Vivi shakes his head. "If I come it will be to observe, not to hunt. I just washed the blood off my spirit, thank you... I do not seek to have to do so again."
Still, he smiles and you can tell he is in a better mood than he was last night. "Oh, and I do need to get my new clothing sometime today!"
Delendir looks at Tal deceived "Well, I really was enthusiastic about joining it. It seems cool thing to do, and we can come to know more about the history of his family." Delendir, who was preparing his better stuff for the hunt gets a bit calmer about it.
Also, since Kiley will be spotty for a while, I'm thinking, each of you get 10 gp as a reward from Aldern Foxglove for saving him.
"Hello, my friends! I'm hoping this morning finds us all in greater spirits than when last we parted ways! I trust Lady Kiley ensured that the reward was properly dispersed?"
After you reply, he waves you into the stables. "Where are your other two friends? I wish Master Tal were here, I was hoping we could bury the hatchet, so to speak. Oh well, at least we'll have a fine time of it, eh?" He grins, nudging Delendir in the ribs with his elbow.
He indicates the stalls. "Please, pick out any horse (light riding horse). The Tickwood is but a few miles distant, but I will not have it said that Aldern Foxglove scrimped on a pleasant day out." He holds up his boarspear (longspear). "I also have extra spears, for those that want them. Kiley, perhaps you would like one?"
"Good morning, Master Vivi. I must have missed you departing earlier...is there anything I can get for you?" She grins widely at the man, before looking to Tal almost absently. "Anything for you, Talwin?"
Delendir smiles at the man, covering to avoid his touch, then pushing him friendly to wherd he cannot hit him. "Sure is not everyday you get invited to a well organised hunt." Delendir picks one of the offered spears.
"I didn't know you where fan of hunting. I thought you prefered to abstain yourself from such bloody activities." Delendir gets over the horse as better as he can, it is clear he is not used to such transport.
Jessica looks over the horses and picks a chocolate colored mare, looking a little confused, "Um, how do I ride a horse? I've never done it before."
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"While the others are out hunting with that Aldren, me and Vivi decided to spend our time differently. So let's start with a couple of wines while we think on what to do shall we? Anything with a light drink behind the bar love?" Tal asks. He takes note of Ameiko's behavior lately. It seems the monk has unbeknowingly gotten quite popular with her and Kiley.
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The nobleman laughs at Delendir's statement. "Alas, it is the opposite! Being a noble, if a minor one at that, puts a certain social responsibility on you. I can't be out cavorting about fighting goblins, like you fine fellows. So I must take my sport in more...acceptable areas, to keep up my good standing." He shrugs, but you can tell by the way he handles the spear and walks with the long-knife that he is no stranger to them.
He turns to Jessica, smiling widely. "These are highly-trained beasts, my Lady. Your effort will be minimal. First, you must mount it." He stands by the mare, ready to assist the priestess. If allowed, he will place his hands on her waist and help assist her into the saddle. One she is seated, he continues, "Once you're ready, you give the horse a light kick in its flanks to walk. To turn, you simply tug the reins in the direction you want. Some horses are trained well enough that if you just tap the one side with your foot they will turn. To stop, tug back on the reins." The handsome man looks at the priestess on her horse, and nods approvingly. "You cut a fine figure there, Jessica. Like a goddess come to offer salvation to mankind." He chuckles, winking at her.
"And how about you, Miss Kiley? Care for a spear, or need some assistance with your animal?"
Ameiko rolls her eyes good-naturedly at Tal's insistent moniker for her, but she goes and retrieves to stemmed glasses and a bottle of medium-grade wine and sets them on the table. As Tal is pouring the first two glasses to start off the day of lounging for the two men, a woman bursts into the Inn, a babe cradled in one arm, while the other drags a small boy of maybe five or six years behind her. She looks around, wild-eyed, until her gaze settles on Vivi & Tal. She then hurries over.
"Oh good sirs, where are the rest of your friends? My poor boy, he awoke this morning screaming! When my husband went to investigate, he saw a goblin perched on Aeren's chest, attempting to eat his arm!" She holds up the boy's right arm, which indeed shows many bite marks and lacerations.
"Alergast went to investigate while we came here to get help. Please come to my home! It's on High Street, only house with blue paint." The woman bursts into tears, which of course prompts the baby and child to start crying as well. Ameiko goes to the woman and embraces her and the children, patting the woman's back while whispering soothing words. Meanwhile, she looks over at the two men meaningfully.
"It seems elven nobility and human one works quite different then." Delendir gives the nobleman a faint smile. "And tell me, what do you plan to hunt today. For the weapons you are choosing it would seem you plan for something big."
The half-elf looks then towards Kiley and Jessica willing to know if everything is ok with them.
Vivi returns Ameiko's smile with one of his own. "Yes, the sun's rise was beautiful, perfect for the ritual. I know you don't typically have rice this early, but if you have some vegetables or fruit I would be obligued. Though I would prefer tea this early in the morning, Lord Talwin. I find it makes planning activities a bit easier." He nods gratefully to both of them, and switches to Tien.
Vivi smiles again, and turns to Tal. "So, how was the theater last night? Did I miss much?"
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Whilst running at a hurried pace towards the house in question Tal talks to Vivi in elven "So Vivi, it seems Ameiko has her eye on you. Any more and she will ignore all others who would like a drink at the bar. I'll have to find another bar to call my second home." he jokes.
"Ah yes the theater, it was...interesting...you missed quite a show. Apparently the theaters organizers use child labor for their shows. Dreadful business."
"Aye, that should be interesting. Boars are wild and do not really measure their place." Delendir gets firmly the spear and gets ready to make his horse to move. "I can help you find a good source then, I have some skills on tracking animals in the forest."
The half-elf looks back at the silken dressed cleric "Are you sure you are gonna be ok Jess? This might get tough. Boars are wild and strong. They might tear you down in pieces with their fangs if they feel menaced or you are invading their territory."
Vivi accepts the apple gratefully and gives a small bow. Ensuring that his kama are on him, he runs after Tal trusting him to guide him where the danger is.
He smiles as they move and takes a bite of his apple. Delicious... I will have to think her when I get back.
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Tal laughs at Vivi's question.
Pulled out of his reverie he continues.
"I believe that Jessica would make a better actor. This fellow was too vain to be a good person. Though his act did have me convinced something was amiss.
As for the bar, I would love to stay a loyal patron. However, I imagine one day I will leave this town for something more to my taste."
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Foxglove is in a fine mood, spear resting on his shoulder as you move along. He looks to Kiley, "A fine morning for a hunt, is it not? Wild boar are fierce, but with your skill at arms, I am sure I will be in no danger!"
He then peers at Delendir, "Master Delendir, when we get to the Tickwood, we'll need your expert eyes to find the tracks and spoor of the beasts. I'm sure you won't have any trouble with that, am I right?" He grins at the man, then glances at Jessica.
"I appreciate you coming along to keep us company, my dear. These creatures are quite capable of inflicting ghastly wounds." He smiles at her, before turning back to Kiley.
"Miss Kiley, where did you receive your training?"
Vivi sees the house, its blue paint and ajar door almost conveying a false sense of serenity. This place normally would be a happy one I think... a shame that it is being so occupied.
Vivi cautiously approaches the door and peers inside.
Vivi draws his kama to be safe and steps through the door carefully.
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Tal holds Vivi back for one moment, casts a quick spell and touches Vivi's shoulder. A silver round shimmering field appears around Vivi's left elbow.
"You go ahead, I'll cover you with spells. You can see in the dark right?"
Tal whispers back as he clenches his quarterstaff and follows in.
Vivi feels the protection shimmering around and through him and nods in thanks to Tal.
Vivi attempts to climb the stairs quietly, and peers over/around them when he gets the ability to.
"Well, I, um... uh?" The young woman shakes her head and regains some measure of composure as she tries not to embarrass herself further.
"Belor was the one that taught me the basics, but I've been training with the halberd for over a year. I'm afraid I'm not as good as a master, but I'm getting there."
"Of course Foxglove, I will do my best to find a good track." Delendir takes attention to the interaction of the nobleman and Kiley.
A bit amused at the idea he smiles when Kiley says about her halberd "Well, I would say those goblins would not say same about you not moving that halberd like a master. A master of death indeed."
Then looking at the nobleman again "So, when did you decided to come back to Sandpoint and reconstruct your family manor?" Delendir moves synchronized with his horse, just his movements go in opposite direction of where they are supposed to. His strength and dexterity allow him to stay over the horse back though.
Turning back to Kiley, he listens to the grizzled man, nodding. "Indeed, Kiley, you seem to underplay your skill with the weapon. I knew from the moment you brandished it that the foolish creatures were no match for you!"
The Tickwood, a small forest of a couple of square miles, looms as you crest the next hill. Foxglove responds to Delendir with a shrug, "Like some people, I didn't learn about my roots until adulthood. It's been a pursuit of mine for the past few years, but I just now have finally got a plan in motion." He grins sidelong at Kiley, "Perhaps you all would like to visit the manor when I get it ready for visitors."
He then chuckles and glances at Delendir, then Kiley, "Perhaps this hunt is a more positive way for me to vent my frustration with the entire matter. Sticking a spear in a vicious beast while trying not to get killed does tend to relieve some stress. Miss Kiley, you ought to be a natural at this, as well, since the boar spear so closely resembles your own weapon of choice."
Vivi nods in thanks to Tal, and steps into the upstairs, hoping to see what is going on.
Vivi cautiously ascends the stairs, Tal trailing close behind. The upstairs ends at a landing with two doors, one on the left, and one on the right. The right hand door is closed, while the left door is cracked open.
Vivi moves up to the left door and peeks inside. It appears to be a child's bedroom, with the smallish looking bed and chest filled with toys. On the floor by the bed, a small dog lies in a pool of blood, obviously dead. The right side of the room is not in view with the door as it is.
Vivi waits a minute to see if Tal has any objections, then Vivi quietly pushes open the door and walks inside the room, kamas as the ready.
Obviously he's never used a halberd before. A spear handles like one!
Kiley, wisely, keeps her mouth shut until she is sure that she has her tongue under control.
"I'm glad you think so highly of my skill, I hope that I won't prove you wrong."
The nobleman looks to Delendir. "Good sir, let us hope your practice pays off dividends. Let us find some of these ferocious boar that the Tickwood is known for."
At the tree line, Foxglove dismounts smoothly, handing the reins to one of his manservants. He walks to Kiley's horse, attempting to help the small woman dismount if she allows it. He will then repeat with Jessica, if she has not already attempted it.
Seeing the dead man, presumably the husband of the lady that found them, Vivi shakes his head and mutters to himself softly in Tien.
"Yuàn zhòng shén cìyǔ nǐ yīgè xùnsù zhuǎnshēng, ér zài yīgè gèng měihǎo zhuàngtài."
Anger flows into his eyes as he looks to where the body lies.
"COME OUT, dark one! Come out now, or die!"
So saying he assumes a defensive stance, in case the goblin comes out swinging.
Vivi turns to Tal, the anger slightly fading.
So saying he edges closer to the closet and switches to another language.