He tilted his head to the side and watched the man storm off. Clearly he didnt know about the forcefully kiss your love interest thing they had going on in Sandpoint. He did get Yeda's point though, If you wanted to attract someone's eye you had to like do something they would like. He should murder about 50 goblins tomorrow, that would be a start he bet.
It's an absolutely fascinating book! It details the existence of Lamashtu, the goddess of misformed and mishappened creatures found currently today. Goblins, gnolls, Medusae, worship her while lamias and morlocks all claim to have been created by her in her great gestational belly. There who displease her, those that are non human, say like a goblin, could, if Lamashtu is displeased with her worship, would give birth to a human child. Amongst us, we would be bequeathed with children of deformities, third eyes, extreme pain at birth, or worse yet, an extreme lack of pleasure when having sex. Her, Lamashtu that is, her symbol is the three-eyed jackal, her favored weapon is the kukri. Her waters are known to cause deformity both upon the body and of the mind, which could explain that strange three armed goblin below the city.
Yeda's eyes widen.
So... are they trying to infect the town with Lamashtu's waters? I wonder if there are any expecting mothers in town...
"Not only that, but any woman who drinks that water and then conceives a child could be at risk! Not to mention what the waters themselves would do. Do you remember what happened to that man down in the area we found? The guard who turned against his fellow guards. He found that shire and drank the water from it." Zeldana pointed out.
"I'll be careful to not drink any goblin water when we go find those boogers. I'm just fine with the number of arms I was born with."
The rest of the afternoon passes into evening as all of you sit around, inspecting your gear, double and triple checking the equipment for even the slightest of faults. Straps are checked, sewing secure, trail foods stored properly, quivers refilled with arrows. Extra bowstrings tucked away, whetstones set within small travel pouches filled with animal tallow. Even the precious wubby for sazzat has been secured to his back pack.
Finally, with everything checked over, the group retires to the common room, to enjoy social companionship with each other, and the regulars who frequent the Rusty Dragon Inn.
The light of the sun slowly creeps lower over the western horizon, turning from bright brilliant yellows to subdued oranges and reds, streaks of sunbeams shooting straight over the evening sky. The sky, a beautiful blue, darkens to purple and finally darkness consumes it as the sun crosses the horizon, sleeping til a new day brings it again in the east.
As the sun sets, a lone man enters the Inn. Somewhat handsome to some, ugly to others, he enters all the same into the Inn. He sees people he knows, for he is from this town, this village called Sandpoint. He shakes a few hands, nods towards those opposite him in the common area, and heads to the bar where the bar maid, who has worked the Rusty Dragon for several years, serves up the man's favorite drink. Mage-lons whisky. Said to be so potent it can serve as a strong drink, paint thinner, and in the local urban legend, a substitute spell component for a fireball spell. (although many mages have tried, none in the area have yet to succeed in making it happen. Perhaps if they hadnt drunk the stuff first?)
The man lifts the drink to his lips, tilts back, and takes a slow pull. He holds his head up, eyes closed, mouth full of the brawny alcohol, enjoying the way it just burns his mouth. Opening his sinuses similar to a hot pepper from the southlands, the man's brow glints suddenly as sweat beads upon his forehead. One, two, three heartbeats he holds it, until finally he swallows the mouthful. It burns through his throat, and lands like a lump of lead thrown into a beautiful pond, in his stomach.
THe man lowers his drink back to the surface of the bar, his eyes following it down until his gaze stops upon the highly polished wooden surface. A small hand, graceful even, presses lightly upon his shoulder, drawing his attention away from whatever he thinks about during that long moment of self induced misery.
Jorn? The lady asks, her voice filled with curiosity and concern.
It's ok Zeldana. It's ok. A long, long day. Nine Hells, its been longer week. Was just thinking about the Sheriff, and the men lost. Jorn turns and looks fully upon Zeldana, his eyes filled with frank emotional longing. He reaches a hand out and gently pushes away a strand of hair that has fallen across Zeldana's cheek. His hand pauses in the act, cupping her jaw line for a moment, appreciation apparent upon his face.
I must apologize. jorn begins. I know we were supposed to have a nice dinner tonight, but I must ask if we can reschedule for another? Frankly, today has been tough, and i fear i would be terrible company for a woman as beautiful as you. Would that be ok? he asks, his eyes connecting with the young lady standing before him.
Zeldana offers an comforting and kind smile with her answer. "Of course. Please do not push yourself, though I will warn you the group and I are leaving to hunt down Tsuto tomorrow before dawn. I am not sure when we will return, or if we will." She gave a slight shrug of her shoulders. "Of course we'll do our best, and try to come home. But I don't want you to worry. Focus upon those here, protect them for me will you?" Zeldana gently laid her hand upon his own. "I know it's asking a lot, but I believe in you Jorn. You can do it." She reassures him with a smile.
Oh, we'll be back! It's just a question if "when",not "if." Yeda bellows from across the room before turning back to the table in their booth.
She takes a few more bites of <something meaty> off of her plane before turning to the bar again.
You should come. Mission like this puts hair on your chest!
She turns back to the table again.
Well, not me, but you know what I mean.
You should come. Mission like this puts hair on your chest!
Jorn smiles at Yeda and then back at Zeldana. I appreciate the gesture, and understand that you have the heart of an adventurer. You go wherever the winds of fortune, or rather, your cards, tell you to go. I understand. I ask one simple favor. That wherever you end up after you leave tomorrow, when you have the opportunity, to send me a message letting me know that you are ok. As tempting as the offer is to go with you all tomorrow, wherever you go, I already have more than enough chest hair. The man smiles a broad smile, indicating that he is appreciative of Yeda's joke.
But i must stay here. A man passing through years ago said Death is lighter than a feather. Duty, heavier than a mountain. I felt I had understood what this meant. but today, i fully appreciate the statement. Go fair Zeldana. May fortune favor you, and should the cards fortell it, may they bring you back home.
Zeldana gave Jorn a sad smile before she leaned in and kissed his forehead. "May fortune always be on your side my guardian." She breathed out. Zeldana couldn't see the path ahead yet, she wasn't that powerful... at the moment. However one thing did she did know, "I swear that should fate be kind, it will lead me back home." She told him. "Remember," She skillfully slipped a card out of the pouch which held them on her hip, "Fate be changed." She told him as she held up The Survival card. "I will fight through it all to come home."
Hair? on his chest? That seemed to be very well gross. Maybe it was something like the hair that grew on human's faces? He shuddered.
He watched the interplay between Zeldana and the guardsman Jorn with a bit more of a curious eye. Or was it Sheriff Jorn now? He wasnt sure how that worked really but said nothing. He wasnt sure if all the ale was helping him think, or hurting his thinking process.
Miss Ameiko, when you leave in the morning will your friend Miss Shalelu help you? it just occured to me that she doesnt like goblins at all, and where we are going will be filled with them. Sounds like her sort of an idea she would get behind."
He asked.
Jorn simply nods, his face sorrowful but grateful nonetheless.
Ameiko arches a brow at Corrin. Depending on the course we take when we head out of the village, she may come across us. Her usual haunts are both Nettlewood and Mosswood, known havens for a few goblin tribes.
As the afternoon passed into evening Loxley returned to reading the book as they sat together in the main hall of the inn. She tries to maintain her awareness of those around her this time and glances up as Jorn enters. She frowns at his obvious distress as Zeldana approaches to comfort him. When Yeda calls over from her own table she hides a smile behind the book, the warrior’s confidence could be contagious.
She looks over at Ameiko and Corrin. ”Miss Shalelu’s assistance would a big help from, but she may be involved elsewhere.” Loxley said, playing demon’s advocate. ”We shouldn’t count on her aid, but we can welcome it if comes.”
She turns to Ameiko. ”Are there any guesses at just how many tribes are out there?”
Last i heard, there were 3 tribes. But please, dont ask me to remember their weird names. Shalelu would know the answer to that.Ameiko says, leaving the table and going into a back room.
Honestly it sounds like we could use some advice from Shalelu anyway. Let's make a point to run into her, since she's known to have their pulse.
Yeda offers while continuing to snarf down her meal. She raises up her empty mug for an ale refill.
”Three, hmm.”
Loxley watched as Ameiko rose and left for the back of the inn. She was concerned for her after everything that had happened, but didn’t see it as her place to speak on it. She glances down at the book and carefully closed it for the time, having trouble concentrating on it. She gestures to the pretty halfling server, asking for a refill when she has a moment. ”Thank you, Bethana.” She says, accepting the drink before lowering her voice just a little and asking. ”You’ve known her far longer then many of us, how is Ameiko holding up? If it isn’t too bold me to ask.” She quickly adds thinking she may be overstepping her bounds by asking.
Bethana looks at Loxley, and then nods her head towards the far end of the bar. She walks over and scrambles up into the chair to sit even with Loxleys height.
[b]Shows you care, my dear. Shows you care. She is...She's been betrayed. How would you feel if your brother kidnapped you, killed your father, and promised to see the destruction of the village you grew up in? Honestly, i fear for her. Not for her, per se, but rather, her soul. If she is the one who kills her brother, something in her will snap, and she will not ever recover from it. If i was you, and you really cared for her...Break her legs so she cannot come with you. SHe may be mad now, but later on she'd forgive you and understand why you did it.
Bethana looks at Loxley, and then nods her head towards the far end of the bar. She walks over and scrambles up into the chair to sit even with Loxleys height.
Shows you care, my dear. Shows you care. She is...She's been betrayed. How would you feel if your brother kidnapped you, killed your father, and promised to see the destruction of the village you grew up in? Honestly, i fear for her. Not for her, per se, but rather, her soul. If she is the one who kills her brother, something in her will snap, and she will not ever recover from it. If i was you, and you really cared for her...Break her legs so she cannot come with you. SHe may be mad now, but later on she'd forgive you and understand why you did it.
Zeldana couldn't help but look down. She knew Bethana was right... if they let Ameiko go with them... and she was the one to take her own brother down...
Shifting she walked up closer. "Do you think we could lock her in her room?" She asked quietly.
Loxley nodded in understanding. She had lost both her parents, one to politics, the other to grief. She was alone family-wise.
”You’re right. She needs time to grieve and find her center anew. Pursuing her brother in this state of mind will bring her no relief. No real closure.”
She frowned, trying to think of a suitable way to keep Ameiko from venturing out, either with or without them. She bit her lip thoughtfully.
”Locking her in may slow her, but we can’t be sure for how long. I almost wish I had some Sweetdream. It’s a harmless poison that induces sleep for a few hours.” She added to clarify to the others. ”I’m familiar with the recipe, but even if I had the ingredients I’ve never made it myself. But...we could check with the local apothecary.” She looks at the others.
We can't just lock her in or make her sleep. She'll track us down eventually anyway, and then have a separate reason to do so. We have to get her to make that decision somehow, like there's something interesting or important to do here instead of coming with us...
Yeda frowns and puts her hand to her chin, thinking hard on it. You almost think you see the smoke come out of her ears.
"We just need to persuade her that her responsibilities are here in town and not in seeking vengeance in the wilderness."
"That is easier said then done... But I could give it a try. I owe her an apology after all." Zeldana said as she looked to the group for approval.
A couple of patrons at the far end of the bar wave their hands, getting Bethana's attention.
Do what you feel you need to do to keep her here. Just please, dont let her leave here, or she will fall into a darkness worse than what has been seen when Chopper roamed the streets.
Bethana slips off the chair and moves down the bar, engaging the patrons and responding to their requests for food and drink.
Yeda's eyebrows arch in confusion. Chopper...?
She quickly turns to ask a few patrons at a nearby table.
Tamm's eyebrows raise at the mention of Chopper.
Bandit's little raccoon eyebrows raise up at the same time to mimic his master.
one of the locals looked at yeda. Chopper? you dont know about Chopper? worst serial killer to roam these lands?! 25 people he did kill, in a most savage sort. Vicious slashes and cuts to necks, arms, legs. Yet that wasnt the worst! NO! He took the eyes and tongues The man reaches out and flicks Yeda upon her lower lip to emphasize his point He took the eyes and tongues. Bodies, bled out in the streets, but he cut the eyes and tongues out with a ruthless efficiency. Something youd expect to hear come from Magnimar, or further lands out east or south of here. He even killed the previous sheriff, Sheriff avertin, may the gods calm his poor soul. But the sheriff did get a hit in. you see, he wounded Chopper. On the thigh. Bled like a stuck pig. Our newest late sheriff Hemlock led the men, following the trail. Led up to Stoot's place. Turns out old stoot had a fancy for eyes and tongues, cuz he was Chopper. Rumor has it he was attempting to communicate with some demon. They found him splayed out before some strange altar, they did.
Yeda's expression grows more and more agape as the details of Chopper pour out.
So... they found him? And he's dead now? And before he could summon anything?
She rubs her bottom lip and frowns at the man.
"Crazy things happen out here at the edge of the world."
Yes. Very dead. As for summoning, well...who knows. It's all very complicated to a man like me. he shrugs, taking a pull from his tankard.
"I remember those days... I was still a child. Only sixteen. Which is young for a half elf." Zeldana said. "Mother and Father wouldn't let me out when sundown came... And I wasn't allowed to go anywhere alone." Zeldana said.
"But it did haunt my dreams for a while...." She admitted.
Hrm... so he could have brought something over before they got to him... somebody must know.
With respect to our late sheriffs, are there any town guard left who were present at that final showdown?
Loxley nodded in agreement with Yeda and Sazzat. They couldn’t force her to stay, she would do what she felt she needed to. They needed to change her mind. ”I can go with you.” She offered Zeldana.
She gave a little shudder at the story of ‘Chopper’. ”That sounds terrifying. I don’t think I could stand being afraid of just leaving my home.”
Loxley took a short pull from her drink and let her mind drift as she listened to conversation. This town had seen far more then its fair share of tragedy in just one generation.
"Well... maybe there should be more than just you and me... I mean after all it was us who brought the letter from the mayor..." Zeldana pointed out. "She may not feel right talking to us about it..."
He frowned. He didnt understand why exactly the others didnt want miss Ameiko on this hunt. He knew in his forest if someone had done the evils that her brother had, everyone would have been on the hunt to bring him to justice. He chalked it up to another thing different about the humans in this town.
"I can tell her we dont think she should go. She seems a really nice lady and I dont want her mad at me but you folks are from Sandpoint, I've been a wandering trapper. If i can't come back to her nice place I will get over it. Dewdrop will miss the good food though."
He offered the others with a slight frown still on his face.
"We don't want to not be able to come here again. But one has to weight the cost of what killing her own blood would do to her." Zeldana said softly. "It's hard enough to take the life of a person... let alone your own kin."
Corrin nods at the ladies, stands, and makes his way through the back double doors that lead into the loud kitchen. As he pushes his way into the room, the smells of both cooked and raw foods fill his nostrils. A side of beef, chunks of pork, several chickens rest upon iron spits running horizontally over the large kitchen fire in the back room. The fire, low, spats and hisses as grease juices from the meat fall onto the flames, creating slight flare ups of light and heat. Upon the large table you see a large stack of apples, pears, a few pumpkins, eggplants, cabbage, lettuce, beans, corn, and various other fruits, veggetables, and nuts that all contribute to the nasal cacophony that assails his nose.
Corrin pauses in the doorway, looking about, and spotting two doors on opposite ends of the walls. He looks at both, and a moment later a half-elf steps through the door to Corrin's right, revealing the darkness of night, the outside.
Corrin turns and walks to the rear door to the left. He lifts his hand and knocks firmly upon the hardwood.
Ameiko? he says loudly enough to be heard as the half elf picks up a knife and begins to chop the vegetables into small pieces to be added to the various dishes he makes for the customers.
She's out back. The cook says to corrin as he chops. Cant miss her he nods to the other door.
Corrin steps away and follows the nod out the back door, where the heavy din of the building cuts off noticeable to be replaced by the general mummer of a village as it prepares to sleep for the night. There, sitting in a darkened corner, wearing a subdued yellow shirt, sits Ameiko, staring up at the stars. Corrin walks over and stops 10 feet away, silent, waiting for Ameiko to feel his presence.
Several long moments pass, her eyes glittering as she looks up, staring and not seeing anything until finally she breaths Yes?
"I spoke with the others miss Ameiko, I don't think it the wisest move for you to come with us in the morning. Your emotions are raw and you may end up doing something you will regret forever. You have been super nice to me and Dewdrop I am very greatful for that. Its why I wanted to speak with you about this."
He frowned. He should have thought of better words.Still he was here so.
"There are a tribe of goblins in play, your brother, his mysterious woman who doesnt sound very nice. Maybe turning into a monster. It will be a volatile situation as it is. Besides you are an important beloved figure of this town, should we fail in stopping them someone will have to rally the townfolk when they try again with the Sheriff fallen and the mayor compromised."
Zeldana remained beside Corrin nervously. After Corrin finished she stepped up a bit and tried to help.
"Ameiko, the loss you have suffered is just so great." She began. "We just... how could we stand by and let it deepen, at your own hands?" Zeldana asked. "You've was been so kind to me... I only want to try and protect you as a thank you in return..."