"You know me?" Zeldana asked softly to herself with a surprised look, when he mentioned Jorn however her cheeks pinkened "He is a good man." She said with a small smile.
On the way out, Yeda nudges Bethana and whispers...
Loxley manages to restrain herself as Belvan takes Zeldana’s hand and bears a wagonload of compliments on her. He laid them thicker than a troll’s hide and she bit back her chuckle with a polite smile. When he turned his compliments to her she gave Belvan a friendly smile and thanked him.
”You are too kind.”
She replied, happy when he moved on to Corrin. She shoots Zeldana a ‘can you believe this guy’ smirk and stifles a chuckle as she takes another sip for her glass.
When Belvan’s attention moves on to Yeda, Loxley pats Corrin’s arm.
”Pay him no mind.”
She says in a low tone.
”Just try to enjoy yourself.”
Was not sure how many rolls I was supposed to make so made one for each significant person I could think of and then a couple of extra in case there were other folk present that I might recognize.
YOuve already heard about and know about the Duchess
Lord Deverin is the Lord Mayors Uncle. He runs several large breweries in Magnimar, along with other trading companies. He is known as the "simple Lord" for his willingness to live a more simplistic lifestyle compared to other nobles, and has a habit of hiring traders and people traveling to Sandpoint to carry messages from him to his relations that live within Sandpoint.
THe younger lady Kaijitsu youve only heard about once, yet you were never 100% sure of what her relation is to Ameiko Kaijitsu, owner of the Rusty Dragon Inn. Hearing lord deverin mention "death of her father", you can surmise that the young lady must be a younger sister to Ameiko.
The three men in black cloaks, you have no idea who they are. THey are not nobles.
The roar of the crowd drowns out all individual sound; no chance to overhead what is being spoken about between The Duchess and Lord Deverin. Both sit close to each other, their heads next to each others to be heard. the Lady Kaijitsu looks at Evriani, who leans back in the chair and gazes with a very forward, and familiar, look upon her face. She sits with her legs crossed, left knee over the right, and the dress falls short, exposing most of her ankle and slippered foot. It bobs and weaves with idle movement, flicking and dancing to an unheard tune.
Suddenly the foot snaps out, and the two women turn their heads in startlement towards the two who talk. a heavy hand lays upon a table where a glass of liquid has been spilled. A shocked and confused look is etched upon Lord Deverins face. he leans back from the Duchess, shaking his head. He leans forward, his other hand formed into a pointing motion, and begins to stab it viciously at the dwarf lady. She sits still for a moment, taking whatever emotions and verbal tirade is spoken from his lips. Only for a moment, for the next she deftly pulls a small, black pouch from the low neckline of her dress. she lays it upon the table next to the man's flattened hand. Lord Deverin snaps his jaw shut, the sound of his teetch clicking hard echoing loudly within your own mind (having done the action a few times yourself). He glares at the woman before his finally picks the bag up and upends its contents into his hand. Something falls into it, Yellow perhaps? or gold? silver maybe? hard to say from this distance, yet the significance is not lost on the Lord Deverin. The man grows absolutely still, his mouth falling open, his eyes staring wide! shock is evident upon his face. He fingers close around the object, balling them and it into a fist. He looks at the duchess, shaking his head in disbelief! You can clearly see him mouthing the words No! No! No! over and over again. The Duchess, who had been abivelent, aloof even, to what was happening around her, suddenly, like a viper striking its prey, leans forward, her arm snapping out, hand grasping around the Lords wrist. Where mild amusement was upon her face, now a discipline, a sternness was to be found. Her eyes, kind and soft before, blazed with an intensity of only a predator can achieve. Here, you witnessed The Duchess, the creature that fit the stories. She stares hard at the man, living up to her name.
[spoiler=inside the rusty dragon inn ]
you stand at the front door, sword resting upon the ground , and you look around, taking in the sight that is found just at outside the front door of the Inn.
Youve stayed at the inn for the better part of a week, although only stayed in a bed for four of those nights, yet you never really looked at the buildings around the entrance.
sandpoint map. feel free to look at it.
You glance about, observing the general area where the setting sun sets, and am able to determine that you face south; across from you runs a narrow road, Salmon street youve heard it called. THe road runs from the front door of The Rusty Dragon Inn all the way to the docks set upon the shoreline. No ships are moored at the docks now, allowing you to see across the narrow bay. Between the structures that border the road, a narrow strip allows for the far of viewing of a larger mansion built upon the sandy bluffs opposite you. Even though the sun is still up, you can see rooms already lit up in preparation for the night time activities of whomever owns said building.
You look to your right, and see a fat building. Standing two stories tall, it appears to have been added to a couple of times in its existence, as you can easily identify the original narrow building, and it's newly added extensions. Large bay windows are set into the walls, with heavy wooden shutters bordering the frames to protect against the heavy cyclones that have been known to lash the shoreline. Most of the windows, opposite the mansion, are dark. A single, large sign hangs above the 12 foot tall double wide iron bound doors. Sandpoint Mercantile League is stenciled in bold black letters upon a faded yellow background.
TO your left, merely a stones throw across Market Street stands a building half the size of the Mercantile building, the Sandpoint Boutique. Where the Mercantile building had a thatch roof, the Boutique building had slate shingles. Where the League office was fat and squat, the boutique was slim, petite. Many windows, a large bay window that displayed trade goods, arms and armor. while the lower window is dark, the ones on the second floor are brightly lit, and you can hear the din of two people talking, with occasional mirth and laughter filtering to your ears below.
Gazing far down Salmon street, you see an entrance that had been built into the corner of a building. Large timbers hold up the 2nd floor frame the entrance, the corner of the second floor jutting out creating an overhang over the door. Two torches burn brightly within the confines of wall sconces, an inviting indicator to Sandpoints well known brothel, the Pixie's kitten. You watch as a couple of sailors appear from another building further down (whose name eludes you), but they sway and trip their way to the brothels front door. They knock twice and the door opens. Blocking the way is a man of wide proportions. Brown of skin, whether by sun tan or skin color is hard to tell from this distance, yet even at this length you can see that the man has muscles upon his frame.
You watch as people shuffle or stroll or strut down Market Street, some even waving at you. But for the most part, it's quiet...
From your right, you spot movement. A man in a black jacket appears to be sitting upon an upright barrel, leaning back against the far corner of the Mercantile building. Youre not sure where he came from, nor for how long he has been sitting there, or if he's there to cause trouble, he is just there.
the sound of someone shouting draws your attention away from the man, and you see two individuals step out from the far off building, a rough and tumble bar, if you remember correctly, and seem to ooze their way down Salmon street. They slink past the entrance to the Pixie's Kitten, seeming to stick to the darker parts of the road.
soon enough they are standing across from you, across the road. They slip to the side and squat down next to the Sandpoint Boutique. Hunched over, you see them sway slightly, but then hear the tell tale sign of a couple of dice rattling in a hand before the toss...
She tenses up and sharpens her alertness when she notices the man in black. She tries to clock him subtly, feigning aloofness. The appearance of the next two is an annoyance to her, confirmed when she hears the sound of dice.
She turns back to check on the man in black, looking past him down the street casually... then back to the dice-players to appear focused on them.
Loxley did her best to be unobtrusive as Belvan exuberantly commanded the attention of inn’s occupants. She could see why he would be well liked, smiling appropriately as small talk was made.
”I’m sure our dear Bethana could happily regale us with a few entertaining stories of a young lord.”
She teased at some point.
Sazzat sees one of this mysterious men slip out the entrance and wonders where he is off to and while slightly tempted to try and maybe follow him, there were two more of them here and more importantly the Duchess and Lord Deverin whom she's seems to have forced them into doing something they did not want to do. He wonders what kind of dirt she has on him that would give her such influence over him that she could seemingly force into doing something he definitely did not want to do.
He cannot help but mentally kick himself for not picking up lip reading when he had the chance back in the early days. This just drives the point home on just how valuable that skill could be for him, or maybe a spell that allows him to listen from a distance, yeah he kind of remembers hearing there were spells like that. Note that he currently had one or even knew where to find one, nor does he have the money to buy any spells to record into his spell book. Ah sometimes he missed being rich, as it did have its good points every now and again, mixed in with a whole host of bad points.
He goes back to carefully watching the interplay at the table doing his best to try and read their lips. No time like the present to get started on learning that skill.
Belvan shrugs simply at Zeldana's question. I wanted to meet the lot of you.
the Nobleman steps behind the bar and helps himself to a drink (as Bethana squeaks and groans about impropriety and niceties). A quick splash into a tumbler, the rich red liquid swirls around. He stoppers the bottle and then tosses the drink back. His eyes close, and for a moment he smiles to himself. Finally he lowers his gaze and looks at everyone. Heroes of Sandpoint. Saviors of the Varisian Gulf, and so on. Plus, i was hoping to ask someone something... he trails off, his head turning to towards the kitchen doors...
Ack. a man's voice cuts across you, drawing your focus fully upon them.
double. i want to try again. a man says with a slight slur to his voice. he rests back onto his haunches.
youre already in the hole 25- the other man cuts off suddenly, his gaze drawn to the west (and his hand slips quickly to his waistband.)
you hear the [urlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHFXG3r_0B8] telltale sounds of horse hooves [/url] clopping upon wood coming from your left. you look and several people riding horses over the bridge that connects the mansions to the town main itself. Several men, and one woman, The Lord Mayor all ride together as if in a procession.
Go tell the Boss the first man who spoke in exasperation snaps softly to his companion. THe second man rolls backward and onto his feet, pushing himself up and rushing down the street away from you. The man who spoke deftly scoops up a pile of sandy dirt from the hard packed ground, and rubs it into his hair and face. putting on a pitiful look, he shifts slightly to lean against the boutique. He stretches out his right hand into a cupping form, and begins to mumble Alms. please, alms.
You lay in the rafters and watch the two chat, and finally groan with annoyance that you just cannot understand what the two are saying to each other.
Even as you grumble to yourself, you watch as Lord Deverin and the Duchess stand. The Lord bows to the Duchess, and she provides an equal curtsy to the nobleman.
Lord Deverin holds out his arm to the young Miss Ayame. He nods once to Evriani, who had also taken her feet. He steps forward, escorting the lady through the wide path that was created the moment the Lord stood up, on to the side door. his tall man, Gokinsae holds the door open for the two to walk through. a hush had fallen upon the room as the Lord left the table.
I must go. Evriani says suddenly to the Duchess.
Indeed. I as well.
the noise resumes within the commons. The Duchess lifts her hand and flexes a finger. the two men in black flow through the crowd to stand next to her.
The Duchess stands for a moment and then moves forward to the same doors that Lord Devrin and entourage used not a minute before.
Evriani slips out opposite her, through the back doors that the Lord had arrived through.
She watches as he mixes a little of this and that, then takes a swig. The glass was half way to her lips again when he leveled his gaze over the room giving her pause. The inclination in his tone had her tilting her head slightly in curiosity.
She slowly swirled the last swig in her own glass in anticipation of whatever query he had on his mind. She followed his gaze towards the kitchen doors and furrowed her brows thoughtfully. Suddenly she sat up straighter.
Sazzat does not care much for the implications of what he had witnessed, as the primary targets had all left it was time for Sazzat to exit it as well. He makes his way quietly back to where he entered and checks the area outside to see if the coast is clear. If it is clear he will quietly make his exit and see if he can spot either the duchess, lord Deverin, or Evriani in that order.
He thought to himself, 'To bad I cannot mentally communicate with Bandit and he cannot communicate with the others, or I could send a word of warning to them. However, first things first and here's hoping I do not get myself killed in the process.'
That one has a friend deeper in the shadows. Your party awaits inside Lord Mayor... She gives a sharp look of seriousness and motions towards the door. Her sword hand then picks the blade up out of the dirt and prepares to take a step towards the procession.
"Is it business with my sister you have?"
He asked suddenly moving from his seat and closing with teh man at the bar. both empty wine glasses in tow.
always with the sage advice, eh Zel? he smirks gently at Zeldana. No, nothing like that. Well, at least, with Ameiko...
Belvan frowns at Corrin. Sister? I didnt know Ameiko had another brother. I thought that she only had Tsuto, and that you guys killed him. the Nobleman's glances at the front door with a slight nod, as if to indicate who he thinks finished the job.
A man's gruff voice from within the party suddenly roars loudly
Titus a woman's voice, the Lord Mayor's, snaps like a whip cutting through the air. Titus! Hold your tongue! Or i'll be forced to reconsider what i was considering this afternoon after our meeting.
Ack. She's just a wilding savage from the sea. Useless except for-
Titus Scarnetti! If you finish that sentence I will show you what savage means!
a long silence hangs over the air as the horses continue to step forward to yeda.
Alms, my Lords. Alms for a sick man. the man hunched across the street mewls in a sickly manner.
Get out of here, wretched thing the man growls, allowing his horse to gallop quickly at the "beggar". THe horse hooves hammer into the packed sanded road beating a rapid staccato upon the surface. The actor yelps suddenly, rolling away and around the corner of the shop, cursing and yelling obscenities. filth. Never should have allowed that guy Jubrayl to set up shop down there... he stares off down the road after the retreating man. Why you insist on allowing him to stay at the Fatman's Feedbag is-
Lady Deverin, Lord Mayor to Sandpoint, rolls her eyes and cuts off Titus
He is allowed there because he hasnt broken any laws.
Titus snorts through his blonde mustache. The rumors-
Are just rumors, until proof is provided. Do you have proof, Titus? And will I have to listen to your bellyaching this evening? if so, you can go jump into the bay.
A low rumble comes from the man, and from where you stand, you can hear the creak of leather as his hands clench tight upon his reins.
No, my lady.
Good. now, Dear Yeda, what was this about a companion in the dark?
With a little effort, your able to slip out of the rafters of the Hagfish, and drop quietly amongst the crates that you used to climb into the rafters. Just north of you rounding a corner, you spot Evriani. TO your right, you notice the Duchess walking with two men in black, and further ahead, you see Lord Deverin and entourage walking with him. they all walk away from the Hagfish without looking back.
Sazzat just about went after Evriani to find out what she had heard but then stopped himself because that was only part of the reason and he had the feeling his friends were in greater need than his inclinations.
As such, Sazzat moved as quickly as he felt it was safe to move while still remaining inconspicously as possible by slightly staggering across the street and then staying close to the building reaching out to touch it as if using it to steady himself. So that the Duchess and her two lackeys did not either notice him or if they did simply discounted him as just a local heading home as Sazzat definitely did not want to run afowl of them on his own.
He continues with this ploy until he gets to Gaffer's Walk, where he will then slightly stagger up it until out of sight. Whereupon he then begins to run taking a right at the next opening pausing to look out into the market area to make sure he would not be seen. Once it appeared safe, he ran across to and down Prickleback Lane. Meanwhile, he was projecting urgency to Bandit or at least what he hoped was urgency, as well as any other emotion he could think of to try to convey the issue of trouble coming Bandit's way.
He continues to run down Prickleback Lane until he gets to his second right, Net Street, and takes a hard right down it pausing only as he gets to Mud Street. He looks out onto Mud Street and the back courtyard of the Rusty Dragon to make sure the coast is clear before moving across it and into the back courtyard of the Rusty Dragon.
From here he will then move to the rear, presumably kitchen, entrance and slip inside. Once inside, he will look for the first person of importance he can find, if no one of importance the first person he can send to get a person of importance into the kitchen to tend to some incident taking place in the kitchen that needs them.
Well... just before you pulled up that beggar had a friend who deliberately retreated down the alley. I'd assumed the worst: some sort of ambush setup, or at least to perhaps pillage your wagon from behind while distracted by the beggar. Perhaps I was wrong, but better safe than sorry.
She shoots a nasty glance at Titus. I certainly don't think he would have noticed their setup...
She takes her place back beside the entrance to the rusty dragon and leans on her sword again before offering a pleasant
I hope the rest of your evening is lovely and without trouble.
Bandit, who had been sitting upon the bar top, nibbling a stolen bit of fruit from the kitchens, suddenly bristles wildly. he drops to his forepaws and begins to bark and yowl loudly. Yet, he doesnt face the doors, nor the back towards the kitchens. he faces the western wall, staring at nothing. His tail and back ridge are all poofed up, making him appear to be four times his actual size.
As you walk across the hard packed road making your way to gaffers walk, you observe the Duchess and her two men walking at a steady pace, maintaining an equal distance between herself and the Lord Deverin. Yet, just as you are about to step onto Gaffer's walk, you spot the third man in black leaning against one of the the buildings that forms the start of Market street. He sits upon a barrel, seeming to be asleep for his lack of movement towards Lord Deverin crossing his path.
however, Gokinsae takes notice of the man, and places himself between the lounging man and his charge.
THe Lord Mayor chuckles once, slipping off of her horse. A blue dress with gold shawl wrapped over her shoulders, high heeled shoes that lock easily into stirrups adorn her. She lands lightly upon her feet and hands the horse off to one of her servants who bows without her acknowledging the respected motion.
Now yeda, Kendra begins in a tone that isnt quiet Titus is just a bit old fashioned. Nothing-
Old fashioned?! Titus blusters with outrage, maneuvering his horse to stand next to the Lady's. Old fashioned is what's kept this town together all these years! I dare say, My lady, such outrageousness coming from one such as yourself.
Where Lady Kendra slid off of her horse with grace, His Lordship Titus slammed into the ground. An odd jingle, of armor worn under clothing, sounds slightly to your ears.
A sea- he coughs, his fist going over his lips as he glares momentarily at the Lord mayor. See that my horse is attended to. Be careful, he bites.
A heavy cough interrupts any more comment from titus. An old man, wrapped in brown robes, bends over after getting down from his horse and begins to cough a thick, wet cough. A stream of spittle and phlegm are expelled from his mouth and onto the dry road. He coughs and coughs, harder and harder, his breath forced out of him. His inhales are quick and jerky, the cough taking hold.
hmpf. Old man shouldve bit it long ago, yet he lingers on. Titus says to no one in particular.
"I think Sazzat's in trouble.... Bandit can you lead me to him?"
He asked drawing his dagger since his spears were upstairs... he took the mask off his belt and slid it over his face stalking torwards the front doo.
Is he gonna make it?
Loxley let Corrin take her glass as she listened to Belvan and Zel. She was had to resist a chuckle when Corrin acted protective of their host. It was nice not to think about her own troubles for a little while.
The faint sound of something drift from outside. But before she could turn her attention to it fully, Bandit began to act up.
“Hmm?”
She half stood, noises outside the inn forgotten.
“Is something wrong with him?”
She asked, concerned for their little furry party member.
When Corrin declared it was in fact Sazzat that was in trouble Bandit’s actions made more sense. Worry for their friend replaced her initial concern. Loxley shot Zeldana a worried look then stepped away from the table to follow after Corrin. She hurried after the druid wishing she at least had her sword.
** spoiler omitted **
And who is this guest of honor?
What's wrong with your rat? Belvan asks with concern, taking a step away from Bandit.
Bandit yowls loudly at Corrin, along with several grunts and groans. he leans back on his hind legs and paws at the air.
Corrin stops dead in his tracks, looking at Bandit. uh... not this way? he asks bandit, who moves his entire body up and down in an undulating motion. and if you didnt know any better corrin, youre inclined to think he's saying yes to you.
What is all this noise?! a voice cuts across your thoughts from the back of the room. the door to the kitchens and rear of the inn slams open, and a very angry looking Lady stalks in. It takes you a moment to recognize her as Ameiko Kaijitsu, owner of the fine establishment you stand in. You clearly didnt recognize her. the rich lavender colored dress, the face paint, the odd "here we are" look to her chest; she looked like a different person.
OH! Belvan. A pleasant suprise. No one told me you were here. Ameiko says with a apologetic tone.
I rode ahead of the main group. That Foxglove fellow gives me the creeps.[b] belvan remarks with a shudder.
[b]Oh, tell me about it. Seems to attracted to strong- uh oh She turns her head to the front door. Where's Yeda?
She looks at bandit, who squats upon her bartop, bristled out to full effect. Where's sazzat? is he why Bandits squawking?
He paused and looked as his sister tilting his head Hw almost didnt recognize her. [b] "Its too late to go looking for him . . . isnt it."
His shoulders slumped and he leaned over to pick up Bandit and give the little guy a squish.
Loxley stopped short when Corrin stopped. She gave Belvan a dismissive wave.
”He is a raccoon, not a rat.”
She defended Bandit’s honor as Corrin tried to decipher the animal’s attempts at communication.
The call from the kitchen pulled her attention away and took her a minute to realize it was Ameiko marching towards them. It didn’t help that her eyes were drawn to her… impressive attributes… and she felt her cheeks heat up.
Loxley managed to look away and she wished she had another drink.
She didn’t trust her voice so she merely nodded in agreement with Corrin.
"Ameiko, we're heading out to get Sazzat, we'll be back once we find him!" Zeldana declared.
Kendra! Is that you!?! the old man shouts out, his arm lifted to wave.
UNCLE! Kendra replies enthusiastically at the same time you hear, through the now widening gap through the front door, corrin say we were gonna...
Ameiko looks at Bandit, Zeldana, corrin, loxley, and Belvan.
I- she cuts off as the front door to her building begins to open wide behind corrin.
ack. Our company is here. she says, directing everyone's attention to the front door. You hear an old man's voice yell out as you look upon Yeda holding an old man dressed in plain brown robes. A look of surprise is evident upon not only the old man's face, but also the Lord Mayor's and another man of older middle aged with a barrel of a chest.
Bandit squawks loudly, his paws churning back and forth as he moves from side to side. Yet, looking at him, he appears to be pivoting slowly, as if tracking something.
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14 days, while short on time, was a long time to out amongst the farmlands healing the villagers, and incidentally, helping to fend off a small goblin raid. The people are fine, but it was the lack of reliable bedding that made this outreach effort a tad annoying. Some of the farmers, when they were healed of sickness or broken bone, offerred food and drink, others offerred a bed to sleep in. But most of the families that received the holy aide could only offer a haymound, or a hay loft in which to sleep. Youve traveled before, and been forced to sleep on the ground a time to two, but spending night after night laying upon hay would make anyone a tad grouchy.
The road back to Sandpoint, and to your proper cots inside the cathedral itself, was a welcome sight.
The tallest structure of sandpoint, the cathedral was one that was easily seen even a few miles away in the hinterlands. THe road you rode back on wound through the planted hills, providing sights of corn, soybean, alfalfa, oats, hay, wheat, and more.
THe sun was beginning to set as you arrived onto the lost coast road, and and guided your horses to the town proper.
You both debated if you wanted to ride into town and grab a bite to eat first, perhaps at the Rusty Dragon Inn, but a group of nobles you came upon disuaded you of that thought. instead you allowed them to lead you by a good amount, and you took the next fork that ran into Sandpoint. Into the town you arrived, and made your way through the roads, bordered with shuttered shops and homes, the smells of salt and food assaulting your noses (forcing stomachs to rumble).
Taking the next right off from Undercliff way, you ride up the hill onto Church street, and soon find yourself passing the Cathedral proper and entering the church owned buildings that hold a small stables (the horses you rode are church owned), a dormitory, and, most importantly, a dining hall.
Yet, it was odd. Several of the candles within the property, that normally wouldve been lit by Father Zantus, were not lit.
The unlit candles might not have seemed like a big deal to a lay person but to a person of the cloth it was odd indeed. It was a task that always got done back in Magnimar but many hands make light work and Neari supposed it could be different out here. Perhaps Father Zantus is out celebrating like the rest of the townsfolk. raising her voice to address the nobles that had lead them here she asks, so do you mind telling us what you needed us for?
Service was different from work. First off, the clientele were insufferable. Second, the pay sucked. And third, Neari...well, Neari was fine. She knew more, could do more, than Golzar. So she made a fine mentor.
The haylofts had also been terrible for Golzar's skin, and rarely provided sufficient privacy for the proper changing of his bandages. A bath would be pleasant once he got to it.
Golzar feels itchy as he rides the rest of the way into town. And unfortunately for him, his horse seems to be aware of his discomfort and is not making it any easier for him. "C'mon, Hisan, just a bit longer." The horse looks like it may be a cross between the Taldan jennet and the Al-Zabriti shissah, with a slim frame, a high-arched tail, and a wide forehead with a thin ring of black, hairless skin around its eyes. A bit different from the usual Varisian stock. Hisan snorts in response, almost as though it understood and didn't care about his rider's pains.
Willful bastard.
Golzar stables Hisan without too much complaint, setting a bag of oats for the mare before heading into the cathedral.
He doesn't inherently mind that the candles aren't lit, but it is odd. "I don't know the spell for this," Golzar admits to Neari, his voice having taken on a bit of the hinterland twang during their travels. "Could you, uh, take care of it? Or do you want me to do this the old-fashioned way?"
Loxley jerked around at the yell from the front door. She sees Yeda carrying a robed man and gasps a little.
“Is he hurt?”
She asks the larger woman as she approaches.
She fails to notices the subtle change in Bandit’s behavior.
No no, just helping guests inside. This is Titus, and you know the major, Kendra. Titus, this is Loxley.
Im Ethram! the old man begins, only to be cut off with a hacking, wet cough.
at the same moment, Belvan corrects Yeda, saying That's my father, Ethram.
heavy wet coughs sound loudly from the entrance to the Rusty Dragon Inn, filling the quiet inn with sickly sounds. Belvan steps forward quickly and approaches his father. He gently takes his sire from Yeda, mouthing thank you to her; a gracious smile fills his face before he focuses upon helping his father. Father, let's get you seated. The old man nod's along, hacking and coughing harshly. Ethram allows himself to be guided by his son, yet he manages to lift his head and looks at everyone in the room with a stern, appraising eye. You cannot help but feel that you have been weighed, measured, and your worth tallied by the man.
Oh uncle! It is so good to see you! a woman's voice, the Lord Mayor's, says gayly, only to be muffled a moment later.
Ahh, thank you my dear. So good to see you as well. How is business? how are Vana and the kids?
Plenty of time for that later uncle. you have arrived just in time to greet some important people Kenda says warmly.
Oh, who is that?
Merely the hero's that saved Sandpoint from a horrific goblin raid.
Yeah yeah. let's get this over with, Devrins. a mans gruff voice cuts across like a snapping whip. Unlike you two, I have work to finish after this dinner.
Titus, please- Kendra begins
Enough. Let's have dinner.
A man barges in through the entrance. He's not tall, nor short, yet he moves as a warrior can move, a grace to his step. His shirt looks somewhat stretched, almost to the point of being disheveled. Yet it's the slight clink of steel hitting another piece of steel that indicates this newcomer wears some armor beneath his shirt. Blonde hair, blue eyes that narrow upon entering the room, where Ethram was calculating, this man's eyes looked upon you with either disdain or contempt.
his eyes swept the room, from Ameiko to zeldana, over Belvan and Ethram, dismissing Corrin and Loxley. The man begins to make a face, as if annoyed, only to be transfixed in place! his hands begin to shake as shock fills his face! His eyes bulge, and his jaw clenches shut in shock. Slowly he turns his head towards Loxley, and his already raised eyebrows lift even higher, seeming to leap off of his forehead! His jaw drops, opening his mouth wide. Soundlessly it moves as he looks at the arcanist.
Titus? Titus, would you step aside please? the unseen man's voice asks gently from out of sight.
The man named Titus gives himself a shake. He drops to a knee in front of Loxley, hand clenched, its raised to his chest.
The oaths have been kept, My Lady. Only say the word, and what is mine is yours to command.