Flattery gets you many places, Nicat. Not all of them, but I do appreciate compliments.
She smiles a coy smile, or as coy as she can given the gore and other... disgusting scenes of battle around her.
Although I think he may have seen me as a healer. Maybe we should find out later, right now let's get to the inn. I've had all the excitement I can stand for the day.
Thank you very much, Miss. I will have what' he's having.
She nods to Darpan
Although I'll have a slightly stronger drink.
She winks at Darpan to show the joke. Smiling again.
She sits at the table and takes a sip of the slightly cinnamon flavored spirits she was served.
Well... not what I expected in the drink, but it's delicious.
After she seemingly collects herself with her drink, liquid courage and all, she looks to Nicat. Why would any nobleman from Magnimar be interested in me, other than... well... you know. She frowns at her thought.
Although, Nicat, if he does have such "buckets of gold," perhaps he could be of assistance with employment? If it's healing he needs, I can certainly help with that. While I may be a priestess, I am certainly not paid by the church. Heavens, I'm lucky to have the skirt I wear.
Thinking about that last comment, she blushes deeply, commenting even further, blushing a deeper shade of red with each word.
One would think I was a who--err... priestess of Calistria in that kind of getup!
At that her eyes seem shocked at the words that had come out of her mouth, she quickly takes another sip of the cinnamon spirits and quiets down, appearing quite pleased with the food when it's arrived, she begins eating in earnest.
So, does anyone else want to visit the benefactor of this evening tomorrow?
"I suppose that it would be in good form to thank the gentleman for his gift. Perhaps he might be able to help me with my quest. Or not, but I think I shall accompany you Chavana, if only to ensure proper decorum."
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The bear settles in well, with a hearty appetite for food and drink.
He listens for a while, and when next steps come up he interjects in the heavy Varasian accent that belies his beastial features, and speaks more like you would expect a Szcarni grifter to than a lumbering half-orc...
"I'm game to see this princeling again. I'll be honest with you folks, as we've fought and bled together. I've got little thought for the next steps I might take, my Caravan will be moving on without me. That said, it seems we worked pretty well together when trouble hit and I daresay we could find more profitable trouble if we travelled together as swords for hire or adventurers."
Nicat grins, and then begins to chuckle and laugh aloud, as Chavana talks her way into a brief moment of blushing embarassment. Raising his pint of ale and smiling good-naturedly, he toasts her "To you, Chavana, and to Milani's healing power. You saved me today, and I thank you for it. And it's a lovely skirt, by the way. And I'm sure if we do any work for Foxglove, you'll be able to afford an even finer one."
After Ulrich makes his suggestion, Nicat lights up with excitement, bobbing in his chair in a way that makes clear he is still very young and eager, "The Bear is right, we could all take up together, travelling as adventurers." Nicat gestures at Ulrich with his glass and continues, "With your strength and Voren's, Darpan's bow, Chavana's powers, and my catlike grace and swift blades, my winning personality and natural charm - and Desna's favor, don't forget - we could take on anything! And make some gold in the process! What do you say?"
Chavana smiles at Ulrich and Nicat's conversation. Not one for the rough and tumble such as Ulrich and Nicat are suggesting, she does see that they are allies... perhaps friends in time.
Chavana politely raises her small glass to the toast, smiling at Nicat.
"I can certainly help. I do hope we can work together to do more good for the area. Even if it means clearing and chasing away goblins in the future.
I do agree, Mr. Bear, we do work well together. Mr. Voren, what do you say?"
Darpan looks at the people around the table and is not sure what to think. He is an outsider in this strange place, and has a quest of his own to follow, but still feels drawn to the friendly camaraderie of the party. For the time, he decides, he will continue with these people and see where they lead him.
"The Master of Masters shows many different paths to the same goal! I would be honoured to travel with you for a time. Perhaps you will lead me to the answers I am searching for."
After some time talking and enjoying the free food and drink you are shown to your rooms Chavana, Nicat and Darpan given larger rooms while Voren and Ulrich have slightly smaller, but still comfortable rooms. Either resting or drinking through the night, there is little more excitement through the evening. As the sun rises on a new day, a courier finds each of you to deliver two messages. One from the Mayor requests your presence as soon as possible at city hall to discuss last nights events. The other from Aldern noting he'll be available in the afternoon and would love to meet.
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Showing up in the common-room and breaking his fast happily as he awaits his new companions, the Bear is enjoying this new life he has begun. He asks the hostess for directions to the Mayor's house then awaits his comrades.
When they show up, he says in his thick Varasian accent, "The mayor and a nobleman both want to see us on the same day, I believe that the elders were correct, my place is now beyond the range of the Caravan. Shall we head to the Mayor's once you have broken your fast?"
Darpan wakes and takes care of his morning exercises/meditation, then, after a quick wash in the basin provided, heads down to break his fast. Only the half-orc is there at first. Not knowing much aboout the race, Darpan asks some basic questions, making sure not to overstep propriety.
"You are, or were, a member of one of the local Varisian tribes, and I correct in my understanding of this? Perhaps you can help me, as I am looking for some information. I have this sari, or perhaps you will call it a scarf, or skirt? I understand the weave and colours are particular to the local tribes here. Do you happen to know it?"
He shows the piece of cloth to the half-orc, hoping he might be able to help him in his quest.
Use to failure, Darpan smiles and nods.
"Yes, perhaps he or that other gentleman might know something!"
He continues his breakfast as the others arrive.
Chavana wakes, does her ritual washing and cleansing as part of her morning prayers, knowing all too well the luxury that this is. She frowns as she sees what little money she has, smiling to herself and thinking I can do this. They are friendly. They won't send me to that horrible place again.
After morning prayers, she takes out her other threadbare sundress, smiling at how nice it used to be. She runs her hands along the simple white pattern along the green sundress. She puts it on and adjusts it. Smiling at the memory of when she first got the sundress all that time ago. She then ties a bright yellow scarf around her waist, just in time to meet the first courier. Moments later, she is interrupted while brushing her short hair by the second courier.
Once she finishes her morning prayers, reading the letters, and dressing, she steps down the stairs and into the common room. Note: She is not carrying her backpack or wearing her armor at this point.
"Good morning Darpan, Mr. Bear" She smiles broadly. I hope you both have slept well. Did I miss anything this morning? Are Nicat and Voren sleeping in? I certainly didn't expect to be summoned by our benefactor or the Mayor at a time like this. I mean, look at me, I have nothing to wear!" She giggles at the absurdity of wearing such a threadbare sundress to meet nobility.
Darpan looks the woman over and smiles.
"You need not worry about your clothing. You would look fine without it!"
Suddenly realizing what he has said, Darpan blushes a bright red and stammers
"Umm..that is not what I meant...I mean you would look nice wearing anything...but the dress is very nice...oh my.."
He squirms about in embarrassment, trying not to look Chavana in the eye.
Chavana smiles, amused at Darpan's... plight of words. She walks over and rubs the monk's head, "You're so cute when you're embarrassed."
Looking to Ulrich, "So, do you know why the Mayor would be contacting us as well? I mean, it was only goblins, I'm sure the town can handle goblins. What would we have done? Did we get ourselves in trouble?
Nicat walks into the common room just in time to hear Darpan's remark about how fine Chavana would look without her dress. He laughs out loud, and gives Darpan a good-natured poke in the shoulder, saying "Whether it was what you meant or not, I'm sure it was a welcome compliment. You should try that line on some of the tavern girls."
Looking around at the rest of the group he says, "So you're trying to guess what the mayor wants too? I have to agree with the Bear - the mayor doesn't see people who are in trouble, that's the sherrif. I've had a few face-to-face moments with him that, er, may have had something to do with someone being in trouble - but I've never had the mayor call me to a meeting. Maybe he wants to give us a reward for our good work yesterday! Just getting together as an adventuring band, and already rewarded! Just think of it!"
Sitting down at the table and waving to the serving girl for breakfast, Nicat continues, "Lemme just eat a quick breakfast and we can go over and see what the mayor's got to reward us with. We are supposed to be there as soon as possible. Anyone seen Voren?"
Chavana shoots Nicat a glare that fades as she gathers his meaning. Smiling again, she replies to his inquiry about Voren.
"I haven't seen him, but I'm just up from morning prayers. Then, I think, I embarrassed poor Darpan. You haven't had breakfast, either? I do hope our benefactor doesn't mind a small meal for us this morning. And the mayor giving us a reward would be nice. I hope that's the intent of this meeting, or even a get out of jail free card."
Chavana chooses a seat to the left of Darpan, keeping her back towards a wall, she seems looking for trouble at the mention of the sheriff by Ulrich, looking balefully to her side where her morningstar usually hangs as she talks about the Mayor.
When the serving girl comes over, she asks for simple bread and cheese, and, if any is available, some jam. She eats with Nicat and, if the others are eating, them as well.
"I'll have to gather my things here before we go to meet them, that, and put on some proper I'm a hero garb of some sort. Maybe Voren's already left for either the Mayor or our benefactor?
After waiting some time Voren never comes down, inquiring about him it seems as though he left early in the morning with no details to where he was going. After some time getting breakfast and preparing you head off to the mayors office. Heading in you are brought to the mayors office and asked to wait a moment as the sheriff and the mayor are talking. The assistant sticks his head into the room and lets them know you are here. He quickly comes to get you and bring you into the room. The office is decorated but nothing too extravagant. There is another door leading out of the room and a window that overlooks the street and the Jailhouse that lies across.
Mayor Deverin motions for you to come in, sheriff Hemlock stands to the side of her desk as you enter. The mayor address you "Ah, the glorious heroes! Please come in, we were actually just discussing you as well as the events of last night." She waits to see what you have to say before continuing.
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The Bear enters the room last, and remains standing beside the door, nodding respectfully but letting others talk. Have never had my deeds called glorious before, but also have never had occassion to trust the elders or law of a city... let the others handle this unless there is something I need to add in.
Chavana smiles at the Mayor and Sheriff politely. Sheriff... check. Mayor... Check. View of the jailhouse. Great.
She, seeing neither Darpan nor Nicat are speaking up immediately, speaks first.
"Ahh, my lord does us too much justice calling us glorious. We just helped those who needed the help. I just hope we prevented further tragedy and gave people hope that there are some who will step up when the need arises. You'll pardon my saying, but the view from here is less than pleasant."
She nods towards the jailhouse across the street. Turning back to the mayor and sheriff. Recollecting herself for a moment.
"I do apologize, but what have we done to be honored with an audience with both my lady Sheriff's and my lord Mayor's presence?"
Nicat steps into the room and looks around, pleased as punch to be in the mayor's office. I've never been in here before...well, never been invited before. There was that time I snuck in the window to borrow the mayor's sceptre of office...geez, I hope she doesn't remember that was me.
He straightens his shoulders and tries to look as respectable as possible in order to address the mayor, and as he raises his eyes to look at her, he realizes the sheriff is standing right in front of him. "Er. Uh. Sheriff. Good. To see you, that is. Always good. Did you hear? I helped fight off the goblins at the festival! A right warrior, defending Sandpoint! I didn't break anything, or borrow anything - well, I did break a little glass something, but I paid for it." He pauses and says quietly, "Wait, did I forget to pay for that?"
Nicat's speech winds down, then he looks over at the mayor and says, "Glorious heroes, eh? I like the sound of that! Do glorious heroes get a reward?"
Darpan stand quietly beside Chavana. He is unsure why she seemed so tense until she mentioned the jailhouse. He continues to listen, but slightly adjusts his position so as to block Chavana's view of the prison.
The mayor and sheriff nod a brief acknowledgement to each of the new comers. Mayor Devrin continues on "Well, we captured a few of the vile creatures and had no luck with them, aside from the fact that some longshank, as they put it, was in charge of the whole thing." She looks to Chavana and shurgs "You may not expect the honor, but the town appreciates what you all did yesterday. Without the lot of you, things could have gone much worse and Desna only knows this town needs no more hardship." She sighs and shakes her head at Nicat "Always an angle then?" she pauses and considers, "We'll see what we can do, in the meantime I would expect that the towns gratitude and your renown shall tide you over?"
She glances around at the others, [/b]"It is most grave news that someone from town may have helped orchestrate this incident and we would gladly accept your assistance in tracking down who that may be. Furthermore, there has been a disturbance at the cemetery that the sheriff here would like your assistance with. I'll let him speak more to that. I have some other matters to attend to for the moment so I'll leave you in the capable hands of our sheriff for the time being. See what you can find about these goblins, and thank you again!"[/b] Unless otherwise stopped, she will gather a few papers and head out the doors. Leaving you with sheriff Hemlock, he waits a moment for the mayor to leave and for anything the new found heroes have to say.
Darpan bows in the direction of the Sheriff.
"Any assistance I can give to you, you have. The Master of Masters always tells us to help those in need and in the process you help yourself."
Nicat’s eyes widen at the mayor’s comment. ”An angle?” he responds when she has finished speaking. ”No, no, I’m just so used to the sheriff glaring at me, and ready to lock me up even when I haven’t done a thing, that I liked the idea of us being glorious heroes. Gratitude? Renown? I like the sound of that!”
As the mayor leaves the room, Nicat turns to the sheriff and puts on a blustery air, puffing up his chest with self-importance, unaware of how silly this looks on his small frame, with his tousled hair and ragged left ear. ”Well, Sheriff, looks like we’ll be working together, a real team, investigating ‘a disturbance at the cemetery’ and all. About time we put the past behind us, don’t you think? I’ll forget about all the times you treated me rough when I was just having some fun, and you can forget about the time I let all of farmer Marrow’s piglets loose at Rovansky’s tannery on the day they were doing the indigo dyeing and - oh, wait, now that I remember it, that blue bacon really didn’t agree with you, did it? Well, let’s forget something else, how about?”
"The others are quite correct we would be happy to help the town in its time of need. We will be happy to assist with the cemetary. What kind of disturbance are we talking about?"
Well... Mr. Bear is direct in his language. That was a little chilling.
Chavana waits for the sheriff to speak and to see what she needs to do to help.
The sheriff shakes his head at Nicat and his comments while rolling his eyes, "Let's just focus on the task at hand..." With the mayor departed sheriff Hemlock looks you over, obviously measuring you up in his mind before cracking the briefest of grins, finally nodding "Well, as the mayor said there has been an incident at the cemetery. Father Zantus sought me out this morning when he noticed the door to our former priest, Ezakien Tobyn’s vault adjar. I'd like you to accompany me to the scene so we can see what has happened. Worse case, I imagine a goblin got stuck in there after last nights raid, but we'll see."
"This sounds like an a plan, Sheriff. How soon would you like to go?"
Chavana gives a strained smile.
"I can't say that cemetaries are my favorite place, but I'll hope that it's as simple as finding a hiding goblin and... removing it."
She moves away from the window view of the jail across the way. Her face becoming more serious as she discusses the cemetary.
"Is this a large vault, or is it something smaller? Does it have any magical wards you are aware of? Is Father Zantan the warden of the cemetary?"
She stops herself at the last question, mildly horrified at the words that have come out of her mouth.
"I'm terribly sorry, I... I'm a little cautious when it comes to such places. I'm the one who is making sure everyone is going to be okay, so I am taking this seriously."
Her strained smile has given way to a nervous biting of her lower lip.
Sheriff and cemetary. I've not done anything wrong. I hope I'm wrong and he doesn't seal me in the vault.
The sheriff waves his hand dismissively "No need to worry, in my experience it doesn't hurt to have advanced knowledge. In any case, as soon as we can I would prefer to get this matter dealt with. If you need to gather any gear we can meet there or go there now. The tomb isn't too large at all and by no means does it have any traps or wards on it, just a simple vault."
"Beg your pardon, Sheriff, I don't very well go traipsing through crypts wearing sundresses. I'll be able to get my armor and proper gear on in about 15 minutes, perhaps meeting back at our inn in, say, half an hour?"
She looks to the others, and cocking her head to the side.
"While I'm sure you'd all be happy to help keep me safe, I do think wearing armor helps make it easier for all of us to do our parts. That, and I don't want to ruin my good dress on the off chance we all miss something."
Here I was trying to make a nice first impression, and now I'm coming off as unprepared. That, and I'm wearing the nicest dress I own! What was I thinking?!
"Chavana's right, it'd be a good idea to fetch our gear before we go investigating what's happened at the cemetery. Let's meet at the Dragon in half an hour, and we'll be ready to set off and solve your mystery, Sheriff."
Nicat seems very pleased with conducting himself so seriously in front of the sheriff, as if he's a real adventurer.
The sheriff claps his hands together and rubs them a few times while smiling "Very well then. We can meet at the Rusty Dragon, and proceed to the cathedral where the cemetary lies behind just it. Once we're all there, we'll see what's what with this tomb the father is so worried about." He starts to walk out of the room, and pauses near the door to see everyone out.
Darpan follows the others out. He is already carrying all he own, but goes with the others back to the inn and waits while they gather their things.
Upon reaching the inn, Chavana goes to her room, gathering all of her gear and changing into the blue skirt under her armor.
She goes back into the common room smiling at both Darpan and Ulrich as she comes back.
"The great warrior priestess, girding herself for a fight with that most unholy... Or some such nonsense. I'm hoping that this is a short excursion, but one must be prepared."
Looking at Ulrich and Darpan, and seeing Ulrich very much not... enjoying their 'free time' she quips "Mr. Bear, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were expecting the entirety of the cemetary to come walking down the street to assault us..." Realizing that she just said that out loud "Not that I want that to happen, mind you, but seriously, relax for a few minutes. I'm sure that Nicat will be back soon, then we can get this traveling show on the road."
As Chavana speaks, Nicat comes nimbly down the stairs, smiling and flipping a dagger in one hand and saying "Ready, ready, ready? Let's head to the cemetery and see what deviltry is afoot...actually, let's not see any deviltry. But let's check it out."
At the appointed time the sheriff shows up at the Rusty Dragon, he strolls up and gives the party a look over. "Everyone here? I can't thank you enough for your aid yesterday and I appreciate taking the time to see what mischief may have taken place here. Hopefully we can get through this and put it all behind us." Once everyone is accounted for he will lead the way to the cemetery and once there point out the way and let the group take the lead.
"Okay... we're here..." Chavana says, looking at the vault, then warily looking back towards the Sheriff. Straightening her back, she looks to her companions, her face quite serious.
"Nicat, Ulrich, you two have proven quite capable in fights, especially with a little support" She smiles. "If this turns out to be goblins, I'm certain we'll-- Her voice trails off for a moment as she looks to Ulrich, --We'll remove the threat. I can support the both of you and keep you up, while Darpan supports with his bow.
She mutters a small prayer to Milani, and then finalizes her gearing up.
Chavana readies her Shield, strapping it into place, while holding her holy symbol with the same hand as she is using to support the shield, and she keeps her other hand free and ready to adapt to either spellcasting or fighting with her morningstar.
As they begin to approach the vault, she eyes the ground for footprints, goblin or otherwise, as well as any signs of movement.
"Sounds like a fine plan, Chavana," says Nicat. He gestures grandly for the Bear to lead the way and says "Ulrich, how 'bout you go first, and I'll have your back? And Darpan and Chavana can have ours."
Chavana cautiously follows along, watching for the aforementioned threats...
She looks back at Darpan, making sure he's still readied with his bow, then following behind Nicat.
Darpan keeps to one side of the group, allowing for a clearer view ahead, and a clearer shot if something happens upon them. He stays only a step or two behind Chavana, and gives her a smile and nod when she looks back at him.
"My friends, I don't believe that goblins are the only threat here. Something larger appears to have been walking into and out of this tomb."
She points to the footprints outside of the tomb that are a mixture of "goblin-sized" and "bigger than goblin-sized" footprints.
"And there's something clicking and cracking inside. I'm hopeful it's just a goblin eating pistachios, but I believe we are going to be meeting whatever it is soon."
She raises her shield and crouches down as they approach closer, glancing down at her holy symbol in her hand.
Nicat stands close by Ulrich's side, swords drawn, his excitement about this new adventure tempered by Chavana's words about larger footprints and the odd sounds inside the tomb. He listens closely and prepares to follow behind the Bear.
Opening the doors you notice quickly that the tomb has in fact been disturbed and instead of goblins as the sheriff predicted, two skeletons now lurk inside.