”Thank you, Zella, that feels much better. Almost like it never happened. And I’m sure it won’t happen again.”
Standing much straighter than before, Nicat turns to Sylvan. ”How can you say Desna doesn’t love me dearly? She kept me safe - uh, well, alive – in the fight with the goblins, and then healed my wounds. And we’ve still got the prize money from the bean jar to spend on dinner. I’m starving!”
”Oh, one more thing, everyone. I’m going to look around for my parents – and hopefully find my sword and dagger while I’m at it. When I introduce you to them, let’s not mention the little incident with the spear in front of my ma, all right?”
As Sylvan walks away, Nicat calls out loudly ”Sylvan, don’t be too long. Dinner’s on me and I want to talk about the fight over a few pints! You coming, Shanto? You can write a song about our great battle with the goblins!”
"Good, you see that it doesn't happen again." Zella playfully musses Nicat's hair and as he calls after Sylvan she adds: "I'd say you owe me dinner as well with the prize money."
"And Sylvan, if your pants happen to be nearby in the morning, perhaps I could see about mending them then..." After I pray for that spell of course...I'm not that good with a needle and thread...
"Of course, Zella, of course! Desna's gift of gold, courtesy of a jar of beans and a little boy, is buying dinner for all of us! And the sweetest dessert you could ask for, Zella."
As he says this, Nicat thinks to look around for Arny and his family, to make sure they're all unhurt after the goblin attack.
I hope he's all right - Desna gave me her blessing with the number he guessed.
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AS teveryone heads out for dinner Noro gathers herself together. notices a leftover mug sitting on a table not far from the fight. Hoping to find something goes to check it out, only to find it empty.
Damn...
looking up as the others go. what ever happened to that kid? Ahhh they won't even notice I am gone anyway..
Noro makes her way to the Rusty Dragon loking around the back entrance to see if her brother is still working there This is stupid its been what 3 years? maybe more he must have moved on by now...
Ventus spent the majority of the conversation quietly cleaning the goblin blood off of himself and his gear. None of the nasty beasts had managed to harm him apart from spattering their gore in his general direction as he brought an end to their already short lives. When he was done he tossed the bloodied rag he had been using over his shoulder. He sighed and sheathed his sword and swung his shield over a shoulder.
Well, the festival was ruined and his erstwhile companions were spreading out like so many grains of sand on the wind. He supposed he ought to engage in his usual pursuit when in a town, find a quiet inn with decent food and a good mattress. The others were rarely his concern.
Zestlian remains where he is, keeping an eye on the captured goblin.
"Ardunio I think you'll find goblins are not well respected wherever they are found. This kind of viciousness is normal behavior for them, if not this boldness."
Zestlian looks around. "Are there any other defenders of this town other than ourselves? Where are the sheriff and the mayor? I imagine they might want to have words with this one."
Zestlian squats before the goblin.
"What's your name little one? And who was that one over there?" He gestures towards the ruined remains of the female goblin he had recently killed.
Ventus paused as he heard Zestlian try to question a captured goblin.
"You speak their language, mate? They're rarely smart enough to pick up Taldane and even if they were, I've yet to hear of a goblin stop to converse with those they're trying to butcher," to be frank, Ventus amused by the attempt.
"Eh, true enough, they mostly only speak goblin. There will be someone around here who can speak to 'em though and maybe they can induce it to spill what little it may know to save its skin."
"At any rate it can't just be left here to wriggle free, it needs to be questioned, imprisoned, or killed."
Arduino nods as he absorbs Zestlian's words. "I see... interesting. How intelligent are goblins? Should we be worried about some broader stratagem behind this attack...? They look like children so I suppose possibly such reasoning would be beyond them..."
"Fine, let's find us a sheriff. I'd be frankly shocked if the town did not have one." Ventus gives the wretched beast an evil look before grabbing the ropes binding it and hauling it up bodily.
"Oi! Miss Zelladanyia! The lads and I are going to have us a chat with the sheriff. It'd help to have someone actually good at dealing with people along, You mind giving us an assist?"
"I don't mind at all Ventus, plus since I met him earlier, at least I know what he looks like to find." Zella looks about for any sign of the sheriff.
"I can show you all where the sheriff's office is - but I'll tell you, it's usually him looking for me, not the other way around. This will be a new experience for both of us."
"I'm sure he'll ignore your usual trespasses in the face of recent events," Ventus said in a voice that indicated he thought otherwise. He shifted his grip on the goblin and slung it over his shoulder like an ugly pack.
The man you saved from the goblin rider turns out to be an elf, not a man, and he's downright gushing over you all. My word! What a show! You've saved me from certain death! My name is Aldern Foxglove. I'm thoroughly indebted to all of you. How about a round of drinks on me at the Rusty Dragon? That's where the best food is, too.
As Aldern makes his was around and introduces himself again to each of you, he stops on Zella. My word...Never have I seen such beauty in human form. You are truly a sight to behold, and talented to boot. We must speak more later.
Upon investigation you find that Arny's family is entirely fine, if not shaken, and Arny is taking after his new hero, Nicat, and plays himself off as casual. His mother, on the other hand, insists on pressing loaf after loaf of bread from her bag into Nicat's arms saying Lordie have mercy! You're too thin! Please, take another!
Aldern hears Zestlian and the others talking about visiting the sheriff, and pipes up, Tell you what - lets all take the little bugger to the garrison. I'm sure Sheriff Hemlock will be there dealing with any other prisoners. Then, we can all head down to the Inn. How about it?
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Noro, not much for the limelight can't help but roll her eyes at Aldern's comment to Zella. knowing that the kid and his family are alright Noro is relieved at the news. making a mental note of Nicat's like of bread.
visiting the SHeriff is not exactly something I really enjoy. been there to many times already
I'll meet you guysh at the Rushty Dragon.
Noro will let the others take the goblin to the sheriff as she goes for a good meal at the Dragon.
Still blushing slightly from the elf's compliments, Zella accompanies Ventus and the others to see the sheriff.
"Sounds like a plan to me, especially if you're buying, Mr. Foxglove," Ventus said with an easy smile, not failing to notice Zelladanyia's blush. She was pretty but likely out of his league. She had pull in the caravan and enough status and looks to take her pick of the men.
"The garrison is probably far better equipped to deal with the follow up investigation than a band of merchants and their hirelings," this was more for the benefit of the others than Aldern. They had done their part to defend the town and done so stalwartly but it would likely be a mistake to go chasing the little monsters back to their den. That was solidly the duty of the Sheriff and Garrison.
"A drink sounds like a fine idea, especially if you're buying. Nicat, looks like the Hagfish will have to wait." Eleshanto joins the crowd heading to the Sheriff.
Zestlian still takes the goblin attack rather personally, but he knows his role in the matter is probably coming to an end.
"Alright, let's go drop this bugger off. As much as I might want to chase them all back to what ever hole they crawled out of, I want a drink even more right now."
"A drink sounds fine indeed, Master Aldern, and getting rid of this goblin sounds even finer. I'm happy to join you in both."
Nicat slides 3 fat gold pieces out of his purse and begins to juggle them in one hand as he walks with the group.
"But Desna is buying dinner tonight, and I'm sure she's expecting you to join her, as lucky as you were today. Though I am sorry about your dog. Sometimes you have to look pretty closely to see the Lady's blessing."
Nicat continues to juggle as he walks along quietly with the group, perhaps struck by the unusual profundity of his thought.
Still interested in these goblins- and interest is all that stops Arduino from collapsing on the spot into a lazy nap- the young human follows Aldern to drop off the goblin prisoner.
"Have you had difficulty with these creatures before?" he asks when Aldern has a moment.
To Arduino, Aldren says Well, not like this. They're a local nuisance, but there are 5 warring tribes that usually keep each other out of our hair.
At the garrison, you find Father Zantus speaking gravely with Sheriff Hemlock. ...the boneyard! Oh! Welcome, new heroes! Thank you for your service. The sheriff and I are discussing the aftermath of this little invasion. Perhaps, Belor, you can relate our concerns to these kind folk.
Indeed, says the Sheriff softly, You see, we have found that the Sandpoint Boneyard has been desecrated, as well. We are concerned that more goblins may have gotten inside a crypt and are still there. Hmmm...would you be able to assist us with them? Tomorrow morning?
"Of course, Sherriff Hemlock, you know me," says Nicat a little uncertainly, accustomed to speaking to this particular authority figure when he's been caught in some escapade, "I'd be happy to help out with that! You should have seen me smack their leader with my sword! And we've got a couple of goblin specialists right here with us, should be no problem at all. And tomorrow morning leaves us time for a good dinner tonight - perfect!"
With this, Nicat draws the end of a loaf of bread, a gift from Arny's mother, from his pocket and begins to chew it, mumbling through it, "Mighty hungry these days, I think I feel a growth spurt coming on. Least I hope I do."
Ventus came in behind Nicat and dropped the bound goblin on the floor in front of Sheriff Hemlock with little preamble.
"Oh, aye, quite the smack it was. Of course, the riposte you got served made me think I'd have to be hauling you out of combat. Next time err on the side of caution lad. There is a reason I wander around in all this metal." Ventus paused and eyed Sheriff Hemlock.
"We'll see about tomorrow on the morrow. The lot I travel with has a tendency to throw themselves at every little quest and distraction with a worrying amount of zeal. I doubt they'll say no but I'm hoping there will be compensation somewhere along the line."
Going from travelling entertainer to goblin-specializing mercenary might faze many but since to Arduino all of this is one big interesting distraction he barely notices the change. "Five tribes you say? That is quite a few; I hope this does not become common, your town may not be able to defend itself... and I would be happy to aid you with your crypt problem."{/b] Arduino looks thoughtfully at nothing and nods. [b]"Yes, quite happy. These 'goblins' are interesting beings... the woods have nothing quite like them."
Zestlian claps Adventus on the back. "Life is in the distractions my friend! With the appropriate zeal, I'm sure Desna will provide all the compensation you need."His grin seems to indicate he is equal parts teasing and earnest.
"I'll not make promises for anybody else, but you can count on my help. If goblins are capable of threatening Sandpoint then travelers in the area cannot hope to be secure."
After several minutes of searching Sylvan give up on finding Elric to report on the fight with the goblins. He hasn't seen him since morning so goes instead to find the sheriff and Father Zantus. He arrives in time to hear sheriff Hemlock ask for help the next morning.
"I'll not make promises for anybody else, but you can count on my help. If goblins are capable of threatening Sandpoint then travelers in the area cannot hope to be secure."
I will also be happy to help in the morning. Is there anything else we can help with tonight?
I think we're all set for the evening, says Sheriff Hemlock as he nods acceptance of the help. Meet me here at an hour past daybreak tomorrow and we'll get it done. He turns to walk into a room in the back.
Father Zantus takes a moment to offer his gratitude, saying, You folks know that if ever have need of my services, they come freely.
The party makes its way to the Rusty Dragon with Aldern for the promised round of drinks. Upon arrival, you find a rather empty tavern. It seems as though most folks have stayed inside tonight.
Zella looks about at the mostly empty tavern. "Well, I guess most of the townsfolk were rather spooked by the goblins' little raid."
Zella waves over to Aldren as they enter and joins him at his table for his promised round of drinks.
"Spooked? Ha! Bunch of cravens! We could have taken three times as many goblins!"
Nicat pretends to draw his swords and swing them wildly at an imaginary goblin, then stops abruptly, dropping a hand to his belly, Ooh, ouch! I guess that's why you told me to take it easy for the rest of the day, eh, Zella? I better soothe that pain with a nice dark stout. It's medicinal, you know?"
Nicat slides carefully onto the bench next to Zella, greeting Aldern with a smile, and waving to the barmaid.
"Leave the heroics to the professionals next time, or at least let me coach you on how to use those. I won't always be in a position to kill the things you piss off," as he sat down, he undid the laces of his armor and let it fall off with a heavy thump. Relieved of the weight he popped his neck and rolled his shoulders. The sword and shield remained in place, hanging from his belt.
Zella gives a feigned, dramatic sigh as she looks between Nicat and Ventus. "If Ventus is going to give you lessons Nicat, I suppose I better be standing by watching. Ready to tend to all the injuries you'll be sure to incur."
"What? I'll go easy on him. I'll treat him at least as well as one of the dogs or horses." To an outsider it might seem like a worrying comment but Ventus really was good to the beasts that the caravan brought with them.
"No offense intended Ventus dear. I'm just assuming that most of Nicat's injuries will be self-inflicted. You have no idea how many things he's dropped on his head when he was little and first learning how to juggle. Though that was pretty funny the time he was trying to juggle some eggs."
Noro! So this is where you were, I didn't see you at the garrison.
Sylvan calls out to Noro as he comes in with the others.
What are you eating? Nicat said he was paying tonight. Sylvan sits at the table with Nicat, Zella, and Ventus. He waves for Noro to come join them.
come sit with the rest of us. How much have you had to drink?
Ameiko! That salmon at lunch was incredible! what is for dinner? You haven't seen Elric have you? He looks around at the mostly empty Inn. not much chance of a game tonight after all.
"Sylvan has the right of it, Noro - Desna is buying dinner tonight! Please do come sit with us. The Lady would not be pleased with me if she gave me such a gift and I failed to share it with a friend! Especially one who stepped in and smashed a goblin that I was trying to fight."
Nicat picks up a bowl of salted pinon nuts from the table and sets them down in front of Ventus, saying "I'd be more than happy to have you give me some pointers on swinging a sword around, but watching you today, it occured to me it might make more sense to learn a trick or two from Sylvan here." Nicat lays a hand on Sylvan's shoulder and continues, "He and I prefer a more refined approach to fighting, rather than just muscling the blade around. Besides, I'm not at all sure I could lift that sword of yours, much less parry it if you were practicing with me. What say you, Sylvan, shall we see what swordplay we can learn from each other?"
Then, turning towards the head of the room, "Ameiko - my friends are hungry! And Desna would hate for them to have to wait on enjoying her gift! I'm buying dinner for all of them, so let's have your best."
Zestlian leaves his weapons leaning in a corner in the empty tavern and sits down at the table. He tries to maintain a lighthearted demeanor to mask the cloud the events of the day have left in his mind.
"Far be it from me to confound the will of Desna. If letting Nicat buy me dinner keeps me in her good graces, so be it."
Having plonked himself down on a seat, Arduino rouses himself as Nicat starts his little speech. "Ha, sounds like you would make a fine mage, Nicat- nary a 'more refined' approach I have ever more seen than our bloodless firing off of spells and incantations." Joining Nicat in his wave, he adds "Yes, bring the blessed repast! Spent far too long thinking about these 'goblin'-things, ignored my appetite and now it returns with a mighty vengeance!"
"So to this 'crypt' tomorrow, then? Can't think why there'd be more goblins stuck down there... surely they'd clear out? No?"
"Ardunio I can't imagine what goblins might want in a crypt, other than to desecrate it. Their motives don't usually go much beyond mayhem but we can be certain that if they want to be there, we don't want them there."
"Perhaps they were just looking for a hole to hide in after we scared them off?"
I am supprised the goblins showed up at the festival at all. There weren't near enough goblins to make an effective attack on the town. we only kill . . . eight of them. Now that I think about it the whole attack doesn't make a lot of sense.
I would be happy to teach you anything I know about blade work but I think Ventus still has a lot he can teach you. Unless you plan on abandoning your shortswords for a rapier my style of fighting won't fit well. With a rapier you rely on the point to inflict harm. Your shortswords and Ventus longsword rely on the edge.
Sylvan leans back in his chair.
what you might want to do is make a trip to the south. I once saw a dervish out of Qadira in Magnimar. I have never seen a pair of blades move that fast. It was amazing.
Eleshanto digs into his food with relish while listening to the rest talk about the attack and tomorrow's plan. When Noro speaks, he recalls she didn't go see the Sheriff and recaps, "Word is that something desecrated the Boneyard. Sheriff is thinking it was the goblins and that some might still be holed up in there someplace. Perhaps a crypt. But I agree with those of you that think that would be odd. Doesn't sound like goblins. Whenever the caravan has run into them, its a quick hit and then they run off. More like the attack on the town."
No one has any problems with going down into some dark creepy crypt infested with goblins and who knows what other kinds of vermin?
Sylvan asks.
we are probably going to want lanterns or torches tomorrow. Lanterns last longer but clearing out the goblins shouldn't take too long. The crypt can't be that big.