a Rotating GM Play-by-Post, Part 1
Introduction: "To Heal the Worldwound"
by GM Painlord
Game Thread: (let the snark ride free)
[ Party | Aurelian | Kosz | Kergrik | Zaharin | Saiai No Kodomo ]
[ Game | Discussion | Google Tracking Doc | Painlord Ground Rules ]
Briar looks over his shoulder with no small measure of pride.
*They* were coming. The Blades of Golarion. *His* blades. His friends. His comrades. All of them.
"We're almost there, Blades! Look there! Kenabres!"
It had been two weeks of hard riding...but their destination, the city of Kenabres in Mendev was within eyeshot.
"Let us find a place to stay for tonight...get a layout of the city and the area." Briar smiles at the Blades. "For tomorrow, we find Sir Maverick Means and pledge ourselves to something higher...a nobler calling. Here, we shall make our names!"
Briar spurs on his horse toward the city, the wrinkled and read-many-times notice in his saddlebag. Briar has it memorized.
"Come, brethren! Come, Priests! Come, Knights and Paladins! Come followers of Sun, Law, and Order!
Let us wrest back our ancient enemies from Aroden's folly! Let us plan for taking back the Worldwound closing the rift that threatens all of Golarion.
Too long have they threatened our territories, invaded our lands, and stood under our sun.
We must unite - we must drive these foul demons from Golarion and restore sanctity to our lands, people, and divine watch.
For too long they have haunted us on our very doorstep! Come, let us rid ourselves of this pestilence once and for all!
The Final Crusade is nigh...we make ready and have need of swords and arms!
Signed,
SubCommander Sir Maverick Means
Iomedean Defenses, Kenebres District, Mendev"
Year of Aroden's Deed: 4711
Muffled laughter comes from the plain suite of plate astride the large horse next to Briar. 'Finally, friends, we step up to make felt our presence! Very soon the will of the Watcher shall become known to the foul demons corrupting Sarkoris. The Worldwound will be cleansed!'
To Kergrik’s eyes there was no sweeter sight he hadn’t had the best rapport with his mount over the trip, but finally they had attained an uneasy truce. Leaning in to his horse he said: ”Nearly there ye foul obstinate beast, won’t be long now till ye can see yer hell spawned family.” as if sensing this the horse reared slightly and Kergrik was forced to hold on tight the previously smug look on his face being replaced by one of fear.
Kergrik then moved along side Aurelian ”whatcha make of Briar’s mood old friend? I aven’t seen this level of zeal out of him ever. The Elf’s cheer is enough to exhaust me at the best of times but these last week’s tis like furnace has been stoked within his breast.”
Hells Booyah, 'bout time we got there. Now let's get a clearer view.
Zaharin squeezes the beast between his legs, spurring him on to the fore of the march.
There's that, Kenabres. First's first, tho', get somewhere to rest, as you said, Briar, and I wholesomely agree. Booyah between my legs is fire burning my thigh.
"Mon ami, eet 'as been a long treep, and I theenk we are all glad to 'ave ze end in sight. Alzough, I suppose zis ees actually just ze start, non?"
"I know Beaumond shall be 'appy to get a break from carrying me for so long. And I am certain zat your steed could use a break from carrying your bulk!" the Galtan inquisitor says with a laugh, patting his horse's neck.
"Eet 'as been a long time since I've been here. It ees a strange feeling to return I must say."
Riding forth, the party passes several merchant caravans coming to the City. Laden with goods, they largely ignore the other travelers on the road.
Other travelers of both local and non-local note pass the party either going to or fro.
Many are just peasants or merchants, but you identify several more well known mercanary companies among them.
Approaching closer to the city, you begin to get a feel for its size. Clearly, it is no hamlet, nor town, nor is it yet a full city. Holding a sparse more than 10,000, Kenabres is largely known as a military city. Both the Iomedean and Hellknight High Commands base their operations out of Kenabres and when you combine that with the Arodenite True Believers, local politicians, and Mendev Royal authorities, the rule(s) of law can become points of conflict among potential allies.
The main road (which the party is on) to Kenabres approaches from the south (toward the Mendev capital of Nerosyan). A second road leads east, across all of Mendev, towards the port city of Egede. The northern road goes towards Valas's Gift and Icedrift Castle.
"Brothers! There is the main gate. We are here."
Briar points to the gates of Kenabres and the guards in grey & red who man them. A short line of people wait to get in.
"I am going for a quick tour around the city. I shall meet you inside, yes? I wish some time alone before I commit myself to this new endeavor. I'll see you at dinner...don't worry, I'll find you."
Briar waits for an answer, before spurring his horse and going East.
"Ah, mes amis, it appears zat we are not ze only mercenaries in ze city. I recognize banners of several more. Zis Crusade must truly be bringing ze best and ze brightest to wipe ze ugly blot zat ees ze World Wound off of ze face of Golarion!"
"Let us see if zere ees an inn where we may settle for ze evening before our meeting on ze morrow, non?"
As well as it may be, unfurl our banner and let it be known the Blades too have come answering the call, proudly! But I reckon a hot meal is in order, first.
"Sod the food, I need a good strong Ale I’m parched!"
Reaching the front gates, the two soldiers clad in red and grey, hail the party. A third soldier, this one dressed in gold & red, stands not far away, watching all those who enter. A prominent holy symbol (Iomedae) is blazoned on a nearby shield.
The soldiers bear the crest of the Mendev military.
"Greetings and welcome to Kenabres. What is your purpose here in the city?"
The third soldier maintains an intense gaze at all those who enter the City.
Kosz inclines forward in his saddle, attempting to sketch a bow from horseback, before responding, 'Well met, good men of Mendev! We have come to join the holy crusade to vanquish the demon hordes and forever seal that abomination which is the Worldwound. I am Gatekeeper Kosz Trumpeter of the Watcher.' His arm sweeps out to refer the guards to each of his companions as he makes introductions, 'This is Dreamer Briar the Lesser, of the Lady of Stars. Our stout companion is none other than Kergrik Karak, the Axebite. Inquisitor Aurelian Fache, adherent of the Lady of Love, keeps all men honest, for is not beauty truth and truth beauty? Meister Zaharin Jozaidir is the master of mysteries alchemical. Disciple Saiai no Kodomo, devout follower of discipline and paragon of the bow.'
His voice rings out as he proclaims, 'We are the Blades of Golarion!'
The guard seems deeply, deeply unimpressed...but does show some interest to reflect the spirit and energy with which Kosz put into the introduction.
"Uhm...yeah...as I said welcome. I can see you're not from around here, so I'll part some advice: Keep your swords in your scabbards unless your life is in danger. Things are pretty tense inside the city right now and we want to keep our focus on the real enemy, the demons, rather than each other."
The guard waves the party through.
"Oh, and watch out for the Blackfists...all them Hellknights. Don't show them weakness or they'll walk all over you."
* * *
Entering Kenabres main, like most Mendevian cities along the Worldwound, knights and soldiers bearing various heraldry walk through the city, stand on nearly every corner, and seem to fill every aspect of life.
Many are immediately recognizable as they wear the gold and red of the Iomedean Command. Others wear the red and gray of the Mendev royalty. They seem friendly and open with the merchants and citizens that live and work in Kenabres.
"Is zere some reason ze city eet iees so tense, mon ami?" Aurelian asks the guard. "As you say, ze real enemy, eet ees ze demons."
The looks at Aurelian and pauses to thoughtfully consider his words.
"We have been told to keep the peace and that the Blackfists, uhm, I mean, Hellknights are here to support our efforts. We are to make them welcome. Just how welcome they should be made is something the City and the people are trying to come to terms with."
Seeing the long line of people behind Aurelian, he motions for the party to move forth so he can address the next group.
Saieai adjusts her veil and casual stares straight ahead and envision's herself moving through the gates past the watchful eyes of the soldiers. 'With peace and calm you will reach your goal no matter the distractions.' If only that worked in the real world Chi-fu, it is much more demanding then back in the monastery...
It could be seen the Half-Elf savoring the smells of the city as the Blades ride past the gate-house.
Much can be told on how a city smells. Is it a place of business, leisure or illness? the Half-Elf muses to himself.
He scans quickly for a visible inn from the gateway and without pause heads there, eager to dismount and stretch his legs.
Zaharin: there are two within sight of the city gates: The Angry Ogre and The Comeback Inn. The Angry Ogre, predictably, has a large placard of a buffoonish Ogre smashing heads whilst drinking ale. The Comeback Inn seems slightly more upscale, a small, but nicely tended garden leads to the entrance.
Aurelian makes his way toward The Comeback Inn. When he gets to the garden, he stops and sniffs the flowers. "Ees eet not beautiful, my friends? I 'elped plant this garden when I was last in Kenabres, and my 'eart eet ees filled to bursting that eet ees still here. 'Ow are you, my leetle friends," he says, the last apparently directed toward the plants themselves.
Ah, had a mind to go the Angry Ogre. Still I hope there's enough peace and quiet here so I could do some brewing if anyone is interested, at all?. Mind that the ale's not watered down, don't want Kergik kicking up a ruckus, here.
Turned out well, the garden, I mean. Pity all the herb's been picked clean. They would smell well, but I like smells that go boom.
'Ow are you, my leetle friends," he says, the last apparently directed toward the plants themselves.
Aurelian: the flowers, being mums, refuse to answer.
The Comeback Inn is colorfully painted, both within and without. The small, well tended garden reflects the love of at least one caretaker.
The building itself is not huge and you suspect that it has no more than 6 or 8 rooms in addition to a small common room, kitchen, and storage areas. A small 8 horse stable lies along the backside of the establishment.
In the common room, a middle aged human woman plucks a chicken by the fire. A large stack of freshly cut vegetables awaits entry into a stewpot hanging over the fire.
Aurelian: the flowers, being mums, refuse to answer.
"Bonjour, madame!" Aurelian proclaims, sweeping off his plumed hat as he make a grandiose bow. "We 'ave need of some of your best provisions, for we 'ave just come from two weeks on ze road."
"What say you, mes amis, a bottle of wine to celebrate our arrival?"
Kergrik strides purposefully into the premises. Looking around his expression visibly sours due to the distinct lack of his kind of "atmosphere". He looks on the verge of saying something to this regard but upon seeing and smelling the meal being prepared his mood dramatically picks up. “yeah an one more of ‘em bottles for me.” grinning a toothy smile.
Kosz follows his fellow Blades to the Comeback Inn. At the tranquil sight of the quaint little establishment, he takes a moment to drink in the bright colors, fragrant scents of the garden and the drone of buzzing bees as they make their way from flower to flower. This is a place worth fighting to keep safe. Enjoy yourselves here my friends and let the good memories we make hold us fast in the dark nights to come.
Slinging his saddle bags over his shoulder, he remarks, 'This is a wonderful choice, Peacemaker Fache. Thank you for sharing your art with us.'
Upon entering, Kosz, too, smells the aromas wafting from the cookpot. At the rumbling from low in his breastplate, he realizes that they have yet to eat today. 'Goodwoman, in addition to the wonderful food you are preparing, have you any rooms to let? We are anxious to stay in such a calm inn of quality as what you have here.'
* * *
The woman looks up from her plucking and says nothing. She sighs, lays down the chicken and moves to the stairs.
"Dangit Marigold! You got guests! Don't suppose I'll have to tend to them...you already have me cooking here!" The woman's screech carries far up the stairs. Somewhere in a nearby forest, a family of deer starts running, you are sure.
* * *
A loud clamping and running sound echoes through the ceiling before stopping in a crash, a muffled yelp of pain, the scuffle of someone righting themselves, and then finally a clatter of noise down the stairs.
Emerging into view is Marigold Pottersmoot, caretaker of the Comeback Inn. An attractive human female, Marigold's bloody knee belies her lack of grace.
"Hi. Welcome to the Comebac..." Her voice trails off her usual speech as she takes a gander at the party. "..back Inn. Are you lost? Did you need directions to a proper hostel? Dive bar? Muddy tent? I don't mean to be rude, but we don't get many of your types in here."
The older lady yells from her place by the fire, pointing with the chicken as she plucks it. "That one there wants wine. That one there wants wine too. That one there wants wine and food." She returns to her plucking, muttering under her breath.
* * *
Kosz moves forward, removing his gauntlet as he does. Extending his hand, he gently takes up the lovely Marigold's hand. Bowing low over it, he introduces himself, 'I am Kosz Trumpeter. We are the Blades of Golarion. Peace be upon you and the doors of your life be free and open.' Maintaining his light grasp of her hand, he looks over his shoulder at his companions before continuing, 'My friends, I believe we have stumbled upon a den of thieves here. Milady, your establishment caught our eye, the aromas of this dear lady's cooking has robbed us of our senses and now your beauty has stolen our breath. Please do not turn us away for our mean looks. I assure you we can be made presentable.' As he speaks, a soft radiance drifts from his hand to Marigold's, the subtle power of Alseta flowing through him.
Marigold looks at Kosz, at the rest of the party, then again at Kosz before gently removing her hand from his grasp. "Uhm, thanks."
Marigold forces out a weak smile. "That's so...sweet. Are you sure you all wouldn't be happier, ya know, with more of your kind? Ya know.....men?"
"Watcha sayin woman! Ye got ale...um wine we got Gold a match made in heaven. personally I'm fur thinking this place maybe could do with some sawdust on the floor and a bard but I’m sure ye grub more an makes up for the lack of..."Kergrik trails off as if lost for the polite phrase to use "music!"he says with an air of finality.
Marigold looks at the dwarf for a moment before stammering out a reply.
"No, sorry we don't have ale, but we do carry several varieties of wine. If you want to stay, I have 4 rooms available and I'll make the arrangements. Just be kind to our other guests...we have a more delicate operation here and our rooms are not meant for...", looks at the heavy mail-clad dwarf again, "...rough use."
The plucker lady keeps plucking, happy to mind her own business.
Marigold continues, "I'll see to your rooms first...4 rooms is what we have. I'll have someone tend to your horses...by the smell of you, you have horses. Dinner is served at sundown...so in about 2 hours in the dining area."
"How long will you be staying with us?"
Shifting his pack of his shoulder and dropping it heavily on the floor Kergrik beams. "Well that’s settled then! I'm off to the other pub seeya at dinner. Dump my stuff in the room would ya please." and with that Kergrik moves towards the door. Suddenly he stops and turns back ”Oh I’m not bunking with Zaharin! Not after last time. When I sneeze it’s still purple." he begins to chuckle and with a wink at the alchemist, Kergrik starts walking out muttering as he goes. "Though that still we made did make some damn fine firewater."
Saiai strikes a accentuated pose as she looks this women over before commenting. "Normally I would ignore peoples ignoble comments but to be referred to as a man is just plain rude... I'm surprised you have any customers at all with that attitude." She sighs as she pulls her glove tight over her red skinned hands, Perhaps my disguise is too good. "My apologies, I find my temper is short from our long ride to this city. I would like to have a private bath if I could and I will take my own luggage to my room, i'm not so weak as to have someone do it for me."
"We do not know 'ow long we shall be, madame, as we are off to fight demons as soon as we may. But you are correct zat we 'ave been on ze trail for quite some time. A bath, if you will, would be much appreciated. I assure you, despite master Karak's exuberance, we shall do nothing to damage the reputation of your fine establishment."
Well, that's that then. *sees Kergik off with a hint of a smirk* Madame, please show off your rooms as I am eager for a quick lie in. And at anytime during my stay you hear a little sound and smell a little smell, do not worry, it is only me.
Marigold Pottersmoot, the lovely maiden of the Comeback Inn in Kenabres in Mendev, springs into action as the party has accented to rent rooms for an unknown amount of time. While she would prefer a longer and set visit, she will take coin from guests. Despite the military nature of this town, business has been rather sparse of recent as too many other mercenary companies have declined to sleep at an Inn decorated the way that this particular Inn is.
The price is not cheap, of course, as the rooms are well appointed and comparable to the most privileged estates in the area.
It is only upon a second and third glance that Marigold notices Saiai and her distinctive lack of male features. She brightens visibly at the idea that there is a lady within the Blades, but makes no apology for assuming that they were all men.
Marigold has an attendant see to the horses and will invite the party to eat when dinner is served.
"I shall see to the baths."
* * *
Consider yourselves with baths if you so wish it. And if you wish to dine with the other guests of the Comeback Inn you, of course, may...or you may join the Dwarf at the Angry Ogre for a less civilized meal.
Please let me know if you choose to stay for dinner.
"I shall see to the baths."
* * *
Please let me know if you choose to stay for dinner.
Kosz bows to his hostess. 'Thank you, Mistress Pottersmoot. We are most oblidged at your hospitality. We shall all attend to our baggage, as well as the bags of our rough, but kind-hearted, friend. He and I shall share a room. That should leave everyone else their own quarters unless you have arranged for other custom this evening? Either way, I shall certainly avail myself of a bath if it be convenient.' Having said his piece, he follows Marigold with Kergrik's bags in hand to his designated room.
Taking his bath as it comes, he presents himself for dinner. He arrives in an unadorned grey suede doublet slitted to show the silver grey silk shirt beneath with breeches to match. His charcoal grey belt, boots and gloves are of the finest quality leather. The signet ring on his third finger flashes in the light as does the silver mask of a pleasant smiling face hanging on the back of his head. The glimpse of a chain around his neck is the only other nod to fashion in his attire.
Aurelian bows in appreciation, taking up first Saiai's equipment and this his own to their respective rooms.
After a lingering bath, he joins Kosz in the common room for dinner. He is dressed in colorful garb, a brocaded silken tunic, the shoulders bear an image of Shelyn's bird symbol with the colorful plumage trailing down the arms. Simple, but high quality, breeches and boots complete his ensemble.
"Ah, mon ami, 'ow much better ees eet now that we are clean? Getting ze dirt of ze road off, eet ees I think my favorite part of arriving at my destination."
Goody! Zaharin unloads his pack off Booyah before handing her over to the ready attendant.
Inside his room, the water filled tub beckons as the half elf strips and relaxes, feeling the ride's ache ebb away. Enjoy life's little luxuries while you can he muses before starting to scrub off dirt accumulated on travel. The water starts to cool when he steps out.
He arrives for dinner fresh, with comfortable warm clothing on his back.
Stepping forwards to his comrades, he looks around looking if the dwarf's around.
I just like the moments between jobs like this, waiting for hot food to be served after a good wash.
Sometime later Kergrik strolls back in. If it’s possible he smells worse than before. His beard is slick with spilled ale and crumbs, his brow sweaty, his hands are black with filth and his breath smells of beer and smoke.
In a voice hoarse from singing he says. "Am I too late for dinner fellows?" a wide smile across his face.
After depositing her bags in the smallest room available at the Inn, she moved to enjoy her bath. After shedding off her clothes and setting her helm aside she climbed into the cold water and enjoyed the feel across her skin. The wonderful moment was short lived though, as she quickly scrubbed her red skin down to remove the dust of the road. As she climbed out of the bath she pulled on her awaiting clean clothes, strapped on her helm and wrapped her hijab before joining the others around the dinner table downstairs.
She smiles behind her veil as Kergrik stumbles in hoarse and smelling of ale. "It's moments like these that make me wonder what I would have been like if I hadn't been raised in a monastery." She chuckles lightly at the thought. "I look forward to Redeeming the foul deamons that prowl across Mendev."
@Kosz: Marigold appreciates your offers to help and makes the appropriate arrangements for the rooms. The bath is warm and well-salted with several different soaps available: lavender, rose-honey, thyme-cinnamon. A quiet and unassuming teenage female helps pour the bath, but politely excuses herself as soon as you disrobe. You will need to wash your own back.
@Aurelian: It is late spring, the year of Absalom's Reckoning 4711. There is still some chill in the air, but it is not summer where the long days keep the days quite warm. The same teenaged female helps pour the bath, but politely excuses herself as soon as you disrobe. You will need to wash your own back.
@Saiai: A different teenaged female awaits you and is happy to assist you with your bathing. She is quick with oils (should you wish them) and will tend to your clothes while you bathe. The bath is warm and well-salted with several different soaps available: lavender, rose-honey, thyme-cinnamon. She will offer to help scrub both your back and your hair.
When the 3 of you finish your baths and dressing, you begin to smell a nice full aroma of chicken, broth, and vegetables. Dinnertime is nigh.
* * *
Dinner is a refined affair. The plucker maid is no where to be seen, replaced by two other female attendants. There are 12 seats around a large table. Each setting has a plate, soup bowl, a delicate knife, fork, & spoon, two well-made goblets, and a square of cloth.
The square of cloth is knows as a 'napkin'...an elitist wiping rag for people too snooty to use their arm, tunic, tablecloth, or nearby curtain to wipe food of their faces and hands.
Marigold Pottersmoot is dressed in a beautiful blue dress, her hair in a bun. With her are 2 guests, the first is a middle aged female in a red dress, upon her arm a red & blue armband is tied. The second woman looks to be significantly younger, twentyish, with blonde hair and clad in a similarly styled red dress.
Marigold arises as Saiai, Aurelian, and Kosz enter the room to make introductions.
"Mistress Saiai, Masters Aurelian and Kosz, allow me to introduce Lady Beryl Koroma and her mother, Lady Shalann Koroma." She repeats the introductions in reverse as well.
"We are all here, let us sit and eat." One serving woman happy loads delicate portions of both roasted chicken and hot vegetable soup while the second pours generous portions of red wine.
Marigold smiles as she finally has her guests at the table and can relax as the food is served.
"Master Kozs, that doublet looks nice on you. Was it made just for you?"
"Master Aurelian, I trust the room and bath were adequate? Can you tell me more about that symbol on your chest. Seems so colorful compared to what we usually see around here."
"Mistress Saiai, you seem to find yourself in unusual company. How did you come by that?"
@Zaharin: Your attendant comes late, sadly the service to your room (the last on the right) is sometimes overlooked. When your hot water finally comes, the female attendant looks sheepish and mumbles her apologies.
But the bath is warm, and soaps are fragrant, and room calm.
* * *
As your bath was somewhat delayed (the water was late), Marigold introduces you to the guests as you come down the stairs.
"Master Zaharin, how was your bath?" Marigold inquires, trying to make polite conversation.
"Welcome, ladies," Aurelian says, with a bow. "Eet ees a pleasure to dine with such fine company."
Sitting down, he begins eating and drinking with gusto.
"Ze food ees wonderful, my thanks. I 'ave no 'ad such fare, I think, since I left my beloved Galt."
"Zis? Eet ees ze symbol of my goddess, Shelyn, Ze Eternal Rose. You are correct, zat her followers are not often seen 'ere, in a place exposed to so much ugliness, but I believe zat closing ze World Wound will do so much to make zis country and world a more beautiful place."
Kosz stops mid-stride at the appearance of the three ladies. 'Mistress Pottersmoot, how have you managed to improve upon your radiant beauty?' He asks, true sincerity coloring his words. 'Additionally, you have conjured up your younger sisters to join us for dinner. I am astounded at the apparent ease with which you work your miracles.'
Bowing to the newly arrived ladies, he steps forward to each in turn, taking their hand in his own whereupon he places a kiss as he imparts first to the matron, 'It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I feel certain you will enliven our dinner party simply by your attendance. Then quietly to the young miss Koroma, his silver orbs fairly smoldering with desire, 'I quiver with anticipation awaiting your participation in the conversation to come.'
[ooc}Auto succeed. Some of us were raised in the court of Queen Telanda Edasseril in Iodara, Kyonin, where manners and civilization have long ruled =D[/ooc]
"Master Kosz, that doublet looks nice on you. Was it made just for you?"
Kosz looks to Marigold, his smile reaching all the way to her reflection in the twin pools of mercury that are his eyes. 'Indeed, it was, Mistress Pottersmoot. My mother had it made for me upon my presentation to the court after completing my studies at the college of strategy and tactics in her majesty's royal academy. I rarely find occasion to gird myself in something other than plate, so I really must thank you twice; once for this delightful dinner and once more for the opportunity to don civilized dress.' Looking around the table to his friends, he lights upon the other two dinner guests. 'I am mistaken, good and gentle hostess. I do owe you a third time, thank you, for the excellent quality of your other dinner guests.'
Rising, he takes up his goblet of wine and lifts it before him. 'A toast to great food and better company!'
@Aurelian: Your knowledge check reveals nothing about the the ladies.
Lady Beryl listens intently to the description of Shelyn. She asks a few more questions about rites and proper worship. "Of course, I am used to the Iomadaen Church here in Mendev. All the royalty say they subscribe to the same faith as the Queen, but I wonder about that."
Beryl smiles at the description of art and beauty. "Yes, would this world be different and we had no foes trying desperately to invade our lands and kill us, we would have more time for art and poetry. As it stands now, we unite to just survive."
* * *
@Kosz: Your knowledge check reveals nothing about the the ladies.
Marigold smiles politely as you complement her, a shy smile that belies her uncomfortableness with your comment. She makes the best of it and turns her attention to the complement to have applied to the Koromas.
"Yes, these guests have come from Nerosyan."
The young Lady Beryl seems equally disinterested in flirting and gives her mother a look.
"Yes, we shall talk, shan't we?" Beryl's face seems to twist unpleasantly, but she quickly corrects herself and smiles.
After listening to Kosz' history of his goblet, the elder Koroma deigns to speak: "So you have spent time in some royal court? Were you also a fawning and naive sycophant begging for attention?"
Should you still wish to toast, they three women will reluctantly join you.
Dinner passes. Toasts are made, courses are served. The food is delicious, and would be filling if not for their miniature portions.
It is not long after the toast when Kergrik's arrival sends the ladies in a tither. The sudden and loud entrance (and the "Am I too late for dinner fellows?") and his bar-beaten look, Marigold eyes both Kosz and Aurelian with a panicked look.
"Oh dear!" Pulling frantically on Kosz' tunic, she whispers, "I have important guests here...this cannot be. Will you not help?"
Completely nonplussed by the elder Koroma's barb, Kosz lights up as he replies, 'Not at all. To be honest, I was rather lacksidasical; a layabout, a ne'er-do-well, a rake even! I am certain my parents were mortified at the thought of many more decades passing before I made good of myself. If not for the failure of the second and third crusades, The Welcomer may never have opened the door to my soul and called upon the power she placed in my bloodline so many millenia ago. I tell you, Her wrath at this continued abhorrance the abyssal breach constitutes to her authority was no easy thing to see. Nowhere is this more clear...' He places the index finger of his left hand just below his eye to point out the evidence left in the wake of being exposed to the sight of Alseta's vehemence.
'Still Her calling gave me the purpose lacking in my life and I am grateful. I come, as I am sure Her other adherents do, however greatly their means may differ from my own, to do Her work.'
------------------------
"Oh dear!" Pulling frantically on Kosz' tunic, she whispers, "I have important guests here...this cannot be. Will you not help?"
Kosz quickly rises at the entrance of his sworn companion. Striding to the dwarf, he extends his arm in greeting. 'Ah, Kergrik! Perfect timing!' Turning him around as he heads back out the door, the paladin quietly intones, 'Best we are quit from there. The barbs on those whips they call tongues cut to the bone. I believe there is a door much nearer our rooms around this way.' Leading his erstwhile companion around to the back of the inn, he looks for a rain barrel. Taking several quick steps back he motions to the water, 'Best you dunk your head in there and get some of the stink off of you before you head up to our room. I recall only this afternoon, one of our band decrying the malodourous aromas of his last roommate. It would be unseemly to inflict that same treatment on another.'