"I will not presume to the be the only one to know of loss, but this... Chopper... took from me my only remaining family, as well as the one person who looked after me in the year after my father died."
Svalk is trying to keep his emotions in check, but he is obviously not succeeding very well. I have to keep calm. Even though this is fresh for me, it is old for everyone else. And... this is a festival... people are supposed to be happy. I shouldn't ruin it for them.
"One day, you will have to let me know what it took from you. But not today. After all, we have a festival... it is a happy time, supposedly. Let us find Hemlock."
Svalk attempts a smile.
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Seeing that the mood is turning sour, Tal thinks it best to try and change the subject.
"You two sour pusses are sucking out all fun of the festival, do try to lighten up."
Thankfully due to the tone of what Tal says and not the words used, he can make it sound lighter and a a jest, not an insult.
"First we will have a taste of the foodwares at the market, watch the towns idiots joust on pigs in the square and finish off with some nice cool beers. Who knows Svalk, you might meet some lady who falls for grey haired men. There are loads of pretty ladies that come from all over the place, just for this festival. I saw quitte a fine one just a moment ago." Tal says as he pokes Svalk in the side with his elbow and winks at him. He is clearly making an effort to lighten the mood.
Svalk glares at Tal for a moment before grudgingly forcing a smile.
"I think I will pass on the beer, at least until the evening. I would like to put this hammer to use though... if only for the entertainment of others."
Still, watching some of the other entertainment might not be a bad thing. Get my mind off of...
Svalk whispers to Lena:
Svalk smiles and keeps his eyes open for the man Ameiko described.
"Well, you DO seem a bit out of place here, Lena! You've always seemed like the type that should be at a big university somewhere or something. You've got that, how should I put it... intellectual quality? Yes, that's it! For what's it's worth though, I'm glad to see you're back. Maybe we could have some decent conversation around here now! Tal and Shalelu have helped keep the conversations relatively exciting, but I know you've got some stories to tell!" she says after you mentioned your father barring you from sending letters.
As you all speak of The Chopper, Svalk feels a large meaty hand rest firmly on his shoulder from behind, accompanied by a deep and heavily accented voice, "Oi, this here be a festival! There's no need to spoil it by talkin' 'bout that damned monster of a man! Save all that talk for another day, yeah?"
Ameiko polishes a mug as she speaks to you, "Indeed I do! Just what sort of interests do you have, Arthur? A couple of foreign merchants have come in for the festival, so I'm sure you can find what you're looking for. Any ideas?"
Vincenze turns your hand and kisses the back of it, "Skyla... a beautiful name for a beautiful girl!" He releases your hand and looks at the strange flower you were inspecting, "Ah, that's a Eurythan Rose. Special flowers they are really rare... unless you know the right people." He looks to the stall owner and points to the rose, "How much for this?" The owner, a small Dwarven man, replies gruffly, "25 gold, lad." Vincenze just waves his hand, "Just put it on my father's tab... you know he's good for the money."
As he picks up the potted rose and presents it to you, you ask him your question. He nearly drops the flower, but manages to catch it in time. He stammers a bit as he speaks, "Uh, yeah, I uh..." He sighs a bit. "No, not really. I... I was going to see if you wanted me to show you around the festival and all. Not like going courting or anything! Well, maybe a bit? Er... you know what I mean, right?"
"Thats very kind of you", Skyla remarks as she takes the flower with care.
After hearing the young man visibly struggle with his words, Meditrina raises her hand, forestalling the awkward torrent. "I'd be happy for you to show me around the festival...its my first time after all"
After walking with him for a few paces, Skyla thinks back to what the youth said. "So, who exactly is your father?"
arthur replies instantly Well i came here to search for the divine, that is the main reason i came here. The dedication ceremony. Af for the merchants and the festival is just an added bonus to have fun, i am not really looking for anything, cause there sure isn't any damsel in distress to save for the moment he says.
Svalk turns to face the man who touched him. So... this chopper was a man...
Svalk smiles and addresses the man.
My apologies for ruining your mood. I haven't been home for a long time and I am still catching up on what has happened since I left.
Say, you wouldn't happen to know where the sheriff is, would you? I am looking for him to discuss some business.
Svalk looks around. Does he know where we are going?
"Not that I don't trust you, my new Elven friend, but this man might have seen him today and know precisely where in all of this mess he is."
Addressing the stranger again, Svalk continues.
"My manners must be slipping, I am Svalk Arnbjorn. Swing by the Rusty Dragon tonight and I will buy you an ale for your troubles. Two if you can help us out by pointing us in the direction of the Sheriff, Mr...?" Svalk lets the statement end there, allowing the man to identify himself if he so chooses.
Vladlena extends a hand to the mystery man. "And my name is Vladlena Petrovna Dasnadova. You can call me Lena."
Svalk decides to take a gamble and see if Vladlena can understand him in a few languages. After all, it might come in handy later. I get the sense that she might be able to help me in my long range goals.
He smiles at her and hopes both that she understood at least one of those languages and that their two companions are disturbed by his suddenly speaking in other languages.
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"Its all fun and games that you want to show off that you speak more then one language, but I speak eight including Thassalonian. So let's show some manners and speak a common tongue, yes?" Tal says offhandedly.
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"Eight, hm... I speak only six."
Svalk leans in and whispers.
Svalk slaps Tal on the shoulder good naturedly and smiles.
Vladlena throws her head back and laughs. "What a gathering of linguists!" She closes her eyes and shrugs, a conciliatory smile on her face. "I must admit that six is my limit as well, darling."
Svalk grins, almost boyishly (even behind his beard). Ah, she does understand one other language of mine... though that second one isn't familiar. Perhaps she can teach it to me if we have time later.
Svalk's smile widens. And the elf didn't seem to... perhaps useful... then again, also perhaps inconvienent... Svalk mentally shrugs to himself and addresses Lena.
So, the elf has similar ideas about speaking in languages... I can't be certain, but I'd bet a gold piece that it is Thassilonian, given he claimed to speak it... and I have heard enough elvish to know it isn't that, even though I can't understand it. I guess I pay attention and hope that I pick it up as we go.
"So, when does this festival start anyway? You do know, right?"
Vladlena smiles knowingly as she whispers to Tal:
A pensive expression falls across Vladlena's face again at Svalk's festival inquiry.
Also, I'm a fan of Drow Sign Language, if we can find a way to learn it. Silence is golden :D
As he speaks, Svalk keeps his eyes open for the sheriff, the start of the festival, anything.
Vincenze looks at you quizzically for a moment before replying, "My father? Jubrayl Vhiski of course, richest and most powerful man in Sandpoint! You wouldn't know it to hear those Scarnetti's talk, but all Chels are that way... think they own everything and are better than everyone else. Their company would simply not do for you, Skyla, you have my word on that." He walks with you, pointing out all the sights in Sandpoint. As he finishes showing you around, you hear a bell tolling in the new cathedral. Vincenze smiles as he hears the bells tolling, "Almost time for the Festival to begin in earnest! You should really be there for the reconsecration, Skyla... my father has a special surprise planned for everyone after the speech."
As you walk through the pre-Festival events, you look towards the cathedral. You spot a young woman of unearthly beauty with toned skin, cascading waves of silver hair that seem to glow in the morning sun, and bewitching purple colored eyes. She stands by herself against the cathedral wall in her white silk dress, a somewhat lost expression on her face. Taking another glance at her features, a startling thought comes to your head: is she... like you? One of the angel-blooded? She's certainly not human... no human has that sort of beauty.
You turn around and look at the stranger. Is that... Rikke of Kalsgard? One of your families oldest friends, the one who owed your mother and father a life debt and stayed with your mother after you left? Yes, it must be him, but what happened to his face? The right side of his face is a mass of burn scars still a vivid red and he bears a scar from a massive cut of some kind that runs from his left cheek halfway down to the center of his neck, almost as if he was chopped with a axe and managed to just barely avoid a fatal blow. He stares at you intensely, looking over your features, then recoils a little bit in shock as a look of recognizance crosses his features, "Is that you, little Svalk? Have you finally returned to us all in Sandpoint... or am I looking at the ghost of my failure come to torment me on this holy day?"
Ameiko flashes a wry smile at you, "Ah, the heroic type are you? Unless you're looking to save a milkmaid from a few mice, I'm afraid your missing out in Sandpoint!" She lets out a laugh for a moment. "So, searching for the divine? Are you a pilgrim of some sort? I know the Swallowtail Festival is sort of a big deal for the religious folks in town, but I didn't know word had reached out as far abroad as it has until just a few days ago... we had one person even from Katapesh just yesterday! Apparently Mister Vhiski DID reach out further than expected in trying to procure supplies for the Festival How far have you traveled here from for the festivities, if I may ask?"
The man breaks out of his reverie looking at Svalk as you introduce yourself. He seems somewhat familiar to you... but you're not sure why. "Lena? I knew a Lena once... sharp, inquisitive lass that came down to visit some of her family. Always ran around with little Ameiko when she was here. Is that you? Dark hair, blue eyes, and that Jistkan nose... I'd bet my bootlaces, it's you!" Though his face momentarily has a spark of amusement, he turns to Svalk and a look of guilt and shame forms on his face.
As Satinder walks through town enjoying all the sights to see, he slowly takes it in. "Wow, it's been a really long time since I've seen this. this is amazing! There's going to be so much stuff to do and plenty of people to talk to! Hopefully I can find someone to talk to about helping out with the goblins here. With everyone around..." All the sudden his train of thought was halted when he saw the woman next to the chapel. Stopping for a second, his face turned from a look of satisfaction and wonder to one of confusion and wonder. "Is that? I know the man earlier said that he had met one of my kind before, but could there be another one here? She's so beautiful, and her hair... I don't know what else she could be, I've never met another one of my kind before... Could she be like me?" Satinder shook the look of confusion off his face and made his way over to her, navigating his way towards her, approaching her so that he could strike up conversation.
Svalk starts as he recognizes Rikke. The gods have not been kind to him... or perhaps the opposite, that scar indicates a wound that should have been fatal... what on earth has been happening around this sleepy little town in my absense?
"By Torag's bronze beard, what happened to you Rikke? Not to put you further out of sorts but you look like you attempted to wrestle a dragon."
Svalk claps the man on his shoulder with more affection than he has shown to anyone today.
"I am indeed back today, though timing it to being a festival was pure chance. As you might have heard, I was more back due to finally learning of my mother's passing. I gather that was a while ago, and from what my companions here have told me not an isolated incident. Still, I won't go into it further today if it really upsets the others so. Well," Svalk amends with a little hesitation, "after I talk to the sheriff about my mother's affairs. I hope to take possession of the old house today so that I can surrender my room at the Rusty Dragon."
Turning to Lena and Tal, Svalk addresses them briefly concerning his relationship with Rikke. They probably know him, but best to explain things...
"Rikke here was saved by my mother and father back when I was child. He stayed with my mother when I left to find my path. By all rights it should have been him who went on the trip, he was more experienced as a guard and fighter... but he wanted me to be able to grow and learn without worry about my mother."
Turning back to Rikke, he leans in and whispers in their native tongue.
Svalk smiles, but also watches him to judge his reactions.
As you approach the girl, she looks up and gasps sharply, backing up against the wall, "Who... who are you?" she asks in a trembling voice full of fear.
"It is you, little Svalk!" Rikke says as he practically lunges forward and gives you a tight hug, which makes your spine pop a bit from his strength. "I'd heard rumors that ya were dead, that ya died following that Dwarven man whereever the Hells he was going. But you're back!"
"What happened to me? That gods-d@mned fiend The Chopper did! He took everything from me, little Svalk... Ingrid and little Anya are dead, killed the day the bastard gave me this." He motions all across his face and traces the running from cheek to throat with his finger.
After hearing you are attempting to reclaim your ancestral home, Rikke speaks again, his voice tinged with sorrow, "Aye, that ya have come back, but I wish it were under happier circumstances boy... I've still got the key to your mother's... your house. I'll need to take ya to Sheriff Hemlock before the day is done so he can declare it your own and all that."
Chopper... how I am coming to hate that name...
"No, brother... I didn't die, though I admit I did lose touch after leaving Taggoret. Not many of the places I wandered after were strictly speaking civilized, even by the standards of Sandpoint. It is a miracle that Hemlock's messanger didn't eventually give up searching for me, let alone that she found me."
Svalk can see the pain practically radiating off of his old friend's face. This bastard Chopper has a lot to answer for in the afterlife.
Svalk clasps Rikke's arm. "Well, enough gloom and sorrow. Time for the festivities. Come, all of you," Svalk indicates that he is including Lena and even Tal, "let us make merry and celebrate... what exactly are we celebrating again?"
Svalk's face goes semi-blank, semi-confused as he says that last part.
"The Swallowtail Festival? Has it truly been so long? It's held every year on the Autumnal Equinox, this year the 23rd of Rova. It's a celebration held in honor of the gods, in particular Desna... named after her Swallowtail Butterlies as a matter of fact. This year is special, for we reconsecrate the cathedral. While you were gone, it was gutted in a terrible fire. Father Tobyn was killed in the blaze and poor Nualia... she was never the same. She fled after his funeral, so distraught was she at his passing. She's back now, but she's changed... different. Sometimes she stares off in the distance with eyes glazed over like panes of glass, other times she walks around with the strangest look on her face. I've tried talking to her, but she won't say much... sometimes she even runs from me like she's afraid of something. Speak of Asmodeus, there she is over there."
Rikke points towards the cathedral. The man you met earlier at the Rusty Dragon, Satinder, appears to be trying to talk to Nualia, but she has backed up against the wall in apparent fear of him. Could this be what Rikke meant? Nualia was always a shy young thing, from what you remember, but she's just a shell of a girl now. At least now people don't seem to be crowding around her like she's some sort of Varisian carnival attraction, poking her to get blood, snipping hair from her and the like because of all the superstitions surrounding her because she had the blood of angels running through her veins. Now people seem to avoid her out of sympathy.
Rikke tries to crack a smile, TRIES to anyway, "Good point there, aelfkinder. Let's go enjoy the festival and forget all of this bad news!
Approaching her, Satinder sees the woman back herself to the wall, hearing her voice. "I'm sorry ma'am, I ugh, I didn't mean to scare you. I just saw you over hear alone, and uh, well I thought that maybe you would like some company." "I mean today is supposed to be a festival right? Why spend it alone?" He puts his hand out in gesture to shake hers with a smile on his face as he introduces himself. "I'm Satinder. May I have the pleasure of knowing who you are?"
Skyla brightens slightly, with one hand still clutching her flower as the bells toll. "Oh of course, I had no idea that your family would be so involved with the festival, although now I think about it that does make a lot of sense...but really, I would simply move it if showed me what your father has planned, I do enjoy a good surprise!
Svalk nods, and follows Rikke's gesture to the pair of aasimars conversing next to the cathedral wall. An impressive building for here, to be sure... though my old masters would call it "quaint" or "provential"... and I seriously doubt that the renovations have finally included a shrine to Torag... Shaking his head out of his reverie, Svalk pays attention to the conversing pair. The gentleman from earlier seems to be overplaying his hand... poor Nualia, never allowed to be a kid. I should go say hello to her before the festival is over.
The tolling of the bells interrupt this thought process. He again shakes the ghosts from his eyes, as his father would have said.
"Indeed, you are both right. It has been a while, and Desna's worship is not as popular in the Dwarven lands. Well, big brother, mind guiding me and my new companions to a good spot to listen? It looks like some type of commencement is about to begin."
More like searching for my place in the wold you see. I had always wanted to be a paladin. I event went to a training facility for two years but i never got the call. Then i figured i could be a cleric as i manifested some ability to cast orisons but It seems no god has claimed me . So after 5 years of training in various religious organizations i left and traveled for myself. I only had to walk 100 Km to get here. he says smiling to Ameiko
Vladlena smiles at Rikke. "We seem to be having quite a good share of reunions today." She gives a slight bow accompanied by a hand flourish. "Indeed, you speak of the younger me."
The woman seems to relax a bit, but she still bears a relatively tense posture and is not moving from the wall. She speaks, her voice soft and melodic even through her trembling, "Nu... Nualia, my name is Nualia. I... I don't like the festival... t-too many people around. Why are you talking to me? A-aren't there more normal girls here? You... you don't want my blood do you?"
Bells begin tolling and she tenses back up.
"Yes, we Vhiskis believe a lot in giving back. It's how we were raised after all. Come on then, let's get to the cathedral! It looks like everyone is heading that way now, so let's get as close to the front as possible!"
"Indeed, brother, let us go and rejoice!"
Rikke leads you and the others to the cathedral. Thankfully, you all get there before the crowd has condensed in front of the cathedral.
"A shame you couldn't be a Paladin. It adds a certain... appeal to a man, in my opinion."
The sound of bells tolling catches Ameiko's attention, "Ah, the big speech is about to begin. You should get going if you do not want to miss it!"
"I knew that was you, little Lena! If I was wrong, I'd shave my arse and call myself the Queen of Korvosa!"
Svalk takes a good spot where he can listen to the speakers, standing next to Rikke and Tal, Lena close but not directly by him.
Well, I should be able to spot this Hemlock fellow from here. Supposedly he is helping run this festival, I'd be he will at least be near the stage.
Satinder cocks his head sideways slight at her remark of wanting her blood. "Your blood? Why would I want your blood? That's not exactly something that's on the top of my list from people is their blood." He chuckles lightly and warmly smiles at her. "If you don't like all the people Nualia, then why are you here? You surely can't hate this festival as much as you say if you're here watching them set up for it..."
You how no idea about the prestige of the Uniform he says with a sigh.
Right i best be on my way then he says collecting his weapon belt and heading out to hear the speech
Vladlena embraces Rikke. "Ah, Rikke, how could I be so forgetful!"
She pulls back, arms still on his shoulders. "You look rather haggard, dear. Why, you should accompany me to the fair! We can get caught up." She flashes the warmest smile she can muster.
Best not to pry. The source of his melancholia will reveal itself in time.
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Tal moves closer to the stage, gandering left and right for pretty ladies and potential trouble making strangers that could be looking for him.
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Arhurn one inside the cathedral impatiently awaits for the ceremony to begin
Svalk watches as more people gather in the square, the bell tolling coming to a close.
"Watch your coin purses, friends... we are packed tight enough for pickpockets to make a killing."
In the distance, after the bell stops tolling, Svalk hears three additional bell tolls ring. Each sounds... almost funereal, as if to mark the fall of heroes.
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