Yeda looks out for Ameiko along the way, and more actively so once they reach the Rusty Dragon.
Kendra, Lord Mayor of Sandpoint, beholden to only the Lord of Magnimar, and Law itself, shifts back and forth in her seat, suddenly agitated. The calming voice from Zeldana, the urging look upon her face, the gentle reassurance from Loxley, eat away inside her mind, forcing her to pale slightly. She looks out the window and winces, as her mind recalls thoughts that she would rather repress. Close the door. What i have to say is for you two, alone.
Loxley steps forward, gently grabbing the guard just inside the doorframe and leading him outside. I promise to watch after her. Loxley says to both guards as they raise a slight voice to being pushed out of the house. Yet, they know of Loxley, and how she helped capture Tsuto. They pause, look at each other, and then nod severe looks upon their faces. If she flees, you answer for her. One says simply, grasping the hilt of his sword. Loxley nods and closes the door.
Crossing the room, she grabs a chair and slides it close to the mayor, with Zeldana doing likewise.
Thank you. Yes. There were others...I met with Harker last night. Just for a few hours you see. I was there to collect a small item of import to me that i had gifted him a while back, and well, we got to talking, reminiscing about our brief stint...and, well...he's a good lover. Like really good. Make you switch god's kind of good. A blissful smile fills the mayors face as she thinks about that fond moment. Zeldana coughs litely, bringing the mayor back. She grunts slightly, recomposing herself. Yes, Just a couple hours with Harker, finished some paperwork at the office, and then back home. Im sure some in the area must have seen me walking the streets on my way back from the office.
The Rusty Dragon inn, one of sandpoints favorite treasures, home to a great beef stew, sweet tasting golden ale, and one Ameiko Kaijitsu, owner, traveler, adventurer, and now, inheritor to the Glassworks. You step into the warm, familiar sounds, smells, and sights of the inn and see Ameiko sitting at a table in the far off corner. The light from the morning sun piercing through the stained glass window, revealing a large stack of papers in front of her, along with a bright white quill and large globe ink pot. She looks up from her stack as you enter, and after a moment of concentration, recognizes you all.
Corrin! Sazzat! Yeda! My friends and guests! Welcome back! Please join me! Oh, before i forget! Corrin, there i just received with the morning shipment a barrel of fine oats from the southlands for Dewdrop to enjoy. And for Bandit! i have a small hunk of bone from last nights meal i sure he'd like to get his paws upon!
"Good evening!"
"It's good to see that you are here and safe after the problems at the glassworks."
Bandit claps his little fore-paws together in anticipation of a special treat.
"N-now Zeldana, Madam Deverin is allowed to enjoy whomever's company she wishes." She clears her throat. "But yes, I-I'm sure we can find someone who saw something."
Loxley stands, cheeks red.
"Tea. Would anyone like some more tea? I would like some more tea."
The poor arcanist quickly retreats to the kitchen to fetch the teapot, returning to fill everyone's cup, even if they don't really need it.
"But really, in all honesty, your love life is yours." Zeldana said as she looked to the Mayor and offered a soft smile. "In the end, only you can control such a thing. I mean Harker isn't with anyone anymore since he got broken up with, so you wouldn't be harming any relationship. If you want to continue seeing him it is your choice." She told her. "Please just be careful... he isn't the type of man to stick to one woman... He will never be faithful to you, but if that doesn't bother you, then please be happy."
Yeda smiles at her, responding after Tamm.
Thank you Ameiko, it's good to be back in such a warm place, after a much-prolonged stint in the passages under the glassworks. I... hate to say it, but we were hoping you could fill in a gap or two about that. Perhaps a pleasant meal first?
She motions towards a booth to see if the proprietor is inclined.
His eyes lit up at the sound of special oats for Dewdrop. He didnt think Dewdrop had ever tried something fancy like oats. He was sure the Elk would love them. He had been about to ask Miss Ameiko if she knew anything about the ancient passages under the glassworks but Yeda brought about the meal and he realized this might not be the time or place for such talk. Food was always good though.
"Yes, a meal. Then we should talk about what's been happening." Tamm agrees.
Yeda grimaces as the recent happenings and situation clearly affect Ameiko. She regrets even bringing it up and first, and offers a warm smile while trying to deflect from it temporarily.
Yes, well, we like to help out when there's trouble. But... let's relax for a bit and just enjoy company. Tell us, what are your cooks at tonight? Fresh deer, pork? I can't wait to sit down and just enjoy a peaceful meal for once.
"I know that it's all been a rush for the last few days." Tamm says.
"It seems like the trouble just keeps coming."
"There's bad news about your brother though. It seems like someone helped him escape from the jail this evening."
"I'm concerned that there may be more trouble if we can't figure out who is helping him. Did he say anything after he kidnapped you that might give us a clue?"
"That is a long story." Zeldana said with a slight sign. "When we got there one of the guards had turned and attacked the others. We've no idea why. By the time we found him... He had changed into a monsterous creature. We kept his from attacking others at the cost of his life... Though he was far from human. There was also some more sinspawn, as well as some goblin with three arms but we took care of all of those." She explained. "With the pool inert we should be safe for the time... At least from that end..."
"Someone is framing the mayor and murdered the Sheriff and the guards that were there, Someone about this tall from the angle of the strike. Miss Zeldana and Miss Loxley are speaking with her to try and figure out who."
He answered easily enough not quite getting the gravity of the situation.
"We can rule out the demon flappy thing, we cut it in half. and the weird three armed goblin is dead too."
He added finally seeing the look on her face and well realizing how the news was being taken. He should have just hurried to get Dewdrop those oats.
Yeda grimaces as her two associates launch into gory detail.
So, who's hungry!
"I know that it is terrible news." Tamm says trying to calm her down.
"I guess we're going to do everything we can to help. We owe the memory of the Sheriff that much." he continues.
"Does your brother have any friends that might have done this violence and helped him escape?"
Yeda gives up on the meal for now.
She frowns. Uh oh, this could dead-end fast.
Before that, how long ago had you seen him? Was it recent enough that he talked about any other individuals in his life...? she leads, hoping to hear something about the woman who he would meet in the passages below.
When the subject changes to what the group found below the glassworks Loxley hesitates. "The pool was spawning the sinspawn, but we hopefully stopped it for now. There are also a few undead, zombies to be precise. They're still trapped down there, and can be laid to rest properly when time is available." The arcanist added. "There was a small, impish demon and some manner of flying head... thing, but we dispatched those."
"It would probably be best if the clergy accompanied whomever goes down there. I can't imagine it would hurt to sanctify or cleanse what's down there before sealing the way, just to be safe." Loxley suggests.
Suddenly she stands up again, and any sorrow that was upon the woman's fine features is dashed away as grim determination and excitement strike an effect upon her features. I dont have to remember! You gave me his journal! she begins to go through her stacks of paperwork, setting aside large clumps of paper, sifting through them, and finally finding the leather bound journal of her brother.
Here, let's check this out. she says
Tsuto's journal
Yeda gestures vaguely at the journal.
Right, that's where we'd gotten that hint. But, we don't know the full extent of their "relationship" or what the larger plans were. I suppose if it's been five years, you won't likely have any other hints directly from Tsuto...
"So Tsuto was involved in the goblin raid back on the day of the festival?"
"That's interesting news. At least we know that everything is connected and that this isn't just a string of terrible coincidences."
"I wonder how we find out who and what these people 'Rip Nugget' and 'Bruthazmus' are?"
"It sounds like more goblins and a bugbear."
"and what's a Malfeshnekor?"
"I've never heard of that, whatever it is?"
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"Malfeshnekor...it sounds like monsters. If they are we should track them down and elminate them so the good folk here dont have to worry."
He added to Sazzat's ponderings. He frowned at the message in the journal though. It seemed someone was targeting Sandpoint for much more than a simple raid.
"Thistletop goblins.... Are they around here? Goblins are certainly cowardly little cretins, I wonder if Miss "
He swallowed and his cheeks darkened a little.
"If Miss Shalelu could tell us how to find the warrens of the Thistletop goblins, might be the best place to go and see if we can stop this attack before it starts."
Or better yet, maybe we can get one of the more important ones to cough up information. Yeda muses, becoming eager to put her blade to some goblins.
The mayor stands, and walks over to a small desk set in the corner of the sitting room. She pulls out a small quill, a thick piece of parchment, and an ink bottle. She scribbles upon the paper, her hand making smooth movements and motions as she writes something. Finally she makes a large flourished signature. She dribbles wax upon the paper and presses her office ring upon the wax, setting her seal upon the paper. she waves her hand over the parchment, helping the ink dry. She goes over and hands it over to Zeldana. As mayor of Sandpoint, and a lawful representative of Magnimar, i have this power vested in this position. I have never had to do this before, but i feel that it is warranted. Use it judiciously.
Zeldana and Loxely both look at the mayor, puzzlement upon their faces, and as one look down at the parchement given to them.
There, set upon the parchment, in the mayors own signature, is the following:
Be it known that the criminal Tsuto kaijitsu, has committed treason upon both the community of Sandpoint, and the greater authority of Magnimar. He is summarily sentenced to death by my hand, Kendra Deverin, Lord Mayor of Sandpoint.
Be it known that the party that helped Tsuto escape the confines of his jail, along with the killing of three men of Sandpoint, is also sentenced to immediate death.
Be it also known that the bearers of this document, Zeldana Dardlara Amaria and Loxley Geralt, have the full faith and judgement of the Lord Mayor's office in performing the execution of the above instructions.
signed, Lord Mayor Kendra Deverin.
At Zeldana's motioning Loxley sets her tea cup aside and stands.
"We will do everything in our abilities to find the ones responsible for theses atrocities." Loxley added as she prepared to follow Zeldana.
When Kendra stops them and moves to her desk Loxley looks from the mayor to Zeldana with obvious curiosity. With the final flourish the arcanist watched the woman apply her seal to the paper and present it to Zeldana. Stepping closer to the witch Loxley reads over the other's shoulder. Her eyes widening as she reads through the document. She looks up at the mayor, she opens her mouth to speak but when she can't think of anything she closes it and nods solemnly. "We will find them." She says with a little more seriousness and conviction. The words of the paper settling on her like a cold, weighted mantle. "Ma'dam." She nods repectfully to the mayor and looks at Zeldana, giving her a small nod. Loxley turns and starts out of the house with Zeldana, suddenly in dire need of a strong drink.
Loxley hoped the others were fairing better in their part of the investigation.
Zeldana read the paper alongside Loxley and her face covered in a look of surprise wasn't easy to hide, not that she tried. "We will do all we can, I won't let my how be harmed more if I can prevent it." Zeldana promised before she looked to Loxley and offered a small smile to her nod.
"Take care of yourself Mayor Kendra." Zeldana said before she turned and followed Loxley.
As they walked Zeldana couldn't help but make small talk, "Well, that isn't what I expected." She said honestly.
Would you be interested it heading out there with us Ameiko? We're going to get our answers one way or another. You're welcome to come along too and get some if you'd like. Yeda offers, thumbing the hilt of her sword over her back, as if scratching an itch.
"We need to prepare and equip ourselves before we go searching the woods for a tribe of goblins."
Zeldana! Loxley! Welcome! Come, join us. Ameiko says, drawing attention to zeldana and Loxley as they both walk into the rusty dragon. She smiles ruefully, looking at Yeda as yeda poses her question. Join you, huh? hmmmm...now that is a very tempting offer. It has been a little while since ive been on the trail again.... her eyes look out into the distance as she ponders the offer.
As the duo enter The Rusty Dragon Loxley is surprised by Ameiko's call. She looks over at the group and smiles as she approaches.
Join you, huh? hmmmm...now that is a very tempting offer. It has been a little while since ive been on the trail again.... her eyes look out into the distance as she ponders the offer.
Loxley perks up at the mention of the innkeeper joining them on their journey, her smile brightening. "That would be great if you could join us." But that smile falters as she quickly looks at Zeldana. The contents of the mayor's decree coming back to her mind. Loxley gives Zeldana an unsure look. "But..., what about the Rusty Dragon?" She asks, looking back at Ameiko and trying not to look like the mayor had, quite literally, not only signed her brother's death warrant but handed it to the two of them just a few minutes ago.
"I mean, we would love to have you by our side, but we wouldn't want to take you away from the town or your inn if you're need here." She says quickly, trying not to sound nervous.
"Hello Ameiko!" Zeldana said with a smile and a wave as they where greeted. "If Ameiko wishes to join I don't see a problem with it. After all it isn't like we're going on some cross country adventure. It would only be around Sandpoint no?" She shrugged. "Oh, by the way we need to find the people but I believe we can clear the Mayors name today."
Ameiko waves her hand at Loxley's question. Not to worry. The Rusty Dragon can run itself for a few days without it's owner to oversee operations. I have my best employee Glinda available to manage the inn if im taken away for various reasons. I'd just need to fix my carry harness for my sack, and id be ready to go in about a day. plus it looks like all of you need some rack time yourselves. So...how do we clear the Mayor's name?
Yeda, looking perplexed at Zeldana adds on Yeah... how did that go more generally? I'm guessing there's a bit to tell leading up to that.
The warrior scoots over in the booth making room for both Zel and Loxley.
Zeldana takes the seat that opened up and began. "So most of the night the Mayor was alone. But she walked from one place to another at one point and spent some time with someone. So if we can find people who saw her walking at the same time the murders happened she's home free. If we can't find people who saw her... Then we'll have to talk to the person she met up with and I'd rather keep that hidden till we have to use it. For her sake." Zeldana explained.
ameiko chuckles. Oh, is that all. find someone who may have seen the mayor walking the streets at night at a certain time. Good thing this is a small village, otherwise that'd be rather...intensive.
We have at least two well-attended taverns in this town: this and the Hagfish. I would suspect we'd get the best results surveying the collective patrons of those first, then maybe branching out to the cathedral and busier shops.
She shrugs, looking around the table for confirmation or better ideas.
He tilted his head trying to follow the conversation. He didnt understand why if there was someone who could prove she wasnt well murdering guards and sheriffs and freeing evil men then why did they want to keep that someone what hidden.
"did she give you the exact path they took, we could simply follow the path and question those along the way."
Loxley glanced from Ameiko to Zeldana, who didn’t seem bothered by the mayor’s decree, instead focusing on the subject of clearing the mayor’s name. Following the other’s lead, Loxley doesn’t mention the paper they were given. At the mention of checking the taverns she nods thoughtfully, but Corrin’s question piques her interest.
”That’s an excellent idea Corrin.” She smiles at the druid.
”We can check with the Mrs. Deverin. From that we can determine who may have seen her in route.” The arcanist adds, sounding hopeful. Loxley glances longingly at the bar and kitchen door. She sighs and looks back at the others. ”We should start asking around while the evening’s events are still fresh in people’s minds.” She starts to stand up from the table.
"I agree." Zeldana agreed as she stood as well. "Also I know that if we go straight to the source it would be the easiest and I am asking a lot for you to not do that. But I'd rather not drag her through the mud to clear her name of we don't have to. If things have to come to light then she is okay with that as well." Zeldana explained.
"Oh! I almost for got!" Zeldana said as she clapped her hands together. "We got this too." She added as she held up the paper that the Mayor had given them.
There, set upon the parchment, in the mayors own signature, is the following:
Be it known that the criminal Tsuto kaijitsu, has committed treason upon both the community of Sandpoint, and the greater authority of Magnimar. He is summarily sentenced to death by my hand, Kendra Deverin, Lord Mayor of Sandpoint.
Be it known that the party that helped Tsuto escape the confines of his jail, along with the killing of three men of Sandpoint, is also sentenced to immediate death.
Be it also known that the bearers of this document, Zeldana Dardlara Amaria and Loxley Geralt, have the full faith and judgement of the Lord Mayor's office in performing the execution of the above instructions.
signed, Lord Mayor Kendra Deverin.
Loxley winces a little as Zeldana produces the mayor's decree and lays it out for the group. She looks around at the group, then to Ameiko for her reaction.
"If you don't want to come with us, we'll understand."
She says cautiously.
Ameiko looks down and starts to read the mayors proclamation. her face, once sorrowful with some jovial intent, grows dark. her eyebrows shift forward, narrowing just over her nose, her eyes, amber in color, grow dark, cold. her lips, a slight red hue that is only picked up on with when the sunlight glances upon it, purse together, creating sharp lines around her mouth. Her forehead, smooth, yet tanned, furrows down over her eyebrows. A lone vein appears upon the side of her left temple, throbbing in time with her heart beat, pulsates rapidly.
He- but- he was- he- ameiko stammers out, as the gravity of everything that has happened in not only the last couple days, but throughout her life, slams into her.
Her eyes close, wincing shut. her mouth seals tight, her nostrils flare open as her breathing increases. her hands begin to tremble.
I'm leaving tomorrow to find my brother. I leave at dawn. I'll wait 10 minutes past dawn. Then, im going to find my brother. Now, please, leave me alone You can hear and feel the pain in her voice.
Zeldana placed a hand on Ameiko's shoulder, but it was more of a parting touch then someone trying to stay when they're not wanted. "Let us know if you need us." She said gently before she waved to the others to get up and follow her out of the Rusty Dragon. "Loxley grab the paper please."