She nodded, too, ignoring Connor's remark regarding distractions, and moved to the bar to refill the jugs and allow Riley some time to himself and his companions.
Connor glances from the table and notes Talia walk away from the group, his eyes watching her carefully as she leaves.
He discusses things with Riley for a few moments as he waits and though his mood is light, he seems now distracted by a growing suspicion as his eyes narrow thoughtfully.
Having pulled himself to his feet to stand by the door, he waits for his companions, clearly eager to start.
Rhia has stood and pulls herself to her feet and he sees that her expression seems grim to for some reason.
"I hope this doesn't end badly for me," she muttered, thinking of her clumsiness.
He watches her head upstairs and turns to study Felix and Anila, curious to know their plans – if they intend to get any gear, or, perhaps – if they intend to merely wait in the tavern while the quarry is scouted.
As he considers this his eyes turn back to the kitchen and he notes the propreiters continue to seem interested only in Riley and his gaze has become fixed at this, as if some internal debate is on his mind, yet he says nothing.
In a few minutes Rhia has returned from above.
"Are we ready to go?"
He notes her new gear and a wide smile breaks over his face.
”Your arms suit you well, Rhialtyra Sunaki!” he says to her with sincere appreciation.
”Verily you look like one of the host of the Valkyrjur, and surely that is a good thing, I think. Indeed, if any enemy sees you now, surely they shall desire a parley rather than to face your wrath,” he adds, still pleased she is better armed and armored, but unable to resist a bit of playfulness even as he raises his fist in to salute her in genuine appreciation of the fact she is now better suited for battle.
He then heads outside into the fresh air.
The group finishes breakfast and their preparation and leave The Wise Piper at 8.40am (Talia wishes them well and success in their mission, her eyes lingering longer on Riley).
Connor casually hooks his thumbs in his belt as he watches Talia give her blessings to the party. He glances past her to the tavern, curious to know where the spirited Delfi has gone, a bit disappointed that their earlier guide had not also desired to see them off as well, but says nothing as he waits.
When the party finally has gathered provisions from the general store and is well away from the ears of townsfolk (though naturally he does not care if his companions overhear him) he turns a glance to Riley –
”In the halls of House Orem it seems that you wear the armband of a Jarl,” he says to Riley with a somewhat playful voice, hoping to broach the subject delicately which now weighed on his mind.
His eyes narrow somewhat as he walks.
”I am glad that you have her favor, my friend. But for myself, perhaps it would be better if I found other places to stay if we remain in this town once we finish with these kobold wretches,” he adds as they march.
He says nothing for a moment, hoping that his comments do not sound offensive.
From reports back in town, you were led to believe that the road could be traversed cautiously, but you discover that the road is far more broken and dangerously overgrown than the townsfolk realised (just as the Baroness had informed them in earlier discussions) and further access is impeded by water. The only route available to you now is the kobold passage/tunnel inside the Witch Tower.
As they head into the Witch's Tower and through all the issues that they had dealt with before, he shakes his head with growing disgust at his own lack of grit the last time they had visited these tunnels.
He turns to those behind him as they march –
”My apologies to you all,” he says to them with a low but penitent voice.
”When last we lingered here I had desired to move to explore the very tunnel we are journeying to, but some instinct had dissuaded me. But, maybe, if I had shown more courage we should have pressed through and discovered and dealt with this new threat already,” he adds, hoping that they could forgive his earlier decision.
6 kobolds outside, guarding the two entrances into the lair. So, what are your plans now?
Connor studies the kobolds thoughtfully, noting that some are armed with ranged weapons.
However, it is not the weapons that vex him, but the realization that all it takes is one kobold to bring a whole host of enemies upon them by sounding an alarm.
Besides which, as there seemed to be two entrances, if his company moved to cut off the enemy from their lair, which entrance should they move to guard?
In any case, either entrance could house a further company of threats which might materialize no matter what they did.
He turns and notes Rhia’s observation of the lair and suspects that she is even now trying to discern what may be beyond the kobolds and inside the mouths of those same entrances.
Realizing that a pitched battle on dangerous terrain like the rocks by the shore would do them little good, he peers at the enemy and tries to guess their motives as well.
Personally, he’d rather rush the kobolds and whet his new sword on their hot blood.
However, he was doing his best to mellow such urges in the company of his companions and recalled that Rhia had indicated she would rather try speaking with these kobolds rather than simply decide to wade into the red tides of battle as he himself yearned to.
Yet before he acts either way he intends to learn what he can, first.
.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
From their posturing (blatant stance) and congregation before the entry points of their lair, you can surmise that the six kobolds are agitated and nervous, as if they are waiting on something to happen or fearful of something happening and if threatened they will come forth fighting to protect the tribe and all within the lair.
"They seem to be afraid - as though they're worried about an attack on their tribe." Rhialtyra noted in a very quiet voice. It meant that they had knowledge of a reason to be afraid.
Riley listens to Rhia. "That makes sense since they brought down the tower. They are probably expecting retaliation from the town. We can try to negotiate, but we better be on guard. What do you guys think?"
"I can go and speak with them," Rhialtyra suggested. "I've a spell that would compel them not to harm me for a few moments, if it's necessary to flee."
Felix nods and says If you wish it, I have no problem with that. This is, as they say, your show right now Rhia. We will be here to back you up should the need arise.
Anila nods in agreement with Felix as he adds his opinion to the group. "All we can do is try. And as Felix said, we will be as close as we can to back you up if need be."
She nodded at them, surprised by their trust in her, but pleased that they would allow her to make the attempt. Though nervous, she knew she had to do as she'd suggested - after all, she suggested it! Fear had no place here. She murmured a blessing, "Life guides you," as though to herself and touched the center of her forehead.
The oracle took another moment to consider the kobolds, wanting to be immediately aware of any changes in their status.
Rhialtyra carefully advanced. Once she'd deemed herself a good distance away from the others - not so far that they couldn't swiftly reach her, but far enough that the kobolds would not immediately see them, she called out.
"Hail, good friends!" she attempted. "I am Rhialtyra Sunaki, a traveling healer from Oppara. Might this be the Blood Vow tribe?"
As soon as the kobolds hear and see Rhialtyra they begin to raise their spears threateningly. Their agitation increases and they look affeared, but they hold ground in front of the entrances.
The lead kobold lifts its spear in the air and you can hear a string of sounds like deep hisses, snarls and rumbles as it appears it is communicating with the other guards.
"Larchii! Larchii, aesthyr. Astahii tepoha confn! Yth slathalin!"
"Beware! Beware, Woman. They have come! We fight!"
Seeing that her attempt to peacefully speak with the kobolds was undoubtedly a failure, she felt a pang of regret, but immediately cast sanctuary upon herself.
Upon sign that the intruder was not drawing any nearer to the lair, the kobolds remained, watchful, in their positions, spears held aloft, and did not attempt to give pursuit.
She wondered at the lack of pursuit but carefully moved back to the others all the same, trying to duck out of sight - limited though it was - before rejoining the others.
"I don't think they're interested in talking," she said, eyes a bit wide. "Or at least, not in a language I understand." After a moment's pause, she added, "They're far more defensive than offensive, though - they didn't chase me."
Riley looks over at the Kobolds. "Unfortunately Rhia, we were sent to eradicate the problem. I am not going to stand by and let them attack Belhaim. If they cannot understand us then they need to die." He looks at the Felix and Anila. "I say we close the distance in a hurry and then finish them. If any surrender, we will give them mercy at that point."
He gets an idea. "Anila, do you have a way to confuse them while we advance? Like throwing your voice or making a flash of light? They may be superstitious and run from your magic."
Rhialtyra sighed, a bit mournful, and nodded her agreement. "You're right, Riley." She smiled at him weakly. "But I had to try."
She doesn't speak regarding their advance, aware that she would not be as helpful, though she would be able to heal any of her allies should they become injured.
With the situation as it was with the agitated Kobold guards protecting the two entry points into the lair, the group make the decision to return to town, consider their next course of action and prepare accordingly before coming back to deal with the Kobold threat, once and for all.
The group make their way back up the hill, to the ledge and slowly back through the narrow kobold passage and then back out of the Witch Tower.
The party return to The Wise Piper by 10.40am. Talia is surprised to see them returned so early and is eager to hear an explanation.
Anila, suddenly turns to face the small company and addresses them solemnly, "I have given this much thought and it seems the troubles here are more than I expected to take on and I have made the decision to return to Cassomir. I wish to track down information regarding my father's disappearance. I must discover the truth behind my mother's death. I have tried to forget, to keep myself busy with work, yet my memories will not give me a moment's peace and so I must go. It has been a pleasure working beside you, my friends, and I wish you well in this endeavour with the kobolds. Also, I have asked Connor to be my personal guard on my return trip and he has agreed. A small town isn't much to his liking. He left earlier to make arrangements and hire a small wagon and horses for us. Also, he needed to speak with the Undertaker. He should be back very soon and then we will be away while there is still daylight." To Talia and her people, Anila bid them thanks and farewell, leaving a small sum of coin as some restitution for her generosity/hospitality.
When Connor returns with the wagon and horse and other supplies, he jumps down and gives his own brief goodbye, "I know you will all miss me, but it is time to move on, my friends, as Anila Vayu requires an escort on her personal pursuit for truth and justice and I am eager to earn more coin and make a name for myself along the way. I wish you all well, here, and wherever else the Fates take you. Until we meet and drink again," and he gives his companions one last assured smile and then helps Anila load her belongings onto the wagon before final farewells are made. Connor takes the reins and the two ride out of Belhaim.
"I am sorry to see you both go," Rhialtyra said, earnest. All the same, she helped them pack and and said her farewells as best as she could. She was dismayed to see her friends disappear so soon after she had met them. Certainly, it added an element of difficulty to their current task.
"How shall we handle this thing?" she asked Riley and Felix, curious to hear what they thought.
Riley walks up to Connor and grabs the inside of his forearm. "I understand, shield brother." When Connor returns his "shake", Riley pulls him in and gives the warrior a hug. "I wish you two safe travels." He turns to Anila. "I hope you are able to find the information you seek. Don't worry...We will finish the job here."
Riley watches as the two leave. He turns to his two companions and responds to Rhia. "Well mates...Our job just got quite a bit more difficult. I don't think diplomacy is going to solve our little Kobold problem. Maybe we can recruit some help from town. I'll ask Talia if there is anyone fit to help who won't just get in our way."
He turns to Talia as they head into the Inn. "There are more Kobolds than we expected and it appears we just lost Connor and Anila." He smiles and just about kisses her, but thinks otherwise due to those standing around watching. Don't embarrass her again, Riley. Instead, he hugs her firmly. Speaking softly, "Did you miss me as much as I missed you, love? Or were you too busy to notice?" He winks playfully. If the situation had soured his mood, one couldn't tell from his appearance.
Responding to Riley's question, Talia asked seriously, "What kind of help do you require? What skills and talents would they need to possess?"
Talia thought Riley would kiss her again, but he did not and instead held her firmly.
Speaking softly, "Did you miss me as much as I missed you, love? Or were you too busy to notice?" He winks playfully.
Instead of immediately answering, Talia leaned up and softly kissed the corner of the Half-Elf's mouth. In soft voice against his neck, she asked, "Did you truly miss me?" As soon as Riley can look into Talia's eyes, he will see hers are shining with a teasing light.
It was in that moment that Xemne walked into the inn, followed by a younger, auburn haired lass.
Seeing Talia and Riley's quiet affection, Xemne chuckled and commented, "My perfume always does the trick", before winking at the Half-Elven male.
Delfi came running out from the kitchen and threw her arms around the apothecary's waist, "Xemne! It's so good to see you." The apothecary smiled at the beautiful girl and tousled her golden mop of curls. "It is good to see you, too, Delfi. I came for a short visit as there's someone I would like you all to meet." The Taldan woman looked behind her and gestured for the younger woman to step forward. Delfi let go of the apothecary and looked more keenly at the newcomer.
"This is Braylee, a cousin on my mother's side. She came into town late last night and will be staying with me for a little while." The group can see an auburn-haired human girl with a slightly ruddy complexion from time spent outdoors. She is above average height (5'9") and has a thin, athletic build.
"She is my blood kin and I wanted to acquaint her with my chosen family in town. Since she may be here for a while, I thought it best she get to know the locals and our newest arrivals, although it seems their number has diminished in the past day," noting Connor and Anila's absence.
Xemne smiled warmly and she and Braylee moved to take a seat at the table with Riley, Rhia, Felix and Talia. Delfi walked to the table too and pressed herself between Riley and Talia, wrapping an arm around each of them.
Braylee smiles and nods warmly at the group as she is introduced. Her eyes travel to the newest arrivals' gear, noticing they are adventurers. "It is a pleasure to meet you all."
She follows Xemne over to the table and sits next to her cousin. As she is looking around, she takes her bow and quiver off and places them on the floor beside her large backpack. Flasks of deep blue, red, and green fluorescent-colored liquids litter the sides of her pack, attached by leather straps. "This is a very nice inn."
Her eyes stray to the strange cat-like man and then to attractive lady with the long hair. She gets a puzzled look on her face. "I can tell these men are adventurers. Are you as well? I see your armor."
"What kind of help do you require? What skills and talents would they need to possess?"
Riley thinks for a moment. "Having some skill in magic would help. Definitely someone who could attack from distance. Felix and I excel in close weapon fighting. We need a companion to cover our backs. What do you think Felix? An archer?"
Instead of immediately answering, Talia leaned up and softly kissed the corner of the Half-Elf's mouth. In soft voice against his neck, she asked, "Did you truly miss me?" As soon as Riley can look into Talia's eyes, he will see hers are shining with a teasing light.
He smiled as the kiss touched the corner of his mouth. The perfume he had bought her smelled lovely. "Terribly, love."
Seeing Talia and Riley's quiet affection, Xemne chuckled and commented, "My perfume always does the trick", before winking at the Half-Elven male.
Putting his arm around Talia, "And now I am forever in your debt, Xemne."
Braylee smiles and nods warmly at the group as she is introduced. Her eyes travel to the newest arrivals' gear, noticing they are adventurers. "It is a pleasure to meet you all."
Riley switches his arm to Delfi as she squeezes in. He kisses the top of her head before responding to the newcomer. "Well met. Any friend...or relative...of Xemne's is a friend of ours." He notices her bow and the strange vials of liquid attached to her bag before listening as she asks Rhia the question about being an adventurer. He chuckles to himself, wondering how the pacifist holy woman plans to answer.
When Riley said he missed her terribly, and had grinned at her in the way he often did around her, Talia nestled against him; her heart beating happily.
Talia has leaned into Riley as he placed his arm around her and shared words with Xemne. Her friend seemed to be playfully taking credit for pairing them, and Talia wondered if Riley had spoken to Xemne before gifting her the perfume.
"Indeed. Your perfumes are certainly admired in town, my friend. Good morning to you both and well met to Braylee." Talia smiled warmly at the two women. She moved from Riley's side and embraced her closest friend. She then moved with graceful swiftness/practiced ease to the kitchen and returned moments later with fresh mint tea, mugs and some bread, cheese and honey and laid them on the tale. Talia moved back to Riley's side and then felt Delfi gently push between them and hold them both. Seeing Riley sweetly kiss the top of her sister's head made her heart flutter anew.
"This is a very nice inn."
"Thank you, Braylee. A kinswoman of Xemne's is certainly a friend of House Orem and welcome in our home."
Felix smiles and says In a manner of speaking, I like to think of myself more as an artist, seeking inspiration in all life's experiences.
She nodded at Riley in agreement as they returned to their usual table. It was with some surprise and relief that she saw a strange woman enter - and with her, another.
All the same, the first woman spoke of the perfume as though it were hers and Rhialtyra remembered that Riley had previously gone with Delfi to examine the woman's wares. Was it Xemne?
It was only moments later that Delfi ascertained her assumption and only moments more before she could see that Xemne and those of the Wise Piper Inn were well and positively acquainted.
Xemne introduced her relative and Braylee came to speak with them herself.
"A pleasure to meet you," Rhialtyra said, pleased that those around her were pleased. Their glee colored her mood. "I am Rhialtyra Sunaki. I hail from Oppara."
At the question about her status as an adventurer though, she blushed slightly, and shook her head. "Not hardly," she admitted. "I am a healer who seeks to protect herself from anymore painful bites."
Curious, she smiled and turned the conversation with a query of her own. "What about you? Are you an adventurer yourself?" The newcomer looked solidly built - Rhialtyra would bet that she would've given that centipede a what-for instead of getting bitten half to death.
Felix smiles and says "In a manner of speaking, I like to think of myself more as an artist, seeking inspiration in all life's experiences."
She leans in, looking genuinely interested. "Sounds like an exciting life. You will have to share some of your experiences with me."
Braylee nods at Rhialtyra's greeting.
"What about you? Are you an adventurer yourself?"
Braylee shakes her head no. "Not yet, but I hope to be soon. I have done plenty of hunting and fought off quite a few wild animals on the farm. As a matter of fact, our caravan actually got ambushed on the way here and I took out two or three goblins." She smiles and looks around at the others at the table. "Plus, I'm pretty good with combustibles. I spent over a year training in alchemy. I am damn good at blowing stuff up." She grins and motions to the vials on her bag. Turning to Xemne, "Not the type of alchemy Mom and Dad had hoped for, but what is a girl suppose to do? I don't want to live a plain ole life. No offense cousin."
Riley's interest is piqued at the newcomer's words. "So you are a decent archer?" He turns to look at Felix and shrugs. He turns back to Braylee. "We could actually use some help." He watches Xemne for a second, gauging her reaction. "We have a Kobold issue right outside of town. We've been hired to eradicate them. It would be dangerous though..."
Braylee sits up straight as Riley speaks. She turns to Xemne. "What do you think, cousin? I would really like to help." She turns back to the group. "Xemne mentioned the old tower falling. What else has been going on? Did the Kobolds have something to do with its collapse?"
Riley responds to the newcomer as she awaits Xemne's answer. "They played a significant role. We are not sure to what extent, but they definitely brought it down." He pauses and looks around, lowering his voice. "The Kobolds look like they are on guard. I, for one, am fearful that there could be problems if we do not deal with them. They have a lair not far from here. We actually just returned from it. It appears heavily guarded."
He turns to Xemne. "Felix and I will do everything in our power to keep her safe. Rhia here is an excellent healer. She will be in good hands. If it looks like the threat is too great, we will call the raid off and return to town for help..."
"I spent over a year training in alchemy. I am damn good at blowing stuff up." She grins and motions to the vials on her bag. Turning to Xemne, "Not the type of alchemy Mom and Dad had hoped for, but what is a girl suppose to do? I don't want to live a plain ole life. No offense cousin."
Xemne eyed her kinswoman and chuckled. "Why would that offend me? Our maternal line was never one for idleness and blindly serving the will of others"
Braylee sits up straight as Riley speaks. She turns to Xemne. "What do you think, cousin? I would really like to help."
A private thought moved inside Xemne's mind but she did not give it voice and merely smiled. "Braylee, you are a woman who knows her own mind well enough from what I've gathered. If your will is to help them, then so be it. I counsel caution to you and them in this pursuit, especially because I would not like to write to your parents informing them of your demise so soon after they charged me with your welfare."
"Felix and I will do everything in our power to keep her safe. Rhia here is an excellent healer. She will be in good hands. If it looks like the threat is too great, we will call the raid off and return to town for help..."
Xemne's eyes sought Talia's by Riley's side (or close enough with Delfi between them) before settling them on the Half-Elven male. "I do not doubt your word, Riley. We seek the welfare of you all and do not expect you to endanger yourself or my kinswoman for the sake of the town. We have a Sheriff and deputies who will return in a few days and can sort out the troubles, if needs be. The Baroness has asked much of you since your arrival. You do not always have to bend to her will; know this. "
Riley thinks for a moment. "Having some skill in magic would help. Definitely someone who could attack from distance. Felix and I excel in close weapon fighting. We need a companion to cover our backs. What do you think Felix? An archer?"
Talia had not responded anew to Riley for Xemne and Braylee had come and it appeared the young kinswoman of Xemne was eager to join the adventurers upon Riley's prodding. After Xemne had spoken, Talia added, "So, you no longer seek a townsman to aid you with the kobolds?"
Amused at this last, Rhialtyra couldn't help but smile. It was Riley's query to answer, though, and so she said nothing. Still, it seemed that they had indeed gained a fourth member. She hoped it would be enough to offset the loss of both Connor and Anila. She did not know enough to craft a sure thought in that regard.
She thought back to the language she'd heard them calling in and frowned. She remembered that some of their group had spoken with kobolds in a different tongue before, but could not remember what that language was.
"Does anyone recall what language they were speaking...?" she asked, frowning slightly as she tried to think of what tongue it may have been.
Braylee smiles at her cousin's words. "And that is why you are my favorite cousin, Xemne." She has difficulty containing her excitement. "So when do we leave?"
Turning to the oracle, Rhialtyra, you are a healer? Which God do you serve? I am partial to the eternal rose, myself. I have always been interested in divine magic. I have found a way to infuse healing in my potions, but it is nothing spectacular. What other powers do you possess?"
"Does anyone recall what language they were speaking...?" she asked, frowning slightly as she tried to think of what tongue it may have been.
Bray speaks up, "Kobolds? They speak Draconic. I studied their language at the University. A lot of arcane spellcasting involves Draconic symbols."
Xemne mirthfully nodded as Braylee proclaimed her a favourite kinswoman.
Upon the healer's question and her cousin's answer, Xemne nodded, 'Aye, their native tongue is Draconic. I, Talia and Jorje speak it. We could teach you their speech, if you are interested."
"You do not always have to bend to her will; know this."
Riley grins, "Aye, but she is the one offering the coin. We will be careful though."
""So, you no longer seek a townsman to aid you with the kobolds?"
Riley thinks for a minute and then leans forward to look around Delfi. "We did drop from five to four... What do you all think? Should we recruit another? Talia, love, do you have someone in mind who would be an asset?"
At Braylee's confession, "You speak their language, las? This is getting sweeter by the minute, mates."
After Xemne confesses that they speak Draconic, he looks around Delfi at Talia again. "You never cease to amaze me, love."
Riley thinks for a minute and then leans forward to look around Delfi. "We did drop from five to four... What do you all think? Should we recruit another? Talia, love, do you have someone in mind who would be an asset?"
"Emarthine Willoway. She is an Elven Druid who runs Willoway Orchards. She is a friend to my house as well as Xemne's. I believe she would hear us out if you required her aid in this mission against the kobolds. She is quite capable with scythe and sling. And, she does possess divine magic to complement Rhialtyra's."
After Xemne confesses that they speak Draconic, he looks around Delfi at Talia again. "You never cease to amaze me, love."
Talia smiled. "I speak a number of languages. It does come in handy when one is an innkeeper and spends time in the forest."
Felix smiles, his feline teeth shining white against his onyx fur, I would be honored to keep you safe. As for additional help, a druidess would be a welcome addition to this raid.
Turning to the oracle, Rhialtyra, you are a healer? Which God do you serve? I am partial to the eternal rose, myself. I have always been interested in divine magic. I have found a way to infuse healing in my potions, but it is nothing spectacular. What other powers do you possess?"
Rhialtyra smiled at the misunderstanding and explained, "The gods touched me when I was young. I do not worship any one in specific, but instead spend my time with those who grant clues as to the mystery of life."
She shrugged and added, "I can grant a very slight blessing to those in need of help and can seek out poison, magic, or the undead." After a moment's pause, she noted, "I can also grant a very brief sanctuary."
At the revelation that the language was Draconic and there were those presently able to teach it, she nodded. Languages were always good to begin learning. "I would love to learn any amount of the language," she admitted. "If you have the time, I'd ask to be taught."
"I would be honored to keep you safe."
"Are you so sure it won't be the other way around? I mean you being an artist and all. By the way, do you purr when you are happy? It would be helpful to know." Bray jokes with the feline swordsman.
"The gods touched me when I was young. I do not worship any one in specific, but instead spend my time with those who grant clues as to the mystery of life."
Bray listens to Rhialtrya. "Now that is something I have never seen. Most divine casters either worship a deity or nature. You are beautiful by the way." She pauses. "I'd love to work with you on your Draconic as well."
As for additional help, a druidess would be a welcome addition to this raid.
"I can take you up to the orchard now, if you care to meet with Ermathine?", Talia posed to the group, certain they would wish to start sooner rather than later.
"I would love to learn any amount of the language," she admitted. "If you have the time, I'd ask to be taught."
"I'd love to work with you on your Draconic as well."
"Well, Miss Rhialtyra, it seems you have ample tutors at your disposal. Since my cousin means to work with you on the Draconic tongue, then you may count on me, and I'm certain Talia, for any additional lessons."
"I can take you up to the orchard now, if you care to meet with Ermathine?", Talia posed to the group, certain they would wish to start sooner rather than later.
"Although I would enjoy a visit with Ermathine, I have kept the shop closed for too long and I must return to it. I entrust Braylee to your care and hope to see her this evening for supper," and with that the apothecary bids all farewell and squeezes Braylee's shoulder in a reassuring, affectionate way, giving her a "be careful" look before exiting the inn.
"By the way, do you purr when you are happy? It would be helpful to know."
Riley almost spits his rum when the newcomer goads Felix. "I don't know about that, but he sure as hell grumbles when he is not." He throws a tooth pick he has been playing with at Felix.
"I can take you up to the orchard now, if you care to meet with Ermathine?"
Riley stands and grabs his gear. "That sounds great to me. Mates?" He offers his hand to help Delfi and Talia stand.
Riley stands and grabs his gear. "That sounds great to me. Mates?" He offers his hand to help Delfi and Talia stand.
Ever the gentleman, Talia mused to herself as she took his proffered hand with a warm smile and stood.
Delfi watched as Talia took Riley's hand in a lady-like manner and she attempted to imitate the action; determined to be seen as more grownup and also to learn from her sister. "Thanks, Riley", the girl openly recognised the man's gesture.
Talia turned to look at her sister, "I do not want to disappoint you, little sister, but I need you to remain at the inn while I make the introductions at the orchard. Preparations need to be started for the lunch patrons. Can I count on you?". Talia gave her sister an understanding smile.
Delfi was about to sigh out aloud and her shoulders slumped as if disappointed she would not be joining them, but she shook off the feeling and nodded; hazel-eyes holding Talia's brown ones. "Aye, I will remain and get started for when you return."
Talia, seeing the effort Delfi was making to not show her wounded feelings, gently cupped the girl's cheek and replied, "Thank you, dearest. I know the inn is in good hands while I am out." With that Talia removed her apron and placed it behind the bar and made some minor adjustments to her appearance before moving to Riley's side, ready to lead the way.
"Let us proceed," she announced to the small party.
Riley moved over and hugged Delfi before exiting the inn. "I can't wait to see how well you prepare this place for lunch, shorty."
The girl gave Riley a big smile, her warm hazel-eyes reflecting her affection for the man. "I'll do my best!" She then replied a little more quietly, "Will you go directly to the kobold lair after you're done meeting with Mistress Willoway or back here first?"
"Will you go directly to the kobold lair after you're done meeting with Mistress Willoway or back here first?"
Riley grins at the girl's question. "I'm not heading to that lair without swinging back by and getting some good luck from you..." He tousles her hair playfully.
Riley grins at the girl's question. "I'm not heading to that lair without swinging back by and getting some good luck from you..." He tousles her hair playfully.
"I'll pray to Shelyn to keep an eye on you and the others, then. I know the goddess will heed my appeal for she doesn't ever let me down."
Delfi smiles and waves you all off before heading to Jax and Jorge to get the inn ready for the lunch hour.
The walk north along Dewy Road, toward Willoway Orchard was not a long one from The Wise Piper. Soon, the small company note a long farmhouse with two large silos surrounded by fruit-bare apple trees. You can see a number of humans working around the property, mildly pruning some of the older branches and planting saplings.
Talia lifts her hand up to one of the orchard workers. "Good day, Daved. Is Emarthine around?" The middle-aged man doffs his hat, bids her greeting and points her to just beyond the silos. Talia thanks him and leads them in the given direction.
Among the full-grown apple trees, there is a female on the ground by one of the trees, tending to the dirt at its base. When Talia draws closer, she calls, "Good day, Emarthine. Could we have a moment of your time, please? I would like to introduce you to this small company and discuss a matter of urgency with you." The Elven woman turned and looked upon the group.
The Elven woman stands and you brushes the dirt from her knees. She is tall (5'10") and her body slim but well toned from the hard work of running an apple farm. She has long, light brown hair in thick braids with leaf adornments, tanned skin and vivid green eyes. She is comely in a wild Elven way. Her clothes are made of green, brown and blue cloth and furs of brown and silver-grey. She looks directly at each of you and finally a smile breaks across her face when her eyes set on Talia.
"Hail, my friend. It has been far too long since you have visited the orchard, and, you have brought new friends with you. Come, let us sit at the table by the north grove." The Elven druid leads, her strides sure and easy. As she passes another of her workers, she calls out to them, "Ferna, please bring some cool apple cider for my guests." The Human woman nods and moves toward the farmhouse to do as bidden. It isn't long when the woman returns, a tray in her arms - tall jug of the apple cider and cups - and places them on the table and returns to her outdoor work.
"So, I am Emarthine Willoway and I bid you welcome to my orchard. Talia mentioned you have some business of some importance to speak to me about. I would like to hear from you, now."
Riley stands by Talia as she introduces the Elven Druid. "Well met, Emarthine. I am Riley. I'll let Rhia here explain why we came. You have a beautiful orchard.". He takes a drink of the apple cider. "Wow. This is amazing. Thank you."