It's not particularly surprising that Golzar doesn't recognize what Neari so easily does. The elven Sarenite was considerably more devout and well-studied than Golzar, who seemed distracted at best during Father Zantus' lessons. "Mmm, right," he says, pretending like he knew even a bit of what she was talking about. "Sunrise, yeah."
As for Father Zantus' whereabouts? "Your guess is good as mine," he responds. "Celebrating seems about right. We could retrace our steps there."
At least that was probably the smart thing to do.
Loxley stepped back as Yeda reassured her, but she still didn’t like the sound of that coughing fit. As she watches Belvan take Ethram from the warrior’s care and escort him, she glances at Bethana with some concern.
”Perhaps some soothing tea would help? His throat must ache fiercely.”
She asks in a lowered tone.
Before she can hear the halfling’s response and man barges into the inn through the front doors.
The man’s gaze sweeps over those gathered and Loxley is thankful when they seem to pass over her dismissively. Though she is not found of how judgmental the looks he gives her companions are.
Loxley begins to turn her attention back to Bethana when the man’s mannerisms sudden change. Normally she’d not have cared, but something about his change made the hairs on her neck stand on end. As she turned her attention back to the blonde man, fear suddenly clenched at her stomach.
The man seemed to stare at her with some kind of surprised recognition. She found it difficult to swallow and her whole body tensed like wild game about to bolt.
Indeed, when the man suddenly drops to a knee before her Loxley took an instinctive step away and raised her hands defensively, barely keeping herself from flat out running. Though that may be partly due to the confusing jumble of words that suddenly spilled from his lips.
“Wha-, wha-…”
She can’t help but stare down at the man in mix of horror and confusion.
Mmmm, probably nothing to be found.
You attention upon this Nobleman Titus dropping to a knee in front of Loxley is nearly 100%, but your skills as a sword weilder, having survived several encounters of lethality, keeps your hearing tuned to events around you. you manage to overhear:
OH, hold on a moment uncle. It- Who is That? Kendra asks in a serious tone
Hmm? oh, well, you know Ameiko's younger sister, Ayame Kaijitsu.... he responds trailing off.
No, not her. Sorry. Not you. Her.
you can almost imagine the Lord Mayor standing next to her uncle and his companion reaching a slim arm out, her fingers making a pointing action and pointing in an unseen direction.
Oh. The Duchess is here. Lord Deverin replies, growing more serious with his response.
Haloo? Yesss? Nig'tly wo'ship for Goz'eh hasnt beguh yeht. a familiar voice replies loudly.
a heavy thud, followed by a long, raspy slide, tickles your ears as you stand within the rear chambers of the holy place. Yet you recognize who it belongs to well before the owner of this unique walk steps from the back hall.
To say that Orlin is ugly is to show him a kindness. To say he was cursed by the gods, was putting it mildly. Before you stood a man who looked as if he was created by the gods rolling dice for various parts from different humanoids to merge to create the man (or thing depending on who you talk to) that stands before you.
Ahh Orliln bellows loudly, his jaw seeming to unhinge from its joints, his tongue hanging a bit too long out of his mouth as he speaks. in his left hand, he holds a thick staff, yet instead of five fingers, he only has three thick jointed stubs and an inversely narrow digit that most would call a thumb. His eyes, all three of them, blink, one after another after another. Nea'i! he seems to slober more than speak And Go-za he clips off with his jaws clacking hard. Welcom' bacsh. Id' habv 'elpd yew, but he cuts off, waving his right hand at the overly large stump he uses as a right foot and the obscenely long left foot that looked as if it was more snake than limb. A severe gurgle comes from his throat that rises and falls with an evenness. As Orlin has done frequently before when you first met him, he mocks his own appearance and limitations.
'ow waz dez t'ip? he asks as a bit of saliva drops to the floor.
Orlin works as an attendant to Father Zantus. Both met several years ago while father zantus was traveling along the Lost Coast road, Near the Brinestump marsh. Orlin doesnt talk much about his time in the marsh, only that he did have a mother who would rage at night about injustice, love, and banishment. He does talk fondly of the day of when he met father zantus, albiet there is some regret, for it is the day his mother left him on the side of the road, only to retreat into the marsh again.
Orlin acts as Father Zantus' aide, more so the cathedrals attendant.
He eyed the old man with a mixture of curiousity, nd sadness. He couldnt imagine reaching a point like that where his body started to fail him. and just when he was beginning to figure life out too. I mean he was barely he guessed sixty years older than the ancient human. Almost as quickly as he was settling his thoughts on the poor older human a rash younger one burst onto the scene.
He felt himself bristle at the way he looked at his companions with such a feel of contempt made the elf bristle. He found himself bristling and his hand reached for his mask.... he froze his face contorting for a moment. Before he could free him self from that slight mental moment, The man started to kneel.. .and when Miss Loxley took a hesistant step back, Corrin took a step forward putting himself between the too.
Again he regret not having his spears with himself, he focused on the image of a large cat thought readying himself to shift to it if he needed too...
"explain yourself ..."
He said simply raising his right hand up like a cat about to scratch would
"It was," he looks at Neari, "Productive. Many injured and in need of Light across the Lost Coast."
Had it been productive? That was more or less what he was supposed to say, right? That was what they had been sent out to do. The fact that they had been essentially unable to muster many donations for the Cathedral was a grim reminder to Golzar just how far he had fallen. And Neari would almost certainly have her own report to Father Zantus about Golzar's work, for good or ill.
"How was the festival, Orlin?"
Titus lifts his head from it's bowed position. he glares at Corrin, and then at Zeldana. He looks once more at Loxley, and then grunts. No. I wont. I was mistaken, elf. Nothing more. He shoves himself to his feet with a groan, his face twitching at some unknown pain.
Ameiko, who had been standing next to the bar, her mouth wide open, snaps it shut with an audible click.
yes, well, as impressive as that was to witness Lord Scarnetti- she grunts before continuing, Titus, dropping to his knee like that, the food is getting cold. we should sit and eat.
Yes! Please! Ethram says with a wheeze.
You look to your right, down Market, and easily recognize the Duchess. She stands still, talking with one of the three men in black. The two others stand guard, assuming a lose posture as a fighter would achieve, presenting the idea of coiled springs.
A trill of noise comes from the mishappened throat.
T'az unde'fuhl! 'n' ska'eh. Dehm gobbos dhid 'tack hus! Stabb-bae stabb-bae! he takes his free hand and makes thrusting motions as gobs of saliva fall wetly upon the floor from his speaking. An excited tone fills his words, yet it seems his words begin to devolve to a more basic understanding Fah Zant, he go! 'eal! the mishappen man trills with pride. New People! 'elp! 'elp us! save us! Stab stab! again he makes thrusting motions with an imaginary blade. Gobbos dhid dis! did fire he mimics a goblin waving a torch around, and then pantomimes a larger fire from the torch.
Deys sahave us! suddenly he snarls, and a thick growl comes from within his chest. he hammers his chest a few times, and suddenly calms down.
Tehz newz pe'ple. Nice. Pret-ty. he wheezes a giggle. Co'o'in. he makes the stump that is his right ear into a pointed shape, while a finger catches his eye and makes it slant slightly. Yedah! big! st'ong he holds his arm up, curled. P'etty he giggles again. The sound of a hive full of angry hornets comes from him a moment later. he smacks his lips, they move as the sound comes from his chest again. bah. Anudder one! Sanmpoin' home! he points at Neari, rather her chest. She she he giggles again. he makes his eyes slant once more sa'heavy chest buzzat!
The man bends over, suddenly begins to wheeze, his mouth hangs open, his eyes bulging as he pulls in air. Ti'ed... Ts'to , N'alia capt'd [/b]
Orlin drops to his lone good knee while his snake like one splays out at odd angles. his staff falls to the ground as he leans forward, gasping for air. a thick, mucus covers his head and neck, and moments later a heavy musky smell fills your noses. You recognize Orlin is sweating as he gasps for air.
[/b]
Struggling to make sense of what is going on with poor Orlin, Golzar takes a deep breath and grasps at the golden ankh around his neck. All right, Dawnflower, I'm still working on this. Help me out here.
Sazzat tries to send emotions that basically say, come to me, to Bandit and hopes to get someone into the kitchen without alerting anyone he was even here.
Loxley was still reeling from the tonal whiplash of what had just happened. Her heart was still pounding in her chest as she reached out to support herself on a table edge. Titus’s sudden heel turn left just as confused as his initial reaction.
Obviously he had simply mistaken her for someone else. That was all.
Reaching out with her other hand she placed it on Corrin’s shoulder.
”It’s okay, I’m sure it was just a misunderstanding. Please be calm.”
She was touched but how quickly he came to her defense, even if it wasn’t necessary this time.
Loxley gave Zel a thankful smile as well, but she was in less need of a gentle restraining touch. None of her companions could deny the Druid’s fierce temperament.
Still, as Ameiko bayed everyone to sit for dinner Loxley took a deep breath to regain her composure.
”I, ah, think I should…”
She searched her mind for excuse,
He began calmly although inside he was seething. Something about that human's attitude made his heart quicken and his blood boil. he wanted nothing more than to wipe the dirt off the floor with his stupid face...or however the humans said it. He slowly moved his hand away from his mask and took a deep breath.
"Here miss Loxley allow me." He began taking her hand and guiding her to the table pulling back a chair. He smiled and motioned to Zeldana as well, pulling her chair back as well. He half turned to his sister Ameiko curious where she had planned to sit herself. He wasnt sure how a human dinner functioned after all. One thing was for sure he was going to watch and learn about this titus. He didnt like the man at all.
Neari didn't quite get all of what Orlin was saying but got the gist of it. She opened her mouth to ask a question but is stopped in her tracks by the deformed man's sudden collapse. Proud to see Golzar jumping to action she follows suit focusing on Orlins mouth and throat. His deformities seem to affect his ability to speak, likely affect his breathing too, though we shouldn't rule something else out.
Do no was' you' eff'rts uphunn meh, Kel's%!#! he smacks his lips loudly as anger fills his tone. Cu'sed bye godz, i be. he falls over onto his right side, his side heaving with the effort. Yet, it seems to almost immediately aid him in recovering his breath.
esscited iz hall. he pants. eyez sawwwee i izz. he pants out, his jaw clicking, lips smacking. he falls limply to the floor, his staff clattering loudly.
His deformed hand reaches for his neck and pulls out a small, green pendant. Its carved facets catch the ambient light, causing it to glow with an odd, disjointed inner light.
I am sorry a low voice says from everywhere and no where specific. I got excited. you look about for the voice's source, but no one stands within the hall you stand.
I dislike using this gem. I get a bad headache afterwards, but it felt prudent to help you both understand me quicker. Yes, when i get excited, i drool horribly. as if suiting words to action, he hacks up a glob of phlegm and spits it onto the already large puddle of mucus.
From what i understand, Tsuto, son to Lonjiku Kaijitsu, had a large part in the raid, and the death of his father. Someone broke him free not two days ago, but these heroes followed him to the north. I do not know what happened, but they came back with someone else. A half demon she-b%$%&! he spits to emphasize his thoughts on her. After that, Father Zantus went to where she is kept, at the jail. He groans in agony, and his hand releases the pendant. his head falls back onto the floor, his chest rising and falling with exertion.
I stahp. Stahp. ooo stahp. stahp. owwch.. he groans, his eyes closing shut.
Bandit wiggles and struggles in Zeldana's arms, trying to get away. A low growl and rumble within his chest, and a hard push against zel's chest free's him and he hits the ground with a soft ploof, his thick fur absorbing the impact. Twisting and rolling, he plants his paws and quickly skitters to the rear of the room, pawing hard at the rear door. Pushing slightly, the door swings open just enough for him to nose into, yet its enough for him to push through the rest of the way.
Is it ok if several unexpected guests arrive? the Lord mayor asks sweetly from the doorway, her inquiry directed at Ameiko.
Depends on how- Ameiko begins to reply, only to stop mid sentence. Her eyes bug out wide, and a moment later a massive smile splits her face.
Ayame! she cries out, and rushes around the table end.
Both Valdemar's track the woman around the table, and both smile equally as they recognize sisterly love.
Ayame, when did you come in? how did-? i just- ohh! she wraps her sister up in a large, strong embrace.
I may answer that, if i may, my lady? an older man, in his early 60s, steps into the room. Where titus has thinned blonde hair, this man's hair was still thick and brown. Where titus was broad of shoulder, this man was thin. however, he was hale, opposite that of Lord Ethram. HIs gaze swept the room, a sparkle of shining delight as he looked at everyone, the look of someone who enjoys meeting new people.
Lord Deverin?! Ameiko and Belven say together in surprise.
When did you get here? Ameiko asks
why are you here Belven presses.
The Lord Deverin a deep voice, similar to rocks clamoring down a steep hill, rumbles from outside the door. You look at the doorway, and all you see is the chest and legs of a man. Not his arms, nor his head, he is so tall and wide.
The odd gem-based divinatory effect would draw a raised brow from Golzar if his eyebrows hadn't been melted away. But it does make it easier to understand the cursed, foul man. And it's a good thing, too, because what he tells them is disturbing to say the least.
There had been a raid by goblins--that part he had gathered before. But Lonjiku Kaijitsu--dead? And his son Tsuto had been involved? What the...
Golzar hadn't been in Sandpoint long enough to know everyone by name, but the big names you couldn't not know. He looks at Neari, curious at her cavalier response to that. Thank you for the information? That was it?
"Yes, thank you," he responds, wondering if this detachment was an elven thing or a Sarenite thing. He nods to Orlin with a take care of yourself gesture, trying not to feel overly disgusted, and shuffles after Neari.
"What in the nine hells did we miss while we were gone?" he swears as they cross the Temple's threshold.
“Thank you”
She said, still a little unsure. Loxley let Corrin lead her back towards the table, but she hesitates though when he pulls out the chair. She sees Bandit struggle out if Zel’s arms to scurry away.
She considers following after the agitated raccoon, but is again surprised and distracted by people arriving.
Ameiko’s exuberant greeting for her sister pulls Loxley’s full attention before she can witness Bandit’s escape into the kitchen. Ayame was soon joined by two more men, one of whom that seemed like he would need to bend nearly in half to enter the inn.
“Oh my!”
She hadn’t meant to say it but she was surprised by the the man’s size.
the deformed hand reaches out and grasps at Golzar's robes. [b]Eyz nooz. you'z 'elat'y hiz ghud for za god'hess Orlin shakes has arm hard, nearly pulling golzar off balance before letting go. boot' yuz hiz guhd fher za god'hess. he leans back and slumps upon the floor, his eyes closed before his head comes to rest on the stone flooring. Youve come across Orlin passed out before, his entire body limp, asleep to the world around him. Father Zantus has said that it's best to leave him be. Orlin is a strong man, a horribly twisted and deformed man who has the tenacity to rival a devil. Yet a man none the less.
You walk away from him, allowing him the opportunity to calm himself, and within moments find yourself standing out front of the cathedral, about ready to step down the stairs.
What in the nine hells did we miss while we were gone? Golzar says to Neari.
The head maid of the inn, Bethana herself, seems to appear before Sazzat. Where on earth have you been? and wearing that?! and is that dust! her voice begins to raise in octaves as her eyes bulge out in barely contained anger.
The source of the heavy, deep voice, begins to enter through the door. Yeda steps back, away from the hulking man as a massive hand, large enough to encircle a head, reaches through the door. The frame moves, sinking lower and lower, revealing a chest broader than the ships that sail the ocean sweeps, lights into view. the glint of light reflected off of yellow eyes twinkles harshly from beyond the wood doorway.
Gokinsae. Please wait outside. i fear the height in here is not suitable for you Lord Deverin says in a commanding, yet thoughtful manner.
My lord, how- the rumble from the man's chest as he replies
I am fine in here. The Lord says simply, a stern tone filling his retort.
Yes, my lord the rock slide replies before the hand pulls away into the darkness beyond.
[/b]
that- Corrin says to no one in particular that is a tall man.
Indeed three voices reply at once. Ameiko, Belvan and Titus all look at each other. Ameiko blushes once while belvan and Titus scowl in annoyance.
I am so glad you are here, sister.
me to, sister.
I must get another chair. Ameiko says, lowering her arms.
Best to grab a second one as well. Lord Deverin says, his tone calm.
Hello there. the man says with a rumble that you feel in your chest. I am Gokinsae. Protector to Lord Deverin. He bows his head to you and holds out a massive hand.
He froze as the giant tried to squeeze in the room. he found himself chuckling darkly when the thought about should have brought his spears started to enter his mind.. he wasnt sure they would do much to that man...thing. His focus shifted rapidly to Ameiko's younger... sister? He didnt realize she had one of those... thankfully the elven blood bond didnt carry over to other family members. He wasnt against the idea of more family.. just he knew nothing of this girl and perhaps she wasn suitable. He found himself moving closer to Loxley and Amieko.. in case she wanted to bring up the bonding. It wasnt his place it was his sisters party afterall he wasnt sure what she had planned.
You must be an effective protector at that! How long have you served lord Deverin?
Zeldana’s call for Bandit pull her attention long enough to see the witch disappear into the kitchen. Loxley desperately wanted to follow but couldn’t think of a good excuse to, well, excuse herself.
As the mountian of a man attempted to enter the inn Loxley validly thought for a moment that he may actually do considerable damage to the doorframe. She relaxed only a little when Lord Deverin talked the man into remaining outside.
”I fear I may find myself at wit’s end before this evening is through.”
She sighed as she settled into her chair. Shaking her head slowly her resigned herself to her fate of, gasp, dinner and polite conversation with town nobles.
At least there were pretty girls to look at she thought in an effort to look on the bright side. Loxley gave Ameiko and her sister a thoughtful glance as she picked up her fresh drink and took a long sip to a steady her nerves.
What sounds like a rock slide startles Yeda for a moment; yet it took a moment for her to realize the man was laughing.
Most of the time, I am. My size Gokinsae sweeps his hand over the long length of his body is rather intimidating. He reaches over his shoulder and grasps at nothing. Well, you could have sworn it was nothing, but where there was nothing, now the protector grips a large handle. He effortlessly pulls over his head a massive, oversized falcata . It glows with a subtle white luminescence. For those that arent intimidated, there's Fukashu. he holds it out in front of him at the low guard for a moment before he lays the blade in his hand and holds it out for Yeda to inspect.
to answer your other question. i have been in the employ of Lord Deverin for eight years. Prevented several assassination attempts. And you? are you the Lady Deverin's protector? or do you belong to someone- the man cuts off. You look at him and are reminded of a coiled spring.
someone approaches... the Duchess and her minions i dare surmise the towering man says softly. A moment later the crunch of dirt or gravel filters to Yeda's ears, indicating that indeed someone comes from down the dirt street.
The lights from the buildings shine brightly from the windows, first floor and second, adding to the setting suns last kiss of brilliance upon Sandpoint. Shadows stretch long and deep, where there were nooks and crannies, there are now holes to the Abyss, to the nine hells, to other planes that conjure horrors to the active imagination. Yet the town of Sandpoint isnt asleep yet, and provides noises to bring you back to civilization, to safety, to surety.
Momma, may i have another potato? a young boy asks sweetly
Of course dear a warm reply.
from another house
Why do you need to go to the tavern?? a man asks harshly.
I must work. a reply, fading.
a long pause and then a door closes. work. More like working the drunkards...
a thriving community, Sandpoint is.
Bethana's face changes from shock and horror to one of anger and suppressed fury. She glares at Sazzat, the look telling Sazzat she blames him for this turn of events.
Lord Deverin would never sell someone out. He is a right proper man! I will not have you say such things here while i can hear them. There is more to this than this dust and gossip you bring to this kitchen. She sniffs at Sazzat, her head lifting high as if to look down at him. But if the Duchess is here.... Oh i hope she doesnt know about the importance of the White Ribbon. she looks at sazzat and zeldana, and not seeing recognition she rolls her eyes. THe white ribbon. The Kaijitsu's are an old family. They have many traditions. Amongst the Heads of the family, there is tradition that guarantees of safety and comfort and aide are provided should the another noble provide a white ribbon to the Head of the household. I only know this in case a noble were to appear here and give one to her. But that was when the Lady's father was alive... but now, now this. Oh.. this is not good. The Duchess would know about it... she trails off, her arms dropping to her side as she suddenly recognizes the real threat that is the Duchess.
Bethana! Please! Chairs for our new guests! you all hear from the commons.
Ameiko pulls away from her sisters embrace. We shall talk later. i promise. tonight. well into morning. But now, please, come sit!
idle chatter fills the room as The nobles begin to head to their chairs.
Wits end? nonsense child. a voice sounds from Loxley's shoulder. she turns and looks at the Patron Lord Deverin. How do you do? i am Hobart Deverin. Please, please, dont get up. i merely wish to sit next to you tonight, if that would be ok? without waiting for an answer, he pulls out the chair next to loxley and sits down. He reaches out, graps a wine bottle, pulls the cork and gently tips it into the crystal cup. He offers it to Loxley with a gentle smile. dreadful stuff, these noble dinners. All this food, this talking, the snide, subtle remarks. rather boring if you ask me.
Ameiko looks at Corrin, and then directs his gaze to the chair to her left. I wish for you to sit next to me. It'll be easier when i make the announcement. Please, go sit. I know this is a bit much, but enjoy the food you made. Trust me. She reaches out and grasps Corrin's arm, squeezing it for a moment to reassure the wild elf.
What do you suppose she is up to?
Loxley nearly jumped from her seat at Lord Deverin’s sudden voice, but she managed to stay seated. More importantly she managed not to scream, only a small squeak of surprise. She looked aside at the noble and forced a smile.
“Loxley Geralt.”
She managed to return politely before his lordship took the seat beside her.
“Yes, ah, quite boring”
She agreed as she tried to look relaxed. She took another sip in her continued attempt to calm her nerves.
Loxley watches Ameiko bid Corrin to join her, feeling only a little jealousy.
"May the Dawnflower forbid it," he swears through gritted teeth. Something being afoot was the last thing he needed right now.
As the Sarenites make a quick way through the streets and overhear the people of Sandpoint talking (for they make themselves impossible to ignore), Golzar looks around for signs of of the attack that Orlin had mentioned. Surely there were fire scars if goblins had been involved.
Still, it seems like the town had weathered the assault. How many died? What had these so-called heroes found? Golzar didn't like the smell of this.
"Sister Neari," he says, "How much do you know about the Kaijitsus and the other nobles here in town? I'm too new here yet to know much of local politics."
He didnt realise how tense he was until he felt his blood sisters hand on his arm. It took him a moment to shake off the feeling of needing to be wary but he reached up and just tapped her hand nodding slightly. He took his seat and placed his hands atop the table folding them over one another.
"Man i bet Dewdrop would love this party. He enjoys the attention."
He said to no one in particular.
I will bring her back here. If you want to protect her, you had best take her to the jail. Once Loxley leaves, i can ask the Mistress to request the Lord Mayor to secure Loxley until the Duchess can be questioned. agreed?
Unwilling to change course, the Sandpoint Mercantile League began a series of talks with the Varisians, promising them an important place in the new township. Unfortunately, after a week of talks seemed to go nowhere, an impatient man took matters into his own hands. Rounding up a group of his brothers and cousins, mounted a murderous raid on the Varisian camp, intending to kill them all and leave evidence implicating local goblins for the deed. Yet only managed to kill five Varisians before they were themselves forced to flee, leaving behind three of their own. The incident caused a several-month delay, but eventually amends were made and the town of Sandpoint was born.
The Late Unpleasantness
A map of Sandpoint.
A notable series events in the short history of Sandpoint occurred in the winter of 4702, and are referred to locally as "the Late Unpleasantness." The people of Sandpoint would prefer to put the unsavory disasters behind them, but five years is not long enough to fully forget these events. Within the course of only a few years, a string of murders by a ruthless killer known as "Chopper" and a great fire which destroyed the iconic chapel and many of the surrounding buildings ravaged the town both physically and emotionally. The Sandpoint Cathedral has since been built and the people of Sandpoint are finally optimistic about their future
looking closer at the buildings in the fading light, you do see the odd discoloration of paint, of shadows that appear to be darker than they should be... perhaps there was a raid here in Sandpoint, but whomever these heroes are, they were lucky enough to not only stop the raid but indeed prevent serious damage to the town as a whole. perhaps father Zantus can fill in so much more than precious Orlin could supply.
Ah. Loxley Geralt. No doubt from the Geralts that populated southern Qadira, far far to the south of us, no? the older gentleman winks at Loxley before wetting his lips with his own drink. I kid, i kid. Poor taste on my part. When i was young, i had a written correspondence with a Lady Heran Geralt from Qadira. Met her in Absalom in my teens, was with my father who was leading a fleet of trade ships...
Who is dewdrop? the young lady asks politely across from Corrin. Almost a twin to Ameiko, yet a few years younger, her cheeks held a blush that never seemed to fade, and a twinkle in her eyes that belied innocence and understanding at the same time. Sounds like the name of a right-true companion.
It's the name for his little reindeer. The blonde man, Titus, snaps back, pouring himself a drink. the thick red liquid pours into the glass; the liquid doesnt splash, but merely flows. He tips the pitcher back and sets it upon the table. Picking up the goblet, he lifts it and tosses it back with a single gulp.
ahhhh.... he sighs contently.
Beth- Oh where is she? Ameiko asks out loud, looking at the rear door.
Hold there now. Gokinsae raises his voice slightly. its deep tone carries easily within the street confines. I see you, Duchess. And your little pack rats as well.
I merely walk, dog. where the voice of Gokinsae is harsh, stoney, and hard, the Duchess' voice is that of silk, of sable upon naked flesh, a cat's purr in your ear.
Walk elsewhere then. the Lord has no need for you for the rest of tonight.
Nonsense. I hear that there is a nobles dinner being held here tonight. As you know, I am a Duchess.
Not of any recognizable-
I AM A DUCHESS! the smooth voice cracks like a whip.
you easily hear the sound of steel sliding upon steel, of blades being exposed to air...
NO! the dwarven woman snaps over her shoulder at her companions.
Not tonight. I would entreat.
THe duchess takes a single step closer, and lifts her hand high. You brace yourself for whatever fae magicks this woman would call upon, but can only blink in surprise when you see a white ribbon drop from her outstretched hand.
His smile had been big and expansive when questioned about Dewdrop. However before he could start that vile large oaf of a human cut in and the way he spoke of dewdrop... his tone it rang of contempt and it made Corrin mad. A single twitch up torwards his mask started his hand motionless in front of his face for a moment before he took a calming breath and set it back down.
"Dewdrop... is an elk. A northern varisian breed to be exact. He will grow large enough for a big man... such as yourself to look small beside. His horns though not sharpened have slain and skewered a half dozen goblins in the last few weeks. How many fell to you blade again during the attack? I dont recall the tellings of your prowess for the townsfolk my lord..."
He added a questioning tone to his words.. but it was clear he was indeed directly calling out the courage of the human male before him. reindeer indeed.
He slowly reached out and offered to pour the younger version of Ameiko a glass of whatever it was in there. why did his face feel so hot?
Sazzat paused and was about to pull his leg free and say he was not staying for the party but then Bethana said something he had not expected and so paused. He thought to himself, 'it is unclear just how many folks the Duchess had under her sway which would make it very difficult to protect Loxley for any extended amount of time. Now, while a jail was not a place he cared to revisit this would be different and it did hold some merit.' Then with Zeldana's statement die had been cast, he looked down at Bethana saying flatly, "Agreed Bethana." He then looks to Zeldana, "I will make sure the path is clear but I will not go far. Try to be stealthy."
Golzar--or rather Mehrab--had not been a particularly attentive student, much to his parents' and tutors' chagrin. But he remembered the stories that caught his interest. And the absolute bungling of founding a town by a bunch of Magnimarian deserters had always struck him as hilarious. A story he asked each new tutor to repeat so that he could relish in the details.
Gods he had had a cruel streak as a child...
Now a man, and with a different name, Golzar was a better (and more self-driven) student. But he still didn't care much for the details of politics. And nobles, or any who considered themselves better by virtue of wealth or station, could rot for all he cared. But he listens attentively to Neari's explanation. Thankfully, with his face wrapped in bandages, his disgust is harder to register as long as he doesn't speak.
So he just points out what he sees, happy enough to intermix post-battle observations instead of gossiping about leaders.