"If you have convinced my sister druids of this plan of yours then you can count me in. Let us reclaim my homeland."
Tamis looks around the room impressed by the amount of people willing to help the cause. Hearing Ashtari comments about renewal she seeks out the Samsaran.
"Ashtari, you speak of renewal as if it something you have seen in the past? Have you seen a process like this before? Tamis asks, here voice showing the slightest hints of desperation.
Ketomir furnishes Tamis with a preemptory glance, then does a quick double take.
The treespirit that flies on a bird! Here in the tavern. So: a Gnome!
Ket smiles as the newcomer approaches, letting Ashtari answer and making room.
He glances around the room to keep tabs on the other would be champions of the Chitterwood - Shin was making friends with the female Catfolk; another Catfolk approached by a very tall halfling woman; the proud Half-Orc making simple and vigorous comments Ket could well support. A strong will and heart there, and, quite possibly a great warrior the goblins might fear.
Ashtari looks at Tamis, head cocked curiously. "You seem like a half forgotten memory to me...have you ever known one of my kind before? If I knew you not then I must have known some of your sisters as I lived amongst them for the better part of this life." She reaches a finger up, the underside of it paler almost to the point of whiteness. She uses it to trace one of the miniature streams of blue on her face. "Samsarans live many lives, they only pass to the great beyond through sword or enlightenment. These symbols tell us of our past lives, although they are too cryptic and shifting to read anything from." She bites her lip. "Although not for lack of trying..."
Korrum scanned the room with an unflinching gaze, sizing up the company of the tavern, much of it now outspoken for Chitterwood. It surprised him, at least for a moment, how many folk both strange and familiar wanted to see the forest reborn; even those who seemed like they'd never set foot off a cobbled road.
Nothing stood out so much as another druid, however, and having seen the rest of the tavern break out in conversation made it simpler to approach someone, even a fellow druid as diminutive as a halfling.
"Have you felt it too? Chitterwood should not have burned, even for the goblins. Something is wrong."
Ketomir watches with undisguised interest as Ashtari's finger traces the spiraling mark on her face. As Korrum approaches and speaks some unknown tongue to Tamis, Ketomir nods his head by way of greeting.
A Samsaran, a Gnome, a Half-Orc - and Ketomir. The Chitterwood draws those with heart to aid her.
Shinrin was delighted to hear Crecimi's plan not only to regrow the Chitterwood but also to re-introduce silkworms to the region. O Silk! Silk, silk, silk, silk, silk! She rubbed the finely woven silk scarf that she wore about her neck, a memento of the world that was, across her cheek sending rivulets of pleasure rippling throughout her body. She did so love the feel of silk. Nothing could be more important than this task that has been set before us.
She returned her thoughts to the young cat-woman sitting beside her and continued their conversation. "Daughter of nobody important you say? Nonsense. They must have been very special people indeed to have brought you into the world. You are about to regrow an entire forest, for goodness’ sake. I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Scratch. And yes, you can call me Shin. Say, I couldn’t help but notice that you are not the only – uh, please forgive me, but is it correct to say ‘cat person’? – here tonight. Are you by chance acquainted with Samwise? He is a bit of a regular. Perhaps I could introduce you?"
Thorgrund listens to the others, holding his tongue. Wars are for fools, huh? he thinks, shaking his head slightly.
This may be a fools errand, maybe...
He motions to the barkeep to refill his mug. Taking out a whetstone, he proceeds to sharpen his axe, ensuring that the sound gets louder with each pass over the blade.
"Goblins will be the least of your worries..." he says, to no one in particular.
After proclaiming her faith within just a few short minutes of conversation with complete strangers, she felt a bit too pious for her own liking, and decided to get more personal. She looked around for someone to get to know. Of course the first person to catch her eye was Samwise, so she approached him with an outstretched hand and a simple, excited, "Hello!"
Tentatively Samwise takes the hand of the stranger with his right hand, his left is strapped within his shield.
"I am Samwise of the Zithembe tribe, though I am often simply called Sam. I do some work for the Inn." Samwise's eyes flick to Taigo and he wonders how long he should allow the drunkard to interrupt a process that would bring prosperity back to the Inn."So what brings a halfling into the Silkworm on such an unusual day?" He responds to Daisy, attempting to be friendly.
"Say, I couldn’t help but notice that you are not the only – uh, please forgive me, but is it correct to say ‘cat person’? – here tonight. Are you by chance acquainted with Samwise? He is a bit of a regular. Perhaps I could introduce you?"
Samwise's ear's flick with the sound of his name. He would prefer if he Shinrin would not announce him to strangers. On the other had he had not seen a catfolk in years. He certainly had not seen a female one. His tail flicks nervously.
Shinrin amended her comments, "And by 'regular' I mean I think he kind of works here. He is certainly very helpful in dealing with our more inebriated and unruly patrons."
Fascinated by Ashtari and her tale Tamis almost misses the natural sound of druidic being spoken, her head swiveling at the sound. Another druid here? How could I have missed that? She scans the room quickly, it taking a moment to realize the sounds coming from the half-orc beside her.
Ashtari sighs. "The one thing the druids would not teach me of their culture was their ever evasive language. How I would love to learn such an eloquent tongue."
"Nice to meet you, Sam." Daisy does a sort of bow. "I happened along this inn on a personal quest..., but fortunately it has no foreseeable end, so I have plenty of time to take advantage of the opportunity that has presented itself to us today." Daisy eyes Sam up. He doesn't look like a farmer or hunter. Hmm... perhaps now is not the time.
Daisy continues her conversation with Sam, although her eyes are reflexively drawn toward the oddities of the blue woman. "What sort of work do you do for the inn? I used to work on a large farm, mostly keeping bees. Back at the farm the bees helped the crops grow. It was a beautiful synergy, and I hope to see such things restored to the Chitterwood as well, wouldn't you?"
Sensing the conversation shift away from him, Ketomir leans back, content in his own thoughts. He tries to gauge the assembled patrons reasons for being here, quite apart from what they may do from here.
Heading Thorgrund's comment and noting the ever-increasing volume of the whetstone, Ket takes it on himself to filter the dwarf.
Ketomir rises.
"Excuse me. It was very nice to meet you Ashtari. Perhaps later? " Then met nods to Korrum and Tamis by way of excusing himself further.
"Master Druid, Mistress Druid - Ketomir Sandargaard."
Steeling himself for another social encounter, Ketomir seats himself next to Thorgrund, and nods to Brathan for another. He turns to Thorgrund, extending his hand.
"Ketomir Sandargaard. I couldn't help overhearing you. I've seen bandits but precious few goblins of late, and there are rumours of undead. That axe should come in handy."
"Eloquent? The wild tongue? Hmmm. Strange word for it..."
Korrum returns Ketomir's nod as the former farmhand changes conversation groups. He's certain he's seen the lad once or twice years ago, but can't recall ever speaking with him.
'Master' druid?
Korrum furrows his heavy brow a bit, pondering what feels like an odd fit for a title. Civilized folk still had a habit of complicating things with words, it seemed.
Delara glances over at the other burly Catfolk, looking him up and down.
"Not acquainted with, no. I'm not very outgoing lately, if you hadn't noticed. But today seems the day to make the new friends. I'd better order another mug of liquid courage, though."
She waves a gold piece at Brathan, gesturing to her mug to indicate she wanted it kept coming until the gold ran out.
"Alright. Let's go meet Mr. Samwise."
Shinrin nodded in agreement. Once Brathan had filled Delara's mug, she led the cat woman over to meet the cat man. "Good evening, Samwise. Please forgive me if I am interrupting anything, but I was just making Snatch's acquaintance." She paused to gesture toward Delara. "And I thought that it would be a good idea to bring her over to meet you. Who is your friend? Hi. My name is Shinrin."
Delara coughs politely and touches Shin's arm.
"Sorry, it's Scratch, not Snatch."
She glances up (and up, and up) at Samwise, just briefly making eye contact, before turning and offering Daisy a tentative smile.
"It's nice to see someone here that I don't need to crane my neck to look up at. I heard you announce yourself a minute ago. It was . . . Dizzy, right?"
Shinrin's eyes widened in horror as Delara pointed out her mistake. "I am so sorry. I meant to say Scratch. I don't know what happened. It must be all this drink going to my head." She slipped behind the counter, poured herself a cup of applejack - her first drink of the evening - and swallowed it all down with one quick gulp. Then she took the rest of the bottle and rejoined the party, making sure to leave Brathan enough silver.
"Nice to meet you, Sam." Daisy does a sort of bow. "I happened along this inn on a personal quest..., but fortunately it has no foreseeable end, so I have plenty of time to take advantage of the opportunity that has presented itself to us today." Daisy eyes Sam up. He doesn't look like a farmer or hunter. Hmm... perhaps now is not the time.
Daisy continues her conversation with Sam, although her eyes are reflexively drawn toward the oddities of the blue woman. "What sort of work do you do for the inn? I used to work on a large farm, mostly keeping bees. Back at the farm the bees helped the crops grow. It was a beautiful synergy, and I hope to see such things restored to the Chitterwood as well, wouldn't you?"
"A quest..." Samwise said thoughtfully "surly a quest, like any adventure does not need an end. The journey is what makes it worthwhile" he smiles making his best effort to engage Daisy in pleasantries.
"I do some hunting for the food served in the Inn and ensure the unpleasant patrons do not disrupt business. As a hunter and a catfolk, I love nature. Also as a man with a bond with the owner of the Drunken Silkwork, I will join your party if it is the best thing for Brathan" he raised his voice enough to be heard by the half-elf Crecimi."So," Samwise sips his whiskey carefully "Tell me of this quest you are on."
The tail flicked nervously twice more as Samwise saw Shin lead the other catfolk over to him. Not comfortable with strangers, let alone crouds of them. It was good that Shin herself was coming too.
It seemed Shin herself was nervous, but Sam smiled in genuine amusement as Scratch spoke.
"It's nice to see someone here that I don't need to crane my neck to look up at. I heard you announce yourself a minute ago. It was . . . Dizzy, right?""
Of course Sam didn't know if the mistake was in fact a playful joke, but he though the possibility was high. He had almost forgotten about the joyful nature of his own race.
Still nerves made Sam hold his tongue, only nodding to acknowledge the newcomer.
Ashtari jumps into the conversation between the two druids. "I have missed the company of druids much, how fares your kind? I know of but few now."
Krissina cocks her head to one side, thinking something through. "I remember a farm, it burned, along with my parents, and my cat. I wish I could go home to it, but it's no longer there.
The fire is in me now, and I would channel it to creation, not destruction."
Sparks crackle at Krissina's fingertips and she clenches her hands into fists to suppress them.
"Not strange, more mysterious I imagine. There are tales told through the common areas of the magical language of the druids of this region. I think our language is more folklore then reality to some of these people."
Looking at Ashtari, a solemn look overtakes Tamis' face. "The loss of the Chitterwood was difficult, even more so for the druids of this region. It felt like a part of us was literally ripped from our very beings. I worry that until the Chitterwood is restored the road to recovery will be long and filled with sadness."
Tamis struggles to balance her emotions again before asking "What do you make of our new friend and his grand proposal?"
All of a sudden Shinrin stood up straighter than before, her eyes seeming to focus intensely on nothing in particular. She sniffed the air and said, "The pies are done. If you will excuse me, this won't take long." Thank you, Quills. I am on my way.
Shinrin hustled into the kitchen, returning moments later bearing two steaming hot pies which she set on a cloth on the bar. She went back into the kitchen to get a stack of plates, some forks and knives, and a couple of serving utensils, which she set next to the pies. "Help yourselves, everyone. One's chicken pot, the other's steak and kidney. Be careful not to burn yourselves, they're hot." Then she rejoined Delara, Samwise, and Daisy.
Heading Thorgrund's comment and noting the ever-increasing volume of the whetstone, Ket takes it on himself to filter the dwarf.
Ketomir rises.
Steeling himself for another social encounter, Ketomir seats himself next to Thorgrund, and nods to Brathan for another. He turns to Thorgrund, extending his hand.
"Ketomir Sandargaard. I couldn't help overhearing you. I've seen bandits but precious few goblins of late, and there are rumours of undead. That axe should come in handy."
Thorgrund stops his work and looks up at the newcomer. He nods to him, briefly sizing up the human. He smiles slightly then, and extends his own hand in friendship.
"Thorgrund Bronnsson at your service." He gestures to the barkeep for two ales. "Can I offer you a drink? Not dwarven ale, but passable..."
He puts down the whetstone, and places the well made axe on the table. He smiles broadly. "This is 'Vengryn'..." he says. Waiting a few beats to see of the human speaks Dwarvish, he smiles again. "It means 'Vengeance' in my tongue. She has helped me more times than I can remember..."
He seems to be lost in thought.
Folklore? People who think us to be unreal? How can we be anything but real?
Korrum's pondering changes course when questioned of his kind, and he takes a moment to gather his recollections of his travels before he responds to the blue-skinned inquirer, thinking aloud more than answering directly.
"When Chitterwood burned, I journeyed far from it. I looked for others, but they were indeed few, as if the fire drove them all off..."
His fellow druid's query interrupts his train of thought, and his eyes move to her, then to rest on the half-elf, who so boldly declared her mission only moments before.
"I want to hunt and fish in my woods again, but not everyone has the same reasons..."
"A drink would be grand Thorgrund, well met and thanking you kindly." smiles Ketomir.
Knowing the proud ways of dwarves, Ketomir lets the dwarf buy the drinks, and places his own coppers on the bar for the next round by way of proving his good manners.
"Vengryn? Vengeance... A good name for a worthy cause. And well might it serve you in the Chitterwood - I would be honoured to stand by your side. Soon it will be time for deeds of valir and renown, until then, let us raise up!" Ketomir raises his mug to Thorgrund.
"...'Vengeance'..."
"Yes?" Oh, the dwarf. Did he say 'Vengeance'? Is he talking to me? No ... no, he's not. What could he be calling 'Vengeance'? His boots? His belt? His beard? His axe? Yes, that's it. It's his axe...
"...Vengeance..."
"What?" Ah, it's that handsome man talking to the dwarf.
Shinrin returned her gaze to Daisy and the cats. She smiled encouragement at Delara to try and give her the strength to survive a social encounter. You're doing great!
Just as she was about to answer Samwise's question about her quest, Daisy was greeted by Shinrin and another catfolk, this one a female. She first greeted Shinrin with a simple, "Hello" and then everything fell apart when Delara spoke to her:
"It's nice to see someone here that I don't need to crane my neck to look up at. I heard you announce yourself a minute ago. It was . . . Dizzy, right?"
At the thought of her name being "Dizzy", Daisy let out a horribly embarrassing cackle only to clasp her hands to her mouth to force herself to stop. She took a moment to compose herself, then she straightened her clothes and held in an extra laugh or two. Finally, she got her act together and replied to Delara, "My name is Daisy, but you may call me Dizzy if you like. Or even, Dizzy Daisy. May I ask your name? And your baker friend? This is Sam. We've only just met." Daisy smiled at Sam. "This is turning out to be quite an adventurous day for me. First the regrowth announcement and then I see two catfolk in one day." Daisy gives a light-hearted wink before climbing up on a stool - something she is used to living in a tall person's world - to get a good whiff of the pies that Shinrin had made them. Mmm, delicious!
Shinrin laughed lightheartedly in approval of Daisy's cackle. I wish I could laugh like that. She would make a superb witch. "Hi, Daisy. My name is Shinrin Fukushu, but you can call me 'Shin'. Don't be shy. Have a slice or two of pie." Shinrin was getting into a festive mood and decided to make more of a commitment to tonight's gathering by pouring herself another cup of applejack. This time she sipped it more slowly.
Korrum's pondering takes a sudden turn as his nose flares with a new scent.
I hope this chicken's intentions are pure--Wait. She's a half-elf, not a...*sniff-sniff*...waaaait...
Now realizing his thinking is diverted, he swivels around until his eyes agree with his nose. Fowl wasn't something he'd eaten very often, but for some reason, the scent of cooked chicken was distracting in a way that berries and fish just weren't. The smell of a chicken pot pie was something he hadn't experienced in years; it seemed to be a lost art outside Chitterwood; at least in the folk he'd encountered in his travels.
Approaching the bar, Korrum overshadows the jovial halfling, resisting the urge to lick his chops within drooling distance of the food. He starts to reach for a pie, but freezes just before his arm passes over Daisy's head.
No. This is not a fresh kill in the woods. This is for others too. Do not be greedy.
Doing his best to resist survival habits and his awakened appetite, the tusky brute instead takes a seat beside the tiny one calling herself Daisy, vainly trying to think of some intelligent conversation that led to slicing the pie.
Ketomir sees Korrum's restraint.
A wild one that, as wild as nature.
He rests back, quaffing his ale with Thorgrund.
Ashtari nods to the wild half-orc. "I am not much of a hunter, but I enjoyed the wild greens in the Chitterwood. They were varied and plentiful, one could sometimes even choose what kind of meal to have."
"A drink would be grand Thorgrund, well met and thanking you kindly." smiles Ketomir.
Knowing the proud ways of dwarves, Ketomir lets the dwarf buy the drinks, and places his own coppers on the bar for the next round by way of proving his good manners.
"Vengryn? Vengeance... A good name for a worthy cause. And well might it serve you in the Chitterwood - I would be honoured to stand by your side. Soon it will be time for deeds of valir and renown, until then, let us raise up!" Ketomir raises his mug to Thorgrund.
"To your health, Ketomir" says Thorgrund, raising his mug in salute. "So...what brings you to this part of the world, eh?" Thorgrund asks awkwardly, quickly realizing small talk isn't his best talent.
Ketomir smiles the dry smile of bitterness, and nods as if to himself before answering.
"Vengeance! And heritage. I was born hereabouts and grew up on the edge of the Chitterwood. Like many edge-dwellers, when the 'Wood burned their holdings did too. I lost my parents and their legacy."
Ket's eyes, clouded in memory clear suddenly. He continues somewhat loudly...
"Vengeance and Heritage! Something to drink to!"
To overhear Ashtari's comment regarding her vegetarian diet.
Shinrin was oblivious to Ashtari's needs and continued sipping applejack and getting to know Delara, Daisy, and Samwise. She eyed Korrum with mild curiosity and wondered if there would be enough to eat.
Crecimi claps her hands. "Wonderful! Let's talk about the first task. There's an endangered flower--"
Tiago leaps up suddenly, demonstrating instincts based off muscle memory. He pulls the knife from his waist, and faces the wall. "Shin... Please tell me that the back door behind the kitchen is closed."
Malachi places down his glass of hot water and adds, "Do you smell something?"
In the sudden enforced silence, the air carries with it the sound of a little voice, creaky, from just outside. "...vengeance..."
Ashtari stands slowly, raising a multicolored hand and pointing it at the front door. "Stand clear."
Ketomir also rises, somewhat hampered by his sitting position, but nevertheless ready for action.
Krissina snaps back to attention, hand reaching for her weapon.
Tiago leaps up suddenly, demonstrating instincts based off muscle memory. He pulls the knife from his waist, and faces the wall. "Shin... Please tell me that the back door behind the kitchen is closed."
Shinrin replied, "I think so. I mean I... I'd better go check..." She rushed into the kitchen to secure the door if she had not done so already. Quills, speak to me. Do you feel safe?
In the sudden enforced silence, the air carries with it the sound of a little voice, creaky, from just outside. "...vengeance..."
Perhaps it's just an old witch come to visit me? Hmm... Who do I know who sounds like that?
Doing his best to resist survival habits and his awakened appetite, the tusky brute instead takes a seat beside the tiny one calling herself Daisy, vainly trying to think of some intelligent conversation that led to slicing the pie.
"A Druid!" Samwise is uncharacteristically open with the newcomer. Perhaps it is the scent of the woods on the half-orc, perhaps the sense of curiosity about the half-elf's plans overcame the catfolk, or perhaps Sam's instincts could just sense something positive and familiar that put him at ease.
"Could you share with us your professional opinion on the plan to regrow the Chitterwood. My name is Sam, by the way. This is Scratch, Daisy and Shin!"Just then something caught Samwise's attention!
In the sudden enforced silence, the air carries with it the sound of a little voice, creaky, from just outside. "...vengeance..."
Delara whirls to face the door, any semblance of calm gone.
Thorgrund stands quickly, knocking over his chair, and picks up his axe.
Ivan draws a kukri, eyes searching around for threats. "What in the hells was that?" he asks quietly. Rhetorically.