After gathering their things and saying some good-byes to the folks in town, the companions head out towards Magnimar on foot. A couple of relatively relaxed days follow, the group passing by many travelers and caravans on the well-used road but little in the way of trouble. Near the end of the second day, the huge City of Monuments lies in the distance. By dusk the group should be able to make the gate and gain entrance.
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Before in sight of the gate, Tal changes his appearance to a different individual. He looks a bit sturdier, his elven ears are no longer there and his face become less chiseled and broader. His clothing become more fashionable compared to what he wore before.
"Look erm guys... I need to change my appearance for a while. Apparently the nobles take quite a bit offense if you semi-accidentally burn their beard off. It is quite the status symbol here. Needless to say I left Magnimar in a hurry. I am unaware if he still has a hit on my ears after two years, but just in case." Tal says with a bit a shame though he tries to make it sound more heroic than it was.
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Sour at traipsing off to get involved in a conspiracy rather than hunt the demons that were right next door to Sandpoint Sunday kept his thoughts to himself, it didn't seem to matter when he spoke them aloud anyway.
Hearing Tal tell his tale the bedsheet-kilt Barbarian began murmuring "Not what I imagined you would have a price fo-" stopping mid thought his eyes narrow. "Wait, you can conjure fire?"
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"He never said it was fire, darling." Grace points out. She's dressed for the journey, in a black version of a classic, including jodhpur riding pants, high laced boots, a canvas shirt, and a pith helmet. Each night she's helped to entertain the party with stories and songs and each morning she's sung devotions with Jessica.
"Though I now understand why you kept the hat." Grace notes, wryly. "We should probably find out right away if there is a bounty on your ear. Jessica would have two fewer things to nibble were they taken."
"Acid then."
Delendir walks along his colleagues, his exploring outfit now far from polished after two days in the road. The half-elf seems sour and untalkative since the group first sighted the city of Monuments. He pulls the donkey while giving a look from time to time to Ghina's flight.
The ranger does not ready himself in any special way for the arrival at the gates.
Jessica's excitement at returning home was obvious, she hummed happily as they approached the town. Jessica's expression turns worried when Tal mentions a possible price on his head and says, "I didn't know Tal, I'm sorry. Maybe we can clea..." Jessica's words stop and her face flushes dark red at Grace's observation. "This late we might want to head straight to my parent's home, I'm sure they can put us all up for the night, though it might be a bit crowded. If it is we can look for someplace near there to stay. tomorrow."
Kiley walks back in, her head and shoulders soaked, only to turn around, her face bright red again, at Grace's comment.
Kiley comes back in and forestalls any questions while she heads to her room and returns a few minutes later wearing dry clothes and carrying her pack with her armor bundled under an arm.
"Well, let's get the horse ride over with."
As the group nears the gates, they are challenged by a couple of rather bored-looking guards. They become a bit more perky and animated at seeing a small group of heavily-armed individuals, going so far as to cross their halberds in a largely ceremonial gesture in front of the companions.
"Halt, travelers. State your names and business in Magnimar, if you please." A smaller man in fine clothes walks between and around the clusters of guardsmen asking their routine questions of the usual assortments of merchants, beggars, and travelers entering the city, but seems to pay particular attention to your group.
"Daud, Sunday." Sunday flatly replied, though he held back here to possibly investigate a murderous cult that deals with ghouls.
"Kiley Sherrow," Kiley answers a little unsteadily, "my companions and I are looking to stay the next few days, and we do not wish Magnimar ill."
"Agreed." Sunday said before sparing a glance of concern towards Kiley.
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"Oh, for the love of... none of you know how to make an entrance."
With a quick doffing and donning of her sleeves of many garments, Grace's outfit transforms from explorer's chic to an elegant gown, suitable for a diva of her stature.
She sweeps to the front.
"Wicked Grace, opera singer of some renown. I have come to grace Magnimar with my presence. This is my entourage."
Grace makes note of each person in turn.
"My duet partner, Ms. Elisai Aurear."
"My spiritual adviser and daughter of your fair city, Priestess Jessica DuMorne."
"My bodyguards, Ms. Kiley Sherrow and Mr. Daud."
"My guide and quartermaster, Mr. Delendir Farnes."
"And, of course, my special effects coordinator, Mr. I'wanna Bangajes."
With the last, Grace motions toward the disguised Talathel.
"We request entrance to your fair city so I might explore the opportunity to entertain her citizens."
Delendir closes to a Mosey Patiente full of adventuring equipment both to sell and use, trying to make clear from awesome Grace presentation whom is him.
The ranger moves up his right arm letting Ghina to land over his leather bracer "Are there any laws regarding feathered companions in the city?"
A bored expression greets both Sunday and Kiley, but as the lovely singer/actress steps forward, the guards both look more lively. After Grace's introduction, the two men nudge one another.
"Of course, of course. Let me know if you want to entertain a certain guard. We like entertainment."
The other guard, dryly, offers to Delendir, "Nothing beyond make sure it doesn't peck anybody." The crossed halberds are lowered, access to the City assumingly being granted.
The bureaucrat, though seemingly mollified by Grace's words like the guards, still dutifully scratches at his notepad, in all likelihood jotting down the names of each companion.
"Those guards will need some time to forget you Grace. I think they wanted to have some fun" speaks up Delendir once the party has passed the gate.
Changing to a more serious expression, the half-elf adds "So, are we going to met Jessica's family now? Or do you perhaps prefer to look for the Foxglove manor?" he looks to the first tavern at sight "I am a bit thirsty after so many miles to say truth"
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"Thanks for that lovely introduction Grace..." Tal says slightly sarcastically. "You could have just used Talwin. The people here know me as Talathel Darkariel so Tal and Talwin should be safe should be safe." he says in a hushed voice.
Speaking up he continues "Let's head for Jessica's place first. We can hopefully drop our bags. It might be good to perform here and there. Inns are a good place to ask around, and lovely bards do have a way of getting drunk men's tongues waggling."
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"Yes, because no one would ever put together that Talwin and Talathel might have some connection, Senir." Sunday says with a roll of his eyes.
"We absolutely will" Elisai promises, touching one of the guards lightly on the arm as she walks on through, smiling happily,
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"Well I can't blame your ignorance Daud, but there actually is. Talathel is an elven name whereas Talwin is a human one. Besides you pronounce it wrong, elven pronounciation is quicker and the l in the middle is almost silent. It might not mean much to you, but most Magnemarians are educated enough to differentiate the two."
Tal says matter of factly, as if berating a child.
"Coincidentally, there was a Talwin whom was a well known half-elf in my circle who left town a few days before the incident to become an adventurer. A bit of a loudmouth and not very likable, but he bought a lot of drinks for his mates. Few know he actually died one day after leaving town when he was set upon by a bear. There was no way to identify the body, but I overheard a local druid about the attack and he discribed some of his gear. It was quite easy to disguise myself as him thanks to a spell from my mother. It was hard to hide the ears normally though, but we managed to shrink them a bit." Tal says with a shrug.
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"But I can blame you for being arrogant enough to assume someone who wants you dead or those they hire would even care about the correct way to say your name. Taldane, Elven, Dwarven, Tal is Tal." Sunday shoots back.
"If you wanted me to use a different name, darling, you should have informed us of your little disguise plan sooner and given us your new name and backstory in case it came up. If you are going to be someone else you could, at the very least, tell us who that someone else is so we can help shield your identity." Grace says, speaking in an off-handed manner.
"Really, you have no one to blame but yourself."
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"Sigh you know nothing Daud... In Magnimar a name is everything. Knowing the name of the right individual will open doors, being associated with the wrong one closes others. If you cannot differentiate between the pronunciation of names, you will end up in the gutters here. I would lecture you on the power of true names in the area of other planar creatures but I'm afraid I would receive more questionable looks from you, so let's leave it at this. In Magnimar, the people understand the value of the right pronunciation of a name." Tal says and waves away any further comments Sunday could offer.
To Grace he responds with a smile "No harm will come from your mistake Grace. We can just leave it at a nickname you gave me after a special situation occurred. For now please try and call me Talwin. The appearance is of him."
"Stuffy aristocratic stuff. Got it."
Grace chuckles.
"You think it was my mistake. Adorable. To Jessica's house we go, then?"
"Slow down what she said," Kiley whispers with a wicked grin in Tal's ear as she rides past.
"We all have plenty to learn" says the half-elf after listening the party discussion "How can we reach your home Jessica? Are you sure it will be no problem we arrive all ensemble? Let us know how do you want us to manage the encounter please"
Jessica smiles at the guards and slides her hand into Tal's, giving it a squeeze and says to her friends, "To get to my parents place we need to take this road to the central plaza and then make our way around to the southern road that leads to the river and Ordellia. Our home is there in what is called the foreigners district. It's only about a quarter of a mile from here." She smiles once more and says, "Shall we?"
"Praise the Starsong! No more riding horses," Kiley says when she finally gets to get off the tall, ungainly animal.
Yes, yes. I endured a horse ride here. I think I can manage a short walk, so lead the way Jes and *snicker* I'wanna. *chuckle*"
Kiley leans on Sunday to help steady herself for the first few minutes of travel, but soon she stuck by him more for the comfort and warmth he provided than his use as a crutch. He eyes wander the skyline of the City of Monuments as she took in her first sights of anywhere that wasn't Sandpoint. She points out something every now and then that catches her eye to Sunday, but for the most part, she remains silent, failing to even tease Tal over his new nickname.
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Walking close to Kiley sombered him somewhat , even moreso when she revels in all the sights of the city. He had never been to a city either, he didn't care for the crowds. But she was enjoying herself so the least he could do was try to have a good time too. "Having fun?" he finally asks, even he knew the question was purely rhetorical.
Delendir nods to Jessica and follows her to the house "Do we have to show a dance to your parents as a greeting? I do not know how to treat Shelynites, but I am not very versed at dancing" the half-elf says quite worried.
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"Yes lets." Tal says with a smile and walks with the group to the other district.
As he walks thriugh the town he looks at what the clothing trends are this year and snorts in annoyance. "Three button jackets again?! They just got rid of those a decade ago. Humans and their retro fads." he says with disaproving nods.
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Jessica gives a light laugh at Delendir's concern, "No Delendir, you're quite safe. I'm the only Shelynite in my family so it won't be a concern."
The half-elf breaths relieved "I was sure they will make me out of home instantly on seeing my bear dance"
The ranger, observes attentive the half-familiar places as he moves around with the party, almost nostalgic of a better time. Knowingly, he pays attention at anyone looking at the group.
"This city reminds me a little of home." Grace notes to Elisai as they walk. "Especially in the architecture and the amazing shadows."
She links arms with her fellow singer, fondly remembering a place that mistreated them both.
Home is a funny thing.
Though the walk couldn't be more than five minutes, those who had never been to a large city feel as though time creeps along as the various sight and sounds of the City of Monuments filter through their dazed expressions. Though the trading day was done and most shops were closing, if not closed, Magnimar's night life was beginning to pick up steam. Laughter and conversation flowed out of numerous taverns and inns, and woodsmoke poured out of many a chimney as supper was being prepared for private or public consumption. Being a port city, alot of the delicious smells were those of various fish dinners, not unlike the delicacies Ameiko fixed in the Rusty Dragon.
After the short trip, Jessica comes to a halt in front of a modest home in a very nice neighborhood. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in craftsmanship and character, as there is not a better yard or set of decorations in the block around it. Numerous wood carvings are set up outside, to be admired in the several chairs set out on the small porch.
Kiley nods at Sunday's question, too awestruck to speak at the moment.
When they arrive at where Jessica's parents Kiley's eyes light up as she turns to Jessica.
"This place looks wonderful."
"Yes, this is quite pleasant." Sunday muses while looking over the various decorations of the Dumorne abode.
Jessica stands there looking at her home and holding Tal's hand in hers. When I was here last I was still a young woman, a girl really. I've not been gone long but I feel like a completely different person than when I left. Her expression grew troubled, [i]Of course I suppose that both of those thoughts are true now, I'm in love with, or at least have strong feelings for, Tal. I've helped save a town from goblins, a demon, and helped bring down a grounp of ghouls. So much in so little time.[/ooc] She seems to gether her resolve and says, "Alright, let's go in and I'll introduce you to my folks. I don't know if my brother's here or not, but I know mom and dad will be." She looks up at Tal and then at her friends, "Well, come on then." With that she walks up and opens the door calling out as she steps inside, "Mom! Dad! I'm home."
Instinctively Sunday tries to dust off his jacket to make himself more presentable... but stops when he realizes he's not wearing it... or anything else than a bedsheet really.
Delendir touches the decoration in the door and tries to park the donkey the better he can. He looks at Ghina and makes a signal to let her flight for a time free until they come out "I will be back soon prettiness. Check the air for some food"
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As the group enters the home, Jessica calls out for her mother and father. A return call in a nearly as lovely female voice, "Just a minute!"
Out of the back of the house, a perfectly aged, 25 year age progression of Jessica steps out, grinning widely when she sees the young woman. She seems slightly taken aback by all the others at the priestess's side, but still hurries forward to wrap her in a hug. A young man who is obviously Jessica's brother is the next to arrive, waiting patiently and respectfully for his mother to finish before embracing the Shelynite. Finally, a man of about 50 appears. His dark hair has gone to mostly gray, but he still retains his handsome features. More reserved than the other two, he gives Jessica a brief pat on the back before stepping back.
Jessica's mom, still glowing, grins at the priestess, looking about at her companions, "And who are all these fine people?"
Standing politely while waiting to be introduced Sunday arches a brow at the younger DuMorne male, cracking his knuckles and fingers unnervingly as he does so.