"During the last fight on Thistletop, there was a moment where I was angry and upset. I asked that Abadar render his judgement, and he did. It's just that all that anger and hurt was snuffed out. After the fight, I just felt empty. It frightened me a lot more than I want to admit." She took a deep breath, hoping that Brother Faustwick would understand. "I've always felt things strongly. I let it get me into trouble sometimes, but it's part of who I am and I am okay with that. I'm not sure I can use something that crushes that part of me, that just leaves me feeling...numb. Have you ever felt that way?"
Tera looks up at Brother Faustwick, her brown eyes troubled.
"In what way? Me, I had just expected a smaller Magnimar," "Aria" says with a brilliant smile. She acted the same as Tera, but there were subtle differences. Aria's movements were more subdued, though she still moved her hands a lot while speaking, while Tera couldn't keep her gestures from being wide and almost wild. Her voice was also softer and just a little deeper. Tera could almost be shrill at times it had so much energy to it.
Aria has more control and purpose than Tera does. She moved with purpose, never wasting energy. Tera, on the other hand, often had trouble staying still for long unless she was bone-dead tired.
At the same time, both of them had shown a great deal of politesse and warmth. Both of them were also a little silly at times, though Aria's silliness was definitely more subtle. "Horses are jealous of donkeys, you know," she'd said after they'd left the stables, "after all, they're the ones that people trust enough to carry their burdens." She'd grinned after saying that, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Yes, both of them were very silly at times. Quite odd for an Abadarian.
"I can see that you're troubled by your first experience with this... but, I believe that in time you'll grow to see it as a blessing- you can embrace all the benefits of your strong emotions but gain the power to overcome many of the dangers that come with them, the power to feel them without letting them control you."
For the first time since the party first left for Thistletop, Zache looks tired - not the usual drowsiness that comes from needing a full night's rest, but full-body weariness that pulls every muscle downward. Where he normally carries himself with perfect posture and deliberate motion, he's now sluggish, dark-eyed, and somber.
"You don't waste any time, do you?" he sighs, glancing once towards the door. "Truth be told, I'm not sure. There's been a lot going on, and I've always found it better to take risks, because even if you lose so much, you stand to gain so much - even if it's just another story to tell." He leans against the wall, tilting his head back and staring at the ceiling. "But now... I'm thinking. Overthinking, weighing consequences and finding myself paralyzed." He gives a sardonic chuckle. "Which probably doesn't answer your question at all, eh?"
"I guess I should know that already," Tera says with a chuckle. "Maybe it was just the fight that had left me feeling numb. I...I remember when I first came here. The fire had just happened and..."
Her voice trails off and she takes a deep, steadying breath.
"Thank you Brother Faustwick. I feel a little less worried than I was. It's still not...comfortable for me, but it is less troubling." She thinks for a moment, holding her chin with one hand while the other is braced on her hip. She looks up and gives Brother Faustwick a sheepish smile.
"I know you're busy, but do you mind doing me a favor, if you can find the time? Can you tell Sister Elizabeth I'll be back soon, and that I'm sorry I can't see her before I leave?"
"With time, I think, you'll find that your emotions are still present, they're just not as pressing," he somewhat unexpectedly continues, "instead of being your eyes, which you must see through no matter their condition, you'll find that they are glasses- lenses which often help you see things you might otherwise have missed, but which can be taken off when they cloud your vision."
After finishing this extra counsel he adds, "Tera... I can't hardly say 'be careful' when you're leaving to venture into danger but, at the risk of sounding overly protective, please be wise in the way you handle danger. And, return in one piece."
Together you carefully wash the breastplate in holy water and rub it down with the oil while singing prayers. Then the priest casts the spell to consecrate it for your use.
Shortly before noon, Mother Hera hurries into the suites where the marked are preparing for their journey, bearing more food than is really appropriate: grilled fish, roasted goat, bread, cheese, apples, boiled potatoes, fresh milk, and a heap of warm cookies. She makes it a point not to fuss too much over the young heroes but mutters something about "you'll need a good meal to keep your strength up," before scurrying off.
When the marked arrive in the courtyard they are greeted by a very unfamiliar-looking Sister Amet'Ra. The graceful priestess is clad in a gleaming breastplate emblazoned with a golden winged-ankh that spans nearly the entire front and a bronze, Osiriani-style helmet, and wears a scimitar at her side. She smiles proudly as they approach and calls out, "if you're ready, we should head to the gate- the sheriff is waiting for you there."
One of the acolytes charged with stable duties this week (the one who helped Marcus earlier) enters the courtyard leading a white mare that everyone knows belongs to the priestess and a second broader, heavier horse. Both are saddled and fitted with large saddle bags. "I hope you don't mind," Sister Amet'Ra explains, "but I needed my horse to help carry supplies for the shrine, so I took the liberty of arranging for a second. It's carrying some supplies as well, but it would bear both Kaede and Marcus if you'd like to keep the pace up a bit?"
Marcus is awed by the feast and eats more than he should, trying to express gratitude between mouthfuls.
The sight of Sister Amet'Ra is equally impressive, but causes only silence from the young fisherman.
"I would be happy to ride, my Lady. I can arrive more fresh and be less a liability on the journey."
"I will. I don't think the others would let me do otherwise." Tera gives Brother Faustwick broad grin. She sobers somewhat as she absorbs what he had said and adds, "I'll be careful, and I'll do my best to watch out for the others. Thank you, for everything. I hope that I can put what you've taught me to good use."
After making sure they are alone in the corridor, she hugs Brother Faustwick.
"Don't worry, I'll be back before you know it. Just don't let Lizzy fix you any coffee!"
Seeing Sister Amet'Ra in her full splendor leaves Tera momentarily speechless.between the food Sister Hera gives them and the new gear both Kaelaah and Kaede now wear and carry, she can see that the priests and priestesses of Sandpoint care very much for them.
But still, there's just something about seeing a Sarenrite in full battle dress for the first time that leaves one almost overwhelmed.
I must look like I got hit between the eyes with a board, or a stone lintel. The thought skitters through her mind before she recovers and restrains herself from bombarding Sister Amet'Ra with dozens of questions.
"No, I... I understand," Zache says, holding up a hand in reassurance. "I don't blame you. I've just lost sleep over this. I never lose sleep over anything. Even when we were in Thistletop."
At the mention of Aldern, he sighs, looking sideways and avoiding Sal's intense gaze. "Yeah... I don't know what she's thinking. I just wish I knew."
"And lo! before me, clad in splendid gold,
A vision of the heavens did I see,
A beauty made more wond'rous by her might,
And in her might, a beauty to behold." Zache recites, eyes wide at the sight of Sister Amet'Ra in her battle garb. "Sister, you look magnificent!"
As if suddenly remembering that she's supposed to be an authority figure right now, the priestess adopts are more professional demeanor and continues, "What wondrous journeys Lady Luck has blessed us with, even though there have been sadnesses along the road. As for your dream... you said you had it after Nualia was defeated? It sounds like a warning from the Tender of Dreams that there is another threat looming, or maybe growing right now... The animals you listed are all connected to the gods of this temple: the dove with Sarenrae, the monkey with Abadar, and so on... Gozreh can be connected with any animal, but pelicans are fishers- like your new friend Marcus... I think, maybe, the message is that you six need to continue growing together if you're going to have the strength to stand up to whatever dark force remains out of view."
Leaving through the stables, the journey to the north gate is less than a quarter-mile , and only passes three other buildings; still, a small crowd gathers at a distance and follows behind Sister Amet'Ra and the young heroes. None dare approach them but they murmur and stare and great deal. "Don't worry, they just have never seen Osiriani armor before," the priestess half-jokingly reassures her companions.
When the group reaches the gate they are rushed into the western tower and lead to the largest available space- a bunk room. Crowded in, and struggling to see around the furniture, they are greeted by Sheriff Hemlock, "Sorry, we didn't have any better places to meet up here and I didn't want to drag you through the city to meet me at the Barracks when you're trying to head out. I won't keep you long. I just wanted to say, on behalf of the watch, thank you. If that woman had pulled off the raid she was working towards there's no way we coulda stopped her."
Opening the large wooden box before him, he continues, "Now, some of these might not be exactly what you're used to, but I got some supplies from Magnimar to help set us up for another raid and they sent a few extra nice piece for our best people... we don't need 'em that much now that the next raid's not coming. Plus, well, the way things have been going you all sort of are my best people... so, here." The tall Shoanti lawman begins drawing armor out of the box and passing it to specific people. He hands Kaelaah and Zache new sets of studded leather. He pulls out a third set of studded leather and offers it to Salomae saying, "they didn't send any of that kind of leather you're wearing but I hope this'll do."* Grabbing a chainshirt he looks at Kaede and then offers the armor to Marcus instead. Then he reaches back to the wall behind him, grabs a spear mounted on the wall, and it exchanges it with the one the young fisherman had been carrying. "They didn't send any ceremonial armor neither," he tells Tera as he pulls out a armored kilt, "but I'm told this is just as easy to wear."**
Turning back to Kaede, he shakes his head and confesses, "I haven't got anything better than what you're already wearing..." He pulls a small metal vial from a loop on his belt and offers it to the Shelynite. "Here, this'll be a token of our thanks for you."***
With a nod, he concludes, "well, good luck on your quest. I'm going to send a couple men with you; mostly just so I have some firsthand witnesses of the place, but they can help move and carry stuff for you, and they can fight if any more goblins have tried to claim the place."
Kaelaah's cheeks flush with embarrassment at two things when his teacher passes him this exotic weapon - first the riches that she has gifted him... Kaelaah has lived a simple life and this cestus, it is a grand thing... and then there's the other thing, the fact that Sister Amet'Ra had noticed his concealed knife in the first instance... in the end all he can do is express his gratitude and offer further grace to Sarenrae.
...and he is further embarrassed later on as the sheriff brings out the armour - shrugging it on, loosening the straps where his tall stature makes it tight, he nods in appreciation.
"Thank you sir." Marcus says with surprise as he looks the armor and spear over "These are fine gifts, truly extraordinary."
As impressive as Sandpoint has been, Marcus seems eager to be about their task. He makes sure he is ready to go when their meeting with the sheriff is over.
"Thank you, Sheriff Hemlock. For the gift and the compliment." Tera gives the sheriff a slight bow. As the others try on their gifts and give their thanks, she asks Sister Amet'Ra for some help getting things arranged.
”My men’ll keep their eyes peeled for me, you just focus on what you need to do,” the sheriff answers Sal. When so many of the heroes begin thanking him for the armor he throws his hands up and says, ”hey, we’re trying to thank you, just take it alright.” With a smile and a shake of his head he leads everyone back out into the midday sun and through the gate to the outside wall.
Two men in watch tabards are waiting there. One has olive skin with dark brown hair and eyes, and leans against the wall a little ways off. The other is waiting with some excitement... standing just off the path, in a new breastplate, is a smiling Orin Telmar.
”You remember Orin,” the sheriff says gesturing towards him, ”well, most of you do... and that one over there is Oliver. They’ll do what they can to help and I’ll see you all when you get back.” With another quick nod he turns on his heels and heads back into town.
"Hello again my young friends! I hear you've had quite a busy week. I am glad to see you all whole and hale." Orin says, with a broad smile.
"When I heard about this detail, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see how you were doing. Hope you don't mind me tagging along."
The hero's glassworks friend is sporting a shiny new shield and a sturdy breastplate, and slung across his back is fine looking longbow.
"well, This armor has just been sitting in Hemlocks armory gathering dust. But this shield," he add, holding it up and admiring it, "This shield is a work of art. Finely crafted by a master in Magnimar and brought all the way here to faithfully serve a worthy knight!...... but Belor said I could hold onto it until he shows up!" Orin explains, laughing a little too long at his joke.
Turning to the newest companion, he asks "Tell me, who is your new friend?"
For his part, Marcus seems put off by Orin. Perhaps his name and sword remind the young man of Orik. Perhaps he is still trying to find his place in this group, and Orins presence is another variable he can't quantify.
At any rate he answers Orins question only with a silent, subtle stink-eye.
Great, another sell-sword....
”This is Marcus,” the Sarenite priestess answers, sensing the young fisherman’s apprehension, ”and I am Sister Amet’Ra. I’m pleased to finally meet you.”
Turning her attention to the watchman by the wall she says more loudly, ”And, you’re Oliver, correct? It’s a pleasure to meet you as well.”
Visibly taken aback... Oliver Jerks his head toward Sal at her greeting and stands to gives a slight bow. "as-salaam ‘alaykum," I see you have not become too famous to remember us "little people" he says smiling. It's good to see you all back and well.
"Wa'alaykum as-salaam," Sister Amet'Ra replies with a little smirk.
As the horses are brought out, she hops up astride hers with a practiced ease. As Kaede and Marcus figure out how they want to ride, she continues, "how shall we order ourselves for the journey?"
Marcus mounts up after Kaede, letting her take the reins in front. He struggles to get up that high, but eschews help from Orin.
Tera grins at Orin as she seems him joining the group along with Oliver, who she takes a little longer to place.
"It's nice to see both of you again, and this time under happier circumstances," she greets them brightly. The grin disappears as Sal mentions riding and Tera spins on her with eyes widening in panic.
"Wait. We're riding to Thistletop?! I thought we were walking!"
”Uh, there aren’t any more horses coming...” Sister Amet’Ra clarifies, ”just these two...”
Tera lets out an obvious sigh of relief as she learns she's not going to be making a fool of herself on a horse today.
Kaelaah, his crimson hair radiant in the sun and his white garb as yet unsullied by the road's dust and grime, nods in acknowledgement of Orin and to their newest companion. When the time comes to head out from Sandpoint, he will stay close to Sister Amet'Ra on her horse - the journey to Thistletop - he is sure - will not be without its dangers...
Hm.. This could be a good opportunity to make the path to Thistlestop a little safer and see what these heroes are made of. I just hope they don't get me killed in the meantime...
"That's a good plan Sal. I'm decent with a bow, I'll help take up the rear as well. Be vigilant, goblins and other creatures like to pick at travelers on this path. I'm ready when you are."
Orin takes up a position at the head of the group, careful to keep an eye on Sister Amet'Ra.
"The sheriff was..... reluctant to share many details about your first trip to Thistletop." Orin says, quietly, to Sal and Tera as they are leaving.
"I would not press you for details you do not wish to share, but I have no idea what we are headed into. What you could share might be helpful, or at least ease my apprehension." He adds, trying not to draw the attention of the older priestess.
"There was also that dog, the hairless one with burning eyes, and whatever–the cultist was trying to free, if it even exists," Tera adds before moving to her position at the front.
"Truly disturbing" Orin remarks, as they travel.
"That mercenaries would work for foul forces, opposed to civilization itself....."
shifting into his best sheriff Hemlock impression he adds "These are surely dark times, men. Surely dark, Surely dark..."
before laughing at his own joke.
Don't laugh. Do not laugh! That was pretty funny–NO! No laughing!
Tera from her position little ways away from the body of group tries not to give herself away when Orin does his impression of Sheriff Hemlock.
The day, even though it is likely the same sort of weather as the day they returned from Thistletop, seems so much more oppressive than yesterday... the thought of returning to that place, even though the goblins are long since evicted, is troubling. Again and again, Kaelaah tells himself that this is the right thing to do... that Sister Amet'Ra would not be here if that were not so... but still the nagging thoughts remain...
Setting out just after lunch, the warm afternoon sun makes for a fairly pleasant journey to Thistletop; though, the browning leaves accumulating beneath the trees provide a clear reminder of how long and chilly the nights are growing. Travel along the road proceeds quickly and the large group is soon heading north along the path towards the pauper's graves. There are signs about of deer and other game having passed recently but any living creatures nearby are too timid to approach the large party.
Rounding the field of mostly unmarked graves, the group's progress begins to turn to the east again. Between the heroes' memories and Oliver's knowledge of the area they have no trouble making good time along the coast, and within just a couple hours they arrive at the field of shrubs that marks the entrance to the fort. On the far side of the clearing, Orin, Tera, and Marcus spot a trio of goblins. Rather than hiding or approaching the large group, however, the little green menaces flee south into the woods.
When the party reaches the foot of the bridge, Sister Amet'Ra dismounts and looks warily at the twice repaired rope and wood that must support them on the final short stretch of their journey. "Have any of you taken lessons in engineering?" she asks with some concern, "I'm not sure this will bear the weight of a horse..."
"Ah, no. I haven't," Tera admits having been the one that had done a good bit of the repairing. "It did just fine with all of us on it. We could test it with a heavy log that we roll out on to it."
It doesn't take long for Tera to ponder the question and how they might find out without endangering themselves or the horses.
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Terror. Just pure, unadulterated terror. It's almost comical that Kaede, who stared down death against Nualia, is more terrified of riding a horse. But 16 years of ingrained reactions about not putting on airs of even being remotely seen as nobility or a lord's warrior can crack her calm facade.
I can do this, repeatedly runs though the Tian priestess's head, as she does her damnest to imitate Sister Amet'Ra's handling of the beast, turning her whole attention to the process of guiding the beast. Having Marcus only compounded her intensity, so that she doesn't do anything that could hurt either of them.
So, getting to the bridge to Thistletop is actually a relief for her, as she uncharacteristically half-stumbles, half-falls out of the saddle. Doing her best to keep her last meal down, she takes several calming breaths before adding nervously, "We... we could set up camp on this side of the bridge....or maybe cross on foot and magically mend the ropes as best we can."
"You learn a thing or two on the road," Zache shrugs. "Such as how to get horses across rickety rope bridges swaying dangerously over precipitous chasms." After pacing around the heavier of the two horses a few times, examining it, lifting one of its legs, checking the straps and so forth, he moves to the bridge, checking the ropes and posts carefully. It's a practised act, and helps to disguise the fact that he's mostly clueless.
Zache’s inspection of the bridge reveals that it will hold the horses if they are unladen and cross alone while led by a lighter person.
Sister Amet’Ra smiles and begins emptying the horses’ saddlebags. ”Thank you, Zache, that’s very helpful,” she replies, ”Orin, Oliver, perhaps you could help me with some of these larger items?” Out of the bags she produces a wooden portable altar with Sarenrae’s symbol, several tapestries and linens, and a bad of reagents like holy water and powdered silver.
Considering Kaede’s words, she frowns slightly and answers, ”It’s not essential but I’d greatly prefer to have the sun rising as the ritual is completed... that would mean starting it early tomorrow morning... if we camp now we could rise before dawn and clear out the shrine right away, but then you’d either have to search for Nn... the cult-leader’s quarry without me or we’d have to wait an extra day. Maybe we could do some exploring together tonight in the hopes that we’ll be ready for the ritual in the morning?”
Orin promptly sets to the task of unburdening the horses.
"A few of us should cross and secure the other side before making trips with all this."
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As they discuss the crossing, Marcus quietly produces 3 of the rings he purchased and gives one to each of Sal, Kaede and Zache.
"I will go in the first group to help protect the far side, I won't be much help carrying supplies anyway."