Um, well, I just got my hopeknife. Ruby is not particularly loquacious but does add, Mother also says it is time to decide who I want to apprentice to. With a sigh she confesses, I'm not really good at anything though.
Nils spends most of the night located nearest the largest supply of drink. He laughs and roars aloud at the others seated around him, and attempts to drink anyone around him under the table. He boasts about past battles and roars jokingly when anyone challenges him on the clearly exaggerated details. He spends the night celebrating.
Bhox, having spent the last little while attempting to keep pace with Nils, overhears Ruby. Nonsense! I've met many, but none that are good at nothing. There must be something you shine at. Bhox stumbles a step, catching himself on a nearby table. Mmmh, a cat. Bhox picks up a passing stray cat and uses it to wipe off the majority of the mutton grease on his hands. His gaze returns to Ruby, as though he is expecting a response.
As Ruby watches Bhox use a cat for a towel her mouth drops open and she momentarily forgets he spoke. When she realizes he is looking at her intently she quickly closes her mouth and looks away, hoping she didn't appear rude.
Well, I enjoy weaving, it's quiet.
Initially, Ishan is taken aback by Omast's outburst and tries not to react. Still the comment stings. Taking a deep breath Ish blinks slowly to calm himself replying in measured words, I trust you don't see all of us that way Sergeant Omast.
Rather than let the moment spoil moods, Ish stares into his drink, idly turning his cup on the table as he presses the topic, I plan to sign up for the patrols tomorrow morning. If Rodrik can spare me, I'm willing to help you look into this. Perhaps I can discover something you have not. Ish looks Omast in the eye with his last remark, implying Omast's view of half-orcs has probably tainted his reputation keeping tongues still. Does there seem to be a pattern in their location?
You aren't really sure but the swords are reminiscent of the one decorationg the temple to Iomedae.
Omast juts out his lower jaw at Ishan's words, If you prove yourself, in the militia or some other way then I'll have no problem with ya but until then I've not much use for ya. His tone is in no way conciliatory and you get the impression he is not interested in continuing a conversation. He turns away from you and continues to drink.
Weaving is a beautiful gift Ruby. I do hope you stick with it. Have you spent any time with Brinya? She would make an excellent mentor I would think. I would love to see one of your works when you have the time to show me.
Sipping his own ginger beer, Raevon waits for the right opportunity to question the young lass about the graffiti, what if anything she might know or have heard about it.
Stroking his chin he contemplates the issue. It seems extremely unlikely that someone would be able to paint such large symbols in such obvious places unobserved in a town as wary and alert as Trunau. How does one manage to make a symbol 10' by 30' on the side of a watch tower without anyone noticing? Specifically the town watch! I suspect magic is at play. Some sort of permanent illusion. Strong magic. It would also explain the difficulty Omast is having removing the offending marks.
Who would capable of casting such a spell in Trunau? he wonders internally.
Working on his hunch, Reavon attempts to detect magic upon the graffiti.
Ruby is not used to being the centre of so much adult attention and mumbles an "OK" at Raevon's suggestion and comment regarding Brinya. She assumes Raevon is talking to himself regarding the graffiti as no one is likely to ask her opinion on the matter.
Much to Raevon's chagrin the graffiti does not appear to be magical in nature.
Sipping his own ginger beer, Raevon waits for the right opportunity to question the young lass about the graffiti, what if anything she might know or have heard about it.
Other than the one here in the Commons and the huge one on the watch tower the only other one Ruby has noticed is behind the waterfall of the Hopespring (O). She enjoys spending time staring at the water and the mist it sprays is refreshing on the hot afternoons.
I usually spend some time at the Hopespring every day if it is hot. I didn't notice it yesterday but when I was there this afternoon I saw it through the water, a big white sword. When I told Sergeant Omast he seemed pretty angry.
Raevon furrows his brow when the graffiti doesn't register as magical in nature. Bending down he examines the marks up close for himself.
As Raevon is about to leave Chief Defender Halgra approaches the table. Ruby, here you are! Taking her shy daughter in a big hug she displays a side not so often seen in the leader.
Congratulations on your decisive victory. You chose your compatriots well. She realizes that Ruby really had very little influence in the composition of the team but takes every opportunity to try to increase the confidence of the daughter least like herself.
Ruby blushes at her mother's words and returns the hug.
Feeling a little deterred, Ish passes by still nursing his drink, I have not heard anything. Realizing his adopted mother has joined the table, Ish greets her warmly and playfully ruffles Ruby's hair before explaining, I just spoke with Omast, his views towards my people have not changed. What do you know of these swords mother? Ish points a calloused finger toward the graffiti on the side of the watch tower.
The Chief Defender shrugs at Ish's question. They just appeared. I assume they are the work of bored young ones. Being constantly on war footing is trying and children don't have much time to be children.
In regards to Omast she gives a harumph. He is a drunken fool. His and Jagrin's opinions of your kind are not inline with my own, as you know, but it is hard for some to live surrounded by danger and not place the blame on others. Pay him no mind. I suspect his inability to hold his tongue is one of the reasons he has been given the menial task of cleaning the graffiti.
With those words she bids good-bye. As the leader of the town she has many demands made on her time.
Determining.... about the graffiti, Raevon rejoins the table when he sees Halgra there.
Raevon doesn't even get a chance to ask Halgra any questions before she abruptly leaves.
I guess everyone is too busy, or hasn't the time or inclination to discuss the graffiti. It seems it does not warrant any more consideration.
With that the wizard lets the matter drop and proceeds to spend the rest of the evening in celebration like everyone else.
You hit walls as well? Ish sighs into his drink then turns to the girls, Hey you two, what's been going on since I've been gone? Ish is hoping to gleam some gossip out of them , perhaps there is more than just graffiti to talk about in Trunau.
Nothing huh? Well Ruby, now that you have come of age perhaps its time you put your celebrity to work - start asking around about what else is going on. You know, make some connections. Ish grins and waggles his eyebrows mischievously, Even a little eavesdropping can't hurt! The three of us should mingle, then meet back here in an hour. The one with the best 'news' wins drinks...er, or something like that. What do you say?
Bhox is nearly ready to retire to the longhouse, but having heard the reaction Omast had to Ish, he can't shake the feeling that he should seek him out and ask about the graffiti. The case essentially being closed, Bhox wants to hear for himself what Omast thinks. Not being of the Orkish persuasion may yield a different conversation. Thank you for the company. I'm off. Bhox disappears into the crowd off to find Omast.
As the night passes, so does the fog in Bhox' head. He gets the idea that indelible markings would be handy for stonework, so he should sample the graffiti and have it analyzed by someone who could shed some light on what it is, and where it came from. Bhox attempts to scrape some of the markings off the wood into a small cloth sack.
It occurs to Bhox that the markings behind the waterfall would probably be suitable for scraping. He uses his axe to scrape the surface, in an innocuous spot.
Nils continues to drink and carouse throughout the night. He does not fail to notice some of his companions seemingly running here and there having hushed conversations with several individuals.
Hrmph.. should we not be having a celebration? Not running about all over the place. Well, I guess I tag along and make sure the others stay out of trouble.
With that, he tags along with Bhox.
Nils was also listening for rumors while drinking at the tables hoping to find some interesting work or activities around town.
After collecting some scrapings from the wall behind the waterfall, Bhox is satisfied that he has managed to etch away some of the rock as well as the artwork. With a grunt he turns to go. I will have to get this to an alchemist or some such. That will have to wait for tomorrow. Upon seeing Nils again, hope returns, perhaps there is time for one more ale before the night concludes.
Nils slaps Bhox on the back. Let us return and find something more to drink before the others finish it all.
As you listen to the chatter go on around you and interject the odd remark to spur the conversation along you get an idea of what has the town abuzz.
the position of patrol leader after his old man Jagrin retires. Jagrin’s a good commander, but he’s getting old, and it might be time for some new blood in the militia’s leadership.”
Armed with only a few trivial pieces of information but nothing new to add to what he's already been told, Ish reaches under his cloak to check the weight of his coin purse, I wonder if I get paid for going out on patrols...
town’s defense.”
Overhearing the comment about Ruby and the hopeknife, Ugula turns toward the speaker and hoists his mug with a salute And may she never have to use it!
As the evening draws on people begin to disperse to their beds. Tonight may have been a celebration but tomorrow is a day like any other in a town that must always maintain its vigilance. Many of tomorrow's patrolers have already turned in knowing they must be up before dawn to take their shifts. Only those very dedicated to drink are continuing the celebration as all the games have finished, all the dancing is done, and all the food has been consumed.
Having learned little of the source of the graffiti, Ish decides to retire for the night. On the bright side, Ish got the impression that neither Ruby or Bronwynn were able to find out much more than he had - all's square. His cup empty, he heads for the Ramblehouse. As much as Ish loves his adopted family, Halgra's place can be quite crowded at times and Ish relishes his peace and quiet. Besides, he'd promised Cham to make a few repairs in exchange for a small discount and since Ish has some skill in this area he tries to treat himself for a few days after returning from his salvaging trips. Unfortunately, Ish's time clock is a little backwards. It is far safer to travel at night in Belkzen, sleeping in easily concealable ditches during the day is the norm for him. Because of this habit Ish spends most of the night tossing and turning despite the aid of his 'night cap.'
Bhox at last finds himself at the door of the longhouse. Torn between drink and sleep, the latter inevitably wins. Tomorrow is a new day, and it can't be met if this one isn't slept off. Once inside, he locates his 'cot of the apprentice' - the name given to the shabbily constructed cot afforded him for his volunteer efforts with the town guard. With little fuss he collapses into a heap of unconsciousness.
Nils retires to the longhouse to try to recover before the morning patrols.
x10
From just outside his doorway, Ish rubs the sleep from his eyes as he tries to make sense of all the commotion. Finding the room Cham came from Ish freezes, Oh no! Tracing Pharasma's spire in the air over his heart Ish pauses at the room's threshold and stares, Who's room is this? Was there a struggle? What happened? Ish spends the rest of the time studying what he can of the room from the hallway while warning other's to stay back until the guards arrive to take charge of the scene.
From your vantage you are able to make out the body but the face is turned from you. You can tell that the victim is a male with dark hair and an athletic build, more than likely human. You can see one arm lying limply over the edge of the bed, blood no longer dripping from the obviously slit wrist.
As Raevon steps out from his rented lodging, he notices the gathered folk congregating and whispering amongst themselves.
What news? What has happened? he asks of those nearest him.
One of the people responds, Someone's dead!
Death is not uncommon in a town surrounded by enemies but no one is mentioning a raid. You get the impression something is unusual about this particular death.
What! Who! Others ask. No one really has answers but someone else elaborates somewhat, There's a big commotion at Ramblehouse. Guards all over the place!
Having disseminated all they know the group disperses, ostensibly to spread the meager gossip to others as small groups like this can be seen ebbing and flowing everywhere you look.
Raevon, his curiosity piqued, makes his way to the commotion surrounding the Ramblehouse.
Nils hearing the commotion rises quickly to his feet. Then realizes that may not be the best idea as he feels the weight of last nights frivolity wash over him momentarily. What's all the ruckus? He shouts before grabbing his gear and heading out of the longhouse to see what is going on.
Only a few moments later Kurst, Jagrin and a couple of the guards arrive. Pushing past Ishan without a greeting they enter the room to examine the body. As Jagrin approaches the body his eyes widen then close and he lets out a low cry, No! Kurst's shoulders begin to shake the moment he enters the room and he falls to his knees. One of the other guards, his face ashen grabs the other and pulls him from the room. He closes the door behind him, takes a deep breath and seems to see Ishan for the first time. Can you watch this door? I'm going for a priest. You watch the front door. He says to the other guard. The two guards leave quickly and only a few moments later the door bursts open and Jagrin runs from the room.
Nils arrives at Ramblehouse shortly after the hurrying guards, already a small crowd has gathered. Upon seeing Nils the guard at the door eagerly waves him over. Give me a hand keeping this lot back will you. He indicates the growing crowd.
Just then Patrol Leader Grath bursts out the door and quickly makes his way past them, his head is down and he is moving fast. The guard calls out to him asking for further instructions but he ignores him and keeps going.
About 5 minutes later a guard appears with High Priestess Tyari Varvatos and enters.
As Raevon makes his way through the growing crowd around Ramblehouse a path opens up. Unfortunately it is to make way for a sheet draped body being carried on a makeshift stretcher by 2 guards. An ashen faced Kurst and High Priestess Tyari follow close behind.