"Very well, sir. This opportunity is greatly appreciated, and I won't let you down." As Neculai leaves, his face is practically radiant, with the joy and honor he feels. Once he gets cleaned up and changes into some more colorful clothing, he goes to the Town Square.[/b]
Fealix smiles maliciously and bows."I always aim to serve our humble home sir. Have I yet to disappoint you sir?" Fealix looks off in the distance as though he is listening to someone. "I believe your right." He looks back at the mayor. "Thank you again for yet another opportunity to prove myself this good town"
You would know Fealix as a town mystery. He would be most know for giving his family inheritance to the local orphanage after his wealthy parents died in a fire. Otherwise you don't know too much.
Andwell tucks Jimes into bed, making sure he has everything he needs. He then eagerly packs his own gear into his pack, making sure to take his "tools of the trade", then heads off to the town square to see what the day brings.
Andwell tentatively steps forward.
Uhhhhmmmm. Mayor. I was informed you asked for me to gather here to quest for the everflame. Here I am, sir.
A confident young woman steps from the crowd, dressed in well kept and polished armor. Her dark face and short black hair in sharp contrast to the gleaming steel encasing her, she smiles easily at the Mayor. On her shield the sign of the sun rising with its rays reaching out to the edge of the shining metal. From her belt a longsword hangs in its scabbard, the pommel etched as the sun, above a well worn red leather grip. A white cloth shirt covers her breast plate and over the tops of her legs, it shows the picture of an angel, her wings open and the sun acting as a halo around her head.
The girl bows her head to the Mayor, "I am here to take my place." she says gravely as the smile disappears from face. "I will do my duty to Kassen and its heritage." She turns to look at the halfling behind her, raising her eyebrows and letting a silent sigh part from her lips.
The widest of wide Halfling grins on his face, Andwell says;
Mistress Darvelle, you look most resplendent today, as always. I'm confident your beauty off the battlefield can only be matched by your skills in action.
Neculai enters at this point. "Hey guys, I made it. Couldn't find the socks I wanted, but these'll do, I suppose." He lifts his pant leg, displaying a veritable ankle-rainbow. "So is this everyone?"
Boy, this is gonna make one sweet, sweet song.
Her confidence almost deflated by the sight of Andwell, she gathers her composure again, smiles a fake smile, "Why Master Tactfoot, I didn't know you were invited to join this somber ritual. You know, its not just a fun filled day of play and excitement, we have a serious ceremony to perform. And I thank you for your kind words, it is my duty not to let anyone in Kassen down, including even you." Her eyes take on a steely glare, he face hardens as she looks straight at Andwell.
As she rises she caps a look at another young man, showing his socks to the world, her hand clasps her brow as it furrows. Neculai as well, oh I hope I'm not here as the baby sitter, I hope they can all do something useful. Her hand reaches up, resting on the picture of Sarenrae that adorns her clothing, "It is for your glory and that of our brothers and sisters of Kassen." she prays under a hushed breath.
"I will go. For the <pause looks around> sake of our fair town." The noble sounding voice come from the mysterious recluse Fealix. Know as a friendly and generous sort. He stands about 6 feet tall, his skin and hair are both red and his eyes pure white. He is also very attractive, physically fit and a real pretty boy. He walks forward with an elegant stride. "I have come to deliver the Everflame." He says with a somewhat disturbing smiles.
Quite the procession we have here. This town has really come to trust you. Too bad they aren't aware of your REAL handy work.
"To do more "good deeds" I need to keep it quiet lest I be discovered. I don't want to, "ruin" my comfortable living just to gloat and show off my work. Humility is a powerful ally when you don't want unnecessary attention. You of all people should know that."
Indeed you are right. Discretion allows one to keep habits and to go about their lives without problems.
"Exactly, now lets see what we have. Hmm." Fealix will now gauge each of you talking to himself. He chuckles at the site of Andwell. "A halfling. Interesting. I remember the last halfling I knew. He was so much fun to be around....while it lasted that is."
Before he tricked you and you dealt with it that is right? Or after?
"After. I will always remember the look on his face. Priceless." Fealix looks to the wizard. "A wizard? Nothing special there."/[b] His eyes then spy the Paladin. [b]"Hello, who is that lovely young thing? She looks like a paladin. How nice." A wide grin appears on Fealix's face. "Excellent."
Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
"Hard not to considering your in my head and we share thoughts. But yes, I like her and this should be a very interesting trip with her along." Fealix turns his gaze to the late man with the colorful socks. "Strange fellow. Wonder what his profession is? Very intriguing."
Can't wait to see how he pans out. Should be interesting.
"Yes, now that appraisal is over it is time for introductions."
Fealix moves to approach the group. He bows deeply to all of you. "Greetings. My name is Fealix. I am Formally Fealix Devalia of the wealthy Devalias. However, since my family died in a fire and I gave away all my inheritance, you all can simply call me Fealix. It is truly a pleasure." He rises from his bow and smiles charmingly.
As the Mayor calls out for the heroes to come out Xeros hesitates and lets the others go before him. He recognizes the Halfling and the human from his late night visits to the bar. As the paladin makes her way down he gives a light sigh followed by hope she’s doesn’t think like most of the people in this town. Xeros shrugs and started to say I do, when a familiar voice was heard and he saw his good friend Fealix go up, and then he overheard his remarks to the others and let out another *sigh*
Can’t wait any longer, you gotta go up there.
From the crowd a gray cloaked figure shouts out, ”I WILL GO AS WELL.” The hooded figure moves with quiet purpose as he walks by each of the other heroes, a smell of brimstone wafts into there noses. The figure stops next to Fealix and removes his hood, exposing his face that is covered by a stylish array of burn marks forming a demonic symbol and with two little horn’s peeking out his long black hair. He nods to the group, ”My name is Xeros, I am the last companion of this quest.” Xeros then turns to Fealix and pats his on the shoulder, ”I am grateful I will be going on this quest with you my friend. It’s been far too long.” He gives a smile and moves to face the crowd’s reaction to him being on this noble quest.
Fealix spreads his arms wide. "Xeros it is so good to see you." Fealix embraces his old friend.
Oh no not him. Great the oximoronic pair is together again. Stupid goody toe shoes. He brings out the good in you all the time.
Fealix looks skyward. "No he doesn't." Suddenly Fealix pauses and puts a smile on his face. "So how have you been all these years. I haven't seen you since I was adopted. Did you ever get adopted?" Fealix's eyes narrow and his voice goes cold. "Did anyone bully you after I was gone?"
Gods please say yes they did. Please!
Tarvinda takes a step back as Fealix and Xeros introduce themselves to complete the band of brothers to take part in the ceremonial quest. She nods in their direction, "To those who don't know me, I am Tarvinda Darvelle, servant and protector to the temple, a bastion of right against Orcish incursions into our beloved lands. A friend to those who fight for right." she says proudly, as she ceremoniously unsheathes her sword and holds it high in the air, its tip pointing heavenwards.
She turns back to the group gathered around the Mayor, before looking at the mayor with a little indignation and hostility, Am I to look after this group of misfits and keep them safe? Is that why you invited me Mayor, or is this misadventure some sort of joke on us all. despite her thoughts, she continues with her noble speech, "I greet you fellow pilgrims to the Everflame, I look forward to our journey together."
As Andwell shows his section of the map to the others, he muses quietly
Thirty days rations. Each. How long to they expect this trial to last anyway. And how can the mayor be worried about an Everflame being extinguished. Does it not burn for? We just swipe it and get back, right?
With a deal of solemnity, Tarvinda bows her head to the Mayor, "I will do as you wish, Sir. I will guard the Everflame with my life, we shall return with it as our custom in celebration of Kassen." She hears some of the whispers from the crowd and her eyelids slowly lower, she concentrates and listens, realizing the error of her ways. NO, I should not be judging these companions so, for you can't tell the quality or usefulness from the books cover, it's the quality of what's inside that determines its worth. Forgive me my rash thoughts, Sarenrae. My Lady let me show my townsfolk the error of their thinking and show that the I may be strong, disciplined and determined, just as you. Protect us all on this quest, for it seems this will not just be ceremonial, but more besides.
She surveys the equipment left on the cart, "Can anyone make themselves useful and piece this map together, so we know where we're going." She herself expects others to have more abilities than her and be able to work through problems and puzzles like this. "Once we have it complete, we should write on the backs of the map, which portion it is and how it goes together with the rest of the maps. The rest looks useful to keep us going on this journey." Smiling she says to the others, "Don't worry what the people said, they are just jealous of you all for being chosen for this. Let's prove them all wrong and return with the Everflame, just as in previous years."
"I'll take a shot at putting that map together."
He gives his long time friend a hug back, as Fealix asks about him being adopeted he looks a little distant. "I was ,but it didn't work out. But later I found a good home with my mentor so it worked out." He says as he moves away from his friend, then after hee is asked about the bullying Xeros holds up his hands and give him a smile, [b]"Nothing to bad, just the normal ignorant people focusing on my looks." He gives a force chuckle, then goes back to a solemn look. [b]"I heard about the fire my friend, I am sorry for your families loss. But lets not start our journey on a somber note and celebrate the reunion of old friends."
As the mayor finishes his little speech, Xeros tries his best to ignore the comments but they always test his paitence. He responds to Tarvinda, "Glad to meet you." Then to Andwell comments, "Hopefully we can get it done like that ,but if it doesn't will be thankful for all that extra food. Especially after you see how much Fealix eats." He gives them a wink. He will try to help Neculai figure out the map.
Fealix listens to Tarvinda explain her inspiration for goodness.
Oh GODS! Would you listen to that dumb@$$! Can you believe this crazy paladin. Doing what's right for Kessen. As if this town has ever done anything right on it's own. What ever. And then there is that goody two shoes half demon friend of yours. Where did he go wrong in life to come up with such views.
"Would you shut up. I can't concentrate with you prattling on like that." Fealix says out to the sky.
I am so sorry for interupting your train of thought. I thought is was my job to give you ideas not yours.
Fealix looks puzzled. "My? Oh right my parents. Yeah bet it wouldn't surprise you to know I didn't shed a tear or hesitate to give away everything they owned. The brats at the orphanage you and I grew up in are a lot happier now that's for sure."
Fealix notices the others are most likely staring at him. He immediately composes himself. "I'm nobody special but Xeros here is a great man...."
No he isn't
"....and has done much for me...
No he hasn't
"....will be of great help too us..."
NO HE WONT!
"WOULD YOU SHUT...UP!!!" Fealix shouts. He shakes his head violently again. "Okay, hopefully I will have no more interruptions." Fealix reaches into his pack and pulls out his paper. "Here I have a piece of the map as well. It looks as though it will take all six of us to find this place."
"You are too kind my friend, and Fealix is a good man himself. Selfless and very protective of those he calls friends." He smiles and looks down at the map, "Our first success, at least we know where we are going and I believe Cayden himself inspired the mayor's ideas for supplies cause he left us some nice brandy. Do you mind if I hold on to that?" As he looks through the rest of the supplies, after that he takes 5 rations, a waterskin, and a winter blanket. Then waits to see what the rest take.
Any rations left on the ground by the time she gets there, Tavinda separates into equal piles for each member of the party, taking one pile herself. She waits hovering over the pile of items like a teacher at kindergarten watching the children picking up their possessions equally, she coughs loudly if someone takes anything too much. "Such generosity from the Mayor, to help us in this way for the journey." She herself adds to her backpack, 5 days rations, a tent, a winter blanket, a waterskin which she empties of liquid. She pointedly says Now Master Andwell, take only what is yours, there is plenty for everyone. His reputation for collecting things proceeds him. thinks the strong woman.
Andwell is most interested in retrieving the exact contents of his personal bag. He gingerly places each item back in the exact way they were presented. He'll then place the contents of his own backpack in there and use the new one. Any unclaimed items (if any) he'll grab up for "safe keeping".
Perhaps a quick sketch of the map before we leave. Two copies on two different persons may be a good idea incase one get's lost or damaged.
Not having any parchment or ink on him, he'll briefly wait to see if someone else offers to draw the copy. Otherwise he suggest a quick jaunt to the nearest provisions house to get the supplies.
"We don't have to take everything, the most important will be the rations, then the waterskins, and finally the winter blankets. I know most of you dwell within the buildings, so you don't know how much the night air in the forest may bite you in your sleep." He gives them a smile, then he whispers to Tarvinda "Let the halfling take all he wishes we can always split it up later when he complains." He gives her a wink. Then moves back thinking that might react different cause of his features.
Looking to Fealix he whispers, "What do you think of our group? And before I forget to tell you, I am proud of you for helping out the orphanage that did so much for us. Many would be corrupted by such wealth but you gave it all away so others can find families and build friendships like ours."
I don't know about you guys, but I'm definitely bringing a tent. The night ground is cold and hard, and the wind biting. Between the tent and the blanket, that should be enough.
Fealix looks at the stuff and growls. "I hate camping."
Why? You do it all the time?
"Have I ever once said I like it?"
.........
"Yeah that's what I thought. Okay I am taking a tent and a blanket and one of those waterskins. I have enough rations for me."
[spoiler=Voice]
What about for me? What do I get?
"I'll give you a piece of my mind if you don't stop nagging me"
I already have a piece of your mind and it is quite comfortable.
"Then quite talking so much. It's annoying." Fealix doesn't seem to notice if the others are staring at him until now. He clears his throat. "Sorry, Talking with myself is a bad habit I developed at a young age. My father was abusive and I had no friends so I took to talking to myself for companionship. Never quite got over that."
Bluff
There is more to the story that Fealix is not telling.
Tarvinda smiles at Xeros, "Well he does seem to have taken most of the things, but do you think we'll ever see them again?" she says to the strange man next to her. She looks almost pityingly at him, a warmth of compassion for his tale. Tarinda gives a stern look to Andwell, "Remember to find these things if we need the Master Tactfoot."
However her attention is again taken by the strange man, the orphan, the one who speaks to himself. She feels a great deal of empathy towards the man. She goes up to him and puts her arm around his shoulder, "Now Fealix, don't be so hard on yourself. You have been badly mistreated in your youth, now you are among friends. Please don't feel so bad about talking to yourself, if it helps to ease the pain." She takes out a white handkerchief and wets it in the water from a waterskin, before dabbing the damp cloth on Felaix's head. Speaking as if to a small child, Tarvinda continues, "There, there...you'll be fine, there's no need to talk to yourself when you've got friends around to talk to. Just try .... I'm sure you'll find it better than talking on your own."
"Yes, let us be on our way. I will take point if that is okay with the rest of you?" Xeros asks the group as he pulls out his bow to string it up just in case.
"Nope, that's fine with me. Anybody mind if I sing?"
"Sing a song
Yes, a travel song,
when you gotta go somewhere.
‘Cause the fun is getting there,
Yeah. Oh what the heck, I must confess
I love a road trip!
Sing a song
Hit the trail
Forget the maps. Forget the guides.
Before you know it, you’ve made strides with me.
And I know – all I need – all along
is a path – and pal – and a song.
So I’m singin’
and I’m pallin’ with you."
"Intresting its in serpents gorge, never been there ,but heard a few stories about it. I wonder if their true." He puts his hand on his chin as he pretends to ponder and gives the group a grin. "I guess we'll find out." As he says that he gives a soft chuckle and looks to the sky.
Great we have a singer. He's gonna have to die.
Fealix nods. "I agree but for now we work with the group. I am not interesting in causing trouble at the moment."
Fealix turns to the rest of the group. "My skills are in healing...."
A useless skill if you ask me. I like the opposite when you use it better. More fun.
"....dealing with people..."
Too many lies, too many lies. Hehe, I am so jealous of your talents.
"....and I'm not half bad at bashing things faces in with a blunt object...."
My favorite part. You do that so well.
"....am not a leader though..."
Don't I know it
"...I will allow someone else to lead. I will follow."
Such a polite way of saying "You can die first"
"I will take my position in the rear."
Fealix will fallow the group watching them closely and studying each of them.
"Well.... I can sing, dance, I know a little about a lot, and I get along pretty well with people. Oh, I know a few little spells, too."
I suggest we head out as soon a possible to cover as much ground before dark. Scary things come out at night, and we'll need time to set up camp.
Tarvinda listens to Neculai, his voice sing rhythmically with the sound of their boots crunching on the stoney path. "So singer of songs do you know of any heroic verses as well as your itties. Something to inspire us as we start down this way. A hymn to Iomedae, or some other uplifting verse?" As the day wears on, the backpack seems to get heavier, "Andwell, do you know somewhere safe we can stay, or you Xeros you seem to know about the area we're going through? And Neculai sing a little louder...." As Tarvinda closes her eyes trying to get rid of the incessant chatter coming from Fealix.
"I know a few more songs. Here's one I learned as a child. It keeps me going on the few occasions where I'm not sure if I can continue."
A small set of drums appears in the hands of Neculai, with which he beats a cadence, keeping with the beat of the Song which he is now singing.
A croaky paladin's voice joins in with the song, as much as she can. "Yes Neculai, indeed you have a good voice to keep our spirits high.", she slaps his back causing him to cough slightly with the power behind the friendly tap. The notes and lyrics seem to transport Tarvinda to a place of beauty and joy, she forgets the tediousness of the journey. Her load is lightened, as she marches to the beat of the songs. "So Master Andwell, we shall have some fun these days, won't we. Just don't go dashing off into anything dangerous, remember we're all here to help. Even Xeros out there is helping to keep us safe, lets hope he can guide us well!"
Halflings always enjoy a jaunty tune, and Andwell is no exception. Hearing Tarvinda join in the song is all the invitation Andwell needs to add his voice the the chorus.
Still in a lighthearted mood, he adresses Tarvinda Dash off? No no, oh no. Not I! Not I no. Tricks and traps are my trade. Yes yes. Facing big scary. . um . . scary things. No no.
Fealix travels a good distance behind the group.
"What is with the cheery singing? This is suppose to be a serious quest. Arg I can't take it."
We need to deal with this soon!
"Your right but to do it without arousing suspicion?
I know. We pour bleech down his through in his sleep!
"What in Golorion is bleech?
I dunno, sounds painful though. Make something corrosive, call it bleech an pour it in his eyes. See what song he sings after that
Fealix grins maliciously.
Xeros laughs for a moment as he see's the song getting at Fealix then he notices the aasimair's grin, he's seen that look a few times before when people go missing. He says back to the group, "I love the group togetherness a brewing here, but when we get deeper in the woods keep it a little down we don't want to be a target." He grins at them, and then looks ahead and back at Fealix "Hey bud I need your thoughts on this trail marker further up, why don't you come up here with me."