that your foster mother would have taken on such a task to bring you into the light. I praise her valiant efforts."
Referring back to Pavanna's quip at Asuriels invovlement in battle she adds, "And I do not need any blessing from the likes of you to attempt to protect my home."
Asuriel glances at Olivius and says, "I do believe I thanked him already and commented on his fast work. Perhaps you were too busy issuing orders to everyone to notice dear soldier. "
Asuriel turns to Olivius once more and says, "Olivius-" Asuriel sweeps her hand in front of everyone, "-as with the all of you, in case I was unclear earlier, the town of Sandpoint is in great debt for your efforts this afternoon. I will be sure to mention it directly to the powers that be. Those that I have not just been briefly introduced to last night, of course.
Ping looks around at the others and frowns when she notices the cuts and gashes on some of the party, as well as the beaten and battered guard.
"I've got something for the pain if you guys need it."
She says pulling out three vials filled with a sparkling, blue liquid.
On hearing Asuriel and Pavanna's discussion, she points at the both of them and mutters a few words, just before her fingertips emit a few blue sparks.
Asurie moves to check out the dwarf since none other have offered.
Here my dear dwarf, let me help you with that hole in your throat
Horatio chuckles at Pavanna's initial words to him, starting to relax a little. Ore from her company. "Well, if you ever need a shoulder to cry yourself to sleep on, I have two," he offers with a small smile - not his usual smirk or grin; it's an almost-imperceptible tugging of the lips more than anything else - but genuine.
Having seen to Asuriel's leg, he claps a hand on Thirzin's shoulder, placing two fingers just below the gurgling wound in the dwarf's neck. "Well, that was a nasty blow, but soon the only thing injured will be your pride," he winks, before muttering in Varisian again. More blue light spreads from his hand - paler this time, as if the last reserve of magic is finally fading. It seems to help, though. Enough.
At Aldern's recognition, the bard's eyes light up with that rare joy that comes from being appreciated. The small smile given to Pavanna and the smirk for Thirzin give way to the practiced, dashing smile that was usually worth a few extra sails or two back home. "Ah, I see my reputation has once again preceded my presence," he chuckles, adjusting his vambraces. "Indeed, I'll be staying here a while longer. I suspect I'll be performing at the Theatre soon, but for now, the Dragon is where I practice my art. You can see me there most nights. Though probably not tonight - I don't think the town's ready for such merriment yet." He casts another glance over the bodies - particularly that of the dead guardsman by the gate. Poor fellow...
When the gnome comes rushing up to the party, he crouches, getting down to her eye level like he would a child. "Slow down there," he chuckles. "No, that goblin isn't wearing any pants, but they're right - you're best not looking. You don't want to see it - and I wish I hadn't," he adds with a small grimace. "We'll be at the cathedral shortly to see Sheriff Hemlock. Tell him we have wounded, and prisoners."
Noro's wounded, but she's been seen to - and after last night, Horatio has no doubt she'll live. I must buy that woman a drink, though, he thinks, making a mental note.
Asuriel, however...
The smug smile draws a raised eyebrow from him - another small twitch in his face, almost imperceptible from a distance. Her own compliment doesn't go unnoticed, but he's heard the like of it before - his performance was a safe thing for anyone to comment on, after all. "Well, to be perfectly honest, you gave no indication of such things," he shrugs. "When most of the talking one does is in the tongue of devils, it's hard to know much about them. At least I have your name now."
And then... Something seems to explode between Pavanna and Asuriel. Bewildered, Horatio watches as words are flung like starknives, and insults that would have made his mother's ears burn are traded? Eventually, he physically places himself between the two women, hands raised, frustration evident in his tone.
"Enough!" he exclaims, punctuating this with a sharp clap of his hands, intending to stop the squabbling. "Both of you. You're acting like imps and pseudodragons here! You-" he turns to Asuriel, standing a few inches over her, "Can you blame Pavanna for being cautious? You showed up out of nowhere, started demanding her attention while she was trying to defend the town, and then make all manner of assumptions based on her heritage and appearance. In case you've forgotten, you were speaking the language of devils, and where I come from, that's cause for immediate suspicion. Hemlock wants to see all of us, and that includes you - so I'd advise being civil. Hell, once this over, you don't even have to get along. But at least be polite about it.
"And as for you..." He turns to Pavanna now, raising a hand to his temple as he opens his mouth to speak... But seems to lose what he was going to say, letting the hand slump to his side. "You'll have to tell me exactly what your problem is," he finishes weakly. "I clearly don't know half of what's going on here. But I think my ears are burning from some of the things you're saying, so would you do me the flavour of sparing my delicate sensibilities?" He doesn't even bother trying to joke - the words are empty, his face drawn.
"Both of you - follow me. I'd suggest not speaking to each other. But remember this - just because someone's heritage is tainted, does not mean they're a bad person themselves. And those who are obvious in their worship of good ideals often do bad things."
Asuriel puts her hands on her hips as Horatio scolds her. She waits until he is done and has full intention of responding when she catches sight of the pretty blue sparks coming from Ping's fingertips.
Shaking his head at the overprotective nature of the healer folk, he proceeds to keep watch over the goblins, commenting to Olivius. "Good job with that giant pig sticker of yours."
Olivius takes up a place next to Thirzin while those same healers and charismatic folk do their best to verbally blast each oher to bits. He spins his spear a couple of times, admiring the flash of the flattened leaf blade. Thanks. It's not bad. Balance is a bit forward. What I really prefer... He quickly sheathes his spear and stows his shield before bringing a long Bardishe out from its place on his back. It has a polished haft and curved blade of middle quality, but it's a well cared for piece. ... Is this. I'm trying to wield it in one hand along with my shield as counter weight, but I havn't quite gotten the hang of it yet. I may need a specially crafted piece. Again, the balance is too forward.
Saroune took a moment to steady herself once the fight was over. To the casual eye, magic doesn't seem as taxing as actual fighting. The truth was that wielding the arcane wore out the mind as easily as swinging a sword tired out an arm. Her thoughts were foggy, but she knew it would subside into a languorous euphoria, like the feeling one's body has after a long swim.
The wizard walked to where Thirzin and Olivius were standing. She watched as Pavanna and the newcomer bickered while Horatio tried to mediate. A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "The forces of heaven and hell clash with men caught hopelessly between," she mused to the two warriors. "Add in something about two proud, aggressive women and I feel like there's something witty to say. I'm too tired to be clever right now." She stifled a yawn as if to prove her point.
Olivius grins at Saroune. Indeed. Let them bicker. We can watch their backs while they work out their issues, and when the good Father asks why we're late... Ping's spell goes off and Olivius asks, Did you catch that? Should I be worried?, but his tone says that he's already worried.
Pavanna's hair doesn't do much beyond getting a little greener before going right back to being it's natural color. Asuriel's hair, on the other hand, turns a bright, lime green that throws pink sparks when it moves.
Ping smirks then realizes that Horatio had already done what she was going to do.
"Ummmmm, no hard feelin's, right? Just tryin' ta keep the peace!" She says as she starts scooting to where Olivius stands.
Olivius suddenly recognizes the spell! He's been trying to cast that for ages! Hour and hours of practice for nothing and this Gnome fires it off without a thought?! He huffs and crosses his arms.
You have got to teach me that... He says quietly to Saroune. The Gnome starts inching his way. He doesn't move. Just stands there with his arms crossed in jealously. A jealously that is only briefly interrupted by a snort of laughter at Asuriel's new hairdo.
Asuriel's eyes widen as she catches sight of her beautiful blonde metallic sheen hair transform into lime green accented with pink sparks. She quickly scoops up a handful of hair in the palm of her hand and looks at it apprehensively, "What is this now?" Her hand twitches slightly as she realizes the hair in her hand has been turned ... green.
Sarenrae give me the strength to deal with these... creatures.
Asuriel hears Olivius's laughter and knows that it will be followed shortly there after by others.
Her eyes flutter a few times as she tries to blink away the hideousness of it all.
The coloring obviously bothers Asuriel despite her best attempts to hide it. It's quite apparent that taking away her beauty is negatively affecting her. Trying to remain calm and act indifferent to the coloring, Asuriel slowly turns to ping and takes a deep breath. With paced words she slowly asks, "No, no hard feelings my little sorceress. If you wouldn't be so kind as to dismiss it, your point has been duly noted and I am at fault. I apologize to the group as a whole for not clearly announcing myself and my intentions earlier. Father Zantus personally asked me to do what I could to assist and I became enveloped in the chaos that I obviously forgot myself. Please forgive my missteps and failures, I had nothing but the best intentions in mind. You have my humblest apology."
She takes a deep bow and ensures that she does not topple to the ground this time around.
Noro simply shrugs off the bickering, her concern is the guardsman. as Noro has always lived here in Sandpoint many of the guardsman she has come to know on a personal basis. probably due to her numerous arrests.
Noro pays little mind to the other's discussions and takes her wounded charge to the good Father Zanthus.
does Noro know Ping at all?
The guard you do recognize as Viska Chamler, the twin sister of Riska Chamler. The two are known to frequent the Dragon when off duty and play practical jokes on the other guards at the barracks. Riska, from what the young guard who told Belor about the goblins at the East Gate said, is guarding that gate.
Horatio’s gentle, sincere offer of aid brings a small smile to Pavanna’s lips, and she touches his arm in thanks before her attention is drawn to other matters.
Quietly grateful for Horatio’s intervention and words to support, Pavanna uses it as a chance to rein-in her stampeding temper, biting back on another sharp remark and simply stewing silently for several breaths, reciting even more prayers. He’s right: I’ll owe him an explanation later. Just as she trusts herself to speak without screaming or profanity...
... Ping’s little prank sparks to life, and the shift in Asuriel’s hair-colour is so sudden and absurd that she can’t help bursting into giggles. “Oh, well done, madam gnome!” she snorts. “Well done, indeed!”
When Asuriel reacts to her ‘disfigurement’ with genuine distress, a twinge of shame runs through Pavanna — Asuriel’s clearly rattled by this, and enjoying her discomfort is the kind of cruelty Pavanna saw from the other end far too often in Westcrown — and her laughter fades. “... apology accepted, Asuriel. And for my part, I tend to be, erm, abrupt when my focus is elsewhere, and I didn’t... distractions and unknown factors can be deadly in battle, and when you appeared, I had no time to delve into your motives. Now that we both know why each of us reacted as we did, perhaps we can set aside the misunderstanding and try to start fresh.”
Horatio breathes a sigh as his intervention seems to work and apologies are issued. Then the gnome waves he fingers, and... Asuriel suddenly has green hair.
He bites down on his tongue, but is unable to stop his lips twitching. He quickly coughs, covering his mouth with his fist to hide his smile.
"Well, now that that's taken care of... I'm sure Hemlock is waiting for us."
Asuriel's eyelids flutter as he tries her best to be patient and wait for the effects of the HAG hair to dissipate.
... temperance and patience in all things ...
She hears the coughing, laughing and comments she knew would come. Trying her best to not lose control she lifts her chin up and throws up a smile. "Now then, yes, well stated Horatio. Let us be off.."
She pauses and looks back at the gate, "Wait. There are no more guards and the gate is not secure. Should we not post a sentry until Belor can come investigate? I am willing to stay the others need assistance in the cathedral, I am fine."
"Sorry, I--sorry." Ping mumbles as she snaps her fingers, feeling very, very small at the distress she caused. Asuriel's hair returns to it's natural color.
as Noro is helping the guard to the cathedral.
Your Vishka, right? I remember seeing you around the Dragon. I'm shure your shishter is fine, she wash at the Easht gate last I recall
Noro actually being nice trying to keep the poor guard's spirits up.
eventually they will arrive at the cathedral Noro start yelling around for Father Zanthos.
A few moments after Asuriel points out the fact that the gate is standing wide open, a small group of guards comes hustling up the street. They stop when they see the carnage the party helped create. The leader of the guards quickly regains his wits and addresses the group.
"Looks like you all had quite the fight on your hands. Belor sent us to check on you. We can take it from here."
Cleaning up has already begin. Despite the surprise and speed of the attack, the damage is minor and the worst of it is disposing of the goblin corpses (two particular worse than the rest.) The cathedral is filled with wounded, and the thankfully few families that are mourning lost loved ones.
Sheriff Belor Hemlock approaches the party, but is cut off by a guard that looks like a copy of the one Noro is carrying.
"Viska! Viska, what happened to you?!" she says as she sees the condition her sister is in. Belor shakes his head and gives a sigh before speaking.
"I would like to know as well, Riska, but that can wait until later. For now, I think all of you deserve some rest. Thanks to you the town is safe and the goblins have been routed." At that cheers erupt from everyone in the square. A couple of acolytes come carry Viska to the healers and Riska follows.
Father Zantus comes out and finds Asuriel and Pavanna.
"Thank the stars you two are alright. What happened at the gate? We head the dog then a large fight breaking out."
"Later, Father. I think there will be time for those things tomorrow. We should see to the wounded and getting everyone home safe."
Father Zanntus nods and turns to the group. "As Belor said, we will wait until the morrow. I hope that all of you will join us."
"Yes, but for now, they're gonna join me!" Calls out a familiar voice. Ameiko comes from the south, Lou in tow and her clothes sporting a few new goblin bloodstains. "After today, you guys are welcome to stay at the Dragon for the week, on me, and I won't take no for an answer! Just found out that half the people are leaving tonight, so there's plenty of room, and no excuses."
While she talks she begins ushering the party towards the Rusty Dragon. Leaving both Belor and Father Zantus laughing as the petite tien woman seems to do so by sheer personality.
"B-b-b-but I didn't do anything!" Ping protests as she gets swept along.
Asuriel begins opens her mouth to begin recalling the events as the unfolded and abrubtly closes it when Belor says they will discuss it later.
When it is suggested they all head to the Dragon and stay their for the week, Asuriel smiles knowing she already has a place to stay.
As Ping is carried off a thin smile crosses Asuriel's mouth, but that quickly fades as she reaches down to take a look at a handful of her hair.
Ok, that spell has ended. Relax already.
As the group heads off towards the Dragon, Asuriel holds back a moment and returns to Father Zantus. She presents herself formally with a bow and greets him with "The light be with you. Father, I will stay to assist you with the wounded and report now if you like. I did not intend to use my time for celebration while there are those that still need assistance. I did not expend all of my myself at the gate today and still retain a large portion of the light. The Dawnflower provides me yet with life to share this day."
Regardless of his answer:
Once Viska is handed off and tended too. Noro looks around at the other wounded. she seems to be looking for someone, almost ignoring the sheriff.
When Amieko arrives she looks up and sees who she was looking for.
she heads over and give Lou a hug. then quickly regains her composure looking around, then she punches him in the arm Where'd you go? hiding, I shuposhe, could have ushed ya out there. Gone all chicken?
anyway, glad you're alright.
after Amieko announces the free stay. Noro smiles free ale and Katsuri shpichy chicken. Yesh!
Noro is practically leading the way back to the Dragon.
"Her name is Pavanna, and her mother is a respected paladin of the Inheritor. Quinta has done a fine job of raising her, and I would have hoped that you would be more accepting of the young woman. Remember Asuriel, that not all of those touched by the celestials have turned out to be good. Some have rebelled against their natures and become as wicked as any tiefling, and with far less reason. Those who by accident of birth are tainted by fiendish blood are often mistreated and as a result look out only for themselves or worse, learn to take pleasure in tormenting others." Father Zantus sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. "I'm afraid there is much for you to learn yet, Asuriel. Elizabeth, Koya, and I have things under control here. Go, I'll talk to you tomorrow once we've all had time to recover from this ordeal."
Once Viska is handed off and tended too. Noro looks around at the other wounded. she seems to be looking for someone, almost ignoring the sheriff.
When Amieko arrives she looks up and sees who she was looking for.
she heads over and give Lou a hug. then quickly regains her composure looking around, then she punches him in the arm Where'd you go? hiding, I shuposhe, could have ushed ya out there. Gone all chicken?
anyway, glad you're alright.
after Amieko announces the free stay. Noro smiles free ale and Katsuri shpichy chicken. Yesh!
Noro is practically leading the way back to the Dragon.
Lou takes the punch with grace before putting Noro in a headlock and ruffling her hair.
"Oh you wish! I was helping Ameiko make goblin mash."
He pulls his sister in tight and wraps her in a bear hug.
"I am glad that you are unharmed Noro." Lou whispers into her ear before letting go and helping her lead the way as he tells her about this goblin who was trying to avenge his father.
Horatio is relieved to see people being tended to, and that the casualties have been few. Though worn and weary, he manages to put his act back on when the cheering begins. He's used to applause, of course - but for reasons like this? In all honesty, he admits to himself, he feels rather ill.
He stays close to Pavanna - just for something familiar in this blur of commotion.
When Ameiko appears, he has no chance to speak before she commands attention through her presence. The offer stuns him for a moment, but as the group begins heading to the Dragon, he recovers, slipping back into his usual mask.
Well... I suppose I could get used to this.
He chuckles at Noro's words. "Free or not, I could use a drink or four right now!"
Asuriel manages to hide her surprise at Father Zantus's frustration with her. Once he has dismissed her she bids farewell with, "As you wish Father. Peace, mercy and blessing be upon you."
As she departs the cathedral and decides to take the long route back to the Dragon. Instead of heading southeast down High Street, she turns west and takes up a leisurely pace down Tower Street. After Town Hall she turns south down Main Street and begins to think about the trajedies that the town has suffered this day.
The horned tiefling in the temple cursed me and bound me to hell. Today I cross paths with another horned tiefling and the town suffers an attack at the base of the holy cathedral. Coincidence? Father Zantus seems to think so, but I'm not so sure. I need to keep my eye on that creature.
Asuriel thinks back to their conversation earlier.
A status which would, I believe, make her a far better judge of who is and is not ‘hellbound’ than you will ever be.”
Does she know? How could she know? Coincidence, that's all.
Walking slowly she takes time to stare up at the sun, letting it warm her face. She inhales slowly and inclines her head so that her chin is raised and her entire face is basking in the sunlight. She asks her Goddess for direction and guidance in these heavy matters.
As she reaches the docks she passes by the crowd at the Hagfish and shakes her head.
I shall never understand Jargie and that place
Several minutes later she arrives at the Dragon. She pushes in and glances around for the remainder of her party.
Her? Were they hers? Apparently I didn't make a very good impression.
“Can’t we all?” Pavanna says feelingly to Horatio’s words. It’s been a long and trying day, and a chance to sit down for a rest and a glass of wine sounds more than welcome. I must remember to retrieve my things from the White Deer later on, or Viskalai may take it as a chance to sell my things and rent the room to someone else!
As they head towards the Dragon, a thought occurs to her. Noro is busy with her brother for now; my conversation with Horatio will need to be longer than I had first planned; but there’s one other I need to have a word with.... Shooting Horatio a reassuring smile, she says “I’ll be along in a moment, Horatio. Saroune, could we speak, just quickly?”
Drawing the Varisian woman to one side, Pavanna thinks deeply, wanting to choose the right way to say this. A spur-of-the-moment impulse prompts her to say it all in Thassilonian, to make doubly sure no-one who overhears will this (gentle) rebuke.
"Saroune, על מה שעשית קודם לכן, כאשר אתה מטיל צבע שרסס?הכישוף היה הרסני, ובהתחשב בסיכויים שעמדנו בפנינו, ליהוק זה כנראה הציל את חייהם של רבים. ליתר דיוק, זה עזר לחתוך 'הביצועים' של Krosk הקצר, שעבורו אני בטוח שכולנו אסירי תודה לנצח! " she adds, with a half-chuckle.
"אבל אם משהו כזה יקרה שוב, ואתה מוצא את עצמך עומד לעשות משהו כזה? בבקשה: תגיד לנו מה אתה הולך לעשות לפני כן, כדי שנוכל להגן עליך כמו שצריך כמו שאתה עושה את זה? הייתם שם לבד, בלי שריון, מול יותר מתריסר גובלינים, ואם אחד או שניים מהם שחררו חצים עליך לפני שאתה סיים אריגת הקסם שלך, שיהיה לי חבר אחד פחות עכשיו. אתה לובש שום שריון או מגן, מה שהופך אותנו - אותי - ההגנה שלך נגד הפירים של ריב ומלחמה "
She looks up at the taller woman with wide, pleading eyes. "אין לי כל כך הרבה חברים כאן בSandpoint, Saroune, ואני לא להוט לקבור אחד מהם עדיין."
Thirzin laughs, and in the ushering there is the mention of the most sacred of Dwarven items: BOOZE! And with that, the dwarf takes off, pushing people into a faster pace towards the Dragon.
"Yes, yes, all well and good; goblins, broken gate, yes, yes. All good, but there is beer that needs drinking, people!"
Olivius is right by Thirzin's side and is his first supporter in the call for booze. The day has been a good one, in spite of the sorrows borne by a few. Victories require celebration, and few knew how to celebrate a good victory better than dwarves.
Thus the Second Great War on Sobriey broke out with Thirzin and Olivius on the front lines!
Second Great War on Sobriety, followed by the Second Great War to Maintain Consciousness During Drinking!
Saroune laughed at Asuriel's hair changing color, eager to cover up her twin fascination and jealousy of the gnome's command of the arcane. She grinned back at Olivius."Yes, I'm sure we can work on that. It's a basic cantrip and has a wide variety of applications. Although if you ever turn my hair green..." She let the half-threat linger while the others began to move towards the Rusty Dragon.
After being pulled aside by Pavanna, Saroune felt a warm flush on her cheeks. The feeling was a mixture of pride in her abilities and embarrassment in her reckless decisions. Running a hand through her dark hair, she grinned sheepishly at her friend.
"אני יכול להגן על עצמי, Pavanna. אני היה מוגן על ידי העלאה באוב שריון ואם אני נותן Olivius ואחרים מקבלים לפניי, הם היו יכולים להיות חשופים להשפעות של ספריי צבע."
After seeing the look Pavanna was giving her, however, Saroune dropped her defense.
"אתה צודק, כמובן. אני חשפתי את עצמי בפזיזות והיה יכול להגדיל את אחד מכם בסכנה מיותרת. אני אתפוס יותר מדי בלנסות לחשים חדשים שאני לאבד את מה שהגיוני בלהט הרגע. אני אהיה זהיר יותר בפעם הבאה. אני מבטיח."
"תודה," the tiefling nods... then cracks a rueful smile. "וגם בעתיד, אני צריך להסביר את כל כישורים וכשרונות של סובב אותי כשאני משחק שחמט פילגש.כשתלטן כמו שאני מקבל בשדה הקרב, אני שוכח לעתים קרובות כדי לשאול אם למישהו יש רעיונות טובים יותר ".
With that done, she drops back into Taldane and finds a quip: “Now, come on — we need to get to the Dragon before Noro and the lads drink it dry!”
"If we drink it dry, lass...We're going to the next bar!" Thirzin yells loudly back at the girls.
Thirzin begins a rousing rendition of a Dwarven drinking song, fit for the aftermath of a massacre of goblins.
After an acknowledging nod to Pavanna, Horatio makes his way to the bar, weaving easily through whatever crowds may be there, and chugs down a pint before taking any further actions. The taste of ale acts as an immediate pacifier, washing away the rough edges of his shock and fear, and replacing it with a slowly spreading easiness. He feels much calmer as he leans on the bar, beckoning Ameiko for another.
"Just let me know what I owe you tomorrow," he chuckles wearily, but with a hint of life starting to spread to his eyes. "I don't plan on matching those two-" he nods to Thirzin and Olivius "- but I doubt I'll be done for some time."
With his drink - and balancing two more for Pavanna and Saroune, once they return - he makes his way to a table, propping his feet up on a chair and tuning his violin.
It stopped, he suddenly thinks, and shudders involuntarily. That hasn't happened before. He remembers the feeling of panic that gripped him when that golden light winked out, when the music that had been filling the air faded from existance.
Shaking his head, he starts on his second ale. When Thirzin starts singing, he chuckles, shaking his head. Though his fingers itch like mad, he's strangely not in the mood to provide accompaniment.
"Let's." Saroune replied with a tired smile.
When they entered the Rusty Dragon, they found seats at a corner table with Horatio. Saroune still wasn't sure what to make of the bard. He seemed a tad rakish for her tastes, but if Pavanna liked him, he couldn't be all that bad.
Sipping her ale slowly, she listened as Thirzin began a jaunty Dwarven drinking song. Although she couldn't understand the words, the dwarf had a surprisingly warm baritone and she felt herself humming along. The wizard made a mental note to study Dwarven more intensely. Saroune didn't like not knowing things.
Saroune leaned across the table, feeling light-headed, and spoke to Horatio. "I'm surprised you're not playing."
Horatio kicks out a chair each for Saroune and Pavanna as they approach, even taking his feet off of the one next to him. He places his violin on the table to finish tuning it, plucking the stringts gently, apparently going by feel alone - it's certainly too loud to hear much with Olivius and Thirzin at the bar.
"To be perfectly honest, I don't quite feel like doing so yet," he shrugs to Saroune, tuning the final string and playing a few experimental bars before deeming it done. "Thirzin seems to be doing well enough on his own - I don't want to show him up, after all. And I think Rosaline deserves a rest as much as any of us, don't you?" He leans an elbow on the table as he drinks his ale, smiling at Saroune.
"So, I don't believe you ever got around to telling me much about yourself. That was quite a trick you pulled on those goblins - where did you learn that?"