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"From what I know, the goblins live nearby and are cowardly. They take what we throw away and mostly fight among themselves. It is odd that they attacked right at the sound of the sound of thunder. Perhaps someone from the village is in cahoots with them for whatever reason. I wonder what they are after.... " Tal says as he holds his chin and looks at the dead goblins while pondering out loud.
" Anyway, we are safe for the moment as no goblins are nearby. I am glad that everyone is okay." Tal says as he looks at Jessica for a moment before he continues
"However there still might be people in need of our help. When everyone is ready, we should continue."
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With Delendir's ministrations, the leader goblin's wounds stop bleeding and he falls into a fitful rest as the ranger binds him.
Kiley makes sure the goblin dog stays down, permanently. She then starts to poke fun at Vivi's new, fashionable clothing.
Vivi sits down and takes a well-deserved rest.
Tal makes wonderfully intuitive observations about the fight, letting the others know that no threats are nearby and imploring them to continue when possible.
Jessica approaches the well-dressed man, who slowly rises at she gets near. He looks around, noticing that the assailants are nowhere to be seen. He grins, seeming to truly notice the woman for the first time. The man's clothing is obviously tailored and expensive, if a bit road-weary, and his grin falls easily on a handsome, well-defined face. His black hair is finely cut and parted on the right. All in all, besides for the dust on his person, he cuts a rather impressive and good-looking figure. From the brief wander of his eyes, he probably reciprocates that viewpoint.
"My heroes! You saved my miserable life from those foul creatures! Ah, I see it now. I must have done well for Shelyn to send to me an avatar of her glory to save my worthless hide!"
Blushing deeply at the praise, Jessica smiles back at the man and curtsey's to him, "I'm glad we could help you sir. I'm Jessica DuMorne,and these are my companions, Tal, Vivi, Delendir, and Kiley." She points to each of them in turn. "I'm afraid we may not have the time to talk yet, there may be more of those goblins still around."
Ye gods! And I thought that bard from a couple of months back was corny.
Kiley's eyes roll as she hears the man thank them like they were in one of Cyrdak's plays.
"You're welcome," she says, "If you can walk, we should head back to the cathedral." With that, she starts heading that way.
"Thank you all!" The man gives a stiff bow to the rest of the group after Jessica's curtsy, before turning back to the priestess. "Of course. I couldn't hope to have the very vision of a goddess to myself for more than a few moments."
The man's eyes widen, and he looks from side to side quickly, as if nervous more attackers could be approaching while you converse. After everything checks out, he relaxes somewhat, "My name, my lady, is Aldern Foxglove. If you can bear the thought of gracing me with your divine presence again, I am staying at the Rusty Dragon Inn. I would love to reward you properly, and perhaps speak with you about some other things, since I will be in town for a few days."
With that, the man nods to Jessica, smiling rogueishly before hurrying away in that not-quite-a-run-but-I'm-scared-to-death manner that only the high-born can assume. He seems to be heading towards the Rusty Dragon (which will also pass by the Cathedral).
"Oh... so my thoughts that you were gods were not uncommon then..."
Vivi remarks somewhat jokingly, but he looks at both Kiley and Jessica again with the eyes that seem to be searching for further signs of divinity. None forthcoming, he shakes his head.
"My good Delendir, mind switching my sling for some of my rope for your... GOB...RLIN... tied up from before? Perhaps you can breed them and raise them more civil like, now that you have a set."
Vivi is clearly trying to get the name right, but as clearly still a bit off. It is not as clear as to if he is joking or serious about his idea of breeding and upbringing civilized goblins.
"Hahaha!" explodes the ranger "That's a good idea Vivi! I can make my own army of goblin librarians! But for now these two are going to jail for interrogation and as captives in case we need an exchenge." he then looks for any valuable loot the goblins plundered and rises the goblin in one arm.
Following the others Delendir stops to pick up the warchanter goblin and walks along the Church with the others.
"I am also temporary living in that inn but I do not recall seeing you there. Have you been living there long?" Delendir tries to assess if this man is to be trust "Aldern?"
Blushing even deeper at Aldern's further praise, Jessica stammers out as she looks down from the high-born man as a proper commoner should, "W-w-well we are going that direction anyway I think, so it might be safer if you stayed with us Mi'Lord, at least as far as the cathedral or trouble anyway."
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That Aldern was able to make Jessica blush annoys Tal. He was there first after all. Since the man quickly ran away Tal didn't have the time to interact with the man, he could only comment on him as he runs away.
"Hmm seems to be some minor noble from out of town if he stays at Ameiko's inn. The real nobles usually stay elsewhere. He does have the lack of backbone that most minor nobles from Magnimarr have when confronted with violence though. Just look at him run away to safety. It's amazing he didn't whet his pants by the look of him." Tal jokes as much to poke fun at the man as trying to dismiss him as a possible suitor for Jessica.
That is, he starts to hurry off, until more questions come hurtling his way. Tal makes his comment while the man was off, so he either doesn't hear him or has the good graces to not 'hear him', since he does not offer any rebuttal.
Foxglove looks around again, seeking goblins in every shadow, but chuckles after a moment. "Forgive me and my lack of manners, friends. It has been a trying day. Delendir, is it? I actually haven't even checked in yet. I was going to after the Festival, but that plan went south. Perhaps some of the other deities were trying to keep me away from this one." He glances at Jessica, winking.
He grins at the priestess's comment, nodding. "Of course. What safer place than beside you and your...efficient companions? A group worthy of the highest praise!" Aldern settles in beside Jessica smoothly, going to the extent of extending his arm to her in the way a highborn male would escort his lady companion.
As you travel the streets, you see that any fires that were started have already been contained, the flames doing only superficial damage to the buildings. Goblin corpses litter the streets, with a few dead bodies belonging to something...bigger.
Shocked that a highborn man would offer his arm to a woman of her status, she finally takes it and walks with him keeping a wary eye out for more goblins and carrying her glaive resting on the opposite shoulder in case they are attacked again.
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Tal starts to get straight out annoyed. He's been around many young nobles when he was younger and knows what this one is trying. He ponders as he hears the name Foxglove ring a bell. Trying to keep his voice neutral, Tal says "Foxglove eh? So why are you reduced to staying at the Rusty Dragon? I thought you Foxgloves had a manor around here. Or did you squander the money on girls, gambling and drink like most minor noble youngsters do hmm?
Anyway, we are going towards the fighting to stop it. If you can't make yourself useful in combat I suggest you find a safe place to hide. To stay out of harms way of course. Wouldn't want you to soil your pretty clothes with your own blood and other fluids of course. As you can see my companions and I have already suffered wounds from the many goblins that try to swarm us with their numbers. Why we even came across a spellcaster and a few archers." Tal says trying to get the man's true nature of extreme self preservation to show. He watches the man carefully to see if any of his words rung true.
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Delendir closes up to Kiley and whispers to her ear "Do you think Tal is jelous of this rangy usless man? I have never heard such aggressive tone from him."
And approaching one of the goblins to Vivi he says the monk "What kind of spirit makes goblins that screwy?"
When they arrive to the point he can see the destruction and burning he gets suddenly quite and serious.
Aldern turns his head a bit, eyes resting on Tal. The barest hint of a smile (or is it a sneer?) crosses his lips as he gazes upon Tal's own fine, fashionable clothing, relatively clear of any evidence of damage or other stress.
He turns back to look at Jessica, sighing as he smiles. "Alas, to be blamed for the actions of your forebears. Although I will not take Tal's comment to heart...it has been a trying day and I know he has been right in the...thick...of the fighting." He turns back again and nods in Tal's direction, a possible sign of respect.
As the nobleman speaks he flits his eyes to the other companions before turning his attention back to the priestess."Foxglove Manor has been abandoned for decades, and is not fit for residence at the moment. And although I could have stayed at the cleaner White Deer Inn, I find that the Rusty Dragon has a certain character to it that I rather enjoy." Again that flippant grin crosses his features.
Talwin! Even I know better than to come right out an insult someone like that, she thinks to herself.
Kiley looks to the elf, a little dumbfounded that Talwin, the smooth talker, of all people was being this insulting.
Delendir's whisper brings her back to her senses.
Kiley barely manages to suppress a snicker at her own words and takes a look at Aldern again, trying to remember if she'd seen him before.
Vivi shakes his head at Delendir.
"The conditions of jealousy, ignorance and anger often drive such actions, and often need no help from the kami. Though to be truthful, there are some kami that do revel in such violence, and they sometimes will manipulate those conditions to get it. But in my experience it is rarely necessary."
Seeing tension between Jessica, Tal and the new man, Vivi stands up.
"If Lady Kiley will agree, we can escort him to the inn while you three continue the hunt. I would myself but I am still unsure of it's location."
Vivi looks oddly at Kiley as he says this... he has clearly heard what she said but it makes no sense to him whatsoever, and the look of confusion resting on his features is almost childlike.
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Tal nods back at the man. "Well my dear boy, I was experienced enough to move to the side as a goblin tried to slash me with his weapon. Experience in all fields, be it combat or acts of love, come with age." Tal says as he takes off his glasses looks Jessica in her eyes.
"I guess it is the advantage of being a member of the longlived races to have both experience and youthfulness at the same time. " Tal continues offhandedly.
" It might be better if you hide with the other civilians while we get rid of the last of the goblins. Let's see if we can drop you off at the inn."
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Kiley notices that Foxglove seems to get an amused look on his face after her comment, and the way he seems to briefly glance at her out of the corner of his eyes all but confirms he had overheard.
Foxglove stares at Tal incredulously for a few moments, seems likely to burst, then starts laughing...one of those 'what the hell' kind of laughs. He looks around at the rest of you, gauging your reactions to the comments, before responding.
"You are as subtle as a bag of bricks to the head, my elven friend. I suppose the long-lived races have no use for manners, either. I fear I have encroached where my presence was not wanted. Or is that so?" He looks to Jessica, arching his eyebrow.
At Vivi's suggestion, his mood lightens and he nods. "A fine compromise, Master Vivi. You are truly a gentleman, and I thank you for your help."
"Might as well. I need to see if Ameiko's alright after this fracas." Kiley leads the way, keeping one eye on Aldern and the other out for trouble.
Vivi smiles at both of them and follows along slowly but steadily. I wonder...
"From what I heard of your conversation with master Talwin, you are a daimyo or the son of one, correct master Aldern? I initially thought he was one based on his dress and manner when I ran into him earlier today, but Lady Kiley assures me that this is not the case."
A look of musing passes his face as Vivi continues.
"But then, they also assure me that she is not the goddess of war and that kind Lady Jessica is not the goddess of beauty. I am beginning to wonder if I just see things as they truly are. In which case, Tal would indeed be a lord, just one still looking for his holding."
Vivi then addresses Kiley.
"Do you think that this Ameiko will be ok? And would you still be willing to help me get a room here at this inn? The last place I attempted to stay had problems understanding my intent."
"Good, I will go to the city garrison to report our action and find a place where to safely drop these guys" he moves up and down the two still bodies "I will join you at the Rusty Dragon afterwards. I need a large soup of Ameiko's stewed potatoes and a big tank of beer, and..." smelling below his arms "...a bath too." he shows his tongue.
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Tal looks annoyed at being laughed at. "Glad you found it amusing. The young nobles I hung around with in my youth needed bricks to the head to get the gist of my meaning, so I had to dumb my speech down a bit for them. I mistook you for one of their level so to say and did the same. For all their talk of subtlety, Taldor nobles were too often a bit base in their motivations of wealth and power. I am glad to meet an exception to the rule." Tal says as he nods his head in a very slight bow.
"As for whatever is between me and the lady, now is neither the time nor the place to discuss these things.
Now that everthing is sorted, I suggest we move on. Others might need our help and we have dallied long enough. Ameiko is a tough girl, but there are plenty of villagers that will be defenseless." Tal says as he puts his sunglasses on and moves in the direction of the Rusty Dragon.
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Kiley smiles at Vivi's question.
"Tal's right. Ameiko's not one you want to cross, ever. I doubt these goblins gave her any trouble. I don't know if there'll be room or not, but I'll certainly see if we can find a place for you."
The man again turns to Tal, grinning as he nods at the suggestion that the discussion end for now. The subsequent grin and smug look he assumes gives the impression that he thinks there is likely little to discuss.
To the man's credit, he never breaks stride, nor retracts his proffered arm to the lovely lady at his side.
Foxglove turns the other way as the monk addresses him. His eyes narrow in thought for a few moments before he nods at him. "A former son, turned daimyo, as you call it. Though a minor one at best, good sir!"
He listens some more, a toothy grin on his face as Vivi accounts for his mistaking the identity of his companions. "How anyone could not think Lady Jessica is the embodiment of beauty is beyond me. I concur, Master Vivi."
Again he nods as Vivi continues speaking, cutting eyes towards Tal as the right side of his lips curl up. "A landless lord...yes, that does sound about right, doesn't it?" He chuckles. "You are quite perceptive, my friend."
Finally overcoming her shock enough to realize that Aldern and Tal are fighting because of her, she stops and looks disbelieving at both of them. A noble and an elf are fighting? Over me? This is strange. She gets a disgusted look on her face, "Am I really the cause if this argument? I'm flattered, but I'm not worthy of that kind of attention. But I ask you you to lay off Tal, he's a good man I think and I look forward to getting to know him better." She looks at Aldern, "You seem nice enough, and I am flattered that you find a lowly commoner such as myself worth your attentions."
She then turns to Tal, "and Tal, I'm sorry you git drug into this argument but you're just as responsible for keeping it going. m'lord Foxglove just came out of a situation he wasn't prepared for and is understandably shaken by it so please realize he is still on edge and meant no disrespect."
She seems very worried about the argument escalating and seems to want to nip it in the bud now rather than let it fester.
Delendir looks startled as the conversation unfolds, specially shocked at Tal's revelations and he finally ties concepts when Jessica exposes what is going on Tal's in some kind of affair with this woman? I thought they just met Delendir looks again at Jess this time a bit different I haven't realized but yes, it seems this woman is taking most attention from men. I don't know why, she seems so weak she needs continuous attentions, and will probably not survive her thirties, poor thing. "Ehem, sorry to interrupt friends, but as stated I will go to the garrison. See you later." he then departs towards the garrison and town hall place in Sandpoint.
Disengaging, Foxglove turns to address the priestess. His face is carefully neutral, but his eyes seem to carry both confusion and anger.
"You are indeed worth fighting for, my lady, but that is not the case. You state things as though I was the one who started insulting your friend, who questioned his bravery, who insinuated that he had blown his inheritance on gambling and other vices. Actually, I believe I have handled things rather well, considering the verbal abuse your friend here seemed to heap on me right at the get-go. Perhaps I will return to the Dragon alone, after all. My offer still stands for a reward, if you care for one. I might be able to scrounge through the last of my coins to come up with a few coppers after I sample all the fine beverages Lady Kaijitsu has to offer." All this is offered in a calm tone, until the last sentence. This slides out with venom attached as he turns on his heel and begins to walk away.
He calls out over his shoulder, "A word of advice, my lady. Those who seek to get ahead by degrading the value of those around them likely have little to offer."
A wave of hurt seems to wash across her face, "I', sorry m'lord, I did not mean to offend. I never intended to imply that you started it, I know you did not. But you did continue it by returning the insult. I don't want either of you arguing, especially not because of me. It makes me feel bad that I am the cause of such an argument as a result of my presence."
It seems Jessica's words are wasted on the man, as he continues to walk away. He pauses for a moment, then turns around. He puts his right arm across his belly, his left arm behind his back, and bows to her. He then continues on his way, visibly agitated.
Kiley follows along a step or two behind Aldern.
Two peas in a pod it seems like to me. She lets the though linger for a moment before putting it away in the back of her mind.
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As the man runs off Tal calmly says as much to himself as to his companions "It seems I have let my temper get the better of me. Young arrogant nobles do have that effect on me, I fear. I guess it angered me how he slithered around with his words. Bad experiences."
He looks at Jessica and then the others as he continues out loud. "And please Jessica, never think of yourself as too low for nobles. The same counts for all of you. Nobles are often an arrogant sort that treat commoners like filth and lesser beings to be manipulated and tossed when they are no longer useful.
It is your beauty and possibly that alluring outfit of yours that can have that effect on men Jessica and it is nothing to be ashamed of, just be aware of the fact. I guess it angered him greatly that he didn't win your attention the way he strut off. Impatient youngster, I guess." Tal says with a light tone and smile.
The smile dissapears as he continues "Still there seems to be something off with him. But I can't put my finger on it. Mayhaps some of my earlier comments rang true after all."
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Looking sadly at Tal, "I suppose you are right, I will try to remember that Tal." Jessica seems very upset at being the cause of this rather unpleasant encounter with Aldern. There seem to be tears in her eyes that she could be the cause of such an argument, but she keeps moving with the party. It is not hard to tell that this is likely the first time she has been in such a situation and does not seem to know how to handle it.
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Vivi just shrugs at it all. Westerners are so strange.
Wordlessly he continues to follow Kiley.
As Delendir arrives to the garrison he leaves the two goblins in the floor and looks around.
"Is anybody here?" he shouts waiting for guards "We stoped the goblin threatening in the Cathedral square and the North gates. Do you know what happened? Is situation controlled?"
Delendir waits a moment then adds "We brought two prisioners, one is probably a leader, we shall interrogate them!"
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Tal falls into step next to Jessica and softly whispers to her as he places a hand on her shoulder.
"Jessica dear, everything will be all right. For your first time fighting, you have fended for yourself bravely and can keep your head high. As to the other matter, do not worry yourself over such things. Men are as much a mystery to women as is the reverse. If I have learnt anything during my youth is that you should enjoy life to your fullest. Leave the worrying for those who live in the past or in the future. I prefer to live it in the now and experience every moment to its potential."
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Securing her glaive before Tal steps next to her, Jessica leans against him when he puts his hand on her shoulder and leans in to whisper back,
Once they are a little further away from Talwin and Jessica, she looks to the noble and flatly states, "You're an idiot. Did you know that?"
"Jessica is a sweet girl, and she just didn't want you and Talwin arguing, and then, when she tries to apologize for wounding your fragile ego, you storm off like a four-year-old, not even forgiving her, or saying that the apology wasn't necessary. Congratulations, you've proven that you can storm off and cry because you met someone that's as big of a prick as you are."
By the end of her little speech, her voice is dripping with vitrol.
He looks about, calming himself once more. "You and Master Vivi seem a good sort, even if you are a bit...confrontational. The eccentric ranger is different, but a good companion. I meant what I said about the reward. Rude or not, you lot did save me a lot of grief. As for your friend, she might be sweet, but she is a fool, and learning from that elf will bring harsh lessons, I'm afraid."
"Dunno, most people know better than to give the girl with the bloody halberd a reason to use it."
Kiley sighs and scratches her head.
"I've known Talwin for two years, and insults just get you more abuse. Politely prove him wrong and he'll eat his words. As for Jessica, I would be careful calling her a fool. Fools don't make it into the clergy of a major church like Shelyn's easily. I think naive would be the better word, don't you? And if you're worried about that, well, I'll talk to her about Talwin."
She lets the silence linger for a little bit before a wicked smile crosses her face.
"Besides, if you did start hurling insults at me and made me cry, Ameiok would be very, very cross at you for upsetting her cook."
He then grins, looking sidelong at Kiley (and Vivi, if present), "My grandfather always told me the prerequisites for the clergy of Shelyn were firm breasts and a shapely rear, but I defer to your expertise."
He then looks serious and nods. "For her own sake you probably should, if you are indeed her friend. Not to say that I would mind sharing my bed with her, but I also know how to treat a lady and would not 'expect' such a thing." He shrugs, then laughs at Kiley's final comment. "I'd expect that the one who can make you cry would likely send Miss Kaijitsu running for the hills, Miss Kiley."
Shaking the sheriff's hand "It was just our duty Hemlock" then looking again at the goblins "Some of my companions, and myself included, think this attack was rather awkward for some goblins. I have never seen them planning so much and attacking with such bravery Sandpoint. And I fighted goblins a lot." Delendir shows some scars in his arms. "What do you think is going on? Will you take my advise more seriously now? I really think something is moving in the countriside."
Delendir thinks for a while "I have not considered it can be harmful to alert the town. But anyway, I am not friend of hiding the truth Hemlock." Delendir looks at the sheriff, trying to assess if he is really concerned or just acting carelessly. "My friends are in the Rusty Dragon. I have to meet them now to heal wounds and pick up new equipment. Is there anything you want to tell them? Can we do something to help the town at this point?"
The two men concern about the situation can be almost felt in the room. "Good! We will be there Sheriff. I hope you can get more info from these goblins. I you need help to interrogate them, just let us know. See you!" And so Delendir closes the door and leaves towards the Rusty Dragon Inn.
Delendir opens the Rusty Dragon doors and sits in a table. "A stewed potatoes dish and a tank of ale please!" He then looks around for his friends. "I am thristy like having crossed the whole Varissian plain and come back."
All of this anger over two men thinking the same woman was pretty... and that woman thinking she was of too low a caste to be worthy of either.
Finally he speaks, shaking his head.
"Perhaps a straight fight would be in order. Honor has been sullied, and even from what I know of the west so far that demands a duel. Once I am healed enough I will be an impartial observer to vouchsafe the facts that this was over honor and was conducted honorably."
A grim smile passes over his face, and he adds, "Oh, and the monster that drew the ire of the Goddess of War would soon find that words have deeper consequences that run red with blood sometimes."
At this, he stops before Kiley, places his left hand fingers up behind his right fist, pushes them forward together, and bows from the waist in a gesture of respect. Having done so he then proceeds to walk in pace with her.
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Tal and Jessica enter the Rusty Dragon a bit later then the rest save Delendir. Tal opens the door for Jessica and escorts her to a nice place at the table by the window. As he sits next to her he smiles while noding at Aldren and invites the others to join him around the table.
"It seems the goblins were sent running and the town is at peace again. The attack seemed very out of place for their ilk, I'm curious to hear what Delendir got out of the two captured ones." Tal says to the group.
At this point Delendir enters the bar and Tal beckons him to join everyone at the table.
"So Delendir, did you learn anything from the goblins?" Tal asks.
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@ Delendir - The lovely Ameiko Kaijitsu hears your request, and calls back for the stewed potatoes. As to the request for ale, "I don't think I've heard anything quite so lovely to my ears. My barrels are you, Delendir, as long as your coin is as vast as your thirst. She chuckles, drawing him a mug and setting it down in front of him.
@ Kiley & Vivi - Foxglove stares incredulously at Vivi, then seems to mull it over for a moment. Finally, he shrugs and laughs, looking to Kiley. "I like your friend, Miss Kiley. His views, while straightforward, are refreshing. Come, let's share a mug at the Dragon."