"Yes Father, right away." A thought crosses his mind as he's leading Allishanda toward the church, "Father, if you would, please check on Miss Sophy. I am afraid this ordeal might have shaken her up quite a bit." He asks with a great deal of concern in his voice.
After searching backstage and being sure there was no longer a threat, Wren returned to the stage area with everyone else. Despite herself, Wren's mouth fell open and she couldn't help but silently fume as Cyrdak specifically recognized Sophy's contributions to the crowd. What did Sophy do, but comfort the actress? We all tried to help. Heck, I was the one that blasted it!
To Wren, Eponine will muse I'm pretty sure that everyone will see that Sophy is made of sterner stuff than even she thinks. Good thing she's getting all the attention. After yesterday, I'm not sure I could take more time in the spotlight!
Wren sulkily responds, "yeah, she's great. I bet she could dance divinely too."
Wren sulkily responds, "yeah, she's great. I bet she could dance divinely too."
With a perfectly straight face, Eponine replies Really? I didn't get that, but I suppose she is a bit graceful. Huh. Is there no end to her talents?
Brock pockets the 6 coins. Looks like the orphans are going to be having some more fancy lunches in the future. He then walks back inside, taking note of the brand on the goblin's neck to enjoy the rest of the show.
The crowd at the theater heads home, disappointed but comforted in the fact that Heroes like Sophy and her companions are keeping the town safe. Aldern congratulates the group on their ever heroic efforts and, with a reminder about his invitation to hunt boar on the weekend, takes his leave for the night. Celdis eyes each of you disdainfully and follows after his master. Cyrdak showers Sophy with praise and offers her free front row seats for opening night to every show hence forth. Sheriff Hemlock gathers the guards and doubles the patrols for the night. When Father Zantus returns the the church he relives Victor after thanking him for escorting the injured performer there. It has been a long day and each of you are starting to feel the weariness seeping into your bones, a good nights rest will probably do wonders.
Victor takes his leave of the church and heads to the White Deer, hoping to finally get some rest after such a long day. Although, his thoughts keep him occupied more than he expected. I hope, poor, dear Miss Sophy fares well. As worry prevails in Victor's mind.
The flurry of well-wishers and excitement are too much for Sophy. She keeps looking for a chance to fade back into the crowd, but the massive bloodstains on her dress make her easily discernible; every time she thinks she has made her escape, someone else comes up to congratulate her. At last, the only people left in the theater are the company and the group from their box. After the young nobleman and his servant make their departure, Sophy hopes to join back up with Wren and Eponine, but just then Cyrdak approaches her again, offering her front row tickets. By the time the effusive theater owner has expressed his final thanks, she turns around and the women are gone. Feeling oddly sad and alone after an evening that couldn't possibly be considered as other than a triumph, she makes her way home.
She feels conspicuous walking through the darkening streets in her stained dress; she had considered asking for a spare cloak or overcoat from the costume room at the theater but hadn't been brave enough to trouble anyone. Now the blood is drying and making the skirt stiff and uncomfortable against her legs. She is very relieved to arrive at last at the House of Blue Stones and close the door behind her.
After undressing, she looks sadly at the blue velvet dress laid out on her bed. The skirt is deeply stained where she knelt in the pool of blood next to the fallen actress. As she looks at it now, she frowns. There was too much blood ... too much for Allishanda to simply stand up and walk away the way she did. The people in the audience couldn't have seen how deep the goblin's cut had gone, but Sophy had. When she had fallen to her knees beside the actress, she had been sure that she was cradling a dying woman, that Victor and Eponine's leap from the box had been too late. Then she had touched her and asked her not to die, and something had happened. But what?
Sophy knew that Father Zantus and most priests could heal grievous wounds with a touch, but she was no priest. What else could have happened? Could it have been a mere coincidence? She remembers the butterfly that had lit on her briefly before the trouble at the festival. If Desna was behind whatever was happening to her, it couldn't be a terrible thing, could it? Regardless, the way the woman's eyes had fluttered open at her touch was the first thing about the strange occurences around her that didn't fill her with fear and dread. Feeling slightly hopeful, she sets aside the dress to get into her bed. As she begins to drift off, she remembers Headmaster Gandethus from her Academy days: on holidays, he used to do little tricks to amuse the children, and she had once seen him clean spilled punch off a crisp, white tablecloth with a flick of his wrist. She would take her dress to him tomorrow after meeting the sheriff at the garrison; maybe it wasn't yet beyond salvaging.
Wren sulked all the way to Eppy's home, after the outpouring of adulation Sophy had received. "Would you mind if I stayed at your house again, Eponine? The way my luck is running, I would probably get attacked by a goblin in my hotel room..." and if I somehow defeated it, Sophy would somehow get all the credit for it she thought to herself.
Brock retires for the night and quickly gets out of his suit. Definitely not the life for me, as he stares at the clothes. He then turns off his candle and goes to sleep.
Oh, I don't think your luck is any worse than what this whole town is experiencing right now, but you are certainly welcome to stay a while!
The room is modest but comfortable. There is a small bed and a strung hammock to chose from. On one wall there is shelf of a couple dozen books. She doesn't have a stove, but there are dried meats and fresh fruit on hand. In one corner of the room, a tiny hammock is strung up high, which her pet monkey quickly runs to when they get in.
"Don't worry, little fella, I am not taking your hammock," Wren laughs, walking over to pet the little creature on its head. "And thanks, Eppy, I will sleep in either. You pick, since you are nice enough to let me stay with you for a bit. What do you think we need to do about the proposed boar hunt? If it is large enough to threaten the farms, maybe we do need to eliminate it, although I hate to kill it for no good reason."
Well, if it is a danger to the outlying settlements, then I think we should do something about it. But I think it is important that we make sure it is not a waste. We could haul it back and have it butchered. If they smoke or salt it well, we could donate it to an orphanage, or the church can pass it out to some of the needier families in the town.
"Good thinking. I'd imagine the orphanage doesn't serve fresh meat very often. Perhaps Aldern could have some of his people bring the carcass back to town and could have it butchered. If it is as big as he said, it could feed everyone!"
As Victor makes it back to his room, he sits on the bed just to stop for a moment, right before he gets ready to turn in. "Oh no!" He talks aloud to himself as he just now remembers, "I forgot to ask Father Zantus how Miss Sophy fared!" He buries his face in his hands and then draws them down. "Victor, you fool! You forget everything! You forgot what you have done with your sword, you forgot to ask Father about Miss Sophy." Thinking about what happened yesterday, "You know, I was going to purchase something yesterday, too." He throws up his hands, "Oh great, now I forgot what that was!" Frustrated, he falls backward onto the bed, lays there for quite some time, and passes out.
The next morning, Victor wakes to a new day, feeling a bit more refreshed. "Okay, Victor, do not forget to stop by and see Father Zantus and ask him how Miss Sophy is doing." Finding himself at the cathedral, Victor walks in and sees Father Zantus and remembers to ask this time. Father Zantus replied, "Did you not hear? She was murdered, Victor. She is dead. Chopper killed her. Why weren't you there, Victor? Weren't you suppose to be protecting her? Did you...forget?" Sitting upright in a flash, his heart racing, sweat beads on his face, "Please, no!" Victor blurts out before he realizes he was just dreaming. Rubbing his eyes and patting his face with a cloth, Victor lays back down in an attempt to go back to sleep.
"For once, I would be grateful, if only I could forget." He whispers to himself hoping the nightmare doesn't return.
Everyone attempts to get some rest through the rest of the night and then heads to the sheriff's office at the Garrison. When you arrive Hemlock is not alone, a beautiful elven woman is waiting as well. As the group arrives he introduces Shalelu Andosana to each in turn. Once everyone is there he says, "Friends, great work last night. I knew I did the right thing in deputizing the lot of you. Father Zantus informed me early this morning that Allishanda is recovering from her injury well. The guard report no other incidents in or around town. We must be vigilant, but it appears that the Goblin who attacked last night must have been holed up overnight in the theater and was driven to attack by hunger and madness. Now on for more important matters. Shalelu is an 'unofficial' member of the Sandpoint guard." The elf smirks at the introduction and many of you are aware that she patrols the surrounding Hinterlands thwarting the efforts of the goblins that plague the countryside. She comes to town for a few days one or twice a season, stays with her friend Amekio at the Rusty Dragon, and restocks her supplies. It's not a big secret that she visits with the sheriff to report on the state of affairs in the Hinterlands, or that she leaves with her pouch slightly heavier for the information. The sheriff continues, "It seems that the goblins are getting more active as of late, increasing bandit raids, and even burning a farm. Thankfully, Shalelu was able to stop them and save the family last night. Shalelu if you please..."
The elf stands and says, “Belor’s told me of your work against the goblins—well done. I’ve dedicated the last several years of my life to keeping them from causing too much trouble around these parts, but they’re tenacious and fecund little runts. Like weeds that bite. Anyway, there’s five major goblin tribes in the region, and, traditionally, they’re pretty good at keeping each other in line with inter tribal squabbles and the like. Yet from what I’ve been able to piece together, members of all five tribes were involved in the raid on Sandpoint. A fair amount of the Mosswood tribe goblins I dealt with yesterday were already pretty beat up, and there was a lot of chatter about the ‘longshanks’ who killed so many of them. Now that I’ve met you, it seems obvious from their descriptions who they were talking about. Seems like you’ve made an impression. In any event, the fact that the five tribes are working together disturbs me. Goblin tribes don’t get along unless they’ve got something big planned, and big plans require big bosses. I’m afraid that someone’s moved in on the goblins and organized them. And judging by these recent raids, what they’re organizing seems like bad news for all of us.”
When she is done Hemlock adds, "The locals are taken with you after the heroic acts over the past two days. In light of the threat these Goblins pose the Mayor is sending me to Magnimar to request additional soldiers to be stationed here. While I am away Shelalu will be scouting the Goblin territories and see what she can learn, and I want you to stay in town...be a visible presence for the people. They need something to trust in while I am gone. I am leaving shortly so I think it best you all get to it."
Shalelu then says, "I will be in town until dawn tomorrow, if there is anything I can do for you please let me know." She nods to the sheriff and takes her leave.
Sophy's hopeful final waking thoughts produce a harvest of restful sleep. She awakes feeling refreshed and rejuvenated and finds herself humming a cheerful tune she had heard on the previous evening's outing while pulling her deputy's badge over her head. She arrives at the garrison just as Wren and Eponine do and greets the dancer with a warm smile; to her consternation, however, Wren seems distant and chilly. She enters the sheriff's office with her good mood slightly dampened.
The elf's blunt attitude takes Sophy aback. She seems slightly shocked when Shalelu casually refers to Sheriff Hemlock by his first name. Who is this smirking outsider to come in and disrespect Sandpoint's duly elected protector? When Sheriff Hemlock announces that he will be leaving the town, she gasps. "No, Sheriff! What will we do without you?"
Victor, dealing with a restless night, yet refusing to let it dampen his mood, gathers his equipment to prepare to meet the Sheriff this morning. Okay, now let me think. Think, think, think, think, Victor. When was the last time you remember seeing your rapier? Feeling, for the first time since he returned, like he now has a chance to pause a moment and think, Victor collects himself, takes a deep breath and concentrates. He pantomimes his actions on what he's done the past two days.
Once he gets caught up to Shayliss, he smiles his suave smile and then like lightning out of the sky, it hits him.."SHAYLISS!" He quickly covers his mouth, hoping no one heard that outside of his room. "Victor, how could you forget! Stupid!" He bangs his hand against his head but smiles his great smile as he breathes a sigh of relief now that he remembers. He walks over to the mirror, "Well, you know, I guess I can see how you could forget, you handsome devil you!" He gives himself a wink while rubbing his goatee.
"Anyway," he says as he claps his hands together, "no time to waste. I will meet up with the others and when that little meeting is done, I will have to pay a visit to Shayliss." He thinks on that a moment. "But you are going to have to use your superior skills at being elusive, Victor. Her father is quite the large man. I do not want to have to deal with him."
Arriving at the Sheriffs office, Victor walks in, slightly late, but with a swing in his step. As he walks in, he eyes Sophy to make sure she is at least physically okay and then greets her along with everyone else, before shutting up to let the sheriff speak.
She is an attractive elven lady, is she not? Hm. He thinks to himself as he takes in her beauty.
When Sheriff Hemlock announces that he will be leaving the town, she gasps. "No, Sheriff! What will we do without you?"
"Do not worry, Miss Sophy." He puts a comforting hand on her shoulder, "As long as Victor Montoya lives and breathes, you will be safe." He says with deep sincerity. Then turning to the sheriff, "Along with the rest of the town, Sheriff. You have left Sandpoint in good hands with this fine group you have assembled." He spreads his arms out acknowledging the party. "You have my word on this. Sandpoint will have nothing to worry about, I promise." He smiles and gives him a curt bow.
Gladly, Sheriff. I think Victor speaks for all of us when he say we'll be here, and we'll make our presence known.
After a few moments, Eponine adds We know we've been deputized, but do you think it is common knowledge in town? I have no intention of abusing the authority of course, but will the townspeople accept us as authority figures and not just meddlers or bullies?
Wren noticeably avoids Sophy's direct glance when the group gather back up to meet with the sheriff, and greets her with a curt nod.
At the meeting with the sheriff and the elf, Wren takes a seat a distance away from Sophy, and immediately started feeling bad about that decision. You've got to get over this, Wren. She's nice...she's not been seeking attention for herself. It has just happened somehow. Maybe it'll be your turn next.
You've got to get over this, Wren. She's nice...she's not been seeking attention for herself. It has just happened somehow. Maybe it'll be your turn next.
The sheriff answers Eponine's question with, "I have no doubt that the rumor mill in Sandpoint is efficient enough to spread the word. At any rate, the badges I gave you should be recognizable as the official seal. Keep in mind the guards are still here, except for the missing Chaddik and two men who will travel with me. That leaves nine men on duty; though a bit over worked they should be able to maintain order. But the people, at times like these need a symbol of hope to look to. That is your primary function."
Looking less like a symbol of hope than like a symbol of vulnerability, Sophy quavers, "But ... what do we do? What if there's trouble? What if there's more goblins?" She turns to Victor, desperate for a replacement authority figure. "You were a guardsman in Magnimar. You should be in charge."
Taken aback at the Sophy's statement, a knot the size of a really large boulder forms in Victor's gut. Not understanding why something like this would bother him so much, he gathers himself and pushes onward. "Well, I, uh, would not have a problem stepping in, Sheriff." He says with a confident tone and one of his great smiles. "Of course, that would entirely be up to you, seeing how I do not have the authority to just step in. But if you deem it proper, then, I would be honored."
Brock describes the goblin's tattoo to Shalelu to see if it belongs to one of the five tribes. He also asks her what she knows about the tribes and their leaders. After she leaves, he looks at Victor after his latest comment. "I have no objection to you stepping in, but I think the goblins will remember well the butt-kickin' we gave 'em, so it may be awhile before they decide to give it another try. Sheriff, our town will be safe till you return."
Brock describes the goblin's tattoo to Shalelu to see if it belongs to one of the five tribes. He also asks her what she knows about the tribes and their leaders. After she leaves, he looks at Victor after his latest comment. "I have no objection to you stepping in, but I think the goblins will remember well the butt-kickin' we gave 'em, so it may be awhile before they decide to give it another try. Sheriff, our town will be safe till you return."
Shalelu answers Brocks question, "There are five notable goblin tribes in the area. The closest to Sandpoint are the Birdcruncher goblins that live in caves along the western edge of the Devil's Platter, although traditionally these are the least aggressive. To the south are the Licktoad goblins of the Brinestump Marsh, pests that are excellent swimmers. East are the Seven Tooth goblins of Shank's Wood, goblins who've secured a place for themselves by raiding Sandpoint's junkyard and rebuilding the stolen refuse into armor and weapons. Further east are the Mosswood goblins, likely the largest tribe but one traditionally held back by feuding families within their own ranks. And finally, there are the Thistletop goblins, who live on the Nettlewood coast atop a small island that some say holds a passing resemblance to a decapitated head. The tattoo you are describing is likely one of the Thitletop tribe."
"Ripnugget is the current leader of the Thistletop goblins and controls what the five tribes agree is the best lair. Big Gugmut is an unusually muscular and tall goblin from Mosswood who, it is said, had a hobgoblin for a mother and a wild boar for a father. Have you ever heard the legend of Old Tusk? Koruvus was a champion of the Seven Tooth tribe, who was as well known for his short temper as he was for his prized possession. A magic longsword sized for a human that the goblin stubbornly kept as his own. Koruvus vanished several months ago after he supposedly discovered a 'secret hideout' in a cave along the cliffs, but the Seven Tooth goblins remain convinced that he's out there still, a ghost or worse, waiting to murder any goblin who tries to discover his hideout. Vorka is a notorious goblin cannibal who lives in the Brinestump marsh."
"And then there's Bruthazmus, an infamous bugbear who lives in northern Nettlewood and often visits the five tribes to trade things he's stolen from caravans for alcohol or news. He has a particular hatred of elves, and we have fought on several occasions. While neither of us has managed to get the upper hand, I won't be the first to fall."
"So that's the who's who of the Hinterland goblin tribes. I doubt that any of them have the influence or the power to gather the five tribes to work together though."
The sheriff seems to get a little irritated as the group discuses leadership. "Sargent Blake is in charge of the guard while I am gone. Let me be clear. You all did a wonderful service the past two nights coming to the aid of the town, the people respect that...I respect that. However, you were not the only ones who fought off goblins. My men were just as quick to respond and did their job well. Blake suffered a blow that nearly took his arm off and Chaddik is missing. Did he run as some seem to think, or was he drug off? Is he even alive? These are desperate times and if the five tribes are united then Sandpoint could be in for a whole lot of trouble. I need every able body to defend the people, keep the town safe, and keep up moral. That is your job, make the people feel safe, and assist Sargent Blake with anything he needs. Understood?"
"Understood, Sheriff," Sophy nods dutifully, chastened but a little relieved that there's still someone official in charge. "Old Tusk?" she asks, overhearing Shalelu's response to Brock. "Someone was talking about him last night. Is he really that much of a danger to the countryside?"
"So we are to be seen around town convincing the people that all is well? Sounds like fun. Anyone up for going out this evening?"
Oh yes. Let's start around dinner time and go from there.
Internally relieved, Victor let's out the quietest of sighs. He has no problem being deputized and helping out with the security of Sandpoint, but being in charge is not one of his strong points. "Yes sir, Sheriff."
"So we are to be seen around town convincing the people that all is well? Sounds like fun. Anyone up for going out this evening?"
"Do not forget, Miss Wren, the gentleman is still awaiting our answer on whether or not we wish to go on the hunt for Old Tusk, remember? Although, I cannot recall if that was to be today or tomorrow." He stops a moment, looking like he's attempting to remember something. "I also cannot seem to remember his name." He says as if speaking to himself. "But, I tell you this, we must be wary of that manservant of his! He is far too quiet. Always watching, and waiting, and watching." His eyes are just a little more than narrow slits just thinking about the manservant. "And he is rude." He nods, quite sure of himself on that last point.
The day passes without any trouble. Wherever you go, people are eager to congratulate you and offer you bits of swag or discounts in their stores. When you pass the Sanpoint Savories it's proprietor, since Chopper murdered her husband, Alma Avertin rushes out and shoves a fresh loaf of bread into Sophy's arms. While giving Victor an appraising look she tsk's, "Dear, take this and eat. You'll never find a husband if you don't fill yourself out."
The next morning after breakfast your group gathers again to go and be 'visible' in town. Almost immediately a small, frightened halfling woman approaches, "Um...excuse me, Deputies. I..um, need your help. It's Ameiko...she's missing and I think it's foul play. When she didn't come down to prep the kitchen this morning I went and knocked on her door. She didn't answer, and that is so unlike her, so I went in to check on her and she was gone. Her bed wasn't slept in and I found this on the floor. It's written in the language of her homeland, she has been teaching it to me so I translated the letter on the back. Can you help her?" She hands you the letter and makes a superstitious sign of warding against evil. Some of you probably recognize the halfling as Bethana Corwin, a maid at the Rusty Dragon.
"Looks like the Glassworks would be the logical place to start looking for her. Does anyone know Ameiko's sister or father? Perhaps they could have lured her in to do her some sort of harm?"
I must have crossed paths with one of them at some point; it seems like I delivered food to the Glass Works from the taverns at a couple of points. But I wouldn't say I know any of them.
The Glass Works does seem like a reasonable place to start. Should we head that way?
Why don't we pair off and head that way, meeting there in a few minutes. I would hate for the locals to see all of us marching over there and assuming there is a crisis when there may or may not be.
Bethana pipes up, "Um, beg your pardon mama, but Tsuto is Ameiko's brother. Well, half-brother actually which was quite a scandal. See twenty one years ago he was born, half an elf. Not that I have issue with any of the fairfolk, but no one else in the Kaijitsu family shares those traits. Ameiko's parents are a lot of things, but elven is not one of them. Atsuii, Ameiko's mother, never revealed the true fathers name and the secret went with her to the grave when Chopper murdered her five years back. Shamed Lonjiku, Ameiko's father, sent Tsuto to live at the Turandarok Academy. Ameiko had kept in touch with him, often sneaking off to the orphanage to spend time with her younger brother, she loved him so. Alas, six years ago something happened between them...a falling out of some sorts. I don't know what they fought about, but Tsuto struck her. Shortly after that she left Sandpoint and didn't come back for a year, until her mothers funeral. That was some reunion, let me tell you. Tsuto was very vocal with his opinion the old Lonjiku had killed his mother, pushing her off the cliff to her death. Lonjiku nearly broke the boy's jaw with his cane and Tsuto left town and hasn't been seen since. I know that Ameiko has tried to reach out to him over the past five years, but has never been able to track him down."
The day passes without any trouble. Wherever you go, people are eager to congratulate you and offer you bits of swag or discounts in their stores. When you pass the Sanpoint Savories it's proprietor, since Chopper murdered her husband, Alma Avertin rushes out and shoves a fresh loaf of bread into Sophy's arms. While giving Victor an appraising look she tsk's, "Dear, take this and eat. You'll never find a husband if you don't fill yourself out."
Raising an eyebrow, unsure of Alma's meaning behind the tsking, the look she gave him and her statement, thanks her for the bread she gives to Sophy and quickly moves along, looking back at her ever curious, whilst lost in deep thought.
Bethana pipes up, "Um, beg your pardon mama, but Tsuto is Ameiko's brother. Well, half-brother actually which was quite a scandal. See twenty one years ago he was born, half an elf. Not that I have issue with any of the fairfolk, but no one else in the Kaijitsu family shares those traits. Ameiko's parents are a lot of things, but elven is not one of them. Atsuii, Ameiko's mother, never revealed the true fathers name and the secret went with her to the grave when Chopper murdered her five years back. Shamed Lonjiku, Ameiko's father, sent Tsuto to live at the Turandarok Academy. Ameiko had kept in touch with him, often sneaking off to the orphanage to spend time with her younger brother, she loved him so. Alas, six years ago something happened between them...a falling out of some sorts. I don't know what they fought about, but Tsuto struck her. Shortly after that she left Sandpoint and didn't come back for a year, until her mothers funeral. That was some reunion, let me tell you. Tsuto was very vocal with his opinion the old Lonjiku had killed his mother, pushing her off the cliff to her death. Lonjiku nearly broke the boy's jaw with his cane and Tsuto left town and hasn't been seen since. I know that Ameiko has tried to reach out to him over the past five years, but has never been able to track him down."
"This is correct, Miss Wren. Tsuto is her brother. And those are the stories I have heard as well. I had not heard of Tsuto and Ameiko getting into such a disagreement, though. That is interesting." He says as he rubs his goatee.
The Glass Works does seem like a reasonable place to start. Should we head that way?
Why don't we pair off and head that way, meeting there in a few minutes. I would hate for the locals to see all of us marching over there and assuming there is a crisis when there may or may not be.
Then in response to Eponine, "It looks like the Glassworks would be the best place for us to look. That is a good idea for us to go as a pair. Okay, how about you, Miss Eponine and Miss Wren go together. Brock, would you be so kind as to escort Miss Sophy? I have to stop by Savah's. I will meet you all there in a bit. I will not be long, I promise." He pauses a moment, feeling a bit discouraged and torn. Why? It makes no sense Victor! I know. He answers his own thoughts with his own thoughts. "Unless, of course, any of you have a better idea?" He asks but not sure why.
"Is there a problem you need some help with, Victor? We can all accompany you if need be before we head out."
"I'm heading over to the Glassworks. You all can take your sweet time, but remember, there's possible goblin tribes gearing up on the loose. This lady Ameiko could be in trouble." No more innocents shall be hurt, not on my guard!
Brock runs to the Glassworks, Earthbreaker in hand, if he knows the way. If not, he asks Bethana.
The day passes without any trouble. Wherever you go, people are eager to congratulate you and offer you bits of swag or discounts in their stores. When you pass the Sandpoint Savories it's proprietor, since Chopper murdered her husband, Alma Avertin rushes out and shoves a fresh loaf of bread into Sophy's arms. While giving Victor an appraising look she tsk's, "Dear, take this and eat. You'll never find a husband if you don't fill yourself out."
Sophy blushes deeply and hopes that Victor didn't overhear the well-meaning woman's words. So many of the Sandpoint matrons seemed to make it their business to pair up the young women with "eligible" bachelors. One of the reasons it had been such a relief to be accepted as a resident at the House of Blue Stones was that Sabyl Sorn shared none of the more typical Sandpoint ladies' fascination with courting and marriage; in that home, at least, she could expect not to walk in the door to find an uncomfortable young man who "just happened to stop by and why doesn't he stay for supper, won't that be nice?"
She murmurs a thank-you to the woman -- to whom she feels a solemn kinship, as with all who had been left bereaved after the Late Unpleasantness -- and quickly moves on toward Turandok Academy to bring her stained dress for the headmaster's perusal.
As Brock sprints away, Eponine will say Well then. Perhaps Brock has the right idea.
Eponine will chase after Brock, not wanting him to go alone. If she can get along side him she'll say
Sophy frowns as she listens to Bethana's explanation of the Kaijitsu family feud. "Why he would insist on blaming his father, when so many in town were bereaved by the same cause...." She shakes her head in disapproval. "I suppose he didn't want to believe that his mother, a woman of such high standing in Sandpoint, could fall victim to the same evil as more common folk. Or maybe he had just been waiting for a way to hurt his father -- or, well, Mr. Kajitsu -- as revenge for being publicly rejected. It was an outrageous accusation, and I could never really blame Mr. Kajitsu for striking him. I'm sure he didn't mean to strike so hard: freshly bereaved at his wife's own funeral to be accused of killing her. I can't imagine what he expects to accomplish by blaming his father for the goblin attack. I didn't even know he was close enough to have heard of it by now. He must have rushed back from wherever he's been staying to throw fresh aspersions at his father."
Brock runs to the Glassworks, Earthbreaker in hand
Sophy watches Brock take off with his heavy weapon swinging, a look of concern on her face. "I once read a book that referred to the damage a bull could do inside a china shop," she tells the others. "I think someone had better go calm him down a little before he wreaks similar havoc in the Glassworks. I can't imagine her brother would have done anything to Ameiko; I'm sure she just ended up staying the night with her father to calm him down after facing a fresh round of accusations."
Brock continued running when he saw Eponine catch up to him. There was that word again! How many times had he heard it during these past 5 years? With his size and shape, he simply not built for that word, just as you couldn't ask the sea to be green! But a woman's life could hang in the balance...
C'mon Brock, be wrong this time. Maybe Ameiko is hanging out with her brother and she just took a day off from work. You're worrying for nothing..but the pain in his gut told him otherwise.
"That big one just might be a fool," Wren pointedly mutters when Brock just took off sprinting down the street. "I guess we should try to follow him, before he crushes everything at the Glassworks."
"I am afraid you ladies may be right. Looks like my visit to Savah's is going to have to wait. Let us give chase, there is no time to lose. With one as big as he, if anyone or anything gets in his way, I assure you it will not be left standing." Victor says with a worried tone. "After you ladies." Victor waits for them both to go first and then follows. This is going to be interesting.
When you arrive at the Glassworks smoke is billowing from the chimney, but there doesn't seem to be any activity going on. The low rumble of the furnace is all that can be heard. A few towns people are about in the streets attending to their daily business.
"How about putting your weapon away Brock, and we can investigate things more discreetly?"