Riori's mouth gapes as this unexpected invitation settles on her mind. "Me? But you- what hap-," She stops herself, and takes a deep breath, letting a thousand self-doubts settle as she internally reminds herself she is an experienced traveler and has fought more than a few goblins in her journeys. "Of course. I-- of course I would hope you recover soon, Sister Monstrance, but I am happy to help the heroes who have been keeping us safe in the meanwhile. Where should I meet them?"
Presuming she receives directions, she bids Father Zantus or one of his acolytes a brief farewell before seeking out the goblin-fighters.
Shaking her hand gently he smiles and nods sagely, "Nualia, you say? Odd. That name sounds familiar..." Waving it away with his other hand he shakes his head a second, "No matter. Of course I would be more than willing to offer my assistance. Where might I go to find your companions, Ms. Gemshrike?"
Talia is seated at a table in the Rusty lobster, working her way through several plates of the more exotic dishes on offer.
While she looks to be busy eating she is also wondering what happened back at Thistletop? And where she will find replacement heroes?
Especially the much needed meatshields, Cade just wasn't big enough to hide behind.
"You should be able to find them at the Rusty Dragon. Thank you. I'm sure your help will be appreciated."
Isabella moves off, clearly still distraught about something.
"Why, thank you! I certainly don't expect you to force them to accompany you, but they'll recognize their need for a magical talent, and you certainly fit the bill. You can find them at the Rusty Dragon, I'm sure! Just look for Talia and Cade."
"Good. Your sword arm will prove useful. You can find Talia and Cade at the Rusty Dragon, the inn run by Ameiko Kaijitsu."
With that, Laufey moves off.
|
A man of average build, wearing an outfit of subdued pinks and purples enters the Rusty dragon. He has a frankly tiny amount of armor on and has a light crossbow at his side and a wears a spiked gauntlet. He looks a bit out of sorts and says hesitantly ”Uh, hello? I-uhhh, I’m looking for a ‘Talia?’ Or a person named Cade?”
Nodding as the woman walked away he frowned, wondering at the terse nature and rather abrupt information. However he decided to meet these other companions at the local bar/eatery he had heard about but had yet to visit.
When he entered he stepped in and looked around, only noticing the other man speak as he considered going to the bar to ask question, "It seems I'm not the only one looking for that particular pair."
Riori enters the Rusty Dragon just shortly after the others, soon enough to hear the men entering before her both seek out Cade and Talia. She is a dark-haired, tall, slender half-elven woman in long purple robes embroidered with butterflies, worn over a polished breastplate. With the prominent silver butterfly clasp on her robes and the starknives looped on her belt, her affiliation is unlikely to be a secret.
She looks around nervously, but especially as seeing she is far from the most unusual-looking person in the room, she takes a breath and approaches the table where Cade and Talia sit, vaguely recognizing them from their recent renown about town. One may or may not recognize her, but Riori has been in Sandpoint since just before the Swallowtail Festival, and was one of the Desnan priests releasing the butterflies that day. Since then she'd been working through the cathedral to attend to the injured and afflicted.
"I am Riori Stargazer, servant of Desna; Sister Monstrance sent me... well, I guess more or less as her replacement. I... do not know exactly what happened... but I am an experienced traveling priest, and I am happy to help. That is," her confidence falters, and her eyes find the floor, "if of course you need it." She glances over to Alendree and Kaerion. "Seems there are plenty of volunteers."
Karu throws a look of disbelief at a couple of kids who stare at her grizzly companion. "T'is just a bear! Come on, there's no need to stare as if he's just in his undies." They weren't the first ones to have a proper gander at the two of them, but the continued pressure of being surrounded by so many people and being the focus of their curiosity and outright fascination got to Karu. She huffs and puffs while counting to ten - something her mom had told her whenever the dwarf lass lost her temper - and gets on with it. "Now, this Rusty Dragon, I'm sure they won't make a fuss 'bout you not being a dog or cat, unlike these townsfolk."
With optimism shining through the moody clouds in her head, the dwarf waltzes toward the inn. Truth be told, she was getting hungry and oh! How long it had been since she last had a proper ale! Or a hot bath! The thought of having to comb the knots out of her hair cause the young woman to grimace, but it is as the dwarves say: those who want to look pretty must suffer.
But just as she's about to enter the Rusty Dragon, fresh doubts come knocking. "Say, Karjys, maybe I ought to ask the fine people inside if it is okay that you come with. Perhaps they prefer you to stay in or around the stables, you see, because that's where they got seats and beds for you, you see? So, please, be a good boy and wait here, ok? I'll be back in no time. I promise." Not being able to understand a word the dwarf says, the bear stares at her and waits. "Good. I'll be right back." She pats him on the side and leaves the bear behind like a noble would a well-trained horse.
The door of the inn swings wide open and allows a single dwarven woman to come through. The sunlight reflects off the silver rings adorning her ears before the door closes. Awkwardly, she looks across the room to notice a gathering of people - oh please, don't stare at me! She scrapes her throat and then addresses whoever might be keeping this inn, "Aye, I got told you run a fine inn and that you serve a proper ale. Well, all that's grand, but eh, you see, my friend - a young bear, you see, well trained and truly, if he could he'd be like a dwarf, that's how well I raised him - anyway, he be outside right now and I was wondering if he could come inside or barring that, if ye can accommodate him in the stables or back? I vouch for him, with word and money pouch."
All the while, the dwarf's eyes keep roaming towards the Desnian presence in the room. If the woman ever looks back at Karu, she super awkwardly averts her gaze and blushes. The dwarf's hair is held together by a collection of beads engraved with Desnian symbols of guidance and luck.
Sitting next to Talia as she eats, Cade keeps busy with his cup. He looks up as a trio of people come walking towards their table.
Do you remember that joke I told you the other day...the one about an angel, a cleric and a wizard that entered a bar...The shit just got real.
He looks across the tavern towards the proprietor.
I did order the good stuff right. I know what happens when I drink anything else.
He shakes his head slightly...
Mamma said my jokes would one day come back to bite me in the ass...I will never live this one down.
f+&$ me they are coming over.
Another round please.
The well groomed Halfling looks up at the group of strangers. His Light green shirt is press and clean. His dark purple doublet has silver trim and the dark purple pants are tucked into black leather boots. A small weapons belt hangs off of his chair that holds dagger and a rapier. The rapier has an empty setting on each end of the cross guard. Draped under this belt is a black and gold traveling coat.
The handsome young halfling sits up straight as the newcomers start to ask about him.
That is not a good sign when strangers are looking for you.
Cade is about to ask a few questions of his own when the name drop occurs. He relaxes slightly and smiles brightly.
Well that changes things a little.
I am Cade and this is Talia.
He nods towards his companion next to him.
What can I do for you...?
|
|
”Hello, uh, my name is Alendree. I’m sorry, I don’t know these others. A rather pale gnome-looked unwell- said he thought there were grave goings on and that you could use some help settling them? He said he used to be with you but couldn’t take the stress of it. I’m a healer by trade, but I’ve also been working to exercise my Arcane heritage. That is to say, I have inherent magic I’m trying to develop-I’m a Sorcerer.”
Looking up when Cade speaks Talia blinks in surprise. She's is a slender half-elf woman, thick, dark hair tied loosely back. Wearing a simple tan shirt under a leather vest, one that seemed packed with tools and daggers, Her warm, brown eyes study the newcomers and her eyebrow rises.
"Well that's good to hear." She blurts out when Alendree speaks up. "I was going to ask if the circus was in town?"
She indicates the empty chairs in invitation to the new arrivals. "If you don't mind working with a pair who tend to step on their tongues most of the time we can discuss what's happening and why we need your aid."
She smiles especially invitingly at Riori Stargazer. "Sit, sit! Anyone who can keep my blood and bits inside me where they're supposed to be is always welcome."
Her eyes study Kaerion as if measuring his size in regards to hiding behind him.
She sits when invited. "Thank you!" She takes in the others with a polite smile, tries not to stare at the person she is fairly certain must be Celestial-touched, and raises an eyebrow when a (possibly blushing) dwarf enters asking about a bear, but then chuckles softly. "Sandpoint seems endlessly full of surprises. But... I take it the recent troubles are not yet over?"
He gives a slight bow to those gathered, "Please excuse the interruption." He smiles and waits patiently for the others to move towards the small table before nodding his head, "Kaerion Marek. Lately a pilgrim to the rebuilt temple, and servant of Sarenrae."
Walking to the table he unfastened his sword from his hip and leaned it on the edge within reach as he takes a seat, being careful not to impose himself as he does so. After a moment he looks to Riori and nods to her question, "A Ms. Gemshrike had spoke to me about a Nualia, and said you were in need for aid."
He gives a small frown and looks around those assembled, "That name is familiar to me, but I can't seem to place it. Might I ask who that is?"
Talia blinks at Kaerion's question, assembling what she knew on the matter. "Local girl, some celestial blood in her. She's now a priestess of Lamashtu and stirring up the local vermin to attack Sandpoint. All sorts of crazies popping up recently. Plus there's a Runelord complex under the town, with a working runewell."
She considers what she just said. "We've just raided Thistletop which is a local Goblin fort. But had to come back when the party fell apart. This Nualia might still be there?"
She returns to devouring a full plate of venison curry.
Frowning he tilts his head, looking away as if in thought for a moment. Some part of him remembering back several years to his previous visit here, before the old temple burned to the ground. The name sticking at the edge of his tongue for some reason.
Looking back to Talia he nodded a moment, "How did you discover this about the woman?" He raises a hand after a second and smiles, "I apologize, I don't mean to sound doubtful. I simply want to know as much as you might tell me so I can better help. Especially if she is a member of Lamashtu's clergy. Details can be quite helpful in dealing with those who serve various Gods."
A halfling serving maid stares at Karu, mouth agape, as she announces to the entire inn that she has a pet bear, and would like to bring the bear into the inn. With a squeak, she runs into the kitchen. After a few moments, she returns with a Tian-Min woman wearing an apron - Ameiko Kaijitsu, the owner of the Rusty Dragon. Ameiko approaches the dwarf, then says, "Come over here with me." Heading over to the bar she sits the dwarf down and says, "So, generally, bears aren't welcome in establishments such as inns. However, if your bear isn't too big, and you can tell me a good adventuring story, I'll let you bring your bear inside."
Upon hearing from Talia about how you raided the Thistletop goblins, Alendree says, "Perhaps the gnome was wrong - this might not be for me. Thank you for your time." He then departs the inn.
The dwarf thinks long and hard on what story might convince Ameiko to let the bear in, but none come to mind. Instead, the truth hits the dwarf that maybe Karjys would only cause trouble if he's let inside like a regular customer. After all, he is a grizzly bear. "Karjys is still a youngster! And he understands Dwarven! Okay, admittedly, some dwarven. In fact, thinking on it and all that, his claws 'ave been needing a trim and he might mistake your tables, floor, and walls for a tree ... so, eh, how about I owe ye a story and you let him into the stables? I'll pay ye for the trouble and pinky promise that no trouble will come to yer establishment. I'll get 'im a plank and take care of 'is nails, ok?"
In the end, Karu finds herself pleading with the woman for some leeway - surely she won't keep her from saying hello to the Desnian fella?!
To Talia's comment: "Runelord? Runewell? Is that what she's after?" Riori tries to remember if Touchstone told her of any of these things and what they might be.
She blinks as Alendree departs, but gives him a friendly wave of farewell. "Best, I suppose, to know before leaving if he feels up to it or not. I'd still like to help, however." It was hard not to feel unnerved by all the goings-on, but if Riori was ever going to find a chance to prove herself, now was the time.
In the meanwhile, she tries not to let herself get distracted by the other goings-on in the tavern and look invested as she can--but it's hard not to keep trying to listen in on the situation with the apparent bear. She sags in disappointment upon learning there will be no tale to be told. Not sure if it will be welcome, she decides to interject. "Miss Kaijitsu, excuse me," she waves over to get both their attention. "If there right now is a bear out in the street... it is probably best to get him inside somewhere quickly, before folk outside get stirred up. As there's no one yet screaming outside, I'd assume he is well behaved as the lady suggests."
Best to leave the creature where it is...especially if it is not bothering anyone. The stables may become a problem if you place a bear in confined area with horses and such.
Bellum just might f$#* that bear up something fierce.
After saying his piece, Cade continues to drink...and watch...and drink some more.
Karu is incredibly unconvincing in trying to get Ameiko to let the bear into the stables, but Riori and Cade's comments make her pause and think before saying, "There's a fenced-in yard that the previous owner used for walking patrons' horses if they weren't leaving soon. I haven't used it, but the bear should be comfortable enough in there. It isn't confined, but it will make the townsfolk feel more comfortable. Come on, then. I'll show you where it is." Ameiko hands her apron to the halfling serving maid, and then motions Karu to lead the way. "I don't believe we've properly introduced ourselves. I'm Ameiko Kaijitsu."
Touchstone never mentioned anything about Runelords or Runewells that you recall.
"What did you say this Runewell thing was?"
Relief washes over Karu's taut features and she finally feels like she can breathe again. "Oh gosh, you're my hero! Thank you, both of you! Yes, it should serve Karjys just fine. He's been doing a lotta walking lately, so I'm sure he can't wait to rest his furry behind, heh!" She's already halfway out of the door before she turns around. "I'll be back and thank you, once again! Next round is on me! I mean, you don't charge like a gold a drink here, right? No, good, next round is on me!"
Looking over at Talia,
It looks like we have attracted enough attention. If they want to join us then let us get ready to go as soon as we are ready. No sense giving those little bastard more time then we need to.
Riori looks cheered at the round...
Then as Cade addresses Talia, the joy in her expression drops instantly, as does the nervousness from meeting new people. And in that emptiness, an anger swiftly rushes in. "If you want 'they' to join you for the purpose of saving your rotting life, you could at least do us the small favor of addressing us directly!"
Cade turns from talking to Talia to the snooty half elf with a look of amusement.
I am sorry, I did not know that you were invited into the conversation I was having with my fried about you and your friends joining us. My apologies.
He laughs out loud.
That was a piss poor attempt at an insult. Do you even understand the meaning of an insult...rotting life...small favor, really? It sounded more like a challenge to a duel than an insult.
A deep belly laugh that brings tears to his eyes. He stands up from the table and glances at his weapon's belt. He half turns to face the cleric of Desna with a huge smile on his face and laughs some more.
No it most certainly was not a challenge...was it?
I like you, you have potential. Let us hope you do not lose your shit when your talents are needed most.
Cade gives the Desnian another smile.
Bellum is going to like you as well. Oh and I would stay away from the short jokes...coming from you tall folk...can come off a little pretentious. Just saying...
He laughs some more and turns to Talia.
I like them. I think they all can provide a great service to the city and the citizens.
Cade gets a serious look on his face as he address all of the new companions.
With all seriousness...You all look like you want to aid the city in its time of need and I think all of you will be worthy of such a task. Talia has been at this longer than I so I will leave it up to her to make the final decision. Now if you will excuse me....
The seriousness in his demeanor disappears as he again smiles and is cheerful.
I am in need of a refill.
He swaggers over to the bar.
Once out of ear shot, it can be faintly heard...
...rotting life...
and more laughter.
"Your comrade invited me to sit with you." She waves to indicate how indeed she is sitting next to him, where Talia invited her to sit. Her face grows red as he laughs at her, bringing back all the memories of her upbringing as her neighbors laughed at the lowly mongrel. Tears appear in her eyes. "And if my rotting Shingles slang is too lowborn for an overdressed, spoiled, rotting fop like you, then so is my rotting healing!"
She stands up, face now bright red, and throws her ale at the halfling as he departs (where it easily flies over his head and hits the doorframe), and heads toward the tavern door, trying to conceal the fact that she is fighting back tears.
Cade seems to be in two places at once. As the drink spreads out into a pattern that would drench him in fluid, he steps to the side as the drink splashes onto the floor behind him. A look of anger passes over his face for a brief moment. It is then replaced with a look of disapproval. His feet move fast as he steps in front of the woman.
Now see here. It took me a lot of time to save up for these garments and I do not approve of such behavior. I would also point out that your drink did nothing to you and did not deserve to be tossed around like so. Third...this is not your establishment and thus should not be treated like some hole in the wall. It and it's proprietor deserve your respect. Do not treat it like the bottom of your shoe. Ever. Do you understand me. Never do such ever again.
He looks up at her with a slight smile on his face not caring if she is crying or not.
You brought joy into this room with your jab at me...your words were funny and while it may not be too original...the timing was spot on. I have no problems slinging barbs back and forth. Do not let your anger get the best of you and run away. It does nothing but embolden your opponents. Trust me, I would know. You can do as you wish but running away is never going to change things. Now go and sit down and stop this nonsense, your city is in need of your skill.
As they walk back to the table.
Never judge a halfling by his appearance. It can be...well misleading to say the least. My parents would be very angry at you for assuming that I am spoiled. They worked hard to make sure that I worked hard to earn everything I have...Do you really think I am over dressed...I mean I thought this was a nice outfit for such an evening. It does not make my ass look too big, does it?
Talia motions Riori and Kaerion to sit, then leans in and says, "You'll have to watch out for Cade's tongue - it's quite sharp, even when he isn't being cruel. The Runewell below the town seemed to create these creatures called Sinspawn. We don't think that's an issue anymore, but the person who hatched this plan, Nualia, is still with the goblin tribe at Thistletop. Supposedly, there's some kind of creature she seeks to free from within it to use in order to launch a massive attack to eradicate Sandpoint as a sacrifice to Lamashtu, in the hopes she can turn into a demon. That's what we're trying to stop. We know this is what's happening because of a journal we found on one of her henchment, Tsuto Kaijitsu. Nualia planned the raid at the Swallowtail Festival, and they're planning a bigger attack soon." Looking around, she sees Karu come back into the room, and says, "Cade, go grab that dwarf with the bear. She and the bear might come in handy."
A woman comes up to your table and pulls out a chair for herself and sits down with a pint of ale and a smile. She has a slight frame with dark black hair worn long and loose. Her arms bear strange tattoos. Across her back is a tattoo of a stylized scorpion that you swear you can see moving. Those of you who have spent some time around the Dragon would recognize her as Syeira, one of the Barkeeps of the establishment. "Friends, forgive my intrusion but I couldn't help but overhear. With Rasmorn leaving town and the other one ... Alendree was it... not being up for the task, I would like to offer my services."
She then glances at the thrown mug. She runs her finger around the edge of her own mug as frost begins to run down the sides. She then slides the mug of chilled ale over to the half-elf. "You seemed to have accidentally dropped that. Try and be more careful with this one." Then turning to the halfling, Syeira waves her hand and his ale covered clothes clean and dry, looking like they are brand new. "And you my dear, should watch where you stand. Errant ale can come from anywhere in here." she says with a friendly smirk.
Cade seems to be in two places at once. As the drink spreads out into a pattern that would drench him in fluid, he steps to the side as the drink splashes onto the floor behind him. A look of anger passes over his face for a brief moment. It is then replaced with a look of disapproval. His feet move fast as he steps in front of the woman.
Now see here. It took me a lot of time to save up for these garments and I do not approve of such behavior. I would also point out that your drink did nothing to you and did not deserve to be tossed around like so. Third...this is not your establishment and thus should not be treated like some hole in the wall. It and it's proprietor deserve your respect. Do not treat it like the bottom of your shoe. Ever. Do you understand me. Never do such ever again.He looks up at her with a slight smile on his face not caring if she is crying or not.
You brought joy into this room with your jab at me...your words were funny and while it may not be too original...the timing was spot on. I have no problems slinging barbs back and forth. Do not let your anger get the best of you and run away. It does nothing but embolden your opponents. Trust me, I would know. You can do as you wish but running away is never going to change things. Now go and sit down and stop this nonsense, your city is in need of your skill.
Her lips purse over and over again, immediately biting back retorts (and wondering how he moved so quickly). As he brings up the issue of the thrown drink and the business, her eyes wander over to the spillage on the floor. Her face goes from red to blanched and red again. As Cade talks on, she walks over toward the bar, where a rag sits as the halfling serving woman was halfway cleaning it, when she needed to tend to a patron.
"Bethana, may I please borrow this?" At the woman's nod, she picks up the rag and goes to the spill and gets on her hands and knees to begin cleaning up the mess she made. As she does, she bites her lower lip hard enough it turns white, trying to hold back on further retorts to Cade.
Talia motions Riori and Kaerion to sit [...]
The other woman--who doubtless understood better, would she not?--had been kind enough, and snob or no, the city needed help. Go back over there and stop being a fool.
She stands once she has finished wiping up the mess, picks up the mug, and returns the rag, before returning toward the table, eyes on the floor.
Assuming that Riori is willing to come back:
As they walk back to the table.
Never judge a halfling by his appearance. It can be...well misleading to say the least. My parents would be very angry at you for assuming that I am spoiled. They worked hard to make sure that I worked hard to earn everything I have...Do you really think I am over dressed...I mean I thought this was a nice outfit for such an evening. It does not make my ass look too big, does it?
She swings her head at him, eyes narrowed once again with anger... but then, at the last minute, is there a sparkle of something else? Maybe even the slightest hint of an actual sense of humor?
"Not so much that, but you sure look like a big arse."
[then leans in and says, "You'll have to watch out for Cade's tongue - it's quite sharp, even when he isn't being cruel. The Runewell below the town seemed to create these creatures called Sinspawn. We don't think that's an issue anymore, but the person who hatched this plan, Nualia, is still with the goblin tribe at Thistletop. Supposedly, there's some kind of creature she seeks to free from within it to use in order to launch a massive attack to eradicate Sandpoint as a sacrifice to Lamashtu, in the hopes she can turn into a demon. That's what we're trying to stop. We know this is what's happening because of a journal we found on one of her henchment, Tsuto Kaijitsu. Nualia planned the raid at the Swallowtail Festival, and they're planning a bigger attack soon." Looking around, she sees Karu come back into the room, and says, "Cade, go grab that dwarf with the bear. She and the bear might come in handy."
Riori grows quiet as she listens to Talia--and alarmed. She doesn't have a chance to respond yet, when...
A woman comes up to your table and pulls out a chair for herself and sits down with a pint of ale and a smile. She has a slight frame with dark black hair worn long and loose. Her arms bear strange tattoos. Across her back is a tattoo of a stylized scorpion that you swear you can see moving. Those of you who have spent some time around the Dragon would recognize her as Syeira, one of the Barkeeps of the establishment. "Friends, forgive my intrusion but I couldn't help but overhear. With Rasmorn leaving town and the other one ... Alendree was it... not being up for the task, I would like to offer my services."
She then glances at the thrown mug. She runs her finger around the edge of her own mug as frost begins to run down the sides. She then slides the mug of chilled ale over to the half-elf. "You seemed to have accidentally dropped that. Try and be more careful with this one." Then turning to the halfling, Syeira waves her hand and his ale covered clothes clean and dry, looking like they are brand new. "And you my dear, should watch where you stand. Errant ale can come from anywhere in here." she says with a friendly smirk.
Riori blushes. "I'm sorry... it's Syeira, right? And thank you." She accepts the mug, and puts the one she threw on the table. Not without her own tricks, she lays one hand on the dented, empty tankard and the other on her butterfly clasp, and with an utterance, the new dent she added to it is mended, along with any other nicks and scratches.
Turning back to Talia, trying to focus on the more serious matters at hand: "And here I thought the worst of it was over... and thanks to your group. This well, can it be destroyed? Have the guard been warned about the planned attack?"
Not so much that, but you sure look like a big arse.
Cade smiles brightly.
Looks can be deceiving...
Talia looks up from her cleaning the plates before. "And I was worried all the drama was gone!"
The Half-elf woman grows more serious. "Look, this is a nasty and tangled scheme we stumbled across. We still have a nest of Goblins to work our way through, as well as whatever else is hiding in Thistletop. Can we all be grownups and save the razor tongues for them?"
When Syeira joins in she throws her hands up and signals for something potent to drink, sitting back and watching the fireworks.
Riori repeats her question: "Have you told the guard about any of this?"
Talia turns at the question, "Yes we did. He's barely got enough bodies to guard the town, let alone go goblin hunting. He asked us to do all the investigating, which we did. Party kept shrinking though. Until it got down to me and Mr Sunshine here."
She indicates Cade with a casual wave.
She Continues her information "Sheriff Hemlock went down to Magnimar to get more troops, but he has barely to watch the roads and Sandpoint. So it's just us and any souls brave enough to join up."
"Wasn't suggesting it should be their problem and not ours. I've been here since the Swallowtail Festival; I know the guards are strapped. Just wanted to be sure those that are here knew what was going on. Especially if there's something under the town that can summon... whatever it was you said that sounded bad. Is there a way to destroy that thing?"
"You are correct Riori, my name is Syeira and you welcome. As I mentioned, my skills are yours if you'll have me. I've grown to like this town, and if something is threatening it I would like to assist any way that I can. Plus I owe you for saving Ameiko."
Patting a hand in the air he speaks slowly and gently as not to raise the volume at the table, "I think we can all agree we're not helping anyone by bickering, correct?" He looks around at a few of the louder members a moment before nodding, "This group, or these things you've talked about as such, if they're a looming threat I'd just as soon get on the road and get this done. If there's a member of Lamashtu's clergy involved, things may progress even more swiftly."
Nodding to the others he laid his hands easily on the table, "I'm no Grand Cleric, but I'll gladly lend my services. I'm sure Ms. Riori and Ms. Syeira could be of more considerable aid. But if you are so inclined, Mr. Cade and Ms. Talia, I think it best we leave immediately. We can always ask questions on the way."
Talia nods. "We really only came back because things fell apart within the group. I'm not going to talk about it, it's between them and us. If everyone is equipped and has food we can go now."
Indicating herself she finally gets around to performing an introduction of sorts. "Talia Burrows at your service. I handle finding and dealing with traps, sneaking and other subtle stuff."
She then stands and whistles loudly, gesturing at Karu ""Oi! Bear girl, you coming to stomp Gobbos?"
The dwarf stands steady on her bandy legs, but this new world around her - from the established social rules to just how fast everyone moves about to do their thing - makes her feel wobbly nonetheless. It's when the invitation comes that she nearly topples over. "W-wai-wai-what? Goblins you say? Don't tell me that rotten scum is tormenting the one place I decided to settle down at for a while! I ..." and the dwarf is starting to fume, but she manages to snap out of it before steam comes blowing out of her ears. "I am not overly fond of goblins and if there's a just cause to make them exit these premises, I'm all ears."
Now that there's a reason to be fierce, Karu stands tall. And for a dwarf, for those familiar with their kind, Karu is actually a pretty tall dwarf.
Talia grabs Karu's hand and pumps it enthusiastically. "Welcome aboard, I'll teach you the secret handshake when there are no witnesses around."
Grabbing her pack, which clinks with tools and other heavy equipment she heads to the door. "For adventure and profit!"
The dwarf mutters in what's almost a whisper, "... there's a secret handshake?" She shakes her head, quickly realizing that she's been had and she replaces the look of confusion by beaming a not-quite-so confident smile at everyone present. This all is followed by an awkward hand gesture and an introduction of sorts, "Me name is Karu."
Reinforcements gathered, you head back to Thistletop. Though it's getting later in the day, there's still enough light to see by, and the roads are clear.
Returning to Thistletop, you find much is as you left it, with a few exceptions. The front door is wide open, and a door you hadn't yet explored is also hanging open. It appears to lead into a hastily fled bunk room. The boarded up door in the hallway where the pickles were seems to have been raided as well. You also no longer hear the barking of the goblin dogs in the courtyard anymore. It appears as though, with Ripnugget's death, some of the goblins have decided to flee Thistletop rather than remain and die.
"For adventure and profit!"
...and Gems
"And saving Sandpoint."
As they travel along the road, Riori asks Karu about her Desna symbols.
When the arrive at the fortress, she looks around warily. "Which way?
Riori opens the floodgates by asking about the Desnian symbols. "Oh! When you're out in the wilds, there ain't much to go by but Desna's starspun path! I like to think they help me stay on course, and the halfling who sold 'em to me told me, in what I know now is what you'd call a sales pitch, that they were blessed by a Desnian priest. So whenever I'm out in the wilds at night and I feel a little lost, I like to think that when I look up at the stars, Desna can look right back at me because I'm carrying something with me that's hers."
There's more to it than the dwarf is willing to tell. It seems that Karu isn't great at lying or hiding facts, but she does make it apparent that she isn't willing to share more about her bond with Desna - for now.
Syeira looks around at the hovel the goblins called home with a look of disgust. As their new companion calls out "Which way?" Syeira simply shrugs her shoulders and looks towards Cade and Talia. "Sounds quiet. Was there an area that still needed clearing out?"
Talia, perhaps we should go back to where we left off.
Cade rubs the side of Bellum's neck absently.
Returning to Ripnugget's throne room, you find it much as you had left it - thoroughly looted, with goblin bodies still lying where they had been. You see there are two doors off of the throne room.