"You honour me and my House, Master Riley. Thank you."
"Tis nothing love. I am unaccustomed to such hospitality. It is the least that I can do."
Pulling Riley down a little so she could reach his face, she kissed his cheek, too, before giving a little giggle.
It was Riley's turn to blush. The kiss was unexpected. He watched with a smile as the young girl kissed Jax and Jorje. Still watching Delfi as she ascended the stairs, "I never knew my parents. I think to have and lose is worse than to never have. I am sorry for your loss." He pauses and thinks before continuing. "I've never had a sibling either. She is special you know. I am not sure how far you have traveled from this town, but there are very few kind and truly innocent people in this world. She has a rare inner beauty." He trails off.
He pulls his flask from the inside pocket of his cloak and takes a drink. The flask is silver with several fine rubies and sapphires inlaid. The word Lucky has been inscribed into the middle of the flask in ornate lettering.
"It is getting late. Does anything else need to be done for your responsibilities to be completed for the evening?"
Rhialtyra smiled at the sweet child and easily assented: "I don't see why not - weren't we all going to explore in the morn together anyhow?" She grinned at Riley. "Anyways, we'll need ourselves a guard in case any other kobolds come out to cause mischief."
Riley returned the grin. "If they do, I will make them regret their appearance." He made a mental note of the lady's humor. Maybe she is not so bad after all. He decided at that moment that he needed to get to know the woman later when the opportunity presented itself.
Rhialtyra accepted her tea with thanks, sipping it. The warmth soothed her and reminded her of the brightly tinged festivities of Oppara. She seated herself near the fire, still within their merry group, and relaxed, nibbling at some of the remnants from earlier.
"Delfi, Riley, and I have decided to tour in the afternoon instead of the morning," she announced to her companions. "I thought we'd want to change around our schedule considering our new early morning tasklist. Everyone is, of course, still welcome."
After all, knowing the town better wouldn't hurt their investigation any.
”The witch you journey with,” he says, making a strange sign with his hand as he glances at Anila ”is she knowledgeable in history or religion? Perhaps this thing happened on some religious day we know little about? Or perhaps its events were told by the stars – but I am no Seer to know for sure.”
Felix shakes his head and says I must confess I only met her upon this journey, the same as you. That said, I will ask her. As for the explosion, an alchemical source is quite possible from what I smelled.
When he hears Rhia mention touring in the afternoon instead of the morning he nods his head in agreement. A wise course of action.
Felix then sidles up to Anila and says So...interesting day huh? He winks before continuing and saying Any idea of what could have caused that explosion? Connor over there seems to think that you might know on account of you being a magic user and all.
Anila quietly walked back, slightly behind the group. She was glad to have a purpose again but her mind kept running over the events of the last few hours and wondering what they would possibly discover come morning during their search. She hoped they would find the wizard.
Felix then sidles up to Anila and says So...interesting day huh? He winks before continuing and saying Any idea of what could have caused that explosion? Connor over there seems to think that you might know on account of you being a magic user and all.
Interesting, indeed. Anila replies. As for knowing what could have caused the explosion, I too can only guess. I suppose tomorrow morning will bring more answers. I hope to examine further any possible alchemical source. But, we shall see, I suppose
She smiles politely to Felix as she runs a finger over the smooth silver of her mother's ring. Times like these, she thinks of her mother and brother. Seeing the interaction between Talia and Delfi throughout the day makes her ache for her brother's presence. Anila returns to her drink, glad to be surrounded by her companions.
"Tis nothing love. I am unaccustomed to such hospitality. It is the least that I can do."
...Still watching Delfi as she ascended the stairs, "I never knew my parents. I think to have and lose is worse than to never have. I am sorry for your loss." He pauses and thinks before continuing. "I've never had a sibling either. She is special you know. I am not sure how far you have traveled from this town, but there are very few kind and truly innocent people in this world. She has a rare inner beauty." He trails off.
..."It is getting late. Does anything else need to be done for your responsibilities to be completed for the evening?"
Talia considered the Half-Elven male before her - her deep brown eyes closely studying him possibly for the very first time. Had he been orphaned or abandoned as babe? She wondered at his Elven heritage and if he ever tried to locate and learn more of that side of his family. She wondered who had raised him, taught him the ways of the land and life ... She shook herself out of her musings and gave the man a gentle smile as he spoke so kindly of Delfi. "I am sorry." There was a brief pause before she added, "From the moment I saw her, I loved her. If any would try to harm or ruin her, I would kill them or die in the attempt." She felt self-conscious in the admission yet she felt Riley would instinctively understand how she felt. Riley's experiences seemed to have been hard and terrible simply from how he spoke of the world at large. She would not pry and if he wanted to tell her about his life, then he would in his own time.
At his question regarding her last duties, she shook her head, "Once your party have finished their drinks, I'll place the mugs in the kitchen and will leave them to wash in the morning. Jax will lock up and check the inn as his way and I will extinguish the lamps and candles."
After the last drink was handed out and the group were talking quietly among themselves, Talia excused herself from Riley's side and moved to Jorje who was seated by his fiddle. She spoke quietly to the elder man and moved to draw an ornately carved harp from an alcove toward the back of the dining hall and set it beside the fiddler. Jorje had set a chair for his mistress and after adjusting some of the strings, Talia looked up at Riley and then the others and in her melodic voice introduced their final piece, "A pretty melody we would like to play for you before you retire for the evening." And with a gentle smile, Talia settled by the harp and looking to Jorje waited for his cue and they began playing one of the sweetest melodies their guests had ever heard.
Connor continues to sprawl in front of the fire as the others continue to talk.
As he listens to them talk, he suddenly swings himself from the chair and goes to the bar.
”A bottle of your house wine,” he says with a brisk voice, as if he’s in a hurry.
Glancing to Talia he asks her –
”Where is the location of The Sunset House?”
After he gets the wine and his answer, he takes the bottle and exits the Inn.
Anyone can see that his kit is still where he left it before the incident with the Witch Tower. However, he has also left his axe and shield, too; armed only with the shortsword at his belt.
Connor journey’s quick to The Sunset House to meet with Calladastina and ask her something on his mind before the night grows later.
She is an Undertaker, one who attends to the dead. With all the chaos tonight he doubted highly that a knock at her door would seem very surprising or unusual. Even so, he has brought wine as a gift in case the hour is overly late.
Once he arrives at her house he shall knock at her door and ask to speak to her –
Riley walks over and sits on the floor near the fireplace. He leans back against the wall and listens as the two begin to play. A look of amazement fills his eyes as he sees Talia play so beautifully. He closes his eyes as the melody calms him. For the first time in as long as he can remember, he starts to relax and let go. All of his thoughts leave his mind as the music carries him to a happier place. Without realizing it, he drifts off into a deep sleep.
”A bottle of your house wine,” he says with a brisk voice, as if he’s in a hurry.
Jax looked up from the bar and his brow lines furrowed more deeply at the younger man's brisk manner. Since Talia had given instruction to provide her guests with what they required, Jax moved off his stool to the back room and collected a brown bottle filled with the house wine and handed it to the blue-eyed warrior. "With Mistress Talia's compliments", the older man said hoping the younger man realised it was all due to his employer's charity and compassionate nature and it should not be taken for granted.
Glancing to Talia he asks her –
”Where is the location of The Sunset House?”
Talia, caught by surprise at his interest in the Undertaker's abode, gave simple instruction because they had passed near to the house when they examined the tower ruins earlier.
"Please do not tarry too long, Master Connor, for one of us must stay up until you return and then lock the doors." There was a faint note of annoyance as she and her people planned on heading to bed soon as they would all be rising early to prepare for the day ahead. She placed a small smile on her face as she bid him "Safe passage."
Calladastina rose from her bed at the sound of the bell at her door. She lit a candle and put on a house coat and wondered who had died this night, for she seldom had social visitors at this hour.
She opened the door and discovered with some surprise the bright-eyed warrior from the caravan lot standing at the threshold, wine in hand. She was struck mute for a moment before she said, "How may I help you, Connor son of Ceorl?"
Once ushered inside, the warrior asked his questions. She was curious why he had to have such answers at this time of night but she gave him answers just the same.
"No local has ever died in the river. We teach our children from young to mind the river and respect it. The only danger it poses would be the cold water contained within. The water flows down from the mountains - both from the Fog Peaks and The World's Edge Mountains - and is fresh but the temperature is not comfortable especially at night or early morning hours. The river is filled with deeper holes and pockets and when the shadows fall across the water it is hard the gauge depth. Thus, unwise to swim or cross at night when there is no light with which to see." Is this not common for most rivers across the land?, she silently pondered. Did someone tell the warrior that the river had killed some of the townsfolk? "Delfi was found on the river as babe, but as you have seen for yourself she is hale and thriving."
"As to the flooded Old Quarry, there were ten deaths when the tremors first hit and two of the mineshafts caved in, trapping some of the miners under all the stone and wood. It does not help that the old quarry is right near a wetland. Nasty business."
She sat down on an old recliner and drew her house coat about her as the fire has been doused earlier and the chamber was now a little chilly.
"As to any connection - there is none. So, it seems you have come all this way for naught, Connor son of Ceorl. Is there anything else I can answer for you before I bid you good night?"
As the duet came to its sweet conclusion, Talia drew her eyes up as Jorje's final chord was strung and she saw that Riley had fallen asleep by the fire and Connor had yet to return from Calladastina's. Talia stood and bowed and then inclined her head in due respect to Jorje's talent and the beauty of his playing. The elderly fiddler in turn stood and bowed to her and then to his intimate audience. The music had ended for the night.
"We will be closing the inn for the night - one of us will let Connor in when he returns. I bid you a good night."
Talia placed the harp securely on its base and covered it with a fine woven cloth to protect it. She walked quietly to the hearth and gently laid a hand on Riley's shoulder and lightly shook it to rouse him from his sleep and entreat him to climb the stairs to his bed. "Come now, Master Riley, it is time you found your bed. You will be more comfortable there."
The mood quieted and even have become awkward, but the performance by Talia and Jorje was impeccable. The combination of strings drew a smile unbidden to Rhialtyra's face. As it ended and their group dispersed, she thought to wait and ask about when she could expect her bath in the morning, but seeing Talia move towards Riley changed her mind.
She knew not what intentions either of them held, but she'd noticed they'd spent much time beside each other. It was best, she thought, not to interrupt. Quietly, she withdrew, removing herself to her own bed 'til morning.
Riley felt Talia's gentle touch and awoke from his slumber. He looked up to see her face leaning over him. His own face burned with embarrassment at the realization that he had fallen asleep in front of the others. Looking deeply into Talia's eye, "My apologies love. Your performance was beautiful. It has been a long few days and your tunes...well...I felt peace that I haven't felt in quite some time." He stood to his feet and took Talia's hand. Lifting it slowly, he brought it up and kissed the back of it. Thank you once again for your hospitality Talia Orem. I look forward to hearing you perform on the harp again soon." With that, he started ascending the stairs. He took one last look back at Talia before retiring to his room. It was not in his nature to avoid the opportunity to persuade such a beautiful maiden to his bed, but he felt there was something different about Talia. She was not like the woman he had known for the past few years.
Felix nods to Anila before addressing the group as a whole. So I think there are two things that we need to follow up on in the morning. The first is to see what caused the explosion. I suspect it might be alchemical but if we could get clarification on that it would be good. The second is that we have three bodies but I smelled a fourth distinct scent and Connor spotted faint tracks for a fourth as well. If we can find the kobold that made those tracks, we may be on our way to solving this particular mystery. Does anyone else have any ideas or does that sound like a decent way to proceed?
Connor enters her house and places the wine on a nearby table, the offering of it a courtesy from a stranger to his hostess.
After he accepts her invitation to come in and share her information, he listens to her carefully.
”Delfi was found on the river as babe, but as you have seen for yourself she is hale and thriving."
His eyes reveal nothing at this news, yet he considers this information.
She is not the blood kin to Talia, yet is treated as such… Yet her origin on the water? What beast or being put her there? Was it the Fey Folk, perhaps, or some other unknown creature?
Is Delfi a child of Men, or perhaps something else…
As he ponders this, he hears Calladastina warn him about the dangers of swimming in waters, but he is not overly concerned.
He has swam in many rivers in his youth; bathing under starlight and moonlight did not trouble him overmuch.
For a moment he appreciated her concern, yet it seemed to him that she was less worried for his safety than she was gauging what kind of man he was to try something so reckless.
It was foolish of me to do that, perhaps, and dangerous. That said, it is better to learn from her and remember what she has told me on this matter. After all, one of the greatest dangers a man must face is when he refuses to learn from a mistake.
” So, it seems you have come all this way for naught, Connor son of Ceorl. Is there anything else I can answer for you before I bid you good night?"
He cocks his head to the side and watches her thoughtfully, studying her carefully.
He moves closer, then, and stands before her as she sits on her small couch and he looks into her eyes.
”Perhaps I did come for naught, as you say. Yet you have shared with me many things that I would not know if I had not visited you.”
His arm swings out and he grabs the bottle of wine he brought and holds it in his hand, yet he does not offer it.
”As for what I learned this night?”
He glances around the room for a moment, then he looks at her again.
”A wise man cannot truly say he knows a thing without studying it carefully. Yet if he is to be truly sure of something then it is best for him to take it in his own hands and test its quality himself,” he says with a quiet voice, his eyes still on hers as he looks at her on the couch beneath him.
His gaze lingers long on her as he watches her in silence, then he smiles.
”For myself, at the least I see that you are cold and desire warmth,” his blue eyes continuing to watch her from under the strands of hair which hang over his face.
He says nothing for a long moment as he studies her.
Then he draws closer to her.
”For now, I hope this shall keep you warm,” he says with a soft voice, yet he seems to check a sudden thought and then places the bottle of wine in her hands.
He pulls back from her, and seems to remember his manners as a guest in another’s house and seems to relax a little.
”Perhaps we shall have the chance to talk again soon, Calladastina Honas. I think that maybe that might be a good talk, if you do not mind my company,” he says in a more respectful tone as her formal guest, yet his manner is still friendly.
”Meanwhile, I thank you for your help and I look forward to the chance to visiting your house again.”
”Until that time, may you have a good night,” he says to her.
Anila listens closely to Felix, I think that is a wise course of action, sir. I, of course will be happy to assist in any way I can. Thank you for providing us some additional information to consider before our search tomorrow.
Turning to what is left of the group she says, I bid you all goodnight and restful sleep. Once again, Miss Talia, thank you for your hospitality.
Anila retreats to her room for the evening, falling into the soft bed and quickly doses off to sleep.
"Your performance was beautiful. It has been a long few days and your tunes...well...I felt peace that I haven't felt in quite some time." He stood to his feet and took Talia's hand. Lifting it slowly, he brought it up and kissed the back of it. "Thank you once again for your hospitality Talia Orem. I look forward to hearing you perform on the harp again soon." With that, he started ascending the stairs. He took one last look back at Talia before retiring to his room.
He managed to keep her surprised by his actions or words. "It does my heart good that you enjoyed the music. I have been playing since I was a child, with Jorje as my music teacher." The top of her hand still tingled from his light kiss. She gave a soft, nervous laugh - suddenly shy in his presence and then quietly assured him he would hear her play, again, soon.
Turning to what is left of the group she says, "I bid you all goodnight and restful sleep. Once again, Miss Talia, thank you for your hospitality."
The other beautiful woman in Riley's party rescued her from any further awkwardness and Talia turned upon her words of gratitude, "Mistress Anila, it is the least I can do. The copper tub has been brought upstairs and hot water shall be provided for you and Mistress Rhialtyra in the morning. Good night and rest well."
Then he draws closer to her.
”For now, I hope this shall keep you warm,” he says with a soft voice, yet he seems to check a sudden thought and then places the bottle of wine in her hands.
He pulls back from her, and seems to remember his manners as a guest in another’s house and seems to relax a little.
”Perhaps we shall have the chance to talk again soon, Calladastina Honas. I think that maybe that might be a good talk, if you do not mind my company...”
Calladastina held the wine bottle in both hands as to steady her quickening heartbeat. The bright-eyed warrior's gaze was fully on her in the shadowed sitting room. She had not immediately realised the intimacy of their current circumstance, and, though his eyes were bright and studied her intently, his words were polite and respectable. Still, his presence seemed to fill the humble chamber - the man's height and vigour commanded one's attention.
"Ye-s", Calladastina stammered softly from her place in the chair. He seemed even bigger standing before her. "If you mean to stay in town a little longer, then I am certain our paths will cross at some point. Take care walking back to the inn", and she almost groaned for the man looked capable enough to handle himself. She attempted to stand and at first could not for he was right before her. But as he made his way to the door, she stood and followed, extending courtesy to a guest on their departure.
"Good night", and she could not help it but her face suddenly felt hot and her cheeks were flushed like a school girl's as she watched Connor step out and begin walking back down the path to the road and the direction of The Wise Piper. She closed and latched the door and then realised she was still holding onto the wine he had given her. Calladastina's heart still beat quickly in her chest and she placed the bottle down on the sideboard and then took her candle and climbed the stairs to her bedchamber - a myriad of thoughts tumbling through her mind. What an unusual and eventful night...
"This seems a reasonable plan," Rhialtyra nodded her assent. "I'd thought there were only three tracks to lead us to a dead end. that there is a fourth is welcome news indeed." Any clues were better than no clues, after all.
Delfi walked swiftly through the corridors, gently knocking on each of the doors to the guest chambers and politely declaring, "Good morning! Breakfast is served in the dining hall. Baths to follow."
When the party is ready and descend the stairs, they can immediately smell the scrumptious fare set on the table to break their fast.
There were jugs of watered wine and ale, freshly baked pumpkin bread, smoked trout fillets, two small wheels of mildly sweet cheese and a pot full of creamy porridge with the distinct fragrance of apple and cinnamon; the spurtle to the side of the pot, a neat pile of wooden bowls and spoons and a stout pot of amber-coloured honey for those who would partake.
The early morning sunlight gently filtered through the windows and the room was once again filled with fresh flowers in bowls. There was a small fire lit in the hearth.
Talia, with her hair swept up for she had been working, welcomed them to the dining hall, "Good morning. I hope you all slept well for you have a busy day ahead of you. Please take a seat and break your fast." She smiled warmly at each of her guests and then politely excused herself and moved back to the kitchen.
Connor had risen at 6:00 AM.
While the sun did not rise until roughly 7:00 this late in Pharast, he had no issue at waking up early to help the people in the tavern prepare the morning meal. If they needed help in chopping wood for the fire, or cooking the bread, or whatever task or duty – he will do what he can to help.
During this time he speaks to Talia –
”You have a fine House, Talia Orem and I thank you again for your courtesy,” he says to her as he works.
If she asks why he is helping, or why she is working, he will respond –
”It is the least I can do. You have been good to me and my companions, I am happy to help,” he adds.
He does not mention his abrupt departure last night, or taking the wine. It seems he does not think these were an issue to her or her people, or perhaps he simply doesn’t understand that it may have been an issue; likely do to cultural differences.
In any case, he seems content to move forward and do what he can to help her people get ready for the day.
When the breakfast is ready, he helps Talia bring it out to the table and listens her speak –
Talia, with her hair swept up for she had been working, welcomed them to the dining hall, "Good morning. I hope you all slept well for you have a busy day ahead of you. Please take a seat and break your fast." She smiled warmly at each of her guests and then politely excused herself and moved back to the kitchen.
When breakfast is served he tears into it with eager enthusiasm and does not interrupt his eating with distractions such as conversation until he has finished his meal. It seems as if he is used to eating quickly; as if either someone else may try to take what is before him for his own, or perhaps as if he assumes that eating slowly would only slow him down.
As for the offered baths, he seems more eager to start, and for now he simply cleans his hands and beard as before.
During the morning he seems to behave exactly how he did the previous night in how he treats Talia and the others. However, there seems to be a subtle difference in how he reacts to Delfi.
He watches her more carefully while he eats, and he seems to be paying a great amount of attention to how Delfi is acting and how the others – especially Talia – are treating her. However, whatever has prompted this observation is something he does not share at this time…
When he has washed his hands and face, he leans back in his chair and studies the others.
”There are many things that need to be done today if we are to help our new employer,” he says to them, pausing now to drink from a cup of mead.
”There was a fourth set of tracks that we did not pursue, for the night was dark and it was hard to find them. Tracks fade over time; it would be good to search for them sooner, rather than later, I think.”
He looks at the others thoughtfully.
”Besides following those tracks, what ideas do the rest of you have?” he asks the group.
Rhialtyra woke with the sun and was bemused to hear the quiet clatter from the kitchen and tables below. She sat up, staring sightlessly at the wall before her. She did well enough on some mornings, but not so well on others.
Delfi walked swiftly through the corridors, gently knocking on each of the doors to the guest chambers and politely declaring, "Good morning! Breakfast is served in the dining hall. Baths to follow."
Oh, right. Breakfast and bathing. Rhialtyra would feel like a new woman after a nice hot soak. She squirmed into her clothes and rubbed at her eyes. She rolled up her sleeves and used a pitcher of water and a bowl to splash her face and bring some wakefulness to herself.
The aasimar took a few minutes to run her fingers through her long hair, seeking out any tangles or snarls to fix. Once she was certain her hair wasn’t going to snag unpleasantly on something, she let it be – she was going to bathe soon, anyways – and exited her room to join the others below.
As soon as she stepped out of her room, she was met with the enticing scent of pumpkin bread, fish, and apples. Made hungry by the delicious smells and curious to see their source, she stepped lightly down the stairs. Her mouth watered at the sight of the spread.
Talia, with her hair swept up for she had been working, welcomed them to the dining hall, "Good morning. I hope you all slept well for you have a busy day ahead of you. Please take a seat and break your fast." She smiled warmly at each of her guests and then politely excused herself and moved back to the kitchen.
“Good morning,” Rhialtyra managed, returning the woman’s smile before she left them to go about their business. She paused by the flowers to take in their scent before finding herself a seat. Her hair, she distantly observed, shimmered rather a lot more obviously in the day light than it did in last night's firelight. She supposed it'd be more obvious to locals today, and made a mental note to braid it tightly later so as to minimize the shine. It could be distracting to some, and several times, she'd had strange men follow her in the streets before realizing it was her actual hair and no strange net of silver bound in with her black strands.
Once seated, she took a moment to look at those who were seated and those who were still coming down, smiling brightly at each of them as she passed on the morning greeting: “Good morning!”
Connor, she saw, was busy with his breakfast, so she didn’t expect a response. Rather, it reminded her that she could be eating.
She served herself some of the porridge, eying the porridge. She took a spoonful and was very pleasantly surprised – it was rich and creamy and didn’t feel thick on her tongue at all. She gave the remaining porridge a quick stir before replacing the spurtle and added some honey to her bowl. She mixed it in with a spoon and took a small slice each of the pumpkin bread and the cheese.
Taking a bite of each, she made a pleased humming sound before digging into her own breakfast, her enjoyment obvious.
When Connor finally spoke, Rhialtyra shrugged.
“Felix, Anila, and myself are all agreed that we should look to the source of the tracks. It was a course of action we decided on last evening,” she said. “I thought we’d be able to see what other clues we could find at the scene in the light of day before going on our tour of Belhaim with Delfi.” In between neat bites of bread and cheese, she added, “It is my thought that this tour will give us a way to interact with the locals and learn what information they might have.”
”You have a fine House, Talia Orem and I thank you again for your courtesy,” he says to her as he works.
....
”It is the least I can do. You have been good to me and my companions, I am happy to help,” he adds.
"Again I thank you for the praise you give me, my people and this establishment, Master Connor." There were five loaves of freshly baked bread just turned out of the wood-fire oven and now cooling on the bench, a light, linen cloth draped over each loaf. Connor could smell the different fragrances coming from the bread - pumpkin, lemon and thyme, corn.
Connor's presence before sunrise had surprised Talia for the man had returned at a late hour last eve and then had risen early. Perhaps his people are used to keeping such hours...
When he asked if he could help she did not want to offend him so she gave him the task of chopping the wood and stacking some of the shorter logs under the stone shelf of the hearth for the morning fire. She even gave him the task of starting the fire to keep the warrior occupied as she and her people moved about their daily tasks with practiced precision.
She surveyed his work outside and in the stone alcove and was impressed that Connor was good at chopping wood and stacking the logs neatly and safely. It saved Jax from undertaking the task this day.
She inclined her head upon each person's entrance and greeting in the hall.
As she had set the food on the table, Connor had offered to carry the pot with the porridge for her. As soon as he began to eat, Talia noticed his gaze settle on Delfi time and again. His expression and attention unsettled her this morning and she asked him quietly while the others were occupied filling their plates and bowls,
"Why do you stare at my sister so? I have noted it and respectfully ask for explanation lest I judge it for some disagreeable reason and that will not do, Master Connor."
Connor seems surprised at the question, but does not mind answering it.
"I was looking at her because it occurs to me that you do not look very much like sisters. I was curious to see if there was a greater resemblance between you two, now that the sun is up and I can see you both better," he says with a shrug.
He watches her for a moment, studying her eyes as if gauging her thoughts or intent.
"Were my looks a problem?" he asks her, not trying to be rude, but genuinely curious to see what was bothering Talia, other than the fact that Talia's obvious protectiveness of Delfi may have encouraged her to be defensive of the girl when no insult was meant.
For now he waits to hear what Talia may say before he offers any other explanation.
As Connor leans back in his chair and sips the mead, he hears Rhialtyra make her response to her question.
“Felix, Anila, and myself are all agreed that we should look to the source of the tracks. It was a course of action we decided on last evening,” she said. “I thought we’d be able to see what other clues we could find at the scene in the light of day before going on our tour of Belhaim with Delfi.” In between neat bites of bread and cheese, she added, “It is my thought that this tour will give us a way to interact with the locals and learn what information they might have.”
Connor’s eyes narrow at this and he takes another gulp of the mead before answering.
”It sounds like a worthy plan,” he say slowly, his eyes flicking to Delfi, then Talia, then back to Rhialtyra.
”But, maybe, it might be good to see what those results reveal before planning anything further. After all, no one knows where the tracks may lead or how long they shall take to follow to their ending...”
He grabs the pitcher on the table and pours another draught of mead and takes a gulp of it and then picks a crust of bread from the table and mops the remains of his porridge from the bowl with it.
”Of course if that task is done quickly then your plans seem to be quite reasonable," he adds, then swallows the bread, now damp with porridge, and then takes another drink of mead.
He glances over at Riley –
”And what of you, Son of Rylin'dar? Will you journey to seek the tracks – and what may follow – or do you have other duties you wish to see to now that you have eaten?” he asks Riley curiously, not sure if Riley was also going to journey with Rhialtyra, Felix and Anila, or if he did indeed have some other errand.
"I was looking at her because it occurs to me that you do not look very much like sisters. I was curious to see if there was a greater resemblance between you two, now that the sun is up and I can see you both better," he says with a shrug.
He watches her for a moment, studying her eyes as if gauging her thoughts or intent.
"Were my looks a problem?" he asks her, not trying to be rude, but genuinely curious to see what was bothering Talia, other than the fact that Talia's obvious protectiveness of Delfi may have encouraged her to be defensive of the girl when no insult was meant.
Talia tilted her head and scrutinised the warrior. "Not all siblings resemble each other, Master Connor. If it was not an issue for you last eve, then why is it so this morning? Our physical features would not have changed overly much from candlelight to sunlight. And aye, your look suggested something more that your words you do not say. If you've a question, then ask it, and if not, please do not stare at my little sister so. It may discomfort her." The Taldan woman kept her voice low/discreet but her deep brown gaze was fixed on Connor.
"Not all siblings resemble each other, Master Connor. If it was not an issue for you last eve, then why is it so this morning? Our physical features would not have changed overly much from candlelight to sunlight. And aye, your look suggested something more that your words you do not say. If you've a question, then ask it, and if not, please do not stare at my little sister so. It may discomfort her."
Connor's eyes widen in surprise at her response and he holds up his hands as if to forestall any trouble.
"No insult was meant, Talia Orem,' he says to her with a sincere voice.
While he would have asked more questions, it seemed to him now that given Talia's response to him that any more comments or questions on the subject will likely arouse ire and that was not his intention.
"From now on I shall keep my looks to myself. After all, I am your guest and I do not wish to cause any trouble in your House," he adds.
"Know that while I am your guest I merely wish to do what I can to aid your Jarl and determine what has caused the cause of the collapse of the tower. As for you and Delfi, I have no pressing questions to ask at this time and I did not mean to cause any issue."
"Thank you again for your breakfast, it was very good," he adds with a polite voice.
Riley awoke from Delfi's knock with his head pounding. The light that penetrated his room blinded him and only compounded his pain. He sat up and scratched his head, leaving the back of his hair messy. He leaned over and picked up his flask, slowly removing the cap and taking a long draw of rum. He slowly dressed and then drug himself down the stairs.
Riley was the last to arrive. He squinted at the light of the common room then smiled and nodded at the others as he headed over to the table. He sat down and rubbed his head once again. "Good morning mates." He loaded his plate with the fine food before him and poured a mug of mead. When he saw Delfi, he smiled and gave her a wink.
”And what of you, Son of Rylin'dar? Will you journey to seek the tracks – and what may follow – or do you have other duties you wish to see to now that you have eaten?”
The food seemed to revive Riley. After about twenty minutes of quiet, he started looking around more. "I am in as well. We need to find out what is going on and stop it if it presents a danger to this village."
Finally, he snuck a look at Talia. When he caught her eyes, he gazed at her for a bit and then gave her a crooked smile. He was rattled by how quickly he had developed feelings for the woman and her little sister.
The food seemed to revive Riley. After about twenty minutes of quiet, he started looking around more. "I am in as well. We need to find out what is going on and stop it if it presents a danger to this village."
"Aye," Connor answers dryly as he sips his mead and peers at Riley over the rim of his cup.
"Perhaps it would be good to plan the particulars?" he presses.
"The tracks of the last kobold were seen by the ruined tower. And discovering the reason the tower fell is our chief duty to our employer."
"It seems likely that the kobolds and the fall of the tower are not coincidental. If we go to the tower and search more thoroughly for tracks while others search the rubble of the tower, then maybe we can accomplish both tasks at the same time and while journeying together?" he says.
"That is, assuming we are all agreed to searching for both tracks and the ruins of the tower?" he adds, glancing at the others.
"That is, assuming we are all agreed to searching for both tracks and the ruins of the tower?"
Riley leans back and looks at the others, "I am game for both. My gut says the local wizard is involved somehow. What do you guys think? Head to the tower and check the tracks...then...see if there is a way into the ruins?"
Riley leans back and looks at the others, "I am game for both. My gut says the local wizard is involved somehow. What do you guys think? Head to the tower and check the tracks...then...see if there is a way into the ruins?"
Connor's eyes narrow at the mention of the wizard, for he was generally suspicious of those who dabbled in the Arcane Arts.
That said, it seemed more than likely to him that the wizard could be connected to some nefarious scheme.
He nods at Riley.
"Very good!" he says and thumps the table.
"We have eaten and the sun is up. If we are agreed, then let us go investigate the ruins," he says.
He makes no mention of the bath but this is not surprising.
While a bath would feel good that would take time and they have a job to perform and little time to do it.
"I shall fetch my gear and then we may be about our business," he says standing up from the table.
Felix groans at the sound of Delfi's knock and voice, not being much of a morning person. After getting dressed and geared up, he heads downstairs, yawnng the whole way.
Hearing Connor stand up and say that they should leave he says Planning on leaving without me? I'm wounded Connor that you dismiss me so. He finishes with a hand over his heart in mock pain.
Anila woke at the gentle knock on her door. She dresses quickly before heading downstairs. As she heads down the stairs, she took a deep breath, luxuriating in the delicious smells wafting up from the kitchen. As she joined the group at the table, she says Good morning, everyone.
Tucking into her pumpkin bread and the wonderfully sweet porridge, she listens to the discussion of the plans for the morning. As she finished her meal she spoke up to the group again, As I'm not very skilled in tracking, I feel my skills would be most useful searching the tower for alchemical traces that Felix had mentioned smelling, as well as attempting to speak with the wizard.
Planning on leaving without me? I'm wounded Connor that you dismiss me so. He finishes with a hand over his heart in mock pain.
Connor turns his blue eyes to Felix -
"We have eaten and there is work to be done," he says.
"Perhaps it shall be easier for you to put aside your weariness when you are hunting prey, my friend," he says with a crooked grin at Felix, confident that the Man-Cat will find himself more animated when they have started the hunt in earnest.
As I'm not very skilled in tracking, I feel my skills would be most useful searching the tower for alchemical traces that Felix had mentioned smelling, as well as attempting to speak with the wizard.
Connor turns to Anila and stares at her for a long moment, then nods slowly.
"If you wish to search the home of the wizard it would be wise to be cautious. There was a charred body on his doorstep, likely it was burned from some dark spell," he mutters.
"As for the tracks? Who knows where they went, or where they came from... We may have a long journey if we desire to follow them to their origin, perhaps," he adds, then glances around.
"That said; are we all resolved on this matter? Shall we leave now, or is there some errand more pressing?" he says, then turns a glance to Rhialtyra Sunaki and waits to hear what she may have to say.
"That is, assuming we are all agreed to searching for both tracks and the ruins of the tower?" he adds, glancing at the others.
"My understanding was as such, yes," Rhialtyra nods, her expression agreeable as she polishes off her porridge.
"We have eaten and the sun is up. If we are agreed, then let us go investigate the ruins," he says.
He makes no mention of the bath but this is not surprising.
While a bath would feel good that would take time and they have a job to perform and little time to do it.
"I shall fetch my gear and then we may be about our business," he says standing up from the table.
Money wasn't a concern for her and her interest in this matter was partially one of obligation to Mistress Talia and partially curiosity. Though Connor made no mention of a bath, she and Anila both had requested heavy tubs be moved to their room and filled with hot water.
"That said; are we all resolved on this matter? Shall we leave now, or is there some errand more pressing?" he says, then turns a glance to Rhialtyra Sunaki and waits to hear what she may have to say.
"You may go ahead of us, then," she responded. Nodding to Anila, she acknowledged, "Or of me if you'd rather go with them right away." She didn't point out that it would be churlish of them to request baths and then simply leave. Preparing a bath took time and manpower. Not only did they have to move the tubs to their rooms, but they'd also have to carry pails of hot water to fill them. Though she herself had no intention of wasting their hosts' efforts, she didn't want to suggest that Anila was being rude. This matter was, of course, one that she had committed herself to the night prior.
Having finished her delicious morning fare, she stood, adding, "It would be best to have care with the wizard, as Connor advises, but if you look to the ruins first, I will likely have finished bathing and be available to those who require healing."
After a moment's consideration, she informed them: "I have some skill with tracking, so if you must go on ahead, leave a marker behind and I will follow as swiftly as I can."
With her piece spoken and no desire for argument or debate, she turned and stepped away, going into the kitchen to find Talia.
"It would be best to have care with the wizard, as Connor advises, but if you look to the ruins first, I will likely have finished bathing and be available to those who require healing."
Connor says nothing, but his eyes widen in surprise at her words.
He looks at the others for a moment, then at the cuckoo clock on the wall and marks the time as Rhialtyra continues to ponder things.
His eyes flick back to her rapidly and she continues to address them.
"I have some skill with tracking, so if you must go on ahead, leave a marker behind and I will follow as swiftly as I can."
Seeing her turn and wander off without permitting them further questions on how she may find them, or what might be done if one of their party is seriously injured and she is not present, causes a ripple of emotion to pass over Connor's eyes.
Before his thoughts can be analyzed he promptly smooths his expression into one of a practiced lack of emotion.
He turns to the others -
"I shall be back in a moment," he says to them.
Turning, he makes a dash for the stairs and bounds up them two at a time, then returns to the dining hall a moment or two later with his full kit over his shoulder and dumps it on the ground near the table.
Picking up the gear, he begins to put on his armor and looks at the others.
He glances toward the clock again as he cinches a strap on his armor and speaks -
"The Jarl of this town has asked us to do a thing and we have agreed. That duty was to be completed by nightfall this evening; that leaves us less than twelve hours to accomplish our task," he says to the others.
"The Jarl is surely eager to have this matter resolved and has placed her trust in us for she has no others to do this thing for her. Yet they shall returns soon. It is likely that if we fail to solve this thing for her than we may have to deal with more than a simple lack of gold."
He turns to Felix -
"You sing like a bragi, and I would wager you are at least as clever as one," he says, using the word of his people for "bard" for Felix as he tightens the girth to his sword belt.
It seems that when Connor is excited or eager to act he has a tendency to lapse into his native tongue...
Meanwhile, he tightens a strap near his shoulder while he watches Felix.
"Can you heal the wounded if they fall? Given that there is at least one threat that has left the tower - and perhaps more - it would ease my mind to have a shield brother who is able to do such things as heal when we have fallen," he adds.
He turns to Riley and Anila -
"I do not know your skills wholly, yet if either of you are able to heal one of the fallen than I shall be pleased," he tells them.
As soon as his armor is on, he picks up his weapons and slings his shield over his back and hangs his kit over his shoulder.
He turns to Anila -
"Will you come with us now, or do you wish to continue to wait here with the one named Rhialtyra Sunaki?" he says with a jerk of his head at the door which the Healer had wandered through earlier.
Felix says My apologies for the late start but if I am to be at my best it would not do to go hungry so I will break my fast and then head out. I would not want our hostess's fine food to go uneaten as that would be a tragedy of epic proportions. If you wish to head out first and take a look around, Connor and Riley, please do so but I would ask that if you find anything you wait for us to join you before proceeding. Thank you. As for the spell of healing, unfortunately it is not one I have learned yet.
Felix will eat his food, taking care to make sure all his companions are ready before heading out. Felix has a general attitude that things happen in their own time. As he is eating, his thoughts stray to another tavern that he had visited several years ago and he begins to speak aloud to whomever is nearby. This inn reminds me of a wonderful tavern I frequented in Andoran. It was a nice quiet place but one day a guy wearing black robes and reeking of the grave walks in. Strangely the man is being strangled by a severed hand.
The bartender mumbles “We don’t serve no death mages here…”
The guy in the robes gasps and mangages to whisper, “One drink…”
The bartender looks at the poor guy shakes his head and says “Ok, one. What will you have”
The customer says “Make it a stiff one” As he says stiff the hand seems to squeeze harder.
The bartender puts out a mug of ale. “It’s pretty strong, made it myself”.
The guy in robes gasps “Stiffer!”.
The barkeep puts out a Elven Wine.
“Stiffer!” The guy in robes is starting to pass out.
The barkeep quickly runs to the cellar and gets a flask of dwarven whiskey. When he runs up the guy in the robes is on one knee.
The barkeep wants to honor this guys last request so he pours him a shot and hands it to the guy in robes. The necromancer pours it on the hand and it falls to the ground.
The mage regains his composure, throws some gold on the bar and leaves with the hand following behind him.
The bartender yells after him “That was amazing, what was that all about”
To which the necromancer says, “It takes a potent spirit to control the dead.” Felix smiles and raises his glass after the joke lands.
Felix says My apologies for the late start but if I am to be at my best it would not do to go hungry so I will break my fast and then head out. I would not want our hostess's fine food to go uneaten as that would be a tragedy of epic proportions. If you wish to head out first and take a look around, Connor and Riley, please do so but I would ask that if you find anything you wait for us to join you before proceeding. Thank you."
Connor seems to tense at this; he did not expect the entire party to be so divided, but takes a deep breath as he considers this.
Having seen the bath houses in the High Courts of the River Kingdoms, he is well aware that a hot bath is an event that could take far longer than simply cleaning the filth from one's body and seems eager to start rather then proceed with such a seemingly languid pace as his companions.
He turns to Riley and Anila -
"Will you two wait here as well, or are you eager to start? Also, if you know of any healing magic, that could prove useful," he says to them.
As for the spell of healing, unfortunately it is not one I have learned yet.
He glances to Felix -
"Then we must trust to our Fortune and be sure we are not injured," he says somewhat dryly.
As he waits to hear from Riley and Anila he hears Felix launch into a tale and turns to listen intently, sensing some possible piece of useful news or valuable lore to be imparted on them.
His eyes remain focused as Felix draws to the conclusion with a slow relish -
“...It takes a potent spirit to control the dead.”
All of Connor's years of controlling his emotions cannot keep him from suddenly raising his hand to his face and pinching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger as his eyes close tightly at the conclusion as he shakes his head slowly...
Anila was pleased to hear that some of her companions would remain at the inn long enough for her to get a short bath in. She also didn't wish to seem rude to the staff at the inn, considering she had requested a bath and they had done so much for the group over the past couple of days.
He turns to Riley and Anila -"Will you two wait here as well, or are you eager to start? Also, if you know of any healing magic, that could prove useful," he says to them.
Anila responds to those still awaiting her reply, "I will also wait here with Rhia and Felix. I have no healing magic or tracking. I shall join you at the tower ruins where I can assist in the investigation of the tower collapse."
With that, Anila stands to leave the table so she can return to her room to have her bath and prepare herself for the days events.
Riley continues to drink from his mug. He watches as the others discuss their plans. He listens intently at Felix's joke and gives him a chuckle after the punch line, lifting his mug to salute the bard's humor.
"Let's not be in such a hurry Connor. The morning is early and the mead is fresh. I do not mind waiting a bit for the ladies to freshen up. Besides, by the time you get that armor on they will just about be finished."
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With baths completed, armour donned and general preparations finalised, the party left The Wise Piper and made their way along Canteclure Raod and up along Old Quarry Road to reach the top of the hill and the place where the Witch Tower once stood whole.
The morning air was still fresh, especially atop the hill, and the sky was clear and blue. The only sound filling the air was the occasional caw of passing birds. Dust motes still floated about the ruined structure as well as a very fine mist vapour which clung to the tower remains and would soon evaporate with the light wind. Gathered around the rubble of the collapsed tower, your party can see that only fragments of the first and second floors still stand. The tower's ancient iron front door remains in place, but there is rubble blocking it from the other side, preventing anyone from using the door to enter the tower. The enormous heap of cracked stone and splintered wood from the tower lies in a low mound, here, and tumbles partially down the hill to the southeast. The mound of rubble seems to form a natural ramp leading up to the now-exposed second floor of the tower above you.
Visual in front of collapsed Witch Tower
Felix looks it over and says Perhaps we should start at the top and work our way down?
First thing he does however, is do a quick scent check around the perimeter and then beginning to head up the ramp.
Time: 8.20AM
Location: The Witch Tower Ruins
Connor strides to the tower and studies it for a long time.
Whatever he is thinking he keeps to himself.
Felix looks it over and says Perhaps we should start at the top and work our way down?
Connor watches Felix's search and peers at the Man-Cat as he watches him ascend the rock.
As Felix moves up, Connor will instead make a wide circle around the entire perimeter, searching for any tracks from a threat which may have headed away to the north.
You still smell the distinctive scent of kobolds - dead and living. Although the smell of the living kobolds isn't as strong as the dead, the scent is there as if kobolds passed through or spent some time in the tower the past 24 hours. There's also a distinctive human smell but you are not certain whether it is just from the procession of humans the night before. As you step foot on the rubble, you catch a whiff of the alchemical smell you noted last eve. There is a foul scent - something deeper in the structure itself.
You note two things: 1. The bulk of the tower seems to have crumbled into a sink hole (although from your current vantage point it is impossible to tell how much of the basement survived) and 2. The rubble is unstable and could shift readily if not traversed carefully.
"Perhaps we should start at the top and work our way down?"
Riley agrees with the bard. "Let me check to see if it is safe. You guys follow along a little bit back just in case."
Riley slowly starts moving up the rubble ramp. He tests the stability of the rubble and looks for danger.
Your keen eyes search the ground and surrounding grassland behind the tower (to the north east) and are frustrated to find no kobold tracks or even sign of recent passage - especially no sign of the mysterious, fourth kobold from last eve. It appears it did not traverse this part of the property. You begin to contemplate why there would be no tracks around the property and especially behind the property where you paid closer attention. If it ran away, when its companions had perished, then where did it go and how did it move?
As soon as you step foot on the rubble pile, you begin to feel the rolling rock beneath your booted feet. As you start to slowly move forward, you gain ground but smaller rocks begin to shift and some tumble down the ramp. You determine, via sight, the rubble isn't entirely stable. You do determine that the rubble ramp is however the easiest way to reach the remainder of second floor.
Riley manages to start climbing and keeps his footing rather well on the rubble ramp.
Felix moves, catlike, up the rubble after Riley.
Felix makes his way up, almost falling the second half but manages to barely catch himself.
Felix successfully makes his way up the unstable rubble ramp to the exposed second floor.